People often ask how we have such an encyclopaedic knowledge of the world we share. Travelling extensively to all corners of the globe not only gives us firsthand knowledge to report back on, but also the chance to meet like-minded adventurers, artists, explorers and entrepreneurs along the way – people who, like us, think beyond borders and imagine the unimaginable.
To design memorable and meaningful travel experiences, we work with an intricate network who live and breathe the places they call home. It’s not just a breathtaking location that inspires us, it is also the people behind it who really help bring the experience to life.
Here we take a look at some of our favourite parts of the planet, which we hope helps to show why we love what we do; constantly exploring the unexplored and working with equally passionate people.
From sleepy farmscape hotels in Portugal’s pretty Alentejo, to remote lodges high above Canada’a Arctic Circle; an island paradise set within a pristine underwater world and a Papal apartment in the midst of The Eternal City – be inspired by some of our favourite off-the-grid getaways for the ultimate experience…
In the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo wine region, São Lourenço do Barrocal is an ancient farming village that has been in the same family for over 200 years. Now converted into a farmscape retreat of understated luxury, the estate features a farm-to-table restaurant, equestrian centre and a heavenly holistic spa. Sitting on 700-hectares, close to one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes – enjoy lakeside picnics, watersports and scenic horse-riding with views towards hilltop Monsaraz, one of the oldest settlements in southern Portugal. Barrocal is the best of both worlds – a place with all the modern comforts yet a rare sense of retreat and tranquility in this wild corner of Western Europe.
In our opinion, the only way to truly experience the High Arctic is with the Weber family, three generations of polar explorers and serious Arctic enthusiasts. The Webers have spent the last 25 years skiing, kayaking, hiking & exploring Canada’s far north, as well as setting speed records in both poles. Expect remote fly-in lodges, aurora borealis viewing, world-class fishing, heli-skiing (and naming) unnamed peaks on Baffin Island, and experiencing a truly unique adventure thanks to the passion of the family behind the scenes.
Turtle Island, Fiji
As the setting for the 1980’s castaway movie, The Blue Lagoon, Turtle Island in far-flung Fiji is an authentic Polynesian experience in one of the most sought-after locations on the planet. Home to just 14 luxurious Fijian bures, each just footsteps from immaculate private beaches and flanked by palms and exotic flowers, the island’s owner – American entrepreneur Richard Evanson – and his island-born family are 100% committed to sustainability and work together to embrace the local community as a genuine example of sustainable tourism. The result is a truly authentic, exquisite island paradise.
A true tropical hideaway in Indonesia’s remote Raja Ampat, Misool is hidden in an archipelago of uninhabited islands, framed by pristine white beaches and technicolour coral reefs. Co-founders, Andrew and Marit Miners are passionate divers and conservationists who came from northern Europe with the mission to preserve the paradise they found. In creating the eco resort of Misool, the conservation efforts with their foundation continue to protect some of the world’s richest reefs. The private island has a maximum of 40 guests at one time, offering an exclusive experience to those who make the effort and venture to the island.
Travel through time to fall asleep in Holy Deer, a formal Papal apartment now reborn as The Eternal City’s most exclusive abode. Overlooking Piazza Navona, the newest jewel in the crown of the family-owned San Lorenzo Lodges, is a 350-m² opulent apartment within a palazzo built by Francesco Borromini – the leading figure of Roman Baroque architecture. Graced with stunning frescoes and balancing past with present, Holy Deer oozes history but provides every luxury of a stylish urban retreat.
Far from the madding crowds and in one of the most otherworldly locations, explore beyond borders with the soon to open Kachi Lodge set on the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. What began (and still continues) as a pop-up experience that can be placed wherever your imagination takes you – from bubble pods in the Swiss Alps to luxury tents deep in the desert of Oman and traditional yurts on the Mongol steppe, the team behind Amazing Escapes takes “glamping” to a whole new level. With their first permanent structure opening in December, soon you can venture across the Bolivian Altiplano to wake up with views of the most impressive salt flats on Earth. And with a unique culinary journey to match – thanks to Noma co-founder Claus Meyer and his award-winning Bolivian restaurant Gustu – Bolivia is most certainly making its mark.