London, February 2024 // January is behind us, spring is in the air, and before we know it, it will be Easter. Those looking to escape to more exotic climes in the coming months need look no further than Explorations Company, the luxury, impact-led adventure specialists. Whichever corner of the globe you’re looking to discover, Explorations Company is on hand to share some of its favourite adventures, best enjoyed over Easter.
From the bona-fide bucket list natural wonders of Peru and the tangled tropical wilds of the Amazon, to swimming with majestic mantas and Hawksbill turtles in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, here are some of its most coveted luxurious escapes…
Peru: From The Andes to the Amazon
Experience the Festivities of Holy Week and brand new Alta Sanctuary
Easter marks a time for renewal, and few places offer a better opportunity for renewal than Peru. The rainy season has ended, and the landscapes are a verdant green. Travelling in style, begin by experiencing the colour and pageant of Holy Week in Cusco, witnessing a beautiful procession through the city honouring the Lord of the Earthquakes. Explore one of the Amazon’s remotest and most pristine areas of rainforest, travelling up to the Rio Las Piedras by speedboat to Alta Sanctuary, a brand new luxury treehouse perched 100 feet up in the forest canopy. Experience deep personal renewal, breathtaking vistas and the region’s truly remarkable wildlife. Marvel at giant river otters and macaw clay licks, in the capable hands of an expert guide. Finish in the Sacred Valley, exploring its markets and holy sites, before visiting the wonder that is Machu Picchu.
Travel from 24 March onwards to experience Holy Week.
From £6,700 per person for 9 nights based on 2 people travelling. This includes 2 nights in Cusco at Inkaterra La Casona, 1 night in Puerto Maldonado at Sotupa Ecolodge, 3 nights at Alta Sanctuary on a fully inclusive basis and 3 nights in the Sacred Valley at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. Price includes private hosting and guiding throughout, some meals, all activities and admission fees, along with travel within Peru by plane, private car, 4×4, luxury train and speedboat. To book visit www.explorationscompany.com
Seychelles: Marine Conservation & Wildlife Encounters
A journey of discovery in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, Alphonse & Astove
Few places epitomise the beauty of our oceans and their diverse ecosystems quite like the Seychelles. Take the route less travelled: visit Alphonse and its sister island, Astove. A combination of these two islands promises secluded beaches, culinary delights and an atmosphere of undisturbed solitude.
Whilst the Seychelles is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, it is in fact ideal for all of the family. Whilst the snorkelling opportunities are off the scale, there are also kayaks and paddle boards, sublime diving, fly fishing and more. Diving wise, glimpse the small and weird to the macro life, to wreck diving, huge schools of fish, beautiful corals, and big predators all living around the atolls. April and May are considered to be two of the best months for diving. Swim alongside Hawksbill and Green Turtles, and learn about the turtle hatching and monitoring, as well as seeing the Aldabra tortoise. Spend time with the conservation team, planting a tree as part of a restoration project, or taking data from tortoises and identifying specific manta rays as part of their underwater photography. This data identifies and tracks individuals, too.
The Astove Coral House provides chic and comfortable accommodation for 7 nights with the option to then fly to Alphonse island for a couple of days’ extra luxury before flying back home.
From £32,400 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) including 7 nights at Astove Coral House in a Beach Bungalow and 2 nights on Alphonse in a Beach Bungalow. Price includes return domestic flights (Mahe – Astove – Alphonse – Mahe) and conservation levies. Also includes three meals per day, all activities (except fishing) and diving while on Astove, room amenities, non-motorised and land based activities, soft drinks during activities, complimentary communal excursions, snorkelling and water sport equipment, fly fishing rod and reel rental; www.explorationscompany.com
Vietnam & Cambodia
Safari in style: An eleven day flying safari
Discover some of the finest elements of Vietnam and Cambodia, experiencing exquisite hotels and travelling in style by private jet. From the mystical karst mountain scenery of Halong Bay to the bustling markets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, sandy beaches and ancient architecture of Hoi An, to the chic art galleries of Saigon, Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant countries. Neighbouring Cambodia is home to the temples of Angkor, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. March to April is the perfect time to visit, with mostly bright sunny days, perfect for active adventures.
Highlights of this eleven day journey include exploring Hanoi like a local and meeting with a retired fighter pilot who served in the Vietnamese Air Force during the war, as well as taking a scenic private seaplane flight to enjoy spellbinding views of Halong Bay. Discover the historic town of Hoi An and meet an expert engaged in a project focusing on the rebuilding of the rapidly eroding riverbanks. Art aficionados can learn all about Saigon’s up-and-coming contemporary art scene with a well-known social entrepreneur and art enthusiast, as well as an insightful discussion with one of the most renowned cultural experts in Saigon, learning about the country’s cultural past and future ambitions. Capture the memories on film when visiting Angkor with a well-known photographer.
11 day flying safari through Vietnam & Cambodia from USD14,500 per person based on two sharing (minimum group size 4). Itinerary customisable according to your interests. Cost includes internal flights in economy (additional cost for private jet travel) but does not include international flights. Option to extend this trip to include a beach break in either Cambodia or Thailand. www.explorationscompany.com
South Africa
Late summer sunshine in the Western Cape
Direct flights from London and zero jet lag combined with glorious balmy temperatures make South Africa a winning choice for an Easter escape. Start your trip in Cape Town, fondly known as ‘The Mother City’ thanks to its natural beauty and cosmopolitan lifestyle steeped in history. Explore Cape Town’s charm: graffiti art, award-winning coffee, buzzy Bree Street shopping, or Table Mountain by cable car. Delve into the deep south and a world of vintage sidecars, penguins, quirky Kalk Bay, flavoursome Cape wines, or even a spot of seal snorkelling.
Stay La Cle in Franschhoek, situated on a private farm nestled among vineyards and plum orchards. Experience the creative flair of this charming town through its plethora of classical concerts, art exhibitions and jazz evenings alongside cellar tours, tutored wine tastings and delectable culinary discoveries.
Finish off your week by flying north to Tswalu Kalahari’s new Loapi Tented Camp for an unhurried, immersive journey of discovery into the Kalahari’s rare and unusual treasures. We’re talking iconic wildlife (meerkats, Kalahari black-maned lions, cheetah, oryx, eland and springbok), rock engravings, horse riding and front-row seats for sightings of the most elusive species in Africa: pangolin, brown hyena, aardvark, aardwolf and the bat-eared fox.
From GBP9,815 per person based on a 7 night stay for a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 12. Price includes 3 nights at One & Only Cape Town, 2 nights at La Cle’s Manoir Villa in the Cape Winelands, and 2 nights at Loapi Tented Camp in Tswalu Reserve; www.explorationscompany.com
*Accommodation in Cape Town includes breakfast and 2 days of exploring with a private guide. Accommodation in Franschhoek includes breakfast, housekeeping, laundry, dedicated villa host, South African braai (BBQ), snack basket & house drinks replenished daily; private garden & swimming pool, WiFi & use of tennis court & bicycles in Franschhoek & a private day’s exploration of the Winelands; flights to/from Tswalu
Accommodation at Loapi Tented Camp includes all meals & beverages, selected premium South African wines, personal bar & gourmet pantry, laundry & lodge activities (game drives with private vehicle & dedicated guide & tracker, walking safaris, horse riding, meerkat experience, nature walks & bird watching)
