SANTA MONICA, USA – Would-be Indiana Jones-types, adventurous Nellie Bly hopefuls and Amazing Race wannabes are invited to apply to become one of 15 teams of two selected for The Global Scavenger Hunt, the world’s only real-life international travel adventure competition, April 13-May 5, 2018.
The 14th edition of the world travel championship event will once again match clever international travelers against each other in a challenging circumnavigation of the globe over 23-days visiting ten secret countries—it is A Blind Date with the World after all—while completing a series of culturally-oriented site-doing scavenges. Travel savvy teams will use their acquired travel IQ in an effort to earn the rights to the crystal trophy and The World’s Greatest Traveler™ 2018 crown.
“It took Phileas Fogg 80 days to travel around the world, we do it in 23 days! And our participants see and do more than he ever did.” says author and event CEO (that’s Chief Experience Officer), William D. Chalmers. “We annually turn the entire globe into a traveler’s dream where they visit hidden destination gems, uncover cryptic clues, carry out secret missions, hunt masterpieces, sample extraordinary cuisines, employ pre-industrial modes of transport and overcome life-enhancing challenges. It is indeed a highly hands-on and transformative adventure with a high wow factor for jaded eyes and busy people.”
The annual experience is designed to allow travelers to see their surroundings, and themselves, in an innovative way. Truly an international event, it attracts travelers from all over the globe while having visited over 75 nations to date. Previous world champions have hailed from: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, the Bahamas and the United States. The Global Scavenger Hunt is not a reality TV game show, it is all about authentic, challenging and participatory travel—life-changing travel.
Life-changing because participants are occasionally given opportunities to do good with half-day volunteering breaks scattered around the globe. Equally important, the event also serves as a platform to raise funds for interest-free micro loans, the building of medical clinics, and co-ed elementary schools in places of need. So far, event proceeds have helped thousands of families, built eleven schools and a medical clinic, in places like: Kenya, Sierra Leone, Ecuador, Niger, India, Haiti and Sri Lanka.
The 23-day around the world event is limited to 15 teams of two with a $25,000 per team entry fee that includes: all international airfare, first class hotels, 40% of meals, and special event-sponsored travel gear. Single travelers are welcome to apply and all travelers are interviewed for suitability. Contact GreatEscape Adventures at 310-281-7809 or apply online at GlobalScavengerHunt.com. (CST#2071053-40)
You get to train with Russian cosmonauts on this transformative adventure.
A new study by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) revealed that, more than any other motivating factor, adventure travelers are seeking out transformative experiences while on holiday. An expanded worldview, nature, mental health, and learning opportunities were other motivating factors revealed in the study. What could be more transformative than training with Russian cosmonauts?
Below are seven “Transformative Adventures” we like for 2017.
Track Endangered Black Rhino – Explore the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei, track the endangered black rhino on foot, and participate in traditional game drives in Etosha National Park. This Adventure Life tour of Namibia also spends two nights walking the Tok Tokkie Trail and interacting with the isolated Himba people.
Train with Russian Cosmonauts – On this exclusive Russian space tour offered by MIR Corporation, witness the manned launch of the Soyuz spacecraft, tour Russia’s premier cosmonaut training facility where you can participate in optional cosmonaut training, and experience the live Soyuz-International Space Station docking.
Hangout with Mountain Gorillas – Encounter some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world by trekking into the lush forests of Rwanda with Gondwana EcoTours. Track chimpanzees and the beautiful golden monkey, and keep an eye out for elephants and buffalo.
Visit Isolated Tribes of Ethiopia – Encounter the unique and diverse cultures of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley and learn about the rich traditions tribes there have maintained for centuries on a new tour from Adventure Life. On the Isolated Tribes of Ethiopia tour, see the fossilized remains of the early hominid “Lucy” and learn about the region’s cultures in museums before traveling out long dirt roads to meet and interact with the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Arbore and Konso people in their villages.
Bike from London to Rome – Ride & Seek has created a cycling tour of historical proportions, tracing the footsteps of Julius Caesar on a 33-day, 2,929 km journey from London to Rome. Crossing waterways, vine-clad hills and mountain passes, this is the only tour of its kind being offered today. Participants will never be the same.
Trek Glaciers with Climate Change Scientist– Big Chill Adventures offers an opportunity to explore the southern part of Iceland, known for its glaciers, icebergs and black sand beaches. Highlights include dogsledding, trekking glaciers, snowmobiling, spelunking, and soaking in geothermal hot springs.
Sip Tea with Mongolian Nomads – Explore the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar and then fly to the red sands of the Gobi Desert to celebrate the Naadam Festival with parades and sporting competitions, such as archery, horse riding and wrestling.
“Patagonia: A Journey of Discovery” is one of Wildland’s first in a series of new Transformational Travel experiences.
SEATTLE, WA –Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017. Wildland Adventures is introducing 16 new or extensively revised itineraries geared for active women, epicureans, families, emerging writers and adventurous trekkers
“All our Wildland Adventures promise to cultivate connections and possibly transform yourself and your view of the world,” said Kurt Kutay, founder and owner of Wildland Adventures.
In Africa: Botswana Family Safari – 8 days, from $5,195 for family of four. Families are whisked to a private safari camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Wildland’s Young Explorers program led by professional safari guides teaches the whole family the art of bush craft: spotting wildlife, learning animal behavior tracking game on foot. Guests visit local communities to experience daily life, and, among other activities, make jewelry, weave baskets, shoot with slingshots, fish and cook over an open fire. Every day kids “read the morning newspaper” which means looking over tracks in the sand for nighttime visitors.
In Europe: Croatia Active Family Adventure – 9 days, from $4,095 adult/$3,295 under 18. Croatia is accessible and offers great value for the travel dollar. This active itinerary traverses the Julian Alps through forests, following waterfalls and rivers flowing to ancient ports along the Adriatic coast. Families hike, cycle, raft and kayak in national parks, through rural villages and among Roman ruins and ancient fortifications. In local homes and restaurants guests experience traditionally prepared pastas, stews and Adriatic seafood. This adventure begins in the capital city of Zagreb and concludes in Dubrovnik.
In Latin America: Guatemala Family Adventure – 9 days, from $3,695 adults, $2,895 teens, $2,695 child. Wildland families discover everyday subsistence life of indigenous Mayans on small farms and marketplaces around Lake Atitlan. They hike in the Pacaya Volcano, explore the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Antigua, and the ancient Mayan city of Tikal in the remote jungles and wildlife reserve of Tikal National Park. An expert bilingual guide leads guests who bike, hike, kayak, explore ruins and connect with Mayans in their homes, villages and fields.
In Cuba: Havana and Heartland of Cuba – 7-day women’s departure March 10-16, 2017, from $3,995. A Cuban professional female guide introduces travelers to the lives of Cuban women from their role in the Revolution to the formation of modern-day Cuba. Guests visit with extraordinary women as part of a people-to-people program. “Get ready to laugh, dance, learn and be deeply touched by the women of Cuba a la Wild Style!” Cuba is also among the safest countries in the world for female travelers.
In Latin America: Women’s Active Wine Adventure in Chile & Argentina – April 1-10, 2017, from $4,995. Adventurous women will explore vineyards and valleys of Chile and Argentina on horseback and bicycle, and walk through culturally vibrant back streets of Santiago, Valparaiso and Buenos Aires. Lively female guides introduce South America’s epicurean highlights while the group sips perfectly blended Malbecs, experiments with unique ingredients at a regional cooking class and meets vendors at local markets.
In Europe: Women’s Southern Italy Epicurean Adventure – May 22-31, 2017, from $6,695. This active exploration of Puglia blends sunshine, charming landscapes, delectable cuisine and wines with active women’s zest for the good life. Puglia’s rustic charm is reflected in the locals’ welcoming personalities and communal dining, simple and flavorful local fare that has stood the test of time and a rich cultural history reflecting, among others, Byzantium and the Normans. Menhirs (pre-history stones), cave churches and medieval castles keep it wild along with hiking, shopping, wine tasting, cycling and preparing classic dishes with master chefs. Antonello Losito, since 2007 one of Pugli’s premier guides, shares his passion for the food, landscape, and culture of Southern Italy with guests.
2017 New Trip for Writers
In Asia: Vietnam: Travel Writing with Dave Fox – Mar.6-17, 2017, from $3,775. Guests who want to delve deep into Vietnamese culture and advance their travel writing prowess are invited to explore Vietnam with best-selling author and award-winning travel writer Dave Fox. In a collaborative small group, budding travel writers practice mindfulness and how to see anew employing a heightened sense of awareness using all their senses traveling south to north by boat, bike and foot among the clamor of cities and the peaceful rice paddies and villages. The trip culminates with a two-night cruise through Halong Bay as participants develop new sources of self-expression and personal story-telling that chronicles a sense of place and people, grabbing the imaginations and capturing the hearts of their readers. Dave has been a Public Radio news anchor, a tour guide and an international cruise ship lecturer.
New for 2017 – Transformational Adventures
In Latin America: Patagonia: A Journey of Discovery – 7 days, from $3,100 is one of Wildland’s first in a series of new Transformational Travel experiences. Embark on a guided journey of personal exploration and discovery through one of the most spectacular and inspirational places in the world. Head deep into Torres del Paine National Park for three days of extensive hiking into the Paine Massif. Along the way, Michael Bennett, Ed.D. of Muddy Shoe Adventures, facilitates small group sharing using the power of nature and adventure to foster a deeper sense of discovery of the on this journey of personal exploration. Michael will use the trip’s many adventures as catalysts for casual yet inspirational discussions for participants to reflect, share and learn from what they are experiencing with the goal of integrating it into one’s day-to-day life.
In Asia: Thailand: Discovering the Land of Smiles– 9 Days from $2,450. Thailand is one of the most diverse, exotic, and exhilarating countries on earth. A trip there among chaotic cities, vibrant markets, temples steeped in spiritual richness, and verdant tropical nature full of wildlife, guarantee that you’ll be enlivened and enriched and an opportunity to see yourself anew. Along the way, Michael Bennett, Ed.D., of Muddy Shoe Adventures, facilitates sharing among travelers of each day’s adventures as inspiration in a collaborative and supportive small group recognizing each traveler’s present rite of passage, and for some to develop a personal action plan for kick-starting the next chapter of their lives.
For more information on these and all of Wildland Adventures’ worldwide offerings, availability and reservations call 1-800-345-4453 or email [email protected]. Visit http://www.wildland.com/.
Encounter some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world on a Gondwana EcoTours trek into the lush forests of Rwanda (photo: Gondwana EcoTours)
With the arrival of the New Year, many will make resolutions to get fit or take a trip. From biking to hiking to paddling and yoga, here are eight active adventures around the world that will help you accomplish both.
Ride an Ironman bike course:With tour operators Ride & Seek and Big Island Bike Tours, ride the roads of Hawaii’s grueling and windy Ironman bike course, through coffee plantations and up the world’s largest active volcano, 13,677-foot Mauna Loa. You’ll also get to soak away any soreness in the heated tide pools of Kapoho.
Snorkel and kayak Thailand: On an Adventure Life trip, snorkel the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, home to abundant coral and marine life, and spend a day exploring the uninhabited islands of Angthong Marine Park by kayak. There’s also plenty of time to relax on the idyllic beaches of Koh Samui.
Trek with gorillas in Rwanda:Encounter some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world on a Gondwana EcoTours trek into the lush forests of Rwanda, home to hundreds of species of birds and numerous waterfalls. You’ll also track chimpanzees and the golden monkey, and watch for elephants and buffalo.
Ski steep and deep in Montana:Rent a cabin in the Moonlight Basin community and ski the steep, open terrain of Montana’s Big Sky resort. You’ll have access to 5,800 acres and 4,350 feet of vertical, and with a private guide from Moonlight can ski the famed North Summit Snowfield and areas normally closed to the public. Other activities include guided Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking on winter trails.
Hike and photograph Northwest Argentina:With Travel Vision Journeys, hike and photograph a variety of landscapes in Northwest Argentina, including the Gorge of Arrows, Seven Colors Mountain, the Enchanted Valley in Los Cardones National Park and the Salinas Grandes salt flat. Along the way, you’ll also sample some of the country’s finest wines from high-altitude vineyards.
Fly fish Bolivia:Where the Amazon jungle meets the Andes, wade a freestone stream and walk its banks on a Frontiers tour of Bolivia. You’ll be casting for golden dorado, as well as pirapitinga, yatorana and surubi in remote national park and indigenous territory.
Yoga at a Wyoming ranch retreat:At Red Reflet Ranch near Ten Sleep, Wyoming, take a yoga class with serene views of green pastures, ponds and red rock formations. There’s also a climbing wall, hiking, mountain biking and, of course, horseback and cattle activities.
Cycle an alpine road in Romania:On Ciclismo Classico’s Grand Tour of Transylvania, climb 15 miles up the winding Transfagarasan alpine road – the second-highest paved road in Romania – to Balea Lake at 6,562 feet in elevation. You’ll also pass through medieval cities, stay in a restored castle and visit a fortified church.
Airlink has launched daily flights that connect andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve to each other, as well as to other tourist hubs throughout Southern Africa.
Travelers to the experiential travel company andBeyond’s exclusive safari lodges in South Africa can now make use of a newly launched network of flights to quickly and seamlessly connect to the region’s top tourist destinations. Regional carrier Airlink has launched daily flights that connect andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve to each other, as well as to other tourist hubs throughout Southern Africa.
The new flight circuit, which operates daily, creates a number of easy travel possibilities by linking the two andBeyond reserves to each other, as well as to other top safari reserves in South Africa, including the northern and western parts of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, as well as Londolozi and Skukuza. It also allows guests to seamlessly enjoy a more varied travel experience by connecting both reserves with beach destinations such as Cape Town and Vilanculos in neighbouring Mozambique. Both andBeyond reserves can also now be easily linked with Livingstone in Zambia.
Not only have connections been made quicker and more convenient but andBeyond has added the new flights to its Fly Me To Phinda safari, which offers complimentary flights from Johannesburg when spending three nights or more at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge or andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge. The new links to Johannesburg and Skukuza will be included in the offer, while the remainder of the connections will be available as a supplement.
Airlink operates a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 208BEX on all lodge hops, with the aircraft equipped with advanced avionics features that increase reliability during the low-cloud conditions that the South African lowveld and coastal areas are renowned for. Multiple flight legs can also be booked with the same carrier on a single ticket, resulting in assured connections and increasing peace of mind in the event of any schedule disruptions. Flights can also be booked by global travel agencies, allowing agents to combine travelers’ international flights and lodge connections on the same ticket.
The new flight circuit will be in operation from January 1, 2017, with flights already available for sale. For more information, please visit www.andBeyond.com, log onto www.flyairlink.com, or contact your travel agent.
Guest ranches offer an array of activities in winter.
While we often think of a ranch vacation that’s shoehorned into the warm summer months, guest ranches from Arizona to Montana offer an array of activities in winter from horseback riding to skiing. In Arizona, ranches specialize in creating equestrian experiences for their guests in a snow-free winter setting, while spreads in the Rockies take to Nordic skiing, sleigh rides and other cold weather pursuits.
Here are some examples:
A region known as the “Sky Islands of Southern Arizona” is home to the Nash family’s Circle Z Ranch, receiving guests November through April. Guests are treated to horseback riding on thousands of acres sweeping across lush riparian land, deep canyons and high grass valleys between Tucson and the Mexico border.
Depending on room type, Circle Z rates are from $1,264 per person for a four-night stay inclusive of three meals each day, accommodation, horseback riding, tennis, swimming in a heated outdoor pool, bird-watching, nature walks, star gazing, hiking and more. Guests can ride for a full or half day, and the ranch also offers cookout rides and gymkhana games.
“Guests are at the corrals and out on the trails, or enjoying our great food. That’s a typical day,” said Diana Nash. The ranch accommodates up to 34 (more when children are included).
However other properties in northern states interpret winter ranch vacations differently. They forego summer routines focused on hours of horseback riding to focus instead on snow-related fun. For example, Lone Mountain Ranch, an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge, specializes in family ranch and ski adventure vacations that include cross country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, back country skiing and sleigh rides.
“We think we are the innovator of the modern winter guest ranch experience,” said Paul Robertson, manager. While ranch culture doesn’t vary much by season, activities here do, with opportunities to ski backcountry into Yellowstone and to ski and snowshoe on the same trails where summer guests ride horses. There are 85 km of professional groomed Nordic ski trails and 30 km of snowshoe trails and access to over one million acres of public lands. Skiing and sleigh riding begin in the first week of December and continue typically until mid April. The ranch hosts 70 guests at any given time, including the 1,500 outdoor enthusiasts who flock there in winter. Weekly fully-inclusive winter rates are from $2,300 per person, double occupancy.
At an elevation of 6,500 feet, “we try to do everything we can with snow. Socializing and dining are a big part of winter here as well,” Robertson added. The resort is 48 miles south of Bozeman, MT, in Big Sky country.
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch east of Cody and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming opens in January and February for several weeks annually for photographers who are led by specialists, and again every other year for a week over New Years. Then guests are welcomed again in April.
“But if we have a group of eight or more wanting to take over the ranch for several days, then we open up!” said Peter De Cabooter, proprietor. Snowmobiling, horseback riding and trout and fly fishing are popular pursuits with snow on the ground. Because the days are shorter and activities must be packed into fewer hours, guests are limited to 14, whereas in summer the ranch can host 25 per week.
“If it’s not too cold to hold the gun, trap shooting is popular,” he said. The ranch also invites guest speakers from museums in Cody to share a meal with guests. On the menu? In winter, soups, and bison meat and Chilean sea bass are favorites after riding by elevations of up to 13,200 feet and through micro climates and biodiversity. Then there are fresh baked goods created daily by a pastry chef from Lyon, France. Information on winter rates is available by contacting the ranch.
Randy George is owner of Latigo Ranch, set on a peninsula of private land that juts into National Forest at the north, west and south. People bring their snowmobiles and can ski literally thousands of acres between Winter Park and Steamboat Springs. At 9,000 feet in elevation, the views of the Continental Divide are stunning. This establishment that specializes in horseback riding in summer turns its hand to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Such frozen pursuits became a favorite for Randy when this engineer-turned-rancher learned to ski on a Vermont hill served by a rope tow.
“It’s so beautiful for cross-country skiing,” George said. “We’re very quiet, secluded and scenic.” His staff grooms 50 km of trails. Some people bring “fat” bikes, mountain bikes equipped with extra-fat tires that ride in the snow. Others go sledding and tubing. “There’s still a strong ranch feel minus the horse component this time of year. There are lots of fun times sitting around the table telling stories. It’s a wonderful, relaxing time without the rush and hubbub found at so many mountain resort settings.”
The ranch hosts up to 35 in the summer and 20 in the winter. Regardless of the season guests will ask which night the short ribs, cooked for 24 hours, will be served. A per person daily rate including accommodation, meals and use of facilities is from $195 from mid December to mid March.
For additional information, rates, availability and reservations, travelers can contact the ranch directly or access two leading online resources for details and assistance in selecting the ranch that is right for them.
Founded in 2011, www.top50ranches.com focuses on where to locate and then what to expect when it comes to the world’s top dude, guest, working and luxury ranch vacations in the United States and Canada as well as Argentina, Mexico and New Zealand. The site outlines special ranch offers, events and opportunities and makes available Top50’s Concierge Service, a no-fee advice service by phone for valued Top50 Travelers who seek extra help while choosing the right ranch for their family or business group.
Another leading online resource, www.ranchweb.com, founded in 1995 and regularly updated, offers an array of dude ranches in the US, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Canada. Arranged alphabetically by destination, these ranches also organize themselves along the lines of the number of guests accommodated at one time, the activities, and if they are meeting friendly. A multitude of activities range from horseback riding and instruction, fishing, hiking, swimming, archery, shooting, rodeos, games, cattle drives, mountain biking, winter sports and more. Potential guests of properties listed on this site have the convenience of contacting the Ranchweb Concierge Service for additional assistance in sorting through the myriad of options now being listed into 2017 and beyond.
Join Big Chill Adventures on a trip designed to highlight Greenland and follow in the footsteps of Hans Poulsen Egede, a Dano-Norwegian Lutheran missionary (photo by M Cambiar).
There are not as many undiscovered places as there used to be, but following in the footsteps of some of the great explorers is a fantastic way to discover a new adventure. From the Silk Road to the seas of the Antarctica, here are five historical routes that you can follow today.
Shackleton’s Footsteps– Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was a polar explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic, and one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. With shipping restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two brief months each austral summer, few people have ever visited the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. Join Adventure Life on a 30-day voyage, helmed by skillful sailors and knowledgeable guides, to experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it. http://www.adventure-life.com/new-zealand/cruises/2961/in-the-wake-of-scott-shackleton
Greenland Explorer– Hans Poulsen Egede was a Dano-Norwegian Lutheran missionary is credited with revitalizing Dano-Norwegian interest in Greenland after contact had been broken for hundreds of years. Join Big Chill Adventures on a trip designed to highlight all that Greenland has to offer, including calving glaciers, palatial icebergs, dogsledding, hut camping with Inuit people, wildlife viewing, a speed boat tour of the fjords surrounding Nuuk, kayaking amongst icebergs, mountain biking primitive trails, and helicoptering to a supra glacial lake. http://bigchilladventure.com/trips/greenland-june-2017/
Follow the Silk Road– Marco Polo is probably the most famous Westerner who traveled the Silk Road. Silk, spices, teas, precious metals and jewels, carefully lashed to pack camels, once made their way from one world to another along this route. Visit Kashgar, one of the most exotic cities in the world, skirt the infamous Taklamakan Desert on camelback, and admire the breathtaking views across 12,000-foot Torugart Pass on MIR Corporation’s most comprehensive Silk Road offering. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/chinese-turkestan-central-asia/
Visit Amazon Tribe– Despite the fact that indigenous people had been living in the Amazon for at least 10,000 years; the Amazon River was “discovered” by a Spanish explorer and conquistador, Don Francisco de Orellana. Gondwana EcoTours offers a 10-day tour of Ecuador that visits the Achuar, a tribe of 6,000 indigenous people still living traditionally in small Amazon communities along the Ecuadorian and Peruvian border. http://gondwanaecotours.com/tour/amazon-rainforest-ecotour/
Hannibal Expedition– Hannibal led the military forces of Carthage that fought against Rome in the Second Punic War. Join Ride & Seek on a ride of historical proportions cycling in the footsteps of Hannibal from Barcelona to Rome. Biking some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque touring routes through Spain, France and Italy, this epic journey has it all. Traverse some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, Piedmont and Tuscany, and sample the delights of the diverse gastronomy to be found along the route. http://www.rideandseek.com/epic/hannibal
Why should kids have all the fun of summer camp? Luxury travel companies such as Belmond, COMO and andBeyond, as well as individual properties in all corners of the world from Costa Rica to Provence, are keeping this nostalgic tradition alive with grown-up versions that cater to special interests.
Swap roasting marshmallows for cooking courses in Oxfordshire, arts and crafts for sculpting classes in Florence, and swimming in the pool for sailing in Bermuda. Oh, and juice boxes for wine in Napa Valley, of course. Adults can still have all the fun of summer camps (thankfully without the bunk beds). Here is a sampling of experiences across the globe:
Sailing Camp, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club,: Be one of the first to experience the property’s $100 million renovation this summer. As the host hotel for the 35th America’s Cup, adults can learn tosail and see where the highly-anticipated races will take place in June 2017.
Snuba Camp, Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia: All the fun and adventure of scuba diving without the time consuming certification process. Snuba combines the same swim fins, diving mask, regulator, and weights used in scuba diving, but instead sources air through a long hose connected to a surface-floating tank.
Golf Camp, Hotel Royal, Evian les Baines, France: Improve your short game while taking in views of the French Alps and Lake Geneva at Evian Resorts’ GolfAcademy, fit for everyone from beginners to experienced players. The 18-hole course hosts the annual Evian Championship in September – in its fourth year as one of the L.P.G.A.’s majors.
Fishing Camp, La Reserve, Geneva, Switzerland: Watch the sunrise over Lake Geneva while joining La Reserve’s fisherman aboard his private boat to catch plenty of local perch and fera. Guests then learn to fillet their fish before returning to the property where the chef prepares sea-to-table lunch.
Capoeira Camp, UXUA Casa Hotel and Spa, Trancoso, Brazil: Learn the ancient art of capoeira, a traditional Bahian sport that blends martial arts, acrobatics, and dance, at the local school sponsored by this 11-casa property. Guests are invited to train privately in the hotel’s studio, or side by side with over 65 local children and young adults at the Casa da Cultura.
Sculpture Camp, Belmond Villa San Michele, Florence, Italy: The tiny, private studio inside the Romanelli Galleria opens its doors to hotel guests for claymodeling and marble carving classes. Rafaello Romanelli himself, great-great-grandson of the famed sculptor, leads the class in his personal workshop, where his family has practiced for five generations.
Art Camp, Domaine de Manville, Les Baux de Provence, France: This restored farming estate offers tours of the VanGogh trail, allowing guests to see where the artist painted his most famous works including ‘Starry Night.’ Bonus: through September 11, Domaine de Manville is offering guests 2 tickets to the Van Gogh en Provence exhibition at the Fondation Van Gogh in Arles, featuring 31 original paintings.
Cooking Camp, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire, England: Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc offers a Four Day Residential Course through the property’s in-house cookery school. Participantstake on a different culinary task each day, from breads and basting to sauces and soufflés.
Wine Camp, B Cellars Vineyards & Winery, Napa Valley: Truly just for the grown-ups, the winery teaches the secrets to wine blending. Learn how to combine different varietal wines into one supreme wine with B Cellars’ Wine Blending class.
Tea Camp, The Berkeley, London, England: Guests at the iconic Knightsbridge hotel can join the creative team in the Pastry Kitchen to create a Prêt-à-Portea, the original afternoon fashion tea. In honor of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations this month, the Royal Masterclass available through June 30 teaches the art of making treats such as a Coronation Crown biscuit. Afterward, participants sample their creations over champagne.
Eco Camp, COMOParrotCay, Turks and Caicos: Nature lovers can group together a 2.5-mile kayak trip, 1-mile plantation run, and biking to create their own ‘mini-triathlon.’ The kayaking waterway, hand-cleared to not disturb the ecosystems, is home to leatherback sea turtles and nurse sharks. Follow with a Plantation Run through the working banana plantation and a bike ride around the island to continue spotting the ‘locals.’
Bird Watching Camp, andBeyond, Asia: From the proud peacock of India and the humble raven of Bhutan to the colorful jungle fowl of Sri Lanka, South Asia boasts a diverse range of bird species that makes this a birdwatching paradise. The many varied landscapes and spectacular wilderness areas are home to about 433 species in Sri Lanka, 680 in Bhutan, and 1,314 species in India.
Massage Camp, Nayara Springs, Costa Rica: Take the spa experience home after a private massage class with the property’s professionally trained therapists. Guests leave well educated in basic massage and relaxation techniques – a romantic experience couples can relive long after their stay.
Language Camp, Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco: Never too old to learn a new language. Guests can tour the property’s gardens, inspired by the Alhambra gardens and including 100-year-old olive trees, to discover countless species of flowers and plants – learning the Arabicwords for gardenia, jasmine, and rose along the way. The Arabic terms can then be put into practice during a flower arrangement class.
Midcoast, Maine — With the addition of creative new specialty cruises, growth in the fleet and a special parade to celebrate Acadia National Park’s Centennial, the Maine Windjammer Association (MWA) has lots of new offerings for visitors in 2016.
This year, brand-new specialty cruises include bluegrass and beer aboard Ladona, a sail and kayaking cruise aboard Lewis R. French and a wellness cruise aboard Victory Chimesthat includes massage therapists, art therapists and yoga instructors.
2016 also welcomes a new member to the MWA fleet: the 82-foot schooner Ladona. Launched in 1922 as a private yacht, she spent her early years cruising the eastern seaboard and, in 1923, winning her class in the Bermuda Cup. Other adventures included a stint as a US Navy submarine patrol, a fishing dragger, a sail-training vessel, and now a Maine windjammer. After a nearly two-year restoration, Ladona will provide guests with the opportunity to experience vintage cruising once again.
For visitors looking to experience that once-in-a-century sailing opportunity, the MWA is hosting a parade through Somes Sound on August 2nd as part of the Acadia Centennial Celebration. Guests can sign up to sail for the week, or just show up in the Park and enjoy spectacular views of the windjammers as they sail in company through the Northeast’s only fjard with its towering 600-foot cliffs.
“Every trip is different and every trip is a wellness cruise where you slow down, reconnect to nature and enjoy your fellow travelers,” says Captain Linda Lee of Schooner Heritage.
Captains know that some guests want to indulge their passions or dive deeper into their hobbies which is why they’ve created specialty cruises that include activities like wine tasting, photography, knitting, lighthouse tours, full moon cruises, and live music cruises. Children will enjoy pirate adventures while older kids may enjoy sharing a weekend away with Dad.
With nine windjammers sailing from mid-May to October, there are 227 trips to choose from, ranging from in length from 1-8 days. Average prices range from $188-$250 per day, everything included, depending on the length of trip, ship and season.
There are specialty themed cruises all season long and the various vessels have their own specialty, plus there are festivals and events throughout the season (favorite are the tie-ups, when all the vessels come together).
But my absolute favorite experience is the annual Great Schooner Race, hailed as the largest annual gathering of historic landmark sailing vessels and one of the oldest races of its type in the United States – this year, the 40th, takes place on July 8. It is a spectacular event, and utterly thrilling to be aboard one of the 20 schooners. The race is usually a part of the cruise, so you don’t miss out on the other experiences that are hallmarks of a Maine Windjammer sailing.
The Maine Windjammer Association represents the largest fleet of traditional sailing vessels in North America. From May to October, the windjammers offer three- to six-day sailing adventures to vacationers seeking an authentic sailing experience that includes great scenery, wildlife, delicious meals and plenty of time to go ashore and explore.
For more information about the historic vessels of the Maine Windjammer Association, visit www.sailmainecoast.com.
The experiential travel company andBeyond is thrilled to announce that Matetsi River Lodge in Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River and only 25 miles upstream from Victoria Falls, will rejoin its portfolio in July 2016, following a $10 million rebuild and renovation.
Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area (123,500 acres) and boasting a prime river-front setting, andBeyond Matetsi will offer some of the richest and most exclusive game viewing experiences near Victoria Falls, withsizeable elephant herds and the rare sable antelope as some of the highlights. It is opening just as Zimbabwe grows as a safari destination.
andBeyond Matetsi River Lodge consists of two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. The main lodge will house a generous Safari Shop and state-of-the-art gym, as well as a massage sala and conference facility. An 82-foot-long rim flow swimming pool will stretch along the river bank and a wine cellar that is ¾ submerged underground will look out onto the Zambezi at eye level. A private, four-bedroom villa, andBeyond Matetsi River House, will accommodate groups of up to eight. The villa has its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a veranda overlooking the Zambezi, a swimming pool, and fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef, and butler. In addition to twice daily game drives, andBeyond Matetsi will also offer interpretive bush walks, riverboat cruises, and canoeing.
CEO Joss Kent cites the expansion of the Victoria Falls airport – Including a new 2.5 mile runway, a new international terminal, and the construction of a new fire station and new control tower – as a major reason for the change in the travel dynamics, making it a perfect moment to revitalize an old safari favorite of the brand (andBeyond managed the lodge from 1996 to 2011).
“The lodge’s owner is totally passionate about the project and has worked incredibly hard to resuscitate the concession, focusing both on wildlife and habitat. This matches andBeyond’s core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People,” explains Kent. “Having originally been involved in the conversion of the Matetsi concession from wildlife hunting to photographic safaris, we are really excited to once again be helping to protect and nurture this beautiful and unique wilderness area back to pristine condition. The game experience that we will create at andBeyond Matetsi will provide an element that has been missing in the Victoria Falls area for far too long.”
Thanks to its years of involvement with the staff of Matetsi and its model of promoting conservation through involving the people who live near wildlife areas, andBeyond will be working with its community development partner, Africa Foundation, to engage with the local communities. andBeyond will follow its usual principles of employing from the local community as much as possible and purchasing as much as possible locally, contributing to the economy of both Matetsi and Zimbabwe.
The lodge is ideal for multigenerational travel. andBeyond’s specially designed children’s program, WILDchild, will keep young guests busy with activities such as making and using their own fishing rods, and making plaster casts of animal tracks.
Sitting areas and dining spaces will make the most of the river views, with an interactive kitchen. Pre-dinner drinks will be served in an open bar area looking out onto the river or in a cozy lounge complete with fireplace. An open area with a blazing fire-bowl centerpiece will provide the perfect setting for sundowners.
While the area’s cultural heritage will be highlighted with traditional abstract carvings of wood and stone throughout, a more contemporary touch will be brought in with recent art by Zimbabwean artist Helen Teede. Splashes of bright blue will mimic the waters of the Zambezi River. A strong copper theme will run throughout the lodge in homage to the mineral riches of the region, from copper drums in the open-air outdoor enclosure known as a boma, to copper pots and pans in the kitchen and copper details on the bathroom taps. Simple glass coffee tables will showcase objects found along the banks of the Zambezi, such as driftwood, nests, and rocks.
andBeyond is one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalized luxury tours in 15 African countries, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile and Argentina. The company also owns and operates 33 safari lodges and camps in Africa and India, as well as privately guided expeditions in Botswana, which positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel, conservation and community empowerment has been globally recognized with multiple awards over the years.
