LUXURY EXPEDITIONS 2018-2019

Must-see destinations in
Asia, Oceania
and the Indian Ocean
The Chesterfield Islands
“Without wronging anyone, without oppressing any indigenous people,
and unbeknown to anyone, our beautiful country preserves a small,
discreet and secret empire whose extreme fringes never cease to amaze.”
This is how historian and author Bruno Fuligni described the
Chesterfield Islands, a group of miniscule lands lost in the Coral Sea off
the north-eastern coast of Australia. Made up of several uninhabited
islets and reefs that sit on the surface of the water, this mysterious
archipelago was named after the ship of the English captain who
discovered it in 1791. It was conquered by the French in 1878. This
paradise for nature lovers offers its rare visitors long, immaculate
beaches where thousands of seabirds have found refuge.
The Kimberley coast in Australia
The Kimberley region of Western Australia is a wild land of remote,
spectacular scenery spread over huge distances. Larger than 75% of
the world's countries, the Kimberley is one of the world’s last great
Wilderness areas, and one of Australia’s greatest natural assets.
The 13,000km of remote isolated coastline boasts more than
2,600 islands, Australia’s largest inshore reef, the world’s largest
population of Humpback whales, extensive undisturbed mangrove
forests, wild rivers, and important seabird breeding colonies. It is
a national biodiversity hotspot, and listed in the top 3.7% of least
impacted marine environments worldwide.
The Scattered Islands
The Scattered Islands are like minuscule confetti sprinkled around
Madagascar and form an archipelago of unrivalled beauty. Their
geographical isolation, and their very limited human settlement
make them a true geological sanctuary, classed as a nature reserve
since 1975. Regularly used as the “zero point” in scientific studies,
they offer their rare visitors almost pristine vegetation composed
mainly of mangrove, as well as long beaches of shimmering sand
stretching out behind turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs that are
home to the world’s highest concentration of sea turtles.
The Seychelles
The Seychelles archipelago is made up of 115 islands emerging
from the Indian Ocean. Some seem to be moored under the Equator
whilst the most distant gently approach the coast of Madagascar.
Do not miss the granite beaches with their shimmering pink
highlights, where the erosion-polished rocks are harmoniously
gathered along the shore, creating an almost unreal landscape; or
fall under the spell of the shady coconut groves, a veritable Garden
of Eden with a 1001 hiding places. A paradise of biodiversity,
La Digue island is today a refuge for many species of sea birds,
but it is the giant turtles that one may encounter as one walks the
island paths that have made the island’s reputation.
54 | Summer 2018 / Winter 2018 - 2019 Cruises