Words: Zoe Dickens
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Just back from the Med and already dreaming about your next getaway? Then it’s time you aimed a little higher with your travels. While no-one is denying the charms of Barcelona, the incredible food of Tuscany or the culture of Rome, there’s a whole world out there to explore. With some of Earth’s remotest destinations becoming more accessible, while remaining under the radar, now is the perfect time to go. Allow the experts at Abercrombie & Kent to give their ultimate bucket list travel suggestions…
On top of the world: Trekking the Himalayas
Once the preserve of post-grads looking for pre-work enlightenment, Bhutan and Nepal have shaken off their gap year image to become a favoured destination for luxury travellers looking for authentic experiences. Start your trip in the ‘Land of the Thundering Dragon’ where your cultural journey will begin with a private audience with government delegates to discuss the principles behind Bhutan’s much talked about Gross National Happiness policy.
Afterwards, follow the prayer flags up and up towards Tiger’s Nest, the fairytale-like cliffside monastery currently gracing only a handful of highly privileged Instagram feeds, before embarking on a helicopter ride over the Himalayas from Kathmandu to Everest’s Base Camp. Passing awesome sights, including Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the Khumbu Glacier, there’s nothing better to make work worries fade to insignificance.
Australia’s last frontier: Cruising in Kimberley
Think adventure has to mean giving up creature comforts? Think again. Experience a unique side to Australia from the deck of Le Laperouse, a 92-cabin yacht chartered exclusively by A&K, featuring a sundeck pool, two restaurants and huge outdoor spaces from which to marvel at the wildlife of Kimberley.
Sail to the Horizontal Falls, Raft Point, Hunter River and Bigge Island while gaining incredible insights from your on board team of wildlife experts, photographers and explorers or hop on a helicopter to tour Mitchell Falls, the canyons of the King George River and the Bungle Bungle Range. There’s no better way to see this forgotten but unforgettable Australian coastline.
Cool as ice: Exploring Antarctica
For many, Antarctica is the epitome of true adventure travel, bringing to mind images of Shackleton, the Endurance and the kind of wildlife you’re likely to only see once in your lifetime. Pioneers in Antarctic travel, A&K’s small group explorations allow you to step off the boat and head into the wilderness of this white desert. Recent tours have followed in the footsteps of Amundsen and Scott, observing the Emperor penguin colony at Atka Bay, and summiting a virgin peak in the Drygalski mountains. In the company of Slovenian four-time Piolet d’Or mountaineer Marko Prezelj, the assembled guests climbed, and thus earned the right to name, ‘Mount Inspiring’. Quite the dinner-party conversation starter.
Hidden depths: Yachting in Palau
More often seen dotted along the Cote d’Azur and Italian Riviera, superyachts are fast becoming the best way to visit remote coastlines. One of the most exciting new cruising grounds is the Republic of Palau – a group of hundreds of islands in Micronesia – which boasts an underwater ecosystem so abundant it has been described as ‘the underwater Serengeti’. A must for dive enthusiasts, the Palauan World Heritage Site recently admitted visitors for the first time since 1956 allowing them to discover the shipwrecks of the World War II Peleiu battlefields.
All the fun of the fair: Art Basel Miami
Wimbledon finals, the Monaco Yacht Show, Glastonbury – there are some events that everyone should experience at least one. When it comes to the international art scene, Art Basel Miami is undoubtedly the cream of the crop. Taking place at the start of December, gain VIP access and join the world-class exhibitors – and the billionaire collectors that fund them – at the Miami Beach Convention Centre.
Whirl around the ancillary, celebrity-studded events held all around the Art-Deco Floridian city. Enjoy Dionysian parties and after-parties, pop-ups, auctions and collaborations. The people watching is as good as the art itself. As Kanye West says: “The good life – it feel like Miami”.
Out of this world: A new way to see the Northern Lights
Other worldly but notoriously fickle, Northern Light hunters can spend years chasing the elusive aurora borealis. Not that that should put you off – just make sure the pursuit is as memorable as the sighting. Combine modern technology with the ancient borealis-predicting techniques of the Sami shamans (noaidi) and make sure you have a high-performance 21st Century car – along with champion drivers Jukka Honkavuori and Jussi Kumpumäki – to zoom you out onto the frozen planes at the first whiff of any promising sighting.
Amazing Amazon: Meet the Kayapó tribe
Accessible for only two months each year, A&K’s Kayapó Camp allows visitors to discover the hidden treasures of the Amazon rainforest while enjoying the comforts of a luxury tent, private chef and host. Venture into the traditional village to meet the local tribe, join the Kayapó warriors for a wildlife hike, learn their hunting techniques and discover how Kayapó women and children create their iconic body paint using the natural dye from Amazon ingredients. A truly eye-opening journey that will stay with you for decades to come.
South American supper club: Dining in Chile
Undoubtedly one of the best parts of travelling to any destination is uncovering the local cuisine – be that cheap and cheerful street food or indulgent fine dining. It’s not every trip, however, where the best local produce is served up in the home of a Masterchef finalist. Join Almendra Santibáñez, a Masterchef Chile 2016 finalist, for an intimate supper club at her stylish Santiago home where – along with sumptuous dishes paired with local wines – she will share her insider’s secrets to the best food and culture in the capital.
Where eagles dare: Hunting in the Altai mountains
Leave your shotguns and Barbours behind, this is hunting ancient Kazakh style. Saddle up and join local nomads – and their highly trained golden eagles – to pursue foxes and wolves along the Mongolian Altai mountains. Hear the shrill call of the predators, see the masterful horsemanship and gloriously quick ponies, feel the thrill of the chase from the hunter’s point of view. For an eagles-eye view of the action, board a hot air balloon for a flight through the mountains – the scenery is severe but breathtaking.
Highland fling: A royal Braemar Celebration
An incredible experience a little closer to home, the Braemar Gathering is the oldest and most famous of the Scottish highland games. Named for the quaint and characterful village in which it is held, check-in to the luxurious Fife Arms to catch all the action from the private pavilion – where you might even spot HRH Queen Elizabeth II herself. After enjoying the festivities, make the most of your surroundings with local expert Ian Murray or choose to forage your own lunch.
For more information call 0203 814 0760 to speak to a specialist.
For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to world’s most iconic hotels…
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