Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2018

AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
A/W 2018 £4
Love at first sight
ALL EYES ARE ON IGUAZU
NEW WAYS
THE LUXURY TRAVEL TRENDS
STEERING OUR DIRECTION
ONE FOR ALL
FIND THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
TO SUIT YOUR TRIBE

Our journey
is focused on
yours in 2018
You can look forward to an even better
travel experience with us this year.
With new destinations including Durban,
Nashville and the Seychelles, as well
as luxurious new Club World features,
no one gets you there like British Airways.
For more information, please contact
Abercrombie & Kent on 01242 547 760
or visit abercrombiekent.co.uk

16
72
48
DEAR TRAVELLER
Welcome to the latest issue of Sundowner. Sixty
years ago, my life was changed forever when
I rode a motorbike from Nairobi to Cape Town.
While the transformational nature of travel
is nothing new, as my road trip at 16 proves,
travellers are increasingly rejecting the term
‘tourist’ and rejoicing in authentic, immersive
experiences. We asked travel journalist Ianthe
Butt to examine our world and write about the
luxury travel trends that are influencing how
we’re all holidaying in 2018. You’ll be fascinated
by what she finds out...
Elsewhere, Jan Masters is experiencing an
off-the-beaten track triangle in India; Sarah
Marshall is falling in love with Iguazu and its
people; and Hollie-Rae Brader is having an
incredibly positive experience at an A&K
villa in Positano.
As always, I wish you happy travels.
Founder, Chairman and CEO,
Abercrombie & Kent Group
Follow me on Instagram @geoffrey_kent
Front Cover: Guarani girl in Argentina
Editor: Alicia Deveney
Deputy editor: Faye Wiltshire
Design: Debbie Edkins & Louise Maggs
Contributors: Hollie-Rae Brader, Janet
Brice, Ianthe Butt, Katy Calderwood,
Chris Caldicott, Lynne Cooke, Sarah
Gush, Sacha Harrison, Gerald
Hatherly, Sarah Marshall, Jan Masters,
Joe Meredith, Ross Pakes, Sally Peck,
Penelope Rance, Nikki Stefanoff,
Charlotte Wells
Sundowner is Abercrombie & Kent’s
magazine, St George’s House,
Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, Glos,
GL50 3LG. Advertising enquiries to:
gbradvertising@abercrombiekent.co.uk
4 BUSH TELEGRAPH
All the latest from A&K and the wide world
of travel
6 IN THE KNOW
The most exciting hotel openings
8 48 HOURS IN CAPE TOWN
Ross Pakes spends two days in Cape Town,
where nature dazzles and the culture sizzles
10 COAST WITH THE MOST
Hollie-Rae Brader enjoys a villa holiday in
picturesque Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
14 SWITCH OFF AND RECONNECT
Ditch your device on holiday: why going
off-grid is on the up
16 THE FINAL FRONTIER
The Kimberley is Australia’s last true
wilderness – and it’s ripe for exploration
21 ENTREPRENEUR EXLORER
With seven decades of travel under his belt,
Geoffrey Kent still had places to go
26 AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Don’t be disappointed – the low-down on
when to book the most popular holidays
30 WHY BIG DESERVES BEST
Why the Aman residences and villas
are a perfect choice for large groups
32 NEW DIRECTIONS
Ianthe Butt investigates the trends that
are shaping our adventures right now
36 ISRAEL VS JORDAN
If you had to choose just one...
Two Middle-Eastern heavyweights try
to win travellers’ hearts (and holidays)
76
CONTENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
38 FALLING WATER
Sarah Marshall visits Argentina’s Iguazu and
falls for the natural wonder and its people
38
42 GO WITH THE FLOW
Find your perfect family holiday
46 SUITE DREAMS
A&K and Mandarin Oriental are teaming up
to create some truly exceptional experiences
48 SO FAR, SO WORTH IT
The Taj Exotica brings luxury to India’s
last unspoilt, far-flung beach destination
52 PERFECT PARTNERS
Why visit just one destination, when you can
go to two (or even three)?
58 SAFARI GIRLS
Sally Peck takes her daughter on a wild ride, as
the two share an adventure on safari in Kenya
63 FINE CHINA
Amid China’s dramatic push towards the
future, the past is still present. How to find
the fusion in this diverse destination
66 OPEN OCEAN
There’s a new wave of hotel openings in
the Maldives and Seychelles
68 LOVE TRIANGLE
Jan Masters visits an alternative Indian trio:
Varanasi, Darjeeling, and Kolkata
72 ACCESS AMERICA
How to enjoy VIP hospitality in the US,
with a little help from us
76 SKI HIGHS
Five super-luxe rentals in the Alps
78 TALES FROM THE ROAD
A round-up of where we’ve all been
and what we’ve been up to in 2018
80 LIFE CYCLE
How AKP is using preloved bikes to create
livelihoods across Africa and beyond
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 3

THE PEOPLE’S
CHOICE
A&K was voted Best Tour Operator 2018
in the Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’
Travel Awards. As the first-ever winner of
this accolade, we’re grateful to everyone
who voted for us. Awards like these inspire
us to keep doing more to deliver even
better holidays and experiences.
Bush
TELEGRAPH
NEWS FROM A&K AND THE WIDE WORLD OF TRAVEL
Top of the game
ON THE
page
Books help to feed our
wanderlust. Here at
A&K, we’re big readers
as well as prolific
travellers, and we’ve
noticed a buzz among
our travel specialists
about Song, a novel by award-winning
journalist Michelle Jana Chan (above). Set in
the post-slavery years of the 19th century, Song
is the story of a young boy who travels from
the rice fields of China to the rainforest of
Guiana in South America in search of a better
life. A timeless, beautifully written story of
migration that spans half a century and half the
globe. Chan is the travel editor of Vanity Fair,
acting deputy editor of Condé Nast Traveller,
and the presenter of the BBC’s Global Guide.
Recommended holiday reading.
4 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
A&K’s founder Geoffrey Kent (pictured
below) has just launched the Geoffrey
Kent Safari Collection, a range of timeless,
high-performance, luxury travel apparel and
luggage for today’s adventurer. Handcrafted
in Italy, each item harmoniously blends
quality, comfort, and style with modern
technical materials.
• Shop at geoffreykentsafari.com
Safari canvas
trolley bag, made
to order, £1,110
Joto jacket,
£310
Leo duffle
bag, £840
Kuoga washbag, £290
All prices are approximate and will
change with exchange rate fluctuations

THE NEXT GENERATION
sanctuary retreats has long had a legendary reputation in
Africa. Born in Kenya in 1999 when Sanctuary Olonana first
opened its doors to discerning safari goers, lodges in Zambia,
Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa soon followed.
Nearly 20 years later, the collection’s African portfolio
is undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chumi in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya
National Park in Zambia is fresh from a remodel – all 12
treehouses have been restyled and there are new lounges and
additional decked viewing areas. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp
in the Okavango Delta has been reimagined with larger tents,
the addition of a lounge for explorers, and a new solar farm,
which will generate 80 per cent of the camp’s electricity.
Other Sanctuary properties that are reopening with new
looks this year include Sanctuary Swala, Kusini, Olonana,
and Ngorongoro Crater Camp.
SUSSI & CHUMI
STANLEY’S CAMP
FLYING HIGH
THE NEW AIR ROUTES &
ADDITIONAL SERVICES THAT
WE’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT
Sorting the suite from the chaff
emirates is planning to introduce luxurious new first-class
suites for its Airbus A380s by 2021, along with bathrooms and
shower spa suites, in a development which the airline’s CEO Sir
Tim Clark describes as a “transformation of the cabin”. Clark
has previously confirmed the suites will be the same as the
Mercedes-Benz-inspired cribs on the 777.
Top ten
singapore airlines becomes the first to fly the Boeing
Dreamliner 787-10, the newest and largest member of the
Dreamliner range. Longer by five metres than the 787-9,
the interior of the 337-seat plane includes 36 lie-flat seats.
The first routes that Singapore has earmarked for its 787-10s are
from its hub in Singapore to Osaka, Japan, and Perth, Australia.
Double daily
virgin atlantic has announced a second daily service between
London Heathrow and Johannesburg or Tambo airport. The new
flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9, offering the airline’s
latest cabin interiors and inflight entertainment, as well as wifi on
every flight.
Stopover switch
qantas, the leading Australian airline, has swapped Dubai for
Singapore as its stopover hub on the Heathrow to Sydney route.
FREEZER
PITCH
SUSSI & CHUMI
Unparalleled locations,
sheer Instagrammableness,
an on-call concierge
service – as if all that wasn’t
enough, there’s now another compelling reason to reserve
your European villa for summer 2019 right away. A&K Villas
is offering a selected range of the most popular villas for next
year, frozen at this year’s rates. For more information, visit
akvillas.com/price-freeze or call 01242 547 705.
Three’s a charm
Richard Branson’s fleet has announced three new ways to fly.
virgin atlantic has split economy class into a triple-tier system
– Economy Delight, Classic and Light. Economy Delight will give
customers 34-inch legroom, priority check in and boarding,
as well as advanced seat assignment. Customers opting for
Economy Classic can also benefit from free seat assignment.
The new Economy Light ticket offers none of these amenities,
however all tiers give customers inclusive food and drink, inflight
entertainment, hand luggage, and a USB charger at every seat.
London calling
hawaiian airlines could launch its first European destination
with non-stop flights to London in the next three years, following
the debut of the airline’s new Boeing 787-9. The Honolulu-based
company currently flies to North America, Asia, and the South
Pacific, but its recent purchase of ten Dreamliners is allowing
the airline to consider longer-haul routes, according to CEO
Peter Ingram.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 5

in the KNOW
Here’s our scoop on the most exciting hotel openings
SILVERSANDS, GRENADA
The Grand Anse beach already has one of the smartest places to
stay on Grenada, the southernmost of the Lesser Antilles. This
November, joining the Spice Island resort on the silky white-sand
beach is Silversands, a luxury new 43-suite, penthouse, and nine
villa boutique property, which will try to seduce travellers who
usually opt to spend time on St Barts or Barbados. The resort
has been brought to life by Paris-based architects AW 2 , founded
by Stéphanie Ledoux and Reda Amalou. AW 2 ’s other projects
have included the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, Elounda in
Crete, and Amanjena in Marrakech. The aesthetic created by the
award-winning Ledoux and Amalou is pared-back, based on a
white palette and pale wood, highlighting the play of light and
shade |in the spaces, including the spa, beach club (with resident
DJ), and rum and cigar bar. In addition, there’s a 100-metre
swimming pool – reportedly the longest in the Caribbean –
and a Thai restaurant. AD
SIX SENSES BHUTAN
Woven biodegradable hats off to the eco-pioneering team at
Six Senses – leaders in sustainable tourism practices – who are
working on hotel openings all over the world this year, including
on Krabey Island in Cambodia. The one that we’re most joyful
about is the chain of five lodges opening in Bhutan, justifiably
known as the kingdom of happiness. These will open in stages,
from this autumn into next year. The five individual resorts are
in five separate locations – in the capital Thimphu, rural
Panakha, birders’ paradise Gangtey, forested Bumthang, and
historic Paro – but will be operated as one resort and allow
for lodge-hopping through the country’s pine woods, rice
fields, black-necked crane frequented valleys, and pretty peaks.
Between all five properties, there will be 82 rooms, suites and
villas to take you on a smile-inducing, experience-filled journey
through this fascinating country, which was entirely closed off to
tourists until as recently as 1974. AD
6 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

CHABLÉ MAROMA, MEXICO
Tucked in the jungle in the Riviera Maya, Chablé Maroma is
an upscale beach retreat overlooking 200 metres of blazing white
sand. Interiors are contemporary with a laid-back atmosphere,
while floor to ceiling windows and sea-facing infinity pools
give it an indoor/outdoor vibe. Stay in a palapa-style suite
featuring tropical wood, a private pool, and an outdoor terrace
with plenty of space to lounge. All suites are within a five-minute
stroll of the warm Caribbean Sea. The pièce de résistance,
however, is the palatial spa at nearly 1,600 square metres with
two spa suites and five cabins designed to rejuvenate you from
head to toe. Guests can also enjoy yoga by the sea and meditation
on the terrace. When it comes to food, Chablé Maroma sources
all its ingredients from local suppliers. Tuck into traditional
Mexican dishes or head to the seafood bar on the beach where
you can dine with toes dug in the sand. SH
SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE,
RWANDA
Set amid the mists of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, this
luxe lodge, made from locally sourced materials, will offer
seven suites and two villas when it opens in August 2019. This
prestigious property will put gorilla trekking within easy reach –
an estimated 320 mountain gorillas make their home in the highaltitude
cloud forest here. Working closely with the Rwandan
Development Board and local communities, Singita Kwitonda
Lodge aims to assist with creating bridges between the national
park and agricultural land surrounding it. The lodge will be
establishing a nursery and planting over 60,000 tree saplings in
and around the new buildings. This is part of the company’s 100-
year vision to preserve African wilderness for future generations.
Reservations for a stay in this sustainable-at-its-core, chic retreat
opened in January 2018. Start planning your gorilla trek now and
be among the first to stay at the first Singita in Rwanda. AD
ON OUR RADAR: OTHER HOT HOTEL OPENINGS (AND REOPENINGS)
The grande dame of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls begins her latest chapter in November 2018, when The Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel reopens
as a 16-suite property following an extensive refurbishment by new owners – the family-owned and operated South African hotel group, MORE. Expect
colonial references in a contemporary setting. Mokukuru Beach Lodge, which opened in July, is the property we’ve been crying out for on South Africa’s
Garden Route in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Situated at Koppie Alleen on a pristine stretch of coast, hailed as the ultimate place to see southern right
whale, the lodge offers five refined suites – all overlooking the Indian Ocean. AD
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 7

48 HOURS IN
CAPE TOWN
JUST A NIGHT FLIGHT AWAY, WITH A CLIMATE MADE FOR CITY EXPLORING, CAPE TOWN
OFFERS A CONTEMPORARY BUZZ BACKED BY PANORAMIC VIEWS OF TABLE MOUNTAIN.
A&K’S ROSS PAKES LAYS OUT HIS FAVOURITE WAYS TO SPEND TWO DAYS
DAY 1
08.30
Leave the bags at your hotel and make the
most of your first morning in the city. For
one of the best brunches, stretch your legs
with a walk to the popular Manna Epicure
restaurant on Kloof Street. I can’t go in
here without ordering a flat white and the
Atlantic sandwich.
09.30
Ease into Capetonian life with a morning
of shopping before heading to the beach.
Long Street is a haven for interesting one-off
boutiques, or follow the tourist trail to one
of South Africa’s most visited destinations,
the V&A Waterfront. With over 450 stores,
from local designers to international brands,
you might not snap up a bargain, but you’re
sure to find something your heart desires.
Here you’ll also spot the Silo Hotel (more on
this later) and Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of
Contemporary Art Africa). Call in at the Two
Oceans Aquarium, a state-of-the-art centre.
12.00
For an authentic lunch, book onto one of
Zainie Misbach’s three-hour Bo-Kapp cooking
experiences. Experience some hands-on
Cape Malay cuisine (Tuesday to Thursday)
in one of the oldest urban residential areas in
Cape Town. Discover the secrets of mixing
masala, creating dhaltjies (chilli bites), making
and folding samoosas (the local spelling of
samosas), mixing and frying rootis, and learn
the traditional way to cook a mouth-watering
Cape Malay curry. Then sit and savour your
efforts with your fellow chefs.
8 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
15.00
Now take some time to relax and soak up
the South African sun. Enjoy a little localwatching
in Clifton where the beautiful people
sunbathe and where the four beaches are as
handsome as the regulars. There are no shops
here, but you can get cold drinks and icecreams
from the beach vendors. If you want a
bit more of a buzz, continue to Camps Bay, a
wide sweep of a sand backed by a promenade
of shops and restaurants.
17.00
Take a cab back to the Waterfront and
jump onboard a sunset catamaran cruise.
This scenic 90-minute sail into the harbour
serves complimentary drinks and there’s a
good chance of spotting seal and dolphin.
Departure times vary, so check exactly when
you should arrive.
19.30
For your evening indulgence, enjoy
gastronomic delights at Baia. This large,
lively restaurant provides tasty seafood.
High-profile, modern, metropolitan, energetic
– it personifies Cape Town and serves a classy
mix of Portuguese, Mozambican, and more
mainstream continental dishes.
22.00
After dinner, head to Merchants Shebeen,
located on Cape Town’s most vibrant road –
Long Street. This divine dive bar offers great
cocktails and is open until 02.00.

clockwise from left:
Victoria & Albert Waterfront; view of Camps Bay
and Lion's Head mountain; colourful houses in
Bo Kapp
DAY 2
08.00
Time for nature in the Mother City. There’s
a choice of hikes depending on how late
your night was. Take the beautiful trail up
Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain
or climb Lion’s Head for equally stunning
views of Cape Town. Neither are a walk in the
park, so don’t wear jeans and flip flops, but
this towering wilderness in the middle of the
city has to be the highlight of your visit.
13.00
You will definitely have worked up an appetite
by now, and Woodstock is the place to go.
Renovated warehouses are home to cuttingedge
art galleries and shops – like Cape Town’s
answer to London’s Shoreditch. The hottest
table in town is at The Pot Luck Club – reserve
your table a good few months in advance. This
is the place for city vistas and culinary variety.
Try fish sliders, beef in truffle café au lait
sauce, cocktails, and local wines.
15.00
Your legs will probably want a break, so
take advantage of the city’s hop-on/hop-off
tour buses to catch any sights you may have
missed. Bree Street is worth a wander to
experience the rainbow effect of colourful
townhouses and excellent shopping – this
area is also home to cosmopolitan boutiques.
Stop for a coffee from Jason’s Bakery, or
something stronger at Mother’s Ruin if you
fancy a pre-dinner gin cocktail.
18.30
Now’s the time to indulge at one of the city’s
premier spots. Settle in with your sundowner at
The Silo’s Willaston Bar and enjoy the peoplewatching.
Be sure to make a reservation in
advance to avoid disappointment.
20.00
For dinner, if you’re wanting something
eclectic from the place where the locals hang
out, head to the Bombay Bicycle Club. Try the
Cajun calamari or the drunken Camembert,
followed by chocolate chilli steak or the
ostrich special. With swings for seats, it’s a
wonderfully wacky, bohemian den, and the
perfect place to consummate your love affair
with Cape Town.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information, or to book your
next South African city break, call to speak
to our travel specialists on 01242 547 702.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 9

POSITIVELY
POSITANO
PROMISING A FEEL-GOOD HOLIDAY, A&K VILLAS’ LA
PERLA IS A SECLUDED PROPERTY IN SIGHT OF THE MOST
UPLIFTING SPOTS ON THE AMALFI COAST. HOLLIE-RAE
BRADER GOES IN SEARCH OF LA DOLCE VITA
Italy holds a special place in my heart. It was where, as an
excitable child, I headed on my first overseas family holiday.
We’d return year after year, falling more in love with Italy, its
culture, and its people. My parents would drive my brother and
I all the way from the Suffolk coast down to Dover to catch the
ferry before zipping through France, Germany, Luxembourg,
and Switzerland, eventually ending up by one of the Italian lakes
or up in the Tuscan mountains. These travels are among my
favourite ever adventures.
My love of Italy reached new heights this year, when we all
returned to Italy for our first family holiday in around 10 years
(this time with my husband joining the clan), to explore a part of
the country we’d yet to visit – the Amalfi Coast.
It’s a bounty of palazzos, infinity pools, Michelin-starred
restaurants, and sublime hotels and villas, all perched perilously
on the clifftops of the rugged coastline. Then there are the tiny
beaches dotted along the coast, located in hard to reach coves,
hidden away and hardly touched by tourists.
Positano is a glamorous and fashionable gem, shining brightly
at the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Approaching this photogenic
town from the water, I instantly fall head over heels in love with
the sun-bleached peach and blush-coloured buildings cascading
down the cliff edge, seemingly tumbling right to the sea and
almost dipping into the waters below.
Its wisteria-filled, narrow, winding streets are home to
countless cafés, restaurants, and boutiques – throw in glistening
summer sunshine, a glass of fine Italian wine, and you’re soon
fully immersed in la dolce vita.

This picture postcard setting attracts a fashionable crowd who
arrive in their droves. In the summer months it can feel crowded,
particularly at the 300-metre long Spiaggia Grande beach.
With this in mind, I wanted to shy away from the town’s vast
array of high-end hotels, in favour of somewhere with supreme
privacy, outstanding service, and the ultimate wow factor.
Travelling with my family in tow, I opted for La Perla, part of
the Abercrombie & Kent Villas exclusive collection. The property
is around a seven-minute drive from the centre of town – far
enough away to be able to jump in and out of the action as you
see fit.
ITS WISTERIA-FILLED NARROW
WINDING STREETS ARE HOME TO
COUNTLESS CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS
AND BOUTIQUES – THROW IN
GLISTENING SUMMER SUNSHINE,
A GLASS OF FINE ITALIAN WINE,
AND YOU’RE SOON FULLY
IMMERSED IN LA DOLCE VITA
This six-bedroom, all en-suite home sleeps 12 people with
ample space across three storeys connected by grand staircases,
or a lift for those feeling a little lackadaisical. Like the properties
I’d seen on arrival, the villa clings to the side of the mountain,
with each room boasting impressive views of the town and
across the bay.
La Perla is a little slice of secluded paradise – allow me to take
you on a whistle-stop tour. After parking your car in the private,
gated facility located directly above the villa, head down a couple
of flights of stairs to reach your home-from-home’s entrance.
On this top floor, you’ll find three ample double rooms, a living
room area, and a spa. The A&K Villas team is on hand to book
a masseuse to visit and tend to your aching muscles during your
stay. Trust me, your calves will thank you for it after a few days
exploring the near-vertical alleyways of Positano.
The middle floor is the heart of the villa, with two bedrooms,
the kitchen and dining room. You’ll also find an impressive
terrace with sunloungers and seating areas. There’s no better
place for evening drinks.
Another bedroom and an indoor heated swimming pool lie
on the bottom level. If you can tear yourself away from drinking
Aperol Spritz on the terrace, head down to enjoy the water jets
and waterfall features of the pool.
A crisp white décor flows throughout the property, matching
the air of class and sophistication this seaside town exemplifies.
My favourite aspect of the stay was housekeeper Monica’s daily
breakfast. She arrived each morning, before we’d even raised our
heads from our plump pillows, to prepare a feast.
It was during these sumptuous breakfasts that we’d plan our
activities for the day, with Monica imparting local advice and
knowledge. She would arrange taxis to pick us up, as well as
arranging our transport for the rest of the stay if required. Her
daily four-hour maid service ensured the villa was always in
pristine condition when we returned. In fact, we’d often come
home (and it certainly did feel like home) to a restocked fridge
and sweet treats waiting for us.
But the personalised service we received at La Perla began
long before we arrived. It started as soon as we arranged our stay
through A&K Villas, with Maurice from the concierge service
team on hand with recommendations for local experiences and
tours, while ensuring everything met our expectations. He asked
12 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

previous page:
Views from La Perla
left to right:
Amalfi lemons and
the pool; a sumptuous
La Perla breakfast;
Montepertuso
questions about our trip, without prying, to build up a picture
of my family. Soon discovering the holiday was to celebrate my
mum’s 60th birthday, he ensured all touch points on the ground
were aware of the special occasion. As a result, she felt like a
queen throughout.
The Amalfi Coast is world famous for its lemons, and as we
were keen to learn more about their cultivation, Maurice booked
my family on a private lemon farm tour of the region.
The easiest, and most photogenic, way to reach the town of
Amalfi, which lies further south along the coast, is by boat from
Positano harbour. We jumped aboard the ferry, with Maurice
having recommended a route and timetable before we had even
set foot on Italian soil.
Our guide Salvatore Aceto wasn’t just anyone – his family
owns the three-hectare lemon farm we were touring. Our
adventure began at the foot of the steps leading up to Amalfi’s
grand Duomo, where Salvatore in his bright yellow golf buggy
was waiting to whizz us 10 minutes inland for our Amalfi Lemon
Experience. The farm offers tours, limoncello tastings, and
cooking classes, all bookable for A&K Villas guests.
Salvatore’s connection with the land his family has farmed for
decades, and his passion for sharing their story, was abundantly
clear. Within minutes of arriving, he was cutting up gigantic
lemons and encouraging us to eat them in their entirety – skin
and all; just as the locals consume them.
And we couldn’t leave without sampling some of Salvatore’s
wife’s homemade lemon drizzle cake, served alongside a glass of
lemon juice (or limoncello!). After a morning sipping that sweet
lemon liqueur, it was soon time to think about soaking it up with
some delicious, traditional Italian fare.
Returning travellers to the area will already know of the
exquisite food scene in Positano and the surrounding towns.
The likes of La Sponda at La Sirenuse, Don Alfonso 1890, and
Zass at Il San Pietro are renowned for their culinary delights and
ambient atmospheres, with famous faces often to be seen dining
at these spots.
After an exceptional lunch at La Sponda the day prior,
I was looking for somewhere off the beaten track for our final
meal in Positano. Locals recommended we headed to Ritrovo.
Located in Montepertuso up in the mountains above Positano,
this tiny eatery offers typically Italian gastronomic delights,
plus a sweeping panoramic view of the area. The restaurant,
which boasts an extensive Italian fine wine collection, offers a
complimentary shuttle service and will pick you up and drop
you back anywhere in Positano.
The trip to Ritrovo is much easier now than years gone by,
when this quaint village could only be reached by walking up
1,500 steps; it wasn’t until recent decades that a road was built
connecting the hamlet with Positano.
Local folklore claims Montepertuso was once the location of
a battle between good and evil, with a hole in the mountainside
marking the spot where good was victorious.
We certainly saw the good side of the Amalfi Coast, and
Positano has stolen a slice of my heart – along with the rest
of Italy.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS & SKI
Travel next year but pay this year’s prices... For a limited
time only, we’re now taking bookings for a special selection
of the most popular A&K properties – including La Perla –
for summer 2019 at 2018’s rates. To avail yourself of this offer
or for more information, call to speak to one of our villas
specialists on 01242 547 705.
akvillas.com | 13

GOING
OFF
GRID
A HOLIDAY ISN’T A BREAK IF YOU TAKE
YOUR WORK WITH YOU – A TRIP AWAY
SHOULD FREE YOU TO EXPLORE A NEW
LOCATION, NOT TETHER YOU TO A
NEVER-ENDING LIST OF TASKS. IF YOU
STRUGGLE TO TURN OFF YOUR DAY-TO-
DAY LIFE, TRY PICKING A RESORT THAT
MAKES IT EASY (OR ESSENTIAL) TO GO
OFF GRID. KATY CALDERWOOD DIALS
UP THE BEST DIGITAL-FREE OPTIONS
ALEX WALKER’S SERIAN
MASAI MARA, KENYA
Serian is another world. It transcends the everyday by delivering Africa in
all its facets. There is no wifi here (unless you count the family’s friendly
dog, Wifi – a Labrador/Rhodesian ridgeback mix); connection to the
world is based around nature, wildlife, and your fellow man. A holiday
here is an opportunity to reconnect, to experience the day and then to
digest the myriad sights you’ll have seen with other guests. One of only
11 camps throughout the Mara North Conservancy, you’ll enjoy private
guided drives seeking out game, and visit the conservancy and the Masai
Mara National Reserve – all Big Five safari animals reside here, alongside
impressive birdlife. Hear the call of the wild, rather than an incoming
phone call, and enjoy nature at its best, by offering it your full attention.
With wifi, work travels with you – whether it’s
files from the office or mountains of home
admin. So it takes a conscious effort to put
the mobile away and not be tempted to check messages,
updates, emails, and calls. But holidays should be a time
to get away from everything; to forget the day-to-day and
experience something out of this world. You can’t come
to your senses if your head (and your mind) is focused on
your phone screen.
We are seeing more and more A&K clients looking to
enter hibernation mode when they travel. In 2017’s Mintel
report, 58 per cent of luxury travellers reported that they
like to escape from technology while on holiday. And
contrary to commonly held beliefs, that’s not an opinion
held solely by Baby Boomers. In a world running out
of surface area not covered by wifi routers, technophile
millennials are just as likely as older generations to want a
gadget-free getaway.
While a break from technology might be a nostalgic
trip for older people, for the younger generations who are
digital natives, it is an experience in itself – a journey into a
world that they have never known. Just think for a moment:
if your time was truly, completely, utterly your own for your
holiday, what would you do with it?
KAMALAYA
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
For complete relaxation and rejuvenation, look no further than Kamalaya
in Koh Samui. Here you are at one with the natural world, where the
focus is on you and your inner peace. The surroundings are blissful,
serene, and five-star. This is not the place to be upwardly mobile. Rather,
adopt a supine pose, or perfect your downward dog. It won’t be hard –
the hotel practises what it preaches. Guests may only use their phones in
the privacy of their own rooms, and the wifi is only free for one hour per
stay, leaving many more free minutes to find yourself. At Kamalaya, the
emphasis is on mindfulness and wellness, and the surroundings mirror
this to perfection. The property was built around a sacred Thai cave once
used by Buddhist monks as a place for meditation and spiritual retreat.
As a guest, this space is yours for contemplation and self-communication.
The resort has several Wellness Programmes – from detox, stress and
burnout, and weight loss to fitness and yoga itineraries. More tailored
approaches are also available, focusing on specific techniques such as
Ayurveda, naturopathy, or traditional Chinese medicine. Whatever your
preference, you’ll be transported a world away from work.
14 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

PATAGONIA CAMP
TORRES DEL PAINE, PATAGONIA
BAMURRU PLAINS
NORTHERN TERRITORIES, AUSTRALIA
Kakadu is one of the most remote areas of the world. Here you can go
off the grid completely, with no network or wifi coverage throughout
the hotel. The Bamurru Plains Safari Lodge has access to 300 square
kilometres of floodplains and savanna woodland around the Mary River,
on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is home to the largest
crocodile population in the world, so the only Snapchat here will be
heard from the safety of your boat or bed. See the annual migration of
over 100,000 magpie geese; take a guided wildlife walk from the hotel’s
experts; or skim across the floodplains by airboat to see water buffalo,
wallaby, native birds, brumby, dingo, and reptiles.
At Patagonia Camp every guest has direct access to the landscape and
fauna of this wild country. The environment and its inhabitants are the
priority – nowhere more so than in your own private yurt. Hear the wind
and water, and watch the stars from your bed. Being at one with nature
is at the heart of the Patagonia Camp experience, and its design is based
on this philosophy. Stroll through the aromatic forest along walkways
that take you to its very centre. Throughout the camp the focus is on
ensuring the lowest ecological impact possible, with low wattage electrical
appliances and a 100 per cent organic water treatment plant on site.
LITTLE PALM ISLAND
FLORIDA KEYS
SONEVA FUSHI
BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
This hotel is best described in its own words – barefoot luxury with
Robinson Crusoe simplicity. Here no detail is overlooked and no request
is too far-fetched, but the ethos of the resort is very much one of back
to nature. With a ‘no shoes, no news’ policy, outdoor activities and
appreciation of the beautiful surroundings are emphasised. The hotel
site is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Lounging by the pool is an option,
but so are myriad other activities such as cycling, visiting the eco-project
and herb gardens, and plunging into boat trips and water sports. Little
adventurers will revel in an amazing kids’ club. Once here, you won’t
want to leave – and with your phone turned off, there won’t be anyone
telling you that you have to.
Don’t be deceived by the name, the Little Palm Island Resort is more
than a ‘little’ of anything. With pure luxury and escapism as its ethos, the
private island resort delivers on every front and is a slice of heaven on
Earth. Celebrities, presidents, and people in the know have been frequent
visitors – all looking to disappear from real life. And disappearing here
is easy. Every corner of the two hectares offers a breathtaking view across
the Florida Keys. The 30 oceanfront suites are spacious and luxurious
– and designed to let you leave the digital world behind. There are no
telephones or televisions, no children under 16 – nothing here will
distract you from relaxing and letting your mind wander. Enjoy each
other, and enjoy how a little nothing can become everything.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on digital detoxes and getting off the grid, or to
book your next holiday, call our travel specialists on 01242 547 760.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 15

WILD, WILD
WEST
THE KIMBERLEY IS AUSTRALIA'S LAST FRONTIER,
A REMOTE, IMMENSE WILDERNESS, RIPE FOR
EXPLORATION BY PIONEERING TRAVELLERS,
SAYS NIKKI STEFANOFF
Ah, Australia. The Lucky Country. Home to Sydney’s
iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge; Melbourne’s
famous food and coffee culture; Queensland’s Great
Barrier Reef; and a world-renowned surf scene plus more deadly
flora and fauna per square metre than in any other part of the
globe. Yet there’s a part of this sunburnt country that few people
visit, a vast and beautiful landscape of red dirt as ancient as the
country’s Aboriginal history and as far away from the Aussie
stereotypical cork hat, laid-back attitude, and stubby of cold beer
as you can get. It’s the Australia we often read about but don’t
often witness. It is, of course, the Kimberley.
Revered as being one of Australia’s last frontiers, the
Kimberley occupies almost 17 per cent of Western Australia,
HOME TO SACRED INDIGENOUS ROCK ART,
CAVES, AND SHELTERS, AS WELL AS CRASHING
WATERFALLS, RUGGED COASTLINES, UNFORGIVING
DESERTS, AND LIMESTONE RANGES, THE ISOLATION
ONLY ADDS TO ITS BEAUTY
stretches for 421,000 kilometres and is as idiosyncratic as it is
extreme. Home to sacred indigenous rock art, caves, and shelters
as well as crashing waterfalls, rugged coastlines, unforgiving
deserts, and limestone ranges, the isolation of this part of the
planet only adds to its beauty. But when it comes to exploring
the Kimberley, an area larger than 75 percent of the world’s
countries, it can be hard to know where to start. So, let’s begin
at the bottom, in Broome.

NINGALOO REEF
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s
‘other’ great barrier reef. Technically a fringing reef, it has more
than 500 species of fish living in its waters, plus humpback
whale. Swimming and diving with these gentle giants tends to
be what attracts people to Ningaloo, but if you’re less keen on
large mammals and more a fan of a relaxed snorkel, then there’s
plenty here for you, too. Head to the small town of Coral Bay
where, 500 metres south of Bills Bay, Purdy Point is a revered
snorkelling spot where you’ll drift over coloured coral and spot
everything from sea cucumbers to mini rays. One of the best
snorkelling sites in the area, however, is the Turquoise Bay Drift,
where coral gardens swarming with fish can be marvelled at
only metres from the shore. It’s worth noting that the Turquoise
Bay Drift is recommended for experienced swimmers only due
to strong currents, but those less able don’t need to miss out as
Oyster Stacks is an ideal spot for families and inexperienced
snorkellers within the coral reef.
BROOME
It may be known as the gateway to the most southern part of
the Kimberley, but Broome is quite unlike most other gateway
country towns, in that people tend to stick around rather than
simply pass on through.
A country township built on the mother-of-pearl industry,
Broome had to quickly reinvent itself when the arrival of the now
innocuous plastic button ended the world’s need for mother-ofpearl
almost overnight. Luckily Broome is gorgeous, so when
the town switched its focus from trade to tourism, business
continued to boom.
At its most popular during the dry season (April to October)
Broome’s beauty is apparent 24/7, but it really comes alive
at sunset – particularly if you’re lucky enough to witness the
Staircase to the Moon, Western Australia’s version of the
Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon happens when the
full moon rises at a low tide and casts its glow over Broome’s
exposed mudflats. What’s left is a stunning optical illusion of
golden steps rising out of the Indian Ocean. It’s best seen from
Roebuck Bay, but you can catch it all along the coast. It’s also well
worth playing the tourist and taking part in a sundowner camel
ride across the renowned Cable Beach – but if clambering atop
an even-toed ungulate isn’t quite your thing, then take a book
and experience the beauty of Cable Beach during the day.
18 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

EL QUESTRO
The remoteness of the Kimberley is both its blessing and its
curse as, yes, it’s beautiful but, boy oh boy, do you have to work
hard to see it. A trip to El Questro Wilderness Park, however,
is well worth the flight north or, if you’re feeling a tad more
adventurous, jumping into a four-wheel drive and taking the
Gibb River Road, one of Australia’s most demanding dirt tracks.
It’s clichéd to describe El Questro as magical but, unfortunately,
there’s no other word for it, as its nearly 300,000 hectares of
mountains, valleys, and gorges is Mother Nature at her finest.
It’s worth spending some serious time in El Questro and
there are a number of places you can choose from to rest your
head. Pitch a tent in the Black Cockatoo Campground; hire a
family-friendly bungalow in The Station; choose one of Emma
Gorge’s 60 safari-style tented cabins (complete with en suites),
hidden amid the Kimberley’s fiery red Cockburn Range; or
go all out and stay in luxury by booking one of the El Questro
Homestead’s nine suites. Cantilevered over the Chamberlain
River, the Homestead is an El Questro experience all of its own
– so sought after that when Nicole Kidman was filming Baz
Luhrman’s Australia, she found it fully booked and had to stay in
a neighbouring town.
Once happily ensconced in the Homestead, guests are offered
complimentary excursions where you’re encouraged to fully
immerse yourself in a Kimberley experience. Swim in waterfalls,
fish for barramundi, bask in the shade of a boab tree, soak off
the day in the mineral-rich Zebedee Springs, or take a helicopter
tour and witness the sheer size of this incredible part of the world.
BUNGLE BUNGLES
It may sound as if it was named after a character from a kid’s TV
show, but the Bungle Bungle Range is El Questro’s most famous
neighbour. These stunning rock formations are found among
the remoteness of the Purnululu National Park and have been
sculpted by millions of years of erosion into the tiger-striped,
beehive domes they are today.
The Bungle Bungles are best viewed from above as it’s only
when you look down that you begin to appreciate the sheer scale
of this fascinating and fragile rock massif, which stretches over
240 square kilometres. If you’re keen to explore by foot, then a
number of the canyons are open to visitors and tour guides are
ready to show you around. And if you’re staying in El Questro
Wilderness Park, a ranger can help to arrange a day trip for you.
FURTHER AFIELD
Utilising all travel options available to you is the only way to see
everything the Kimberley has to offer, which means getting out
and about by land, sea, or air. A few must-dos are to make sure
you take the time to kick off your shoes and take a walk down
Silica Beach – named for its pure, powdery soft, white silica
sand. Hop aboard a boat and take a trip to see Horizontal Falls,
an experience David Attenborough called “one of the greatest
natural wonders of the world”, and, let’s face it, he’s seen a few.
Take a helicopter ride over the top of the sandstone-carved
Mitchell Falls and then, before you leave and head back to
civilisation, take a moment to stop, look around, and really take
in everything this historical and mythical part of the world has
to offer.
EL QUESTRO
BROOME
KIMBERLEY
BUNGLE BUNGLES
NINGALOO REEF
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
previous page: Gantheaume Point, Broome
left, from top: Swimmer at Ningaloo Reef; driving the Gibb River Road
near Home Valley Station in the Kimberley; the craggy shoreline of Cape
Leveque, Broome
above: The stripy domes of the Bungle Bungles
A&K's 12-night escorted expedition cruise to Kimberley: Australia's
Last Frontier in 2019 starts at £10,300 per person (based on two
sharing, excluding flights). For more information, call our escorted
tours specialists on 01242 547 892.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 19

ESCORTED TOURS 2019/20
We’re making touring extraordinary
Our exclusive and immersive group journeys offer:
• A new ‘Design your Day’ concept that gives you the freedom
to choose experiences suited to you, on selected days
• Guaranteed departures
• Maximum group size of 18
• Resident tour directors and expert guides
• Five-star accommodation
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 01242 547 892

THE
ENTREPRENEUR
EXPLORER
FOR DECADES, GEOFFREY KENT HAS BEEN A DRIVING FORCE IN THE EVOLUTION
OF LUXURY TRAVEL, OPENING UP THE WORLD TO OFFER UNFORGETTABLE
EXPERIENCES. AND NOW, AS HE TELLS ALICIA DEVENEY, HE’S TICKING OFF
HIS UNEXPLORED DESTINATIONS THROUGH HIS INSPIRING EXPEDITIONS

Travel is in Abercrombie & Kent founder
Geoffrey Kent’s genes. He was born while his
mother, Valerie Kent, was on safari in Northern
Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1942; he grew up running
wild around the family’s farm in the Aberdares in Kenya;
and when he would ask his father – Colonel John Kent
of the King’s African Rifles – where they were going on
holiday, the colonel would reply, “somewhere we can’t
drink the water”.
At 16, having been kicked out of his school for owning
a motorbike, Kent set off on an 8,000-kilometre journey
from Nairobi to Cape Town on his Daimler Puch 250cc –
the first person to undertake the challenge. On his return
to Kenya, he joined the British Army (following a minor
diversion to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro). After graduating
from Sandhurst, he served in Aden, Bahrain, and Malta in
the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards (“the Skins”).
In 1962, the Kents founded a safari company, which
would offer visitors African adventures by day and luxury
at night. Geoffrey Kent is credited with inventing the
modern safari, on which animals are shot with cameras,
not bullets. He has dodged hungry lionesses with Richard
Burton; arranged Bill Gates’ first safari; guided the Royal
Family, Ted Turner, and numerous celebrities through
Africa, among myriad destinations; and is credited with
saving half the world’s mountain gorilla population. Kent
was the first Westerner to be granted a tourism licence
in Egypt. In 2012, he was inducted into the British Travel
and Hospitality Industry Hall of Fame for having created
experiential travel, and he is the Honorary Consul of Kenya
to Monaco. An action man in more ways than one, Kent
was also an elite polo player, who captained the Windsor
Park polo team – which included HRH Prince Charles –
to a Cartier Open, World Open Championship, US Gold
Cup, and two US Open victories. What’s it like to captain
a future king? “We played together in India and one guy
said to me, ‘You can’t have two maharajas!’ We didn’t have
that problem – he was the maharaja, I was the captain.”
Polo is also the inspiration behind the A&K brand. “It’s a
dangerous, elegant sport, played by those who like to live
on the edge,” Kent extols.
Geoffrey Kent has packed a lot into seven decades, and
encourages others to do the same. “If you are physically
able, you should go and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Visit
Tanzania and Kenya during the Great Migration. Trek to
find a mountain gorilla.” These are wish-list dreams for
many, but Kent is adamant that they should be to-do list
items; that they’ll expand horizons and transform lives
for the better.
Incredibly, Kent still has his own bucket list. In the
stylish London townhouse he shares with his wife,
Brazilian-born model turned interior designer Otavia, he is
scrolling through smartphone app Been. “Do you know it?”
Kent asks. “Been – as in, have you been there?” I confess I
don’t. He begins to list his entries, alphabetically. “I’ve been
to Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, but not Belarus or
Bosnia and Herzegovina...” As he continues, he notices an
oversight. “England! I’ve definitely been there. I’ll just tick
that one off.” The app reveals that 76-year-old Kent, who
travels for approximately 270 days each year, has visited 70
per cent of the world’s countries. “In the next few years, I
want that figure to be at 100 per cent.”
The desire to see the whole world is the driving factor
If you are physically able, you
should climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Visit Tanzania and Kenya during
the Great Migration. Trek to find
a mountain gorilla
behind his ‘Inspiring Expeditions by Geoffrey Kent’. These
private jet journeys target destinations the veteran explorer
has yet to venture to. “If I haven’t visited a country, then
I assume other travellers won’t have been either. It’s not
exactly scientific, but it seems to work as a rule of thumb. In
2019, I’m going to Georgia, as I’ve never been. It’s supposed
to be a very romantic country.” Where else does he think is
worth exploring in 2019? Kamchatka in Russia, the Omo
Valley in Ethiopia, Western Australia, and the icebergstrewn
ocean passage off southern Chile.
What about more controversial destinations? “I’ve
been to Iraq but that was with some SAS guys rather
than clients.” He may be a risk-taker in his personal life
but when it comes to his business, safety is paramount,
undertaking proposed trips himself to ensure there will be
no risk to travellers. This has involved journeying from the
source of the Upper Amazon in Peru to where it meets the
Atlantic Ocean – “a hairy experience with a swift current
and moving sandbanks” – and sailing to the North Pole.
Of course, things don’t always go according to plan. In
1979, the success of A&K’s safaris came to the Sudanese
government’s attention – and not in a good way. “I was in
Las Vegas at a travel convention when I was given an urgent
telex informing me that they were holding 27 of my clients
hostage.” The ex-Army officer leapt into action. When his
pilot refused to fly to the danger zone, he chartered a plane
and flew in to negotiate his clients’ release – first from a jail
compound in Juba, after being arrested upon entering the
country. “I sat in that stale, dank cell wondering how on
Earth I’d fix the situation when I didn’t even have a phone.
I had to pay $400,000 to Sudan’s Regional Development
Corporation, but all 27 clients were released safely. All
ended well, but I’ll never forget that night. Louis Pasteur
said that ‘chance favours the prepared mind’. From that day
to this, I always travel with my Iridium satellite phone.”
What else does he consider essential travel equipment?
“I’m never without my Louis Vuitton briefcase. It’s a
Président Classeur from 1972 that’s been all over the world
with me.” It’s Kent’s signature accessory and has got him
out of many a hole – figuratively and literally. “In Tanzania
when my Land Cruiser got stuck on a dirt track, I put my
case down in the mud, placed the jack on top, and jacked
the vehicle out. It’s indestructible. Little did I know when I
got it that it would still be going strong half a century later.”
previous page: Geoffrey Kent in Armenia with Mount Ararat in the background
right, clockwise from top: Dog-sledding in Finland; astride his Daimler Puch 250cc
in Nairobi in 1958; at Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan; hosting a dinner for his Inspiring
Expedition guests with Otavia by his side
overleaf: The Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite at Chief’s Camp in Botswana
22 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

He carries an additional bag on his travels now. This year saw
the launch of the Geoffrey Kent Safari Collection – a range of
timeless, high-performance, luxury travel apparel and luggage.
“It evolved around my Inspiring Expeditions guests and their
needs and wants. We chose to make these products in Italy as I
wanted them to be the best and last for a lifetime of adventures.”
It isn’t the first time Kent has headed in a new direction. In the
noughties, having explored every continent, he set himself a new
challenge: to add space to destinations offered by A&K. In South
Africa, at a place called Thunder City, Kent boarded an English
Electric Lightning plane, captained by pilot David Stock. They hit
40,000 feet in one minute. At 65,000 feet, they levelled out and
accelerated to Mach 2.2, and could see the curvature of the Earth.
During this flight, Kent endured 5.5Gs (most people pass out
at 5). Once his feet were firmly back on the ground, Kent called
the head engineer on the A&K Space team and asked about the
probability of mishap occurring during space travel. He was told,
“there’s a 100 per cent chance we will have an accident”. “I quickly
took stock and decided to cancel the whole thing. It was too risky.”
It was one of Kent’s most audacious exploits, but a successful
entrepreneur knows which ideas to let go. And that’s how Kent
sees himself: “I’m an entrepreneur, who became involved in the
travel industry.” And if he hadn’t become the world’s most famous
travel operator? “I would have been a pilot of fighter jets or
helicopters,” he replies without missing a beat.
It’s easy to believe this after a scroll through Kent’s Instagram
feed, to which he posts religiously. “I love the platform – it’s my
diary.” Among the images of cityscapes, wild animals, far-flung
lands, and inspirational people are fan-boy shots of airplanes and
helicopters from two-seater to military models. And he loves to
fly. “I had the privilege to visit Gabon recently at the invitation of
President Ali Bongo Ondimba. In an executive Puma helicopter, I
cruised the coast and flew over forests, the sand cliffs, and Kongou
and Djidji Falls. I fell in love with Loango National Park where I
spotted elephant, hippo, and buffalo. One group of elephant were
swimming off the beach with their trunks raised out of the water
like snorkels.”
That’s another country ticked off the Been list. Will he be back?
“Tourism is still a fledgling industry in Gabon, but I predict it will
take off in a big way and soon, and I hope A&K can be part of it.
We introduced luxury tourism to China, Uganda, and Botswana –
we could do it in Gabon.”
GEOFFREY KENT’S FAVOURITES
Favourite hotels: “There are so many excellent
hotels… I like The Peninsula Hotels in Paris and
Hong Kong; the Mandarin Oriental in New York;
Il Sereno, a new property on the shores of Italy’s
Lake Como; Fasano in Rio de Janeiro; Hotel de
Paris Monte-Carlo; the Burj Al Arab in Dubai; and
the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer is a very special boat.”
Favourite hotel room or suite: “The new
Geoffrey Kent suite in Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.”
Favourite travelling companion: “My wife
Otavia, who shares my sense of adventure and
desire to explore, always accompanies me.”
What he’s reading: “The Silk Roads: A New
History of the World by Peter Frankopan and
Damaged Goods by Oliver Shah.”
Preferred newspapers or podcasts: “I have
to say I haven’t gotten into podcasts. I read the
Financial Times and The New York Times every day.
I read The Economist weekly as well.”
Favourite item from the Safari Collection:
“The weekend bag has been very well thought out.”
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
Geoffrey Kent’s book, Safari: a Memoir of a Worldwide Travel
Pioneer, is available in all good bookshops and via Amazon.
To speak to a travel specialist about Inspiring Expeditions by
Geoffrey Kent, call us on 01242 546 699.
24 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

Securing
your front
row seat
WITH SOCIAL MEDIA PINGING PICS OF THE PLACES TO BE AND ALERTS ON THE HOTTEST TICKETS TO ANYONE
WITH A SMARTPHONE, IT’S EASY TO END UP LAST IN LINE FOR THE ACTION. MAKE SURE YOU’RE THERE FOR
THE MAIN EVENT WITH OUR GUIDE TO BOOKING THE BEST BEFORE THE REST, SAYS KATY CALDERWOOD
After you’ve fixed on your dream holiday, you don’t
want to end up deflated when you discover it’s sold
out. With our ‘cut out and keep’ global guide to
what’s hot and how to make sure you get in on the action,
missing that ticket won’t be an issue.
When setting your heart on a destination or experience,
you shouldn’t have to worry about lack of travel availability
or room stopping you from getting there. But, as more and
more people travel further afield and social media spreads
instant news of hot tickets, options quickly become limited.
Hotels and apartments fill up, prices soar, and even just
getting to the destination can prove difficult as the masses
head the same way.
But with a little planning, that doesn’t have to be the
case. There are still standout events around the world at
which you can get a front row seat – if you’re savvy. Use
our guide to work out what you want to do, when you want
to do it, and – crucially – how soon to book it.
WHEN SETTING YOUR HEART ON A DESTINATION,
YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LACK OF
ROOM STOPPING YOU FROM GETTING THERE
26 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

seasonal
LIE BACK AND WAIT FOR THE LIGHTS IN ICELAND
Few things are more breathtaking than natural phenomena and Iceland plays host to one of the
most incredible. When the aurora borealis passes over, the skies take on a life of their own as
the ephemeral lights shimmer across them. But nature is nothing if not unpredictable, and it is
extremely hard, if not impossible, to guarantee a time and place for the ultimate northern lights
exposure. To give yourself the best chance, plan on staying in Iceland a little while and listen to local
advice. Be prepared to move quickly – generally there is only about two hours notice before the next
sighting. The best times of year are February, March, September, and October, as this is when the
nights are fullest and darkest. But the weather also needs to be kind – a cloudy sky can ruin a perfect
viewing. Plan this trip carefully with expert input, but go with a relaxed attitude – the skies literally
have a mind of their own when it comes to where and when the aurora can be seen.
BOOK BY: Ten months before you want to travel – while we can’t guarantee when the lights
will show, we can guarantee hotels will be busy
BED DOWN: Hotel Rangá
VISIT CAPE TOWN AT CHRISTMAS
South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town is a festive season hot spot. With sunny weather and
little chance of rain, the city tends to be busy from mid-December to mid-January – but most
holidaymakers will head here between 20 December and 5 January. There are so many options to
make this a wonderful Christmas break – such as combining beaches with a journey down the
Garden Route. Temperatures are generally in the high 20s, you won’t lose any time to jetlag, and the
city and surrounding area are vibrant and verdant. There won’t be snow, but there will be great food
and interesting events. Plan your activities early – Table Mountain and Robben Island tickets should
be booked in advance to ensure entry. Cape Town might not feel traditionally like Christmas, but it’s
a present your family will thank you for.
BOOK BY: 13 months in advance, including activities
BED DOWN: One&Only Cape Town
CHERISH THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN
Even for trained meterologists, the sakura season of Japan is notoriously unpredictable. If this is the
sole reason for your trip, plan enough time to ensure you’re there to enjoy it. The season typically
lasts two to three weeks from the end of March into April, but climate change has created even more
uncertainty. Sandwiched between the long, bitter winter months and the sweltering humidity of
summer, exact timings vary year to year, so local knowledge is vital. The climate is not only optimal
for the cherry trees but also for tourists – this is when holidaymaking in Japan peaks, from both
a domestic and international perspective. And with good reason: apart from the weather and the
blooms, the atmosphere here is one of revelry and fun. Shops are stacked high with sakura-infused
treats of chu-hai (sweet alcoholic canned drinks), dumplings, KitKats, beer, and crisps. There’s even
a sakura-flavoured Starbucks latte.
BOOK BY: Don’t hang around. Flights and accommodation become available to
book 11 months in advance and traditional Japanese ryokans open their waiting lists
one year ahead
BED DOWN: Ritz-Carlton Kyoto; Mandarin Oriental Tokyo; Hidatei Hanaougi Takayama;
Gora Kadan
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 27

MARVEL AT THE GREAT MIGRATION
They say never work with animals, and wildebeest are no exception. There is no definitive
date for East Africa’s Great Migration – and that in itself is one of its attractions. Depending
on the time of year, up to one million wildebeest will turn the plains of Africa into a sea
of galloping bodies. There are two annual highlight timeframes for this spectacular event.
At the end of January into February, the migration will have their calves in the southern
Serengeti. This is not an experience for the faint-hearted as predator action is at its height,
but it is the circle of life and an almost guaranteed sight. In the summer months of July and
August, the wildebeest cross the central Serengeti heading north towards the Masai Mara in
Kenya, following the rains through the arid landscape in search of fresh grass and water.
BOOK BY: No matter whether you want to visit Tanzania or Kenya,
make your reservation 10 months prior
BED DOWN: Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp
ADVENTURE AROUND THE ARCTIC
Cruising around a polar extremity should be done in style and the best way is aboard a
luxury expedition ship. This liner holiday is not simply about fantastic facilities on board,
but also how the team and accommodation enable you to experience the Arctic, close-up
and personal. With outside balconies guaranteed, and expedition teams ranging from
research scientists to field naturalists, a cruise through the Arctic can be the adventure of a
lifetime. It’s a chance to ponder the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Islands; see polar bear
and walrus, bowhead whale and moose; or touch down on the Langjökull Glacier following
a trip on custom-built expedition trucks. One of the planet’s last wild frontiers; in spite of
the cold, this adventure will keep your blood pumping.
BOOK BY: Space is limited on board, so early booking is essential.
Goodwill bookings – based on a refundable deposit – are generally accepted
around a year in advance
BED DOWN: Le Boreal
EXPERIENCE THE BEAR NECESSITIES IN CANADA
The showstopper of grizzly season has to be during the salmon spawning months of
August and early September. Lasting typically two to three weeks, this is one of nature’s
most dazzling displays and people flock from across the world for the experience. In just
a few weeks, the bear must feed on the spawning salmon of the mountain rivers to sustain
themselves during the hard winter months of hibernation. Thousands of salmon make the
long journey upriver only to be faced with a predator like no other. Focused and calm, the
grizzly is expert at this game. Lodges here are small and remote, so booking is key. But it’s
worth the wait, as a guest here you will see a grizzly in its element.
BOOK BY: This holiday is one worth waiting for – many camps and lodges fill up
from 18 months in advance and most of these have waiting lists. Get ahead of the game
BED DOWN: Great Bear Lodge
wildlife
BE AWED BY THE BORNEAN ORANGUTAN
For a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, Malaysian Borneo has it all – from rainforests
to tribal villages, remote waterways to unique wildlife. Blanketed with some of the richest
equatorial rainforest in the world, Borneo shelters rare species and indigenous tribes amid
dramatic scenery. Perhaps the most breathtaking of all is the rare Bornean orangutan. The
summer school holidays are the best time of year to see this giant ape in the wild, and this
is also peak season for spotting the turtle population on Lankayan Island. Take the family
on a trek to Mount Kinabalu, then relax on the sandy beaches and in the crystal clear
water on the coastline.
BOOK BY: There’s a waiting list of around 11 months for all of the orangutan territory
lodges, which are remote and of limited capacity, so planning and preparation are vital
BED DOWN: Borneo Rainforest Lodge; Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge;
Abai Jungle Lodge; Bunga Raya Island Resort
28 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

A PUGLIAN PARTY
Puglia may not be your first pick for a carnival party but in May, La Festa di San Cataldo
heralds several days of celebration. This starts with the Palio, a rowing competition, and
continues with a street food festival and a huge fireworks display. Honouring San Cataldo,
patron saint of Taranto, his statue is carried from the cathedral to bless the city.
BOOK BY: Secure your hotel in January to join the party
BED DOWN: Borgo Egnazia
REVEL IN RIO
For an Easter warm up you won’t forget, head to the streets of Rio de Janeiro between the
Friday before Ash Wednesday through to Ash Wednesday itself. This Carnival (deserving of
a capital C) is the most renowned holiday in Brazil and possibly the best known party in the
world. Music, colour and dance pervade; memories of fun and frolics will persist.
BOOK BY: 11 months in advance if you want to book a suite – the best rooms get
booked early during this busy period
BED DOWN: Belmond Copacabana Palace; Hotel Emiliano Rio
NAVIGATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN SYDNEY
It takes 26 hours for New Year to cross all the time zones. Be one of the first in the world to
experience it at Sydney’s party to end the year. On 31 December, Sydney’s landmark sites
host massive firework and light displays over the harbour and its fleet of illuminated vessels.
There’s a 9pm family-friendly show and a midnight spectacle.
BOOK BY: March, as hotels can fill up months in advance
BED DOWN: The Langham Hotel Sydney; Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
carnivals
VENICE
Although it lasts only three per cent of the year, much of Venice’s retail trade is dedicated to
the Carnival, held around February, and the reminders it brings of the city’s decadent and
(sometimes) debauched history. Masked balls and carnivals were rife in the city at the end
of the 16th century, when it was known as the playground of the European nobility. Taking
place ahead of Ash Wednesday, the Venice Carnival is an opportunity for every visitor to
wear costumes and masks and there is even a competition for la maschera più bella – judged
by a panel of international costume and fashion designers. Many of the top hotels in the
watery city host gala balls, with an option of mask-making workshops. To see Venice in full
celebratory mode, St Mark’s Square is the place to be.
BOOK BY: Venice is busy all year round. Book at least eight months in advance to
ensure you secure the best room and the best Carnival events
BED DOWN: The Gritti Palace; Belmond Hotel Cipriani
PARTY LIKE A PRO IN BARBADOS
Sugar may not be as sweet a word as it once was, but the tradition of the ‘crop over’ in
Barbados is still worth a riotous celebration. In early August, the most famous carnival in
the Caribbean sets the island alive with calypso and soca music, as well as street parades
and dances. Rihanna books out this early August event every year in her calendar –
it’s one not to miss.
BOOK BY: February, to be sure of a hotel room
BED DOWN: Coral Reef Club
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information, or to book one of these popular holidays,
call to speak to our travel specialists on 01242 547 760.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 29

GO BIG
o r g o h o m e
WHEN ESCAPING THE EVERYDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY OR A GROUP OF FRIENDS, DO IT IN STYLE
WITH THE AMAN VILLAS AND RESIDENCES’ APPROACH TO LUXURY ADVENTURES
Large group celebrations or multi-generational holidays are fast
becoming a preferred break – whether for milestone birthdays
or simply as the only option for getting all of the family together
at the same time. These breaks bring many benefits, such as sharing
childcare, cutting costs, having your favourite people on hand 24/7 for
an impromptu party, and even just allowing everyone time to catch up in
person (rather than via IM or online apps). It sounds so simple, but in a
world where increasingly our social lives are lived online rather than in
person, having time away from the quotidian with the people we most
want to see can easily become a luxury rather than the reality.
This is when great-grandparents might get to see your toddler’s first
step, or teenager’s dive. When your best friend who lives 250 kilometres
away actually is able to have a long conversation and share experiences
with you, while your husbands watch the children. Or when all of your
university friends (now with 20 children between you) can get together
and relive the good old days. Whatever the mix, you’ll want to take this
break in style. Once the date is booked in the diary, then the planning
can begin and the ultimate in large holiday homes can be sourced. And
for something everyone will enjoy, remember, and revel in, the Aman
collection of villas and residences is unmissable.
Founded in 1988, Aman devised the premise of a collection of intimate
yet expansive retreats with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a
gracious private home. And they built it. In various global destinations
(those featured and additionally in the Philippines, Indonesia, China,
and the US), all handpicked and individually designed, the villas and
residences are world-class home from homes, that enable families and
groups of all sizes and ages to live, play, or simply be together in harmony.
Book an Aman villa or residence and you will be sure to experience an
exceptional location, meticulous design, space, privacy, and the warm
welcome of a close friend.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on these Aman hotels, or to book
your next multi-generational or celebratory holiday, call to
speak to our travel specialists on 01242 547 760.
30 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

AMANYARA
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Villas: from three to six bedrooms
AMANZOE
Porto Heli, Greece
Villas: up to nine bedrooms
Embracing untrammelled Caribbean elements, Amanyara villas
promise coastal seclusion and a laid-back island lifestyle in
consummate luxury and privacy. Sharing distinctive Jean Michel Gathy
design features, each home is unique, with water ever-present. Here
you will discover natural wonders and enjoy unique retreats, journeys,
and adventures either on the world-class barrier reef, by joining in with
sea turtle tagging, or with seasonal sightings of migratory whale. From
nature walks to energetic beach sports, Amanyara’s offerings extend to
the whole family.
Amanyara sits on the secluded western shore of Providenciales in the
Turks and Caicos Islands. These are located at the southern tip of the
Bahamas chain and offer a tranquil retreat.
Amanzoe villas channel the timeless elegance of ancient Greece,
and are designed with high ceilings, graceful colonnades, and formal
gardens. Freestanding bedroom pavilions are arranged around an
emerald-green swimming pool, while sundecks add to the sense of
space and seclusion. Adventures for both children and adults are
plentiful, ranging from visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the
local beekeeper, to wine tasting at a nearby vineyard, as well as junior
yoga sessions, tennis lessons, and Watsu therapy, under the supervision
of specially trained staff.
With crystalline coasts and sun-bleached ruins, Greece’s attraction is
irresistible. Amanzoe, on the Peloponnese peninsula, is surrounded by
undulating olive groves and does not disappoint.
AMANPURI
Phuket, Thailand
Villas: up to nine bedrooms
AMANOI
Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Residences: from two to five bedrooms
Set on the coastline above Pansea Beach, Amanpuri villas reside on a
private peninsula overlooking the Andaman Sea. They are individual
and elegant, surrounded by supreme natural beauty. Each has a unique
layout and decor, with sea views or garden settings. And with the Aman
resort at hand, you can quickly be dining in style, relaxing in the library,
or getting fit in the well-equipped gym. With swimming pools and azure
Andaman waters, the Aman lifestyle is well represented.
For many, Thailand epitomises the ultimate year-round holiday
destination. A land of beautiful white beaches, turquoise seas, delicious
food, and sunny skies.
Inspired by the graceful architecture of traditional Vietnamese dwellings,
Amanoi residences comprise a series of elegant pavilions. Perched
along a coastal ridge, all have views of the sea or the Nui Chua National
Park. The spa here is one of the best in the world (according to Harper’s
Bazaar Travel Guide 2018), and in this meditative retreat, you are sure to
find inner peace.
Famed for its cuisine, art and rich history, Vietnam is gaining
recognition for its natural beauty. Amanoi sits near Nui Chua National
Park, which protects an area of pristine coastal and marine habitats to
the north-east of Ho Chi Minh City.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 31

32 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

New directions
OUR IDEA OF LUXURY IS AN EVER-SHIFTING STANDARD. AS IT ALTERS, SO DOES THE WAY WE TRAVEL.
IANTHE BUTT INVESTIGATES THE MOST BUZZED-ABOUT TRENDS SHAPING OUR ADVENTURES RIGHT NOW
TRANSFORMATIONAL TRAVEL
Holidays used to be all about sunlounger lazing, doing very little, and
returning with a tan. Later fly-and-flops were shunned in favour of overthe-top
luxury breaks, with people lusting after caviar and champagne in
the smartest suites. More recently, travellers came to crave authenticity,
and experiential became the biggest travel buzzword of the last decade;
with people wanting to engage with locals and their culture, seeking
out immersive experiences – like meeting a Living Buddha in China,
or visiting an underground supperclub on a city break. While today’s
travellers still yearn for that immersion, rather than just experiencing the
fabric of a destination, they want to return home with threads of it woven
into their DNA. Enter transformational travel; journeying as a catalyst for
meaningful, lasting change. It might be a shift in perception, beliefs, or
behaviours, with the effects felt long after you’ve returned home.
Kerry Golds, managing director at Abercrombie & Kent, has first-hand
experience of a transformational trip. She trekked the Lares Trail in Peru
with her teenage sons. “We had no distractions and we had to motivate
each other as it was physically tough,” she says. Stuck in a tent together
with no mobile phones, a lot of soul-searching conversations happened,
and the bond between them strengthened. Back at home it’s led to a
tangible change in their relationships – they all set aside more time to
switch their phones off and communicate with one another.
Transformational travel doesn’t have to mean monumental changes
– they might be as small as taking time to meditate after noticing
the positive effects of doing so on a hiking holiday in the Swiss Alps;
spending more time in nature after a safari in the Serengeti; or scaling
back your plastic usage after seeing waste litter South-East Asia’s most
beautiful beaches.
While the argument that the connection between travel and deep
personal journeys is an age-old phenomenon is a fair one, it is a mindset
which seems to resonate particularly deeply right now. Indeed Skift,
the travel trend forecasting agency, named ‘travel focused on personal
fulfilment’ as a 2018 megatrend. It particularly strikes a chord with
recession-hit millennials who increasingly define themselves based on
who they are, rather than what they have. A study by market research
group Gfk showed that millennials deem travel a higher financial
priority than buying a home or paying off debt – travel is seen as a more
worthwhile investment. “A lot has been said about ‘Peak Stuff ’ – with
personal status much more intertwined today with seeing novel and
authentic things,” says Lucie Greene, chief futurist at J. Walter Thompson,
“but as experience culture has become mainstream, what’s considered
rare or authentic has become more complex and harder to
attain. It’s become more inward too – about spirituality,
well-being, self-improvement and enlightenment.”
It’s not just millennials, though: many people are taking
more trips in the wake of unexpected life events, hoping for
transformation – booking adventures after divorces, when
suffering from empty nest syndrome, or even after the death
of a loved one. One A&K client had always dreamt of visiting
Egypt, but never quite got round to it. After her beloved
husband died, she did just that, spurred on by the fact that
she felt he would have wanted her to. It ended up being much
more than a dream holiday; she found a new purpose, teaching
local children. Now, she splits her time between home in
the UK and Egypt, taking schoolbooks and supplies each
time she visits.
“Transformational travel is travel that puts experience at a
transcendental, life-affirming level,” adds Greene. “Experiences
that make you a better person are rare and special. We are our
experiences, and these are the new luxuries people want to
invest in.”
As experience culture has become
mainstream, what’s considered
rare or authentic has become
harder to attain. It’s become more
inward too – about spirituality,
well-being, self-improvement
and enlightenment
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 33

WELLNESS FROM
THE WALLS IN
The wellness industry is booming – from the way we
eat (more balanced diets and investment in quality
produce, checking on food provenance) to how
we spend our leisure time (yoga, fitness retreats),
putting our well-being at the heart of how we live
is a worldwide movement. It’s expected that global
wellness tourism expenditure will be worth
$808 billion dollars by 2020, and the hospitality
industry is taking note; offering a gym or jetlag spa
treatment is no longer enough. Instead hotels are
now being designed from the walls-in to positively
impact guests’ well-being. ‘Healthy-for-humans
buildings’, a trend pinpointed at last year’s Global
Wellness Summit, sees architects focusing on
creating spaces with physiological and psychological
benefits. And the smartest hotel brands are getting in
on the act. At Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles,
biological lighting to support our circadian rhythms
(the natural 24-hour cycle created by the sun) is
used in the spa. Disconnection from a dizzyingly
connected digital world in encouraged at Soneva’s
properties in Thailand and the Maldives – all rooms
have switches to disable wifi – while Villa Stéphanie
in Baden-Baden has copper plates built into the
walls, which can be raised at the touch of a button to
block internet signal.
Biophilia – the pleasure and positive impact
which comes from connecting with nature – is being
incorporated into wellness design, hotels using
natural materials and natural light, capitalising
on and creating leafy views. At Soneva Jani in the
Maldives, villas have retractable roofs to allow
from-bed stargazing, while at Six Senses Zil Pasyon,
spa pavilions are sprinkled through the rugged
landscape, some between or on top of rocks, another
floating in the ocean. The new wave of stylish and
sustainable 1Hotels properties are a biophilic riot. At
1Hotels South Beach, there are terrariums in each
room, scores of natural materials (think reclaimed
Javanese teak root and driftwood), and one of the
largest living walls in North America, its 12,000
plants creating a veritable jungle. A recent study by
Terrapin Bright Green reported that lobbies with
biophilic elements attracted 36 per cent more guests
than those without. People want to spend time in
leafy spaces, and the mood-boosting benefits of
plants are long-established. Even staff ’s business
cards at 1Hotels reflect an all-natural ethos, doubling
as seed packets which can be planted by guests for a
botanical reminder of their stay back at home.
34 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

THREE OTHER TRAVEL
TRENDS TO WATCH
Eco goes up the agenda
What? Checking sustainability credentials has become as important
as style for environmentally conscious modern travellers making their
where-to-bed-down decisions.
Where? Eco-innovation can be seen at a raft of covetable new addresses:
Deplar Farm in Iceland uses energy from a geothermal water source for
heating; Bawah Island in Indonesia is powered by a renewable microgrid;
Rosewood Phuket harvests rainwater, rather than drawing from the
local water system; and the first single-use plastic-free hotel, akyra TAS
Sukhumvit, has opened in Bangkok.
Ultra-bespoke
What? One-off trips which fit your holiday needs as snugly as a Savile
Row suit.
Where? A&K clients staying at Mandarin Orientals can fix a visit to
Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, followed by lunch with one of the
players, or an out-of-this-world supper with an astronaut at NASA’s
Kennedy Space Center. A&K recently temporarily privatised the Sydney
Bridge so that a group of pals could climb this architectural Australian
legend alone, and left one intrepid family for a night with the tribes in
the remote Omo Valley for a truly unique experience – not for the fainthearted,
it featured goats’ blood toasts and messy mud baths.
Micro-Edventures
What? Families take children on months-long ‘edventures’ to expand
their horizons outside the classroom.
Where? Some people worry about taking their kids out of school, but that
isn’t to say the brood can’t get ahead of the curriculum while travelling.
Learn about the treasures of the Pyramids at the much-anticipated Grand
Egyptian Museum, opening in Cairo later this year, or take a tutor with
you – A&K has flown in scholars to the Maldives, and had a worldrenowned
biologist travel with clients in Madagascar.
left: Sunset from Koko Bar at Six Senses Zil Pasyon
below: Deplar Farm in Iceland
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 35

ISRAEL
VS JORDAN
IF YOU’RE ONLY GOING TO VISIT ONE MIDDLE EASTERN LOCATION, WHICH SHOULD IT BE?
WE SET THESE TWO BIG HITTERS HEAD TO HEAD TO FIND OUT
clockwise
from top left:
Dome of the
Rock, Jerusalem;
spices at
Mahane
Yehuda Market,
Jerusalem;
the Dead Sea,
Jordan; Jaffa in
Tel Aviv; Petra,
Jordan
36 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

ISRAEL: LOVE
AT FIRST SIGHT
BY SARAH GUSH
Israel gives me a little frisson. It has captivated
me in a way that is soulful, eye-opening and
fascinating. A visit to Israel is a treat for your
mind, body, and soul.
Religion here is intertwined with the complex and colourful history
of the area. Jerusalem’s streets and history have inspired so much of how
so many people live today around the world. Actions from millennia
ago have carved the morals of today. When you walk the Via Dolorosa,
the Gardens of Gethsemane, visit the Western Wall, and see the Dome
of the Rock, you’re humbled by history.
Fascinating items and locations are still being found, such as
the relatively recent discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. But Israel
is more than its past – momentous change faces its residents, giving
rise to impressive art and culture, a subject close to my heart. Don’t
miss Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem – it’s remarkable,
thought-provoking, and well worth a visit.
I adore the contrasts struck so vividly in one small area. Jerusalem
is so different from the more Westernised and laid-back Tel Aviv.
I love experiencing different cultures. In the larger towns, there
are different ethnic groups living side by side – that feels unique
and like nowhere else in the world. And against the backdrop
of the vast desert lies the lush greenery of Jerusalem. For more
cosmopolite contrasts, the Mahane Yehuda Market
is a must-see. By day, it is home to traditional vendors selling
local produce, then later transforms into a buzzing nightlife hub
for the city.
Israeli food is rightly blossoming onto the international
scene. Whether you choose street food or fine dining,
traditional fare or delicious seafood, you won’t be
disappointed. My recent guide said that there are “no bad
restaurants in Jerusalem”. Your taste buds will agree.
Israel is also ideal for shopping. Start with the flea markets
in Jaffa and find a souvenir or two. Or if you want to relax, the
coast is stunning. The long stretch of city beach in Tel Aviv is a
wonderful place to dine along the shore, then walk around Jaffa,
with the setting sun
behind you.
Israel delivers so
much on a single visit
– it is a patchwork
of anomalies and
historical fact. If
you want to better
understand the world,
touch down in Israel
and let its spirit into
your soul.
River Jordan
HOW JORDAN
HAS STOLEN
MY HEART
BY LYNNE COOKE
The Middle East as a region will
always be special to me. There
is a feeling of otherworldliness, of the
unknown around every corner, that the adventurer in me finds
very appealing. But Jordan sits closest to my heart.
Let’s start with the ancient world. The city of Petra is an
absolute must-see. It is no exaggeration to call it magnificent –
in its architecture, history, and location. UNESCO deems it a
World Heritage Site – to my mind, it’s one of the best.
Jordan also boasts a world record – the lowest point on
the Earth, where the water is so salty that a swim here is unreal.
I prefer the Jordanian banks of the Dead Sea because the
hotels are of a high standard and the water itself is slightly
more accessible.
The country has a rich tapestry of history and a visit should
include seeing a Crusader castle (they are almost impossible
to miss). An established stop on the trade routes between Syria
and Iraq, Jordan sits on a geographical crossroads within the
Middle East. From here, the links to many regions can be
identified and appreciated. In Madaba, I love viewing the 6thcentury
mosaic map of the Holy Land, then visiting Mount
Nebo to see this landscape in panoramic 3D.
But Jordan is not only a country steeped in culture;
its cuisine and
extreme sports make
it a destination for
both adventure and
gastronomy. The
food is fresh and a
smorgasbord of tastes with
many influences vying for
attention. Cooking or eating
with locals will showcase
dishes such as mansaf – the
national rice dish, prepared
with pride. Café culture abounds
too and one of my favourite
memories is enjoying a rich
short coffee – qahwa sada –
flavoured with cardamom
with my driver, who regaled me with stories of life in the country.
For more active folk, there are four-wheel drive Wadi Rum trips with
camel rides and treks over and around sand dunes.
Jordanians make a trip here so much more than a holiday. They
are friendly and hospitable – and I learn something new every time
I visit. Jordan has so much to discover and experience. I find every
moment I spend there exquisite.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on holidays to Israel or Jordan, or to
talk about combining both destinations in one holiday, call to
speak to our Middle East travel specialists on 01242 546 634.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 37

HYDRO
POWER
38 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

FRAMED BY RIVERS AND WETLANDS, IMMERSIVE
EXPERIENCES AT A NEW LUXE ECO-LODGE NEAR THE
IGUAZU FALLS OFFER A DIFFERENT TAKE ON THIS POPULAR
SOUTH AMERICAN DESTINATION. SARAH MARSHALL
RETREATS TO THE RAINFOREST TO REFRESH
Drifting slowly along a narrow channel, only the sound of my
paddle threatens to upset the peace. Surrendering to the heat, all
wildlife is taking a siesta, and even branches along the riverbank
are spread supine like sunbathers on a beach.
Aside from Mr Kelm, a genial, sparrow-legged farmer who launched
kayaks for me and my guide, Maria, there’s not another person in sight.
Yet not far from here, thousands of people are queuing to witness one of
nature’s greatest spectacles and one of the most popular attractions in South
America – Iguazu Falls.
Curving 2.7 kilometres across Argentina and Brazil, a cavalry of white
horses charges over the Paraná Plateau, creating up to 250 waterfalls,
depending on the rains. Split between two national parks, the impressive
cataracts are viewable by boat, walkway and helicopter – but a new ecolodge
promises to show Iguazu in a completely different way.
Opened earlier this year on the Argentinian side, Awasi Iguazu is the
latest ambitious project from the Chile-based company, which already has
properties in Patagonia and San Pedro de Atacama. Occupying part of a
600-hectare buffer zone between the national park and city, the luxurious
14-villa property has been a decade in the making.
Along with showcasing the falls in all their glory, Awasi’s intention is
to explore the nature and culture of Misiones province, a novel approach
no-one has taken before.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 39

previous page:
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
left to right: Guarani
women in traditional paint;
the falls; Awasi Iguazu
Unique in South America, they operate a private guide system,
meaning I have the luxury of crafting a bespoke itinerary for the
duration of my stay.
Fuelled by a tireless enthusiasm matched only by the
irrepressible energy of the falls, Maria is my allocated guide. Our
adventure begins at at Yacu-i Reserve, a protected forest area
partially managed by the lodge.
It takes two hours along National Road 101 followed by a dirt
track to reach the site, where our kayaks are ready and waiting.
Distinguishable by splintered bark cloaking trunks which spiral
into the sky, rosewood trees, once almost lost from this region,
now pierce the forest canopy.
Pushing our way through coiling ferns and a silk veil of spiders’
webs, we hike along red earth trails trodden only by elusive tapirs
and beefy black ants.
Tangled with roots and a swirling mass of foliage, it’s a snapshot
of the routes which once led explorers to Iguazu.
The first white man to find the falls was Spanish explorer Alvar
Nunez in 1541, but the indigenous Guarani people had known
about them for far longer.
Although dispersed throughout different South American
countries and largely converted to wearing Western dress, the
Guarani still cherish a strong cultural identity and connection to
their environment.
One small community lives in the village of Jasy Bora (meaning
Pretty Moon), neighbouring Awasi. A special agreement with
the lodge gives me a privileged insight into their lives, through the
eyes of local guide Sergio, a 21-year-old father of two.
“They call us the men who speak a lot but say very little,”
explains Maria, as we enter a ceremonial site strung up with dried
bunches of yerba mate tea.
Despite his Nike trainers and replica football shirt, Sergio still
lives and breathes the world of his ancestors; time is measured
by the blossoming of flowers, and happiness derived from living
beneath a roof made of clouds and leaves.
Yet reverence for nature is also accompanied by fear; like
previous generations, no member of the community has seen the
falls. Only those with a death wish would dare to go near.
Standing in front of the Devil’s Throat later that day, I
understand why Guarani people gave the largest cataract its name.
Hurling beyond the precipice in an explosion of watery white
smoke, I can imagine it hungrily devouring souls.
Yellow butterflies and great dusty swifts ride the swell, looping
through rainbows refracted in the mist, while spectators are
almost drowned in spray and noise.
In combination with the Upper and Lower Circuits, there are
eight kilometres of trails currently available to explore in the park
– an experience enhanced by Awasi’s exclusive access before the
40 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

official 08.00 opening time. Keen birders can sign up for an early
entry birdwatching tour, with the hope of spotting several of the
area’s 500 species and guarantee of dodging 1,000-strong crowds.
By 11.00, though, Iguazu’s walkways are heaving, and I seek
refuge in the Awasi lodge, a 20-minute drive away. Sharing
the same Atlantic Rainforest ecosystem, villas are wrapped in
vegetation, each with a plunge pool and a living space constructed
from fragrant fresh wood.
Along with forest hikes, boat trips, and community visits,
Awasi also runs historical tours further
afield. Driving 260 kilometres south,
winding alongside the Parana River,
we reach San Ignacio Mini, one of the
Argentine Jesuit Missions set up to
evangelise native people in the 18th
century. By forging a remarkable
relationship, the Guarani co-existed
with Europeans, agreeing to adopt
Christianity in exchange for keeping
their language and treasured yerba mate.
The ‘green gold’, a bitter leaf
traditionally served in a gourd, is
popular all over the country, and I have
an opportunity to try it at my next stop,
Hotel Puerto Valle.
A gateway to the Ibera Wetlands in
neighbouring Corrientes province, the
converted 19th-century estancia is the perfect complement
to Awasi.
Peering across to Paraguay on a swollen section of the Parana
River, the 13-room property is surrounded by pretty gardens
landscaped by the grandson of Carlos Thays, the man responsible
for the first botanical sketches of Iguazu. Along with native
lapacho trees, there’s an allotment growing eggplants, tomatoes,
and pumpkin flowers – all used by the creative kitchen.
Comparable to Brazil’s Pantanal, Ibera is capable of hosting
similar wildlife, and plans are already underway to reintroduce
jaguars in the southern sector.
The northern Cambyreta gate is an hour’s drive from Puerto
Valle, and still relatively unknown to tourists. Gauchos herd
Filtering through generations,
myths and legends flow
like water in this part of the
world. Over time the course
of rivers and cataracts may
change, but the force and
influence of nature will
never diminish
thick-necked Braford cattle as we drive along sandy roads, where
watchful caracara birds perch on a fence. We spot elegant roseate
spoonbills and national bird the rufous hornero; multi-coloured
flashes in the treetops are the result of a successful project to bring
back green-winged macaws.
Sitting down to share mate – a sociable tradition where sips
are taken in turn, interspersed with conversation – we’re joined
by a bold marsh deer, skulking through the soggy grasslands,
almost at our feet.
But you don’t have to venture far to
encounter wildlife; back at Puerto Valle,
a trail through wild, unkempt jungle
introduces me to boisterous howler
monkeys and tree-scampering tingasu,
a bushy-tailed bird who behaves like
a squirrel.
Although once shaped by a river system,
Ibera largely consists of disconnected pools,
rising and falling with the rains and running
nowhere. Yet their size creates the illusion
of crossing a lake, and as we motor past
capybara trailing to the shore like furry
stepping stones, I’m reminded of another
Guarani legend.
It tells of how, when a group of
mischievous children crossed the river to
buy medicine for their mother but instead
used it to party, they were immediately transformed into the large
snouty rodents, as our guide Hermann solemnly warned.
Filtering through generations, myths and legends flow
like water in this part of the world. Over time the course of
rivers and cataracts may change, but the force and influence of
nature will never diminish.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on holidays to Awasi Iguazu, or to book
your next tailor-made Argentinian adventure, call to speak to
our South America travel specialists on 01242 547 701.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 41

GO
WITH
THE
FLOW
A FAMILY HOLIDAY CAN BE A SOURCE OF WONDER AND
LEARNING FOR YOU ALL, NOT JUST THE CHILDREN. KATY
CALDERWOOD OUTLINES HOW TO CREATE A BREAK THAT
WILL BRING YOU CLOSER TOGETHER
Family holidays are made up of mutual experiences and memories.
These times spent with your children are worth so much more
than the sum of their parts. Being all together, trying something
for the very first time, seeing an unexpected and unbelievable sight,
achieving something you thought impossible – the bonds that tie a family
are made stronger and closer through these moments. Joining each other
in understanding the world and undertaking new challenges – there’s no
better way to make a holiday special.
Helping you explore the world, with children from toddlers to teenagers
in tow, has always been a priority for our founder, Geoffrey Kent. His
love of travel began when he was a boy living in East Africa, thanks to his
parents, who inspired his wanderlust. “There are few things more thrilling
than seeing the world through the eyes of a child,” he believes.
Replace devices with destinations and watch how your children start to
appreciate the wonderful world around them. Follow our family flow to
work out the perfect trip for your clan, and let them keep discovering with
A&K luxury family holidays.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information, or to book your next family adventure,
call to speak to a travel specialist on 01242 855 427.
42 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

0-8
Little
emperors
and
empresses
will adore
having a
Roman
holiday
8+
Mini
cowboys and
girls will love
Argentina’s
ranches,
yee-haw!
What
ages?
Teens
Have an
awesome
Icelandic
adventure
Thrill-seekers
They’re adventurous and
love to explore and learn
You’re in the wrong
place, skip to page 46
YES
NO
Do you
want to go on
an adventure
as a family?
0-8
Mix it up with
a menagerie of
exotic animals
in Africa
8+
Let them
evolve in the
Galápagos
What
ages?
Animal enthusiasts
They’re crazy about wildlife
Teens
Too old to
go on a
bear hunt?
Never...
Are your children...?
Beach babes
They are never happier than
when they are beside the sea
What
ages?
0-8
Teens
Fly a little further and go
mad for the Middle East Hawaii has it all
8+
Dive Down
Under
LOOK OVERLEAF TO SEE
WHERE A&K CAN TAKE
YOUR FAMILY ON YOUR
NEXT HOLIDAY
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 43

Thrill-seekers
0-8
DO: Rome has historical and cultural sights that
will wow you, but your little ones might have
lost interest by their third museum. Never mind,
because now you can send them off on a Roman
adventure on the stage of the Gladiator’s Arena.
Under expert instruction, they will learn how
to survive arena attacks as well as understand
Roman history and civilisation. After that,
they’ll be hungry, so book in for a pizza or
gelato-making lesson with Rome’s finest.
STAY: Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel
This is a truly unique luxury hotel in the very
heart of Rome, giving you easy access to all
of the important city piazzas and sights. Set
in extensive gardens, the hotel is frequented
by celebrities and Italian nobles and an oasis
of calm amid the city bustle. With a special
programme for children and interconnecting
rooms, it’s the ideal city hotel to retreat to after
a day battling with the gladiators in the arena.
8+
DO: Gallop with the gauchos of Argentina
during a voyage of discovery around this
bewitching country on a luxury family holiday.
Stay on a traditional estancia where you’ll learn
to ride like a cowboy through the cactus-strewn
landscape. Spot an abundance of animals, from
caiman to capybara. Fly over the endless expanse
of channels and lagoons, and explore waterways
by boat.
STAY: Estancia Los Potreros
At this working estancia, no two days are the
same. Once the hangout of celebrities, including
Jackie Kennedy Onassis, looking to escape on
horseback, Estancia Los Potreros is a charming
working farm located in the off-the-beaten-track
destination of Sierras Chicas. Family-run and
focused on personalised service, the hotel is
limited to 12 guests at a time and centred around
family activities. You can join in on farm drives,
round-up the ponies (to protect them from
puma), and even learn how to lasso, as well as
explore the beautiful surroundings with hikes
incorporating swimming holes, condor-spotting
points, and crashing waterfalls.
Teens
DO: Explore the wonders of the great outdoors
with a short-haul flight to see the geysers,
waterfalls, and volcanic craters in Iceland’s
Golden Circle. Iceland is a place of extreme
contrasts. On this trip, you’ll experience them all.
There’s something for everybody, and that’s what
makes Iceland family holidays so special.
STAY: Skalakot
Tear yourself away from the festivities of
Reykjavík and spend some Icelandic-style family
time together. At Skalakot, the emphasis is on
fun and hard work, meaning your family
will enjoy a holiday alongside
some unique local experiences.
With around 100 horses on
this working farm, the staff are
professional equine trainers
and incurable nature lovers
who will match your trip to
your ability and interest. After a
day’s riding, the steam bath and
hot tubs are a necessity as much
as a luxury. Time your holiday
right and you could see the
spectacle of the aurora borealis.
Everything here will make your
family feel at home.
44 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

Beach babes
0-8
DO: Every family needs some downtime and a
beach holiday will ensure relaxation. For those
with children under eight, your ideal resort could
be in Dubai or Oman, where marine life is plentiful.
Hotels with access to safe private beaches, the
warm waters of the Persian Gulf, beach showers,
shaded spots, and children’s pools make this part
of the Middle East perfect for young families.
STAY: JA Palm Tree Court & Spa
The kids will adore you for bringing them to this
family beach hotel in Dubai. They can choose
between horse or camel riding, tennis, football,
swimming (in three pools), or myriad water
sports including banana boat rides. You can relax
in the knowledge they are safely entertained,
while you lie back and chill out.
8+
DO: As an introduction to the natural wonders of
the world, the Great Barrier Reef in unbeatable.
Queensland, Australia, has some of the most
dramatic terrain on the planet, where even the
beaches offer adventure for kids.Your child
can learn to surf in a private lesson on the
most iconic beach in the world, or experience
a ranger-led adventure on Phillip Island; and
beyond the beach, there’s a slice of rural life at
the sustainable Keeyuga Farm, or Taronga Wild
Australia Experience, a two-hour, behind-thescenes
tour with the Taronga Zoo keepers.
STAY: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort
Families here can relax in complete harmony,
in spacious apartments ranging from one to
three bedrooms. Splash out on the Penthouse
and enjoy a private rooftop area with an outdoor
Jacuzzi and entertainment facilities. Blending
seamlessly into the tropical landscape, the resort
is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, World
Heritage listed rainforest, and Cape Tribulation.
Teens
DO: If your teen wants to hang 10, consider a
trip to Hawaii for activities and experiences they
won’t forget. These beaches and islands are their
own world of opportunities. On these islands,
you can visit historic Pearl Harbor, see the whitesand
beaches of Waikiki, and learn to surf on
the North Shore. Zip-line over an extinct crater,
snorkel with manta ray, and take a helicopter ride
over Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Or
cycle down Haleakala at sunrise, witness tropical
waterfalls along the scenic road to Hana, and sea
kayak with humpback whale and sea turtle. This
adventure is much more than sand and sea!
STAY: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at KO Olina
A beach location, a Four Seasons Resort – this
is the Hawaiian paradise. The team is poised to
make your stay a big adventure or a peaceful
break. It doesn’t get much better for families
– with a young adult centre full of interactive
activities like learning to play the ukulele or hula
dance. There are four restaurants so everyone’s
tastebuds are sure to be tantalised.
Animal enthusiasts
0-8
DO: An Eastern Cape safari is an authentic
addition to a Cape Town and Garden Route trip.
Malaria-free, the area is ideal for kids with the
chance to spot the Big Five alongside awardwinning
rangers. Children will love holidaying
here – there are 22,000 hectares of wilderness
just waiting to be explored.
STAY: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
This is the place to be for an exclusive African
bush experience. If you stay in a family suite,
there will be a private safari guide and vehicle at
your disposal to make sure you and the kids see
an array of African wildlife. Located on the small
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, there are also
fun and informative safari activities from kite
building to scavenger and treasure hunts to ignite
your child’s imagination.
8+
DO: The Galápagos Islands, 1,000 kilometres off
the coast of Ecuador, are a living laboratory and
one of the most exquisite wildlife destinations
on Earth. Here you can snorkel through crystalclear
waters with sea lion and hammerhead
shark. Spotting shoals of coloured fish and
crustaceans will become second nature because
marine life is everywhere. Back on dry land, the
blue-footed booby and giant tortoise will astound
you. These trips are for families who value our
world and its future, designed with science at
their core to preserve and maintain this fragile
environment for future generations to enjoy.
STAY: Galápagos Legend
There’s so much to see on the Galápagos Islands,
a floating hotel really is the only option. The
Galápagos Legend is a boutique expedition ship
which has interconnecting room options and a
kids’ corner – making it ideal for a family tripof-a-lifetime.
Equipped with a glass bottomed
boat, kayaks and snorkelling equipment, there
are plenty of ways to explore. On board, lectures
held in the auditorium help to make this journey
informative and educational.
Teens
DO: Canada is renowned as one of the friendliest
countries in the world, so it is ideal for getting
your teenager out and about and ditching those
devices. Start with a trip around Vancouver
where you can cycle in Stanley Park, view the
sights, and sample sumptuous cuisine. Then it’s
time to return to nature – sleeping under canvas
in the wilds and seeing a real teddy bears’ picnic
as black bear come to forage on the beach.
STAY: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
On Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast,
Clayoquot is perfect for explorers of any age,
with trekking, horse riding, deep-sea fishing,
canoeing, mountain-biking, surfing, and
kayaking on offer. You can watch the abundant
wildlife from your tent or look for whale and
bear in the wild.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 45

BANGKOK
THE EXPERIENCE A&K clients can explore
Bangkok’s shining temples, housing gold
Buddhas, as well as the floating markets on the
Chao Phraya River. Weave through the streets
towards Bang Rak in a traditional tuk tuk,
looking out for the Buddhist temple of Wat Suan
Plu and the Assumption Cathedral.
WHO Acclaimed author of 22 Walks in Bangkok,
Kenneth Barrett, is on hand to personally guide
guests around Thailand’s vibrant capital.
WHY Barrett paints a living history of this
fascinating city. He can help you navigate the
maze of side streets and back alleys to reveal
beautiful palaces, temples, shops, houses, and
historical treasures.
ALTERNATIVELY Guests staying in a Deluxe
room can sample Bangkok’s signature street
food on an exclusive tour, which is guaranteed
to kickstart the senses. A&K’s expert guide can
lead foodies to culinary gems anonymously
tucked away on street corners and hidden in
marketplaces, rarely seen by visitors.
Suite dreams
ARE MADE OF THESE
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES MEET BESPOKE HOSPITALITY IN
SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING DESTINATIONS.
LAUNCHING OCTOBER 2018, A&K HAS TEAMED UP WITH
MANDARIN ORIENTAL FOR A SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP TO BRING
OUR CLIENTS SOME EXTREMELY EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
WORDS: JANET BRICE
NEW YORK
THE EXPERIENCE Hold court with the New York Knicks. This hot
ticket can give you VIP access to the stars of the famous basketball
team before heading to your exclusive courtside seats.
WHO Pose for a one-off on-court photograph with some of the
NBA’s top players before taking your premium seats in the first three
rows. After the game, guests can visit the private, post-match family
and friends gathering. This is a chance to mingle with the stars in an
intimate setting.
WHY Get up close and personal with the the New York Knicks at their
home, the world’s most famous sporting and musical arena, Madison
Square Garden.
ALTERNATIVELY Guests staying in a Deluxe room can come faceto-face
with Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night during a private art tour
of New York’s iconic galleries, including MoMA and The Solomon R.
Guggenheim Museum. A&K’s expert curator can provide an insider
perspective on the priceless masterpieces on view.
top: A Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Deluxe
room with stunning city views
left: Madison Square Garden, where guests
can meet the mighty New York Knicks
MILAN
THE EXPERIENCE
Opt to dine in the presence of a
masterpiece. Enjoy a private viewing
of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
before sitting down to an exclusive
dinner within Basilica di Santa Maria
delle Grazie.
WHO A&K’s guide can reveal the
secrets of this fragile masterpiece on
an out-of-hours tour.
WHY This unique experience
allows art buffs private access to
study one of the world’s most
recognisable paintings.
ALTERNATIVELY Guests staying in a
Deluxe room can go shopping with a
personal stylist in the exclusive fashion
houses of Milan. A team from Italian
Fashion TV would also be available to
offer styling tips during the day.
46 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

BARCELONA
THE EXPERIENCE Enjoy the best seats in the
house if you choose to partake in a VIP visit to
FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, and dine
with one of the team’s talented players.
WHO Lunch with a Barça legend can be
arranged by A&K’s expert who knows, firsthand,
the importance of the beautiful game
in this Spanish city.
WHY Join more than 99,000 spectators to
watch a match from the luxury of your private
suite. This is a stadium that has hosted such
footballing heroes as Lionel Messi, Gerard
Piqué, and Luis Suárez.
MIAMI
THE EXPERIENCE Opt to have an out-of-thisworld
adventure at the Kennedy Space Center on
a VIP tour. Visit the Mission Zones and marvel
at Space Shuttle Atlantis®, which launched as a
rocket and landed as a glider.
WHO What’s it like to travel into space and look
back at Earth? You could have the chance to ask
this and many more questions as you enjoy a
private lunch with one of NASA’s astronauts.
WHY Learn about the Moon Landings and life in
space during your day of discovery.
ALTERNATIVELY Guests staying in a Deluxe
room can paint the town on a graffiti art tour.
Wynwood Arts District, an outdoor gallery which
was once a bland industrial area, now buzzes
with life and is home to some of the world’s most
exciting street artists.
HONG KONG
THE EXPERIENCE Choose to delve into the
absorbing world of Chinese art with a celebrated
connoisseur. A&K expert Yim Tom can bring
Hong Kong’s cultural history to life. Starting out
at The China Club, the tour will journey down the
Hollywood Road, packed with galleries and antique
shops, meeting the owners as you go. The day ends
with a visit to paper artist Fung Ming-Chip’s studio.
WHO Yim Tom, a jewellery designer, curator, writer,
and art specialist, can bring to life the city’s vibrant
cultural scene.
WHY Learn more about Hong Kong’s cultural history
by studying Chinese ink paintings, exquisite bronzes,
jade treasures, and porcelain masterpieces.
ALTERNATIVELY Guests staying in a Deluxe room
can marvel at Hong Kong’s iconic skyline from the
deck of a hand-crafted, wooden junk – Aqua Luna
or Aqua Luna II. No visit to the old colony would be
complete without a cruise around Victoria Harbour,
enjoying a striking perspective of the skyline, while
sampling dim sum.
clockwise from top left: Barcelona’s
Camp Nou stadium; Atlantis® at the
Kennedy Space Center, Miami; Musée du
Louvre, Paris; a junk on Victoria Harbour,
Hong Kong; da Vinci’s The Last Supper,
Santa Maria della Grazie, Milan
PARIS
THE EXPERIENCE Enjoy VIP
access through the iconic glass
pyramid into one of the world’s
most prestigious art museums
– Musée du Louvre – in the
company of A&K’s art historian.
WHO Our art expert can share
their knowledge of some of The
Louvre’s most famous residents
including La Jocande, better
known as The Mona Lisa, and
the iconic Venus de Milo.
WHY Avoid The Louvre’s long
queues with an after-hours tour.
ALTERNATIVELY Guests
staying in a Deluxe room can
uncover the secrets of Versailles.
Arrive by helicopter to this
UNESCO World Heritage Site,
which is widely regarded as one
of the greatest pieces of French
17th-century architecture.
Upgrade your stay by adding one
of these experiences, which are
available to A&K clients staying in
select Mandarin Oriental hotels.
These optional experiences must
be booked in advance, due to their
complex nature, and are subject to
availability. For more information,
call our travel specialists
on 01242 546 620.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 47

48 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

LO N G - D I S TA N C E
RELATIONSHIP
A NEW LUXURY BEACH RESORT HAS OPENED ITS
DOORS IN A REMOTE INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO IN
THE BAY OF BENGAL. WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
CHRIS CALDICOTT DISCOVERS WHY THE TAJ
EXOTICA ANDAMANS IS WORTH THE JOURNEY
I
arrived at the brand new Taj Exotica Resort and Spa on the
Andaman Island of Havelock just in time for a sunset swim,
so quickly changed travelling clothes for swimwear, shoes
for flip flops, and headed straight for the ocean to wash away the
fatigue of hours spent on a long-distance flight and transfers.
The sandy path that wound through thick foliage and
coconut palms to the sea gave no hint of the hotel’s magical
shoreline setting until it delivered me onto the vast white arc of
Radhanagar Beach. Wrapped around a lagoon of millpond calm,
clear water with a gently sloping, flawlessly sandy seabed – it was
nothing less than a vision of paradise. One that Time magazine
recognised when they declared it the best beach in Asia.
Apart from a small group of local tourists paddling in the
middle distance, I had the beach to myself. I swam until the sun
sank behind a low bank of powder pink clouds hovering above
the horizon, sending shafts of orange into an otherwise cloudless
sky. It felt so good to be here – I had finally realised a long-held
dream of visiting this remote and exotic island outpost of India.
The 72 luxury villas, three restaurants and Jiva Spa of the hotel
are scattered among 19 hectares of coconut groves, palmyra trees,
mangroves, manicured lawns, vegetable and herb gardens, and a
large pond. They are so well hidden by the shoreline trees that no
hint can be seen from the beach, not even of the Olympic-length
infinity pool on the vast elevated terrace just behind the beach.
The resort was constructed without felling a single tree, and
the terrace has been designed with gaps big enough to let giant
mahua and mighty buttress-rooted padauk trees puncture the
decking and thrust skyward, giving it the feel of a contemporary,
open-plan treehouse.
At night the tree canopy is floodlit from below to frame a
dark skyscape of glittering stars above the bistro-style alfresco
Turtle House restaurant and cocktail bar. This serves global grills
and Indian tandoor classics, such as perfectly cooked skewers
of spiced lobster and paneer. My curry leaf martini came with
an eco-friendly papaya stem straw, fitting in seamlessly with
the hotel’s strong commitment to conservation and sustainable
luxury tourism.
The archipelagos of the Andaman and Nicobar, just over 1,350
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 49

WE WALKED AMONG ORCHIDS AND FUNGI UNDER A DENSE
CANOPY OF ANCIENT TREES HUNG WITH LIANAS, AND WERE
INVITED BY A GIGGLING FAMILY OF HILL FARMERS TO DRINK
FROM FRESHLY FORAGED COCONUTS
kilometres from the Indian mainland and stretched out over 640
kilometres of Andaman sea between Burma and Sumatra, are
like nowhere else in India, particularly when it comes to serving
up idyllic, deserted tropical beaches.
Of the 572 islands, only 38 are populated and nine open to
tourists. Most are shrouded in mystery, especially the Nicobar,
which have been totally off limits to foreigners since the colonial
era, when they were rumoured to be inhabited by ferocious
tribes of cannibals. I was taken completely by surprise to find
out that Salomie, who had earlier shown me to my villa
following her part in singing a traditional Nicobari welcome,
is Nicobarese herself.
As we walked through dappled late afternoon sunlight, she
explained that despite their Austro-Asiatic origins, 98 per cent
of Nicobarese are now Christian, and she had been recruited
as part of an arrangement between Taj and her church. Later,
Abush Kumar, the hotel’s charming general manager, said that
it had been as much about “me being interviewed by the church
elders as a suitable employer for their young people as the other
way round”. Another Nicobarese staff member, named Martin
Luther, has turned out to be a gifted musician who occasionally
serenades guests after dinner with his guitar and a voice as
smooth as tropical honey.
My generously spacious villa, built on stilts with a domed
thatched roof inspired by the architecture of traditional Jarawas
tribal huts, had an exterior of reclaimed pale palmyra wood
with a wraparound decking veranda of sunloungers and
outdoor seating. From here, wall-sized sliding glass doors led
to a polished floor and coconut wood interior with a designer
version of a king-sized four-poster bed, walk-in dressing room,
and a lavish bathroom suite. Some villas have two bedrooms and
private pools, and the seriously palatial two-storey presidential
version comes with its own 20-metre infinity pool and a lift.
The Andamans still feel like an exciting new destination;
landing at the islands’ quirky colonial era capital Port Blair after a
two-hour flight from Chennai, I immediately had the feeling this
was a good place to be. After the 90-minute hop by catamaran to
Havelock, I was in no doubt.
The drive from the busy little fishing port across the island to
Taj was along quiet country roads through undulating rainforest
and past bucolic scenes of village life, grazing livestock, and
farmers harvesting bundles of betel nut from ridiculously high,
stick-thin arecas, or bushels of rice from iridescent green
paddy fields.
During my stay I (catch-and-release) game fished for red
snapper, wahoo, and grouper out at sea, canoed through
turquoise bays to remote island beaches, snorkelled among coral
canyons, and had the memorable experience of a night kayaking
safari to a dark lagoon hidden down narrow channels between
banks of mangroves, where every time I plunged my paddle
beneath the water, I was treated to a sub-aquatic light-show of
bioluminescence. On the way back we stopped off at a lively
night bazaar around the port where street stalls sold spicy pani
puri snacks and steaming cups of hot, sweet chai.
I also went on a jungle trek with resident naturalist Jocelyn
Panjikaran, who had been so seduced by the island when she
came on holiday seven years earlier that she abandoned her
career in banking to stay. We walked among orchids and fungi
under a dense canopy of ancient trees hung with lianas, and were
invited by a giggling family of hill farmers to drink from freshly
foraged coconuts.
With boxes for location, service, activities, and
accommodation firmly ticked, I found it was on the culinary
side of luxury that Taj Exotica really excelled. At the Shoreline
restaurant, the menu celebrates the diverse aromatic flavours
and spices of Andaman Rim seafood cuisine from the Indian
subcontinent and South-East Asia, with dishes like Sri Lankan
mallung of spicy prawns and curry leaves in coconut milk, Thai
massaman chicken curry, and Bengali mud crab masala.
Bengali born executive chef Kaushik Misra’s pièce de résistance
is Settlers, an exclusive ten-seater restaurant inspired by the
cuisine of settler communities from the Indian regions of Bengal,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bihar, who migrated to the Andaman
islands and adapted their traditional recipes to include local
ingredients. With his kitchen team he has travelled the length of
the archipelago, collecting unique recipes for home-style dishes
including steamed grouper fillet in banana leaf from a Keralan
family cookbook in Diglipur, and an East Bengali version of
maan kochu chingri (prawns and taro root with mustard and
chilli) from Rangat.
Fortunately, the shoreline at Radhanagar stretches for so far,
I was able to walk off some of the excess calories on dawn strolls
when I did literally have the beach to myself. It is a perfect piece
of paradise, and I’d have travelled twice as far to see it.
previous page: The inviting waters and pure white sands of Radhanagar
Beach on Andaman Island
opposite clockwise from top left: Two of the 72 private villas, with
traditional-style thatched roofs; the perfect relaxing beach spot; waterside
accommodation; a chef works his magic; the infinity pool on the treeshrouded
terrace; a modern take on the four-poster bed
photographer: Chris Caldicott
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on holidays to the Taj Exotica Resort &
Spa, Andamans, or to book your next tailor-made adventure to
the Indian subcontinent, call to speak to our travel specialists on
01242 547 755.
50 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

abercrombiekent.co.uk | 51

PERFECT
PARTNERS
WANT ADVENTURE AND R&R, TO THRILL AND TO CHILL? A
MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAY OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, SO LET
US FIND YOU A MATCH MADE IN HOLIDAY HEAVEN. BY JANET BRICE
For more than 55 years we have been travelling the world to bring you the best travel experiences
and open doors beyond the reach of most people. In true A&K style, we like to fuse this spirit of
adventure with a generous helping of luxury and R&R.
For example, we know that when you’ve been on safari in Kenya there’s nothing better than dusting
down your khakis and swapping them for a kaftan and a spot of sunbathing on the beach in the
Seychelles. And this is just one of the six perfect-partner holiday experiences our experts have put
together to ensure you arrive home from your adventures feeling both refreshed and reinvigorated.
52 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

PERU & ECUADOR &
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
PERU
Follow in the footsteps of the Incas. In their wisdom, they decided
against sticking to the valley path and chose to take the scenic high
road on their pilgrimage to the Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Arrive from Cusco at Aguas Calientes aboard the Belmond
Hiram Bingham (named after the historian who discovered
Machu Picchu). Or for those who want to hotfoot it through the
valleys, you can explore the historic paths which lead up to the 15thcentury
citadel, voted one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Stay at Sol y Luna, which is a perfect base for exploring the
nearby Inca sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac in the Sacred Valley.
Intrepid souls can head off the beaten track with a trek through the
spectacular scenery of the Lares Valley. Pass thatched stone houses
surrounded by herds of llama and meet Andean farmers, dressed
in their brightly coloured ponchos.
For those seeking a more classic experience, the famous
Sun Gate lies at the end of the Inca Trail, above the bow of the
Urubamba River. Along the way, you will climb through a cloud
forest and follow cobbled paths dotted with orchids – the ideal
habitat for hummingbird and spectacled bear. There are numerous
sites en route at which you’ll be tempted to dawdle; just make sure
you arrive at the iconic Sun Gate at the first light of dawn for the
ultimate experience.
STAY
Sol y Luna
FLIGHT TIME
From Cusco to Quito: between five and six hours.
Quito to Baltra Island: two hours, 10 minutes
ECUADOR & GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Encounter unique wildlife from giant tortoise to marine iguana
during a cruise around Charles Darwin’s beloved Galápagos
Islands. Lying nearly 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador,
this volcanic archipelago is reached following a short flight from
the highest capital in the world, Quito.
After a few days exploring Quito, the first city to be recognised
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – which boasts a lively food
scene, Baroque churches, and breathtaking gondola rides to the
summit of a volcano – head to Baltra Island to start your cruise.
Discover more about this ecosystem on board your exploration
vessel, M/C Ocean Spray. The catamaran carries 16 people in eight
spacious cabins with private balconies. Arrive at Urbina Bay on
Isabela Island and view the giant tortoise and marine iguana which
live among the skeletal coral garden. At Tagus Cove, dive into
Darwin’s saltwater Crater Lake to cool down after the uphill trek
with your expert guide.
Nature walks will bring you face-to-face with sea lion, bluefooted
booby, and Galápagos penguin. Swim above sunken
volcanic craters and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among
inquisitive sea lion, turtle, dolphin, and orca. A photographers’
and nature lovers’ dream.
STAY
Casa Gangotena; M/C Ocean Spray
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 53

KENYA & SEYCHELLES
KENYA
Can you name the Big Five? By the time you leave the sprawling
plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya, you’ll know which animal is
missing from this list: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo…
Experience the home of safari with an overland journey into the
heart of Africa and enjoy the intoxicating mix of adventure by day
and more than a touch of bush luxury by night.
Watch in awe as the annual Great Migration takes place, with
more than a million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle sweeping
from Tanzania to the safe grasslands of the Mara. From August to
September, you can witness the iconic sight of the travelling herds
leaping for their lives over the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Enjoy front row seats of this natural wonder from Sanctuary
Olonana, which is perched on the banks of the river in the Great
Rift Valley. The family-friendly camp harks back to the romance
of a bygone era. Sleep soundly in a four-poster bed inside your
luxury canvas tent after enjoying a bush dinner under the stars in
an African boma. Life doesn’t get any better.
STAY
Sanctuary Olonana
FLIGHT TIME
Direct flight from Nairobi to Seychelles: three hours, 15 minutes
SEYCHELLES
Time to dust yourself down from the African savannah and swap
your khakis for a colourful kaftan as you become a castaway on
your own desert island.
Share the beach with turtle and a passing population of giant
tortoise on Félicité, one of the 115 ancient atolls which make up
one of the world’s most alluring destinations, the Seychelles. This is
a land of Creole heritage where prehistoric palm forests shelter the
legendary coco de mer.
Dubbed the original Garden of Eden, this archipelago nestling
in the middle of the Indian Ocean, more than 1,000 kilometres
from the East African coast, is home to the finest beaches and
natural wonders, just waiting to be explored.
Stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon and adjust to island living with a
relaxing treatment in the spa rooms built into the unique granite
boulders. After basking under the equatorial sun on the palmfringed
beach, take a cooling dip in the cerulean sea. Grab a
snorkel and flippers and swim among the iridescent corals and
shimmering shoals of fish.
You’ll discover that the Seychelles is easy to get to – but
extremely hard to leave.
STAY
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
54 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

CAPE TOWN &
MOZAMBIQUE
CAPE TOWN
As you descend through the legendary white cloud which clings
to Table Mountain, you’ll discover a land of diversity. Nestling
on the peninsula where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet,
cosmopolitan Cape Town has it all; from sparkling beaches to
glorious vineyards, and a dose of unexpected wildlife.
Share some sand time with the penguin who call Boulders
Beach home, and rub shoulders with the hyrax who live on the
mountain. Making a bigger splash from June to October are
southern right whale, which seek out the warmer climes around
Hermanus for breeding.
Enjoy spectacular views from One&Only Cape Town, which
lies in the heart of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The resort, complete with spa island, is the perfect base for
taking a boat trip to Robben Island and seeing the king protea at
Kirstenbosch Gardens.
If you’re seeking the Big Five, travel north for a safari at Kruger
National Park. Round off your trip with a two-hour flight to Sabi
Sands Reserve to look for the elusive leopard near Dulini Lodge.
A pool has thoughtfully been added to the viewing platform.
STAY
One&Only Cape Town
FLIGHT TIME
Kruger to Vilanculous, Mozambique: one hour, 10 minutes.
Flight to Benguerra Island: 10 minutes
SRI LANKA &
MALDIVES
SRI LANKA
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the teardrop-shaped
island of Sri Lanka, which once lured its visitors with a promise
of jewels and spices. Today, it’s the new cultural hot spot.
Explore the sacred shrines of the Cultural Triangle, made
up of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and
Dambulla, renowned for its rock cave temple. This jewel in
Sri Lanka’s crown includes the magnificent cliff-top fortress of
Sigiriya, known as the Lion Rock, which can be viewed from
the stilted resort of Vil Uyana.
Head to the refreshing highlands of Kandy to view the
Temple of the Tooth, a reliquary for one of the Buddha’s alleged
teeth. Round off your day swimming in a sea of orchids at the
tranquil Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, before relaxing
at The Kandy House.
The next day, wind through tropical tea plantations on one
of the most scenic railway journeys in the world as you travel
to Hatton. Enjoy the colonial elegance at Ceylon Tea Trails,
where you can literally drink in the culture of this small island
that packs punch.
STAY
Vil Uyana, Sigiriya; The Kandy House, Kandy; Ceylon Tea Trails,
Hatton
FLIGHT TIME
Colombo to Maldives: one hour, 30 minutes
MOZAMBIQUE
Time to relax. The only decision you’ll have to make on the
enchanting island of Benguerra is when to take a dip in the
sparkling sea. Set within a Marine National Park, you can kick
back and watch local dhows criss-cross the Mozambique waters.
Dive below the waves and you’ll discover a multi-coloured
world with a rainbow of coral reefs, shoals of tropical fish, and the
prospect of seeing the protected dugong or migrating humpback
whale. Enjoy the rare treat of a beach picnic close to the nesting
grounds of both the green and hawksbill turtle.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean lap the white shores of
the Azura Benguerra boutique lodge. At the first eco-retreat in the
country, you’ll experience the true flavour of an authentic African
lodge. With the ocean literally on your doorstep, you’ll soon be
tempted away from your sunlounger to swim with dolphin or sail
on a dhow. Toast the end of each day with a glass of wine, flown in
from the Loire Valley, followed by the barefoot luxury of a beach
dinner under the light of the stars.
STAY
Azura Benguerra
MALDIVES
Turquoise water lapping at the gently shelving white beaches
of the world’s most famous archipelago, private chalets
suspended over the water – your first glimpse of the Maldives
from the cabin window will reveal why this is known as the
last paradise on Earth.
Escape to a world where time almost stands still, apart from
the comforting rhythms of the tide and arc of the sun across
the faraway horizon. You’ll soon find yourself in tune with
nature on this chain of 26 atolls dotted like a string of pearls
in the Arabian Sea.
Barefoot luxury is the order of the day when you stay at
Huvafen Fushi. Set within its own lagoon, this romantic
haven provides over-water villas complete with glass floors to
watch myriad marine life pass by. The Maldives may be the
lowest place in the world, but it comes top in our eyes for the
ultimate beach hideaway before or after your cultural odyssey
of Sri Lanka.
STAY
Huvafen Fushi
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 55

JAPAN & HAWAII
JAPAN
Cherry blossom to cutting-edge technology, and ancient shrines
that lie in the shadow of shimmering skyscrapers – welcome to
Japan, an island nation where past meets present head on.
Hit the ground running when you arrive in the giddy metropolis
of Tokyo. The capital is home to both the futuristic Skytree, the
tallest tower in the world, and the tranquil gardens of the Imperial
Palace on the site of Edo Castle, which dates back to the days of
Shogun rule. After exploring the art galleries and stocking up
with electronics from Akihabara, board the bullet train for a day
exploring Mount Fuji.
Why not venture off the beaten track and head to Kanazawa,
regarded as the cultural jewel in mainland Japan? It is best known
for Kenroku-en, a castle garden dating back to the 17th-century,
preserved samurai districts, and temples. Hop aboard a bike and
head to the village of Hida Furukawa, where you can relax with a
glass of saki while admiring the snow-tipped Japanese Alps.
Check into Hidatei Hanaougi, a traditional ryokan (inn) for
a peaceful night’s sleep, to prepare for tea ceremonies and the
mysterious world of the geisha which awaits you in Kyoto.
STAY
The Gate Tokyo (pictured below); Hotel Nikko, Osaka; Minshuku
Shirakawa-go; Hidatei Hanaougi, Hida Takayama; Ekoin, Mount
Koya; Royal Park Hotel, Tokyo; Minshuku Daikichi, Tsumago
FLIGHT TIME
Direct flight from Tokyo to Honolulu: eight hours, 30 minutes
HAWAII
Soak up the sun on the never-ending white-sand beaches by day
and marvel at a blanket of stars in the crystal-clear sky by night.
You’ll soon discover why Hawaii is the hot new location for filming
Hollywood movies from Jurassic World to Jumanji.
With its smoking volcanoes, technicolour coral reefs, and the
cobalt Pacific Ocean teeming with giant manta ray and turtle, the
four main islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island make up
the 50th state of the US, known as paradise on Earth
Before easing yourself into the laid back pace of Polynesian life,
take a helicopter ride over the Na Pali Coast on the garden island
of Kauai and see the tropical rainforest and waterfalls. Then watch
in awe the molten lava flow from Kilauea, the world’s most active
volcano, on Big Island.
Delight in a visit to a mountain-top astronomy centre and see
the Milky Way more clearly than from anywhere else in the world.
Head to Oahu for the best surfing spots and the highlands of Lanai
rich with yellow hibiscus and red ohia. Then as you reach the end
of your island hopping, it’s time to say aloha: until next time.
STAY
Halekulani Hotel
56 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS
VIETNAM
Enjoy a relaxed pace of life with a culinary tour of Vietnam.
Sample the delights of this diverse country by exploring on cyclo
(three-wheeled bicycle taxi), moped, or boat. Hop aboard a
sampan to sail through the mysterious waters of the inner Mekong
Delta, where you can barter for fresh mangoes with local traders at
the colourful floating market at Cai Be.
Nothing will beat the buzz of hopping on the back of a vintage
Vespa and weaving through the vibrant night markets of Ho Chi
Minh City, then indulging in world class street food from bánh
cuốn (steamed rice rolls) to phở (Vietnamese noodle soup), all
washed down with an intoxicating glass of rice wine. Stay at
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc lying on Vietnam’s largest island just
a short flight away. At this slice of paradise in the Gulf of Thailand
you can enjoy a seafood barbecue on the beach
From the moment you sit in a cyclo for your first taste of the
capital, Hanoi, to eating with the locals at Dong Ba Market on the
iconic Perfumer River, you’ll discover a fusion of flavours which
ripples the length and breadth of this spectacular country.
STAY
La Siesta Trendy, Hanoi; Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh; Pilgrimage
Village, Hue; Hotel Royal Hoi An, Mgallery by Sofitel; Hôtel des
Arts Saigon, MGallery Collection, Ho Chi Minh City; La Veranda
Resort, Phu Quoc; Song Xanh Sampan
TRANSFER
Speedboat transfer from Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh: four hours,
30 minutes
CAMBODIA
Arrive in style with a speedboat trip which will bring you into the
heart of the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Once known as
the Pearl of Asia, you’ll see how this vibrant city has risen from
the ashes of war and revolution to regain its shine.
The Royal Palace still dominates the skyline and includes the
eye-catching Silver Pagoda, called Wat Preah Keo, or Temple of
the Emerald Buddha. Scratch the surface and you’ll discover a
hauntingly beautiful country.
Deep in the Cambodian jungle are the crumbling remains of
civilisations past. Take to your bike and pedal around the evocative
Khmer temples from Bayon, which houses carvings of more than
200 faces on its walls, to the wonderfully unrestored Ta Prohm,
known as the Jungle Temple, clasped under the branches of
parasitic trees outside the city of Siem Reap.
You may recognise the 12th-century Angkor Wat temple from
its picture on the national flag. A short drive from Park Hyatt Siem
Reap, visit at sunset and capture its silhouette against the orange
and purple sky reflected in the mirror-like moat.
An ancient image perfect for today’s Instagram feed.
STAY
La Rose Suites, Phnom Penh; Park Hyatt Siem Reap
FLIGHT TIME
From Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Luang Prabang, Laos: one hour,
30 minutes
LAOS
Why not leave the best to last? Head north and discover
South-East Asia’s hidden gem, the mountain kingdom of Luang
Prabang in landlocked Laos.
Soak up the magical atmosphere in the golden glow of its gilded
temples and stupas, saffron-robed monks, and the sumptuous
ruby-red Wat Mai monastery. Explore this UNESCO World
Heritage Site, which sits on the confluence of the Mekong and
Nam Khan (Khan River), by foot or bicycle, and see the most
sacred Buddha image of all, the Phra Bang.
Early risers can join locals in the ritual of Tak Bat, where you
give alms to the Buddhist Monks who pass by in single file, oldest
first, carrying bowls. Don’t leave before sailing down the Mekong
to see Buddha figurines at Pak Ou Caves or visiting the Manda Lao
Elephant Sanctuary. October sees the fabulous Festival of Lights,
which includes a parade of boats with lanterns.
Stray beyond this old French town and you’ll find aquamarine
waterfalls and hazy green mountains when you stay at the stunning
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao. Eat with a local family and
experience the Baci ceremony which wishes travellers luck on
future journeys. Bon voyage.
STAY
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on tailor-made multi-centre holidays,
call to speak to our travel specialists on 01242 547 760.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 57

SAFARI
GIRLS
58 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BOND WITH YOUR CHILDREN ON HOLIDAY?
TAKE THEM ON SAFARI, AND SHARE THEIR ADVENTURES, SAYS SALLY PECK.
THE TELEGRAPH’S FAMILY TRAVEL EDITOR ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS ABOUT
HER TRIP TO KENYA WITH DAUGHTER ANTONIA
Q
THIS WAS YOUR FIRST TRIP TO AFRICA:
WHY NOW?
A
I wanted to bring my daughter, Antonia, on her first major
adventure. She was five and a half, and has always loved meeting
new people. She, like me, is an explorer. I was keen to visit a place that
would be new to both of us, so we could share the adventure. I’d wanted
to visit Africa – and, specifically, Kenya – for years. I’d been lured by the
writing of Isak Dinesen, and troubled by colonial history. I’d never been
before because, frankly, as a student, I’d lacked a safari-sized budget and,
as a reporter, my work has focused more on North America and China.
How you visit a place is as important as the destination itself – I’ve had
great trips to Beijing, and bad trips to Beijing: so much depends upon
local knowledge. I was impressed with Abercrombie & Kent’s apparent
understanding of what works for kids. Mature children like Antonia are
engaged, and can go for hours, if they’re included in the discussions. And
while I’m happy backpacking around countries I know, I wanted more
of a helping hand for my first trip to Kenya.
Q
YOUR DAUGHTER WAS FIVE AND A HALF
YEARS OLD WHEN YOU WENT. DID YOU
HAVE ANY RESERVATIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING
TO AFRICA WITH A LITTLE ONE IN TOW, AND
IF SO, WHAT WAS IT THAT HELPED YOU
OVERCOME THEM?
A
I
did. There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation about malaria
on parenting websites. In fact, I was so nervous and confused
about the various anti-malarials on the market that I consulted my
GP, an American GP, and the head of paediatric infectious diseases at
Great Ormond Street. All recommended vaccines against yellow fever,
meningitis, and malaria.
Q
A&K’S FAMILY PROGRAMME WAS
DEVELOPED FOR PARENTS WHO WANTED
TO EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH THEIR CHILDREN
AT THEIR SIDES – WHAT DO YOU THINK
FAMILIES GET OUT OF TRAVELLING TOGETHER?
A
Children
make you look at the world differently, often more
carefully. The night before we left for Kenya, I discovered Antonia
shoving her art portfolio – with watercolours, paintbrushes and pencils
– into our shared suitcase. Worried about the weight of our case, I was
a bit exasperated, but it was an inspired move on her part. Each evening
before supper we sat on our deck, overlooking the endless land in front
of us, painting what we saw. Painting requires that you look far more
carefully at scenery than snapping a quick photo; our best records of our
trip are these watercolours of lions and elephants. Travelling as a family,
particularly to an area none of you has visited before, is an exercise in
patience, trust, and shared joy. With work, school, and ever-present
smartphones, we spend so little uninterrupted time with our children;
holidays are the one chance we have to really engage and interact, in a
relaxed setting, without the intrusions of mundane life.
Basically, as long as things go as smoothly as possible (children do not
love unpredictability or long waits – mind you, neither do their parents),
there’s nothing better than travelling with your kids.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 59

Q
TALK US THROUGH YOUR SAFARI AND
GAME DRIVE EXPERIENCES
A
In Lewa, we had a guide to ourselves – as each group did – and
this was ideal. Antonia and I are early risers, so we woke at
dawn each day, and went out in pursuit of a previously agreed animal.
Our guide, Karmushu Kiama, is the co-manager of Lewa Wilderness,
where he has worked for the past 13 years, and he was fantastic. A
father himself, he knew just how to hold Antonia’s interest. Like all
great teachers, he soon had her articulating her observations about the
animals, and drawing her own conclusions, based on the evidence.
Then, depending on our energy levels, we could go on as many or few
drives as we wanted. We tended to do a big morning drive, lasting until
nearly lunch, and then a late afternoon drive. One night we went out after
dark with another family, and watched hyena emerge, with their glowing
eyes – that was thrilling.
At Sanctuary Olonana in the Masai Mara, our guide, Abdul, was
incredibly knowledgeable, and is a keen wildlife photographer – his work
is up around the dining room at the resort – so was well-placed to help
with that sort of exploration. There we were on a safari truck with three
other people – a Kenyan woman and a honeymooning American couple.
We loved meeting them, but children have a different attention span to
adults, and I would advise arranging individual game drives for children.
Q
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE CAN SEEM VERY
BRUTAL WHEN EXPERIENCED FIRST-
HAND. HOW DID ANTONIA DEAL WITH IT?
A
That was actually one of the main reasons I was so keen to
take her on safari. Our Victorian squeamishness about the
realities of life and death do us – and our children – damage. Thanks
to excellent guides, we always felt completely safe. But watching
a leopard devour a baby eland or piecing together the bones of a
wildebeest’s spinal column offers a great, tangible reality for children
and adults. We both loved it.
Q
WHAT WERE THE ACTIVITIES, ASIDE
FROM THE GAME DRIVES, THAT YOU
MOST ENJOYED AND WHY?
A
We went on horse and camel rides at Lewa, in a part of the
reserve that is closed to lions and other predatory cats and
elephants, but is full of giraffes and zebras and all manner of antelope.
When you’re on horseback, the other animals don’t mind if you get
quite close, which gave us a new perspective. There were quite a few
times, as Antonia pointed out, that she could have kissed a giraffe. We
60 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

previous page: Sally with daughter Antonia
left to right: Photographing elephant;
meeing the Maasai
ANTONIA’S TAKE:
YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY
Learning about
animals from
Karmushu. He
was so kind, and
it was exciting
to watch baboons
and see what
they do.
ONE NIGHT WE WENT
OUT AFTER DARK WITH
ANOTHER FAMILY, TO
WATCH HYENA EMERGE,
WITH THEIR GLOWING EYES
– THAT WAS THRILLING.
also enjoyed the pools at Lewa and Sanctuary Olonana, and I had a lovely
massage one day at the latter, while a wonderful Kenyan friend we met on
safari did Antonia’s hair in braids.
YOU VISITED A MAASAI VILLAGE DURING
Q
YOUR TRIP. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU
ENJOYED ABOUT IT?
A
Yes,
when we were staying in the Mara. A group of men had a
jumping contest, a group of women led me and the other visiting
women in dancing and singing. Then we visited a mud hut and a
jewellery market. We still both wear the beautiful beads that we bought
that day.
At Antonia’s request, one day when we were at Lewa our guide
Karmushu took us to a local school, and that was a really successful
experience. I’d worried that this would unfairly interrupt the school day
(I used to be a teacher) and that Antonia would be so shy, and the visit so
brief, that she might not get much from it.
But, again, I should have just listened to my daughter. She was really
keen to see how kids like her spend their days, and Karmushu knew how
to integrate Antonia with the local schoolchildren, translating between
them so that she could meet kids her age and share mutually familiar
songs and dances.
Q
WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR
TRIP, BOTH AS A TRAVELLER AND A
MOTHER, AND WHY?
A
The absolute highlight for me was seeing how open my daughter
was to learning, exploring, and making friends. She fell in love
with Karmushu, at Lewa, and was desperately sad to leave him.
Also, as the person who is always in charge on trips, it was an
enormous relief that, at every stage of our journey, we were helped
by enthusiastic, engaging, and incredibly bright people. From Fiona,
who met us and directed our exploration of Nairobi (don’t miss Karen
Blixen’s house, if you’re a fan; we loved it) to each night guide and cook,
the staff members who work for and with A&K are just incredible. Their
long association with the company is a credit to its strength as a brand.
Finally, as a lone adult traveller, I absolutely loved the group meals
at Lewa. You can eat in your beautiful lodge alone, if you fancy that –
and some people did. But I adored the communal evening meals, in an
open-air thatched hut overlooking a hill. We met the most fascinating
people at dinner – fellow artists, a family on their third visit to Lewa
who spent a night camping in the bush, the founder of a girls’ education
charity – and over distinctly British fare, we compared notes on animal
sightings and revelled in our joy at being there.
Q
LASTLY, ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR
FAMILIES CONSIDERING A SAFARI?
A
Do it. I cannot think of a more perfect family trip: this combines
adventure, activity, and learning with relaxation and scenes of
unequalled beauty.
Sally Peck is The Telegraph’s family travel and beaches editor
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
A&K's eight-night Kenya family safari itinerary starts at £7,645 per
adult and £1,815 per child (based on two adults and two children
under 12 sharing, includes flights*). For more information, call our
travel specialists on 01242 547 702.
*For a full list of inclusions, speak to an A&K travel specialist
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 61

KENYA – A&K’S BIRTHPLACE AND
THE HOME OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
Geoffrey Kent founded A&K in Kenya in 1962 with little more than a refrigerated truck
and the best tents money could buy. Back then, we went by the motto ‘off-the-beatentrack
safaris’. A lot has changed in the intervening five decades, but we still devise unique,
meticulously planned safaris into hard-to-reach wildernesses. We win awards for not only
our bespoke luxury holidays and unparalleled escorted tours, but also our efforts to protect
and preserve the places we travel to, like our Masai Mara Conservation Programme and Safe
Water for Schools Initiative… Because sometimes it’s the how as well as the where.
abercrombiekent.co.uk/kenya | 01242 547 702

CHINA
IN YOUR HAND
A LAND OF CONTRASTS, FROM ANCIENT CITIES TO HIGH-TECH HUBS, CHINA IS YOURS
FOR THE TAKING ON AN A&K TAILOR-MADE TOUR. PENELOPE RANCE EXPLORES THE OLD
AND THE NEW IN THIS DIVERSE DESTINATION. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH: GERALD HATHERLY
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 63

Some of the ancient world’s most sophisticated civilisations
were forged in China, but visitors to the country will not
find a nation basking in past glories. Here the modern
world shines just as bright, progress marching ahead while
showing due deference for its noble history. And it’s possible to
discover it all, exploring the past and present of this fascinating
country on a tailor-made A&K holiday. If the thought of trying
to unlock China’s secrets on your own is intimidating, let us
lead you off the tourist trail to marvel at its many wonders. We’ll
take you to some incredible locations where you can experience
China, both old and new, in all its multi-layered magnificence.
Xian and Shaanxi Province
Nowhere do ancient and modern China contrast more strikingly
than in Xian – capital of Shaanxi Province and perhaps the
country’s most historic city, it also sits at the leading edge of
China’s high-tech explosion.
Head of the Silk Road for over 1,000 years, and the seat of
power for 13 ruling periods of Chinese history, there are more
than 70 imperial burial sites around Xian, including that of
Emperor Qin Shi Huang, still guarded by his Terracotta Army.
The largest ancient city wall in China encircles it; the first
mosque was constructed here in 742; and it houses the ruins of
Banpo Neolithic village, dating back 6,000 years.
The modern face of Xian is as a seat of education with
90 degree-granting universities and colleges graduating
350,000 students per year. Many go on to work for one of the
international companies which have set up operations in the
city, designated by the government as a central innovation hub
for the tech industry, earning it its new title of Capital of the
21st Century Silk Road.
Quanzhou and Fujian Province
Despite its importance in China’s history, Fujian is often
overlooked by visitors to the country. Today a centre for
international trade and development, it has long been one of
the great tea regions of China, notably at Wuyi Mountain, home
to Dahongpao cha (Big Red Robe tea), a variant of oolong said
to be worth more than gold. Also found among the province’s
mountains is the Tulou architecture of the Hakka people, built
between the 15th and 20th centuries, and now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
Fujian’s largest metropolitan region, Quanzhou, was the
biggest seaport in China during the two Song Dynasties (from
907 to 1279), trading with South-East Asia, India, the Middle
East, and beyond. The city contains early mosques, an Arab
graveyard and relics from the Tang (618-907) and Song periods.
The province is still at the forefront of trade and commerce,
and is a leader in joint-venture industry, with international
companies including Boeing, Dell, GE, Kodak, Nokia, and
Siemens basing production facilities there. The Fujian Golden
Triangle of Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, and Xiamen is one of the key
production zones in China.
64 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

Hangzhou and Zhejiang Province
The epitome of old entwined with new, Hangzhou embodies the
quintessential China of pagodas, gardens, and temples, while still
being its wealthiest business city, with the highest concentration
of entrepreneurs.
The region around Hangzhou is home to one of the most
advanced known Neolithic cultures, flourishing from 5500BC
to 3300BC, and considered the first Chinese people to cultivate
paddy fields, have advanced pottery works, and use lacquer. A
centre for silk and tea production, Hangzhou was the capital of
the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), when it was also the
largest city in the world.
Now a metropolis of seven million people, Hangzhou is
the heart of China’s Silicon Valley. Home to ecommerce giant
Alibaba, it continues to lure tech start-ups and entrepreneurs.
But it’s not all digital: a centre for the revolution in landscape
painting in the 12th century, these days the city is home to the
China National Academy of Fine Arts.
Yinchuan and Ningxia
Hui Autonomous Region
Little known to visitors from the West, Yinchuan and Ningxia
serve as an illustration of China’s aspirations for the 21st century.
In 2000, the country barely registered as a wine producer – less
than two decades later, it ranks seventh in the world in terms
of production, with Ningxia’s 100-plus registered wineries
creating award-winning vintages. A handful of these are open
to the public, with some offering guided tours, meals, and
accommodation.
The region’s history is as impressive as its future. Ningxia was
once part of the Ordos, a wild steppe wasteland home to warlike
tribes of horsemen – a western frontier separating the nomads
from the civilisation of ancient China. It made up the Western
Xia region of the Tangut Empire, which lasted from 1038 until
1227, when the Xi Xia were annihilated by Genghis Khan and his
Mongol horde.
Taiyuan and Shanxi Province
One foot firmly in the future, Shanxi is an important military
region and a leader in power generation, while the capital
Taiyuan is a hub for industry, education and research. It is full
of museums, temples, universities, and charming green spaces.
The other foot is rooted in the past. A cradle of early Chinese
civilization, the province ‘West of the Mountains’ birthed the
revolution which created the People’s Republic. It shelters sacred
mountains including Daoist Hengshan and Wutaishan, the
famous Buddhist site. Ancient Datong, capital of the Northern
Wei Dynasty from 398 to 493, boasts the Hanging Temple,
Yungang Buddhist Grottoes, Shanhua Temple, and the Nine
Dragon Screen. Shanxi is also home to Pingyao Ancient City,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site demonstrating early town
planning by the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
previous page: Contrasting scenes of Hangzhou West Lake
opposite page from top right: Xiamen city skyline; tea being grown in
Fujian province; the West Light Radio and Television Tower in Shaanxi;
Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army; Shanxi Grand Theatre; a dragon sculpture
in Pingyao Ancient City
this page from top left: Hangzhou by night; The ‘Jade Belt’ bridge in
Hangzhou; Hai Bao Park, Yinchuan; Western Xia Imperial mausoleums
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information, or to discuss your next tailor-made
holiday to China, call to speak to our Far East travel specialists
on 01242 547 704.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 65

OPEN OCEAN
THE INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND RETREATS OF THE MALDIVES AND SEYCHELLES ARE BEING
RESHAPED BY NEW LUXURY RESORTS WHERE ART, NATURE, AND FORWARD-THINKING DESIGN
ARE MAKING A SPLASH. HERE’S THE FIRST WAVE OF EXCITING ARRIVALS
MALDIVES
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi,
Shaviyani Atoll
Opened: April 2018
Best for: Families and sculpture spotters
What’s in a name? Sirru Fen Fushi means ‘Secret
Water Island’ and it’s an apt moniker. The
pristine 600-hectare lagoon – the largest in the
archipelago – that surrounds the resort contains
the Maldives’ first underwater art gallery, by
British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The Sculpture
Coralarium – a semi-submerged tidal art space –
is a unique eco-art attraction, which will double
as the foundations of an artificial reef. It exhibits
a series of artworks on the skyline, intertidal
waterbed, and seabed. Tours are conducted daily
by the Fairmont’s resident divers.
Back on land, the Fairmont Maldives is a 120
luxury all-villa resort. Accommodation is rustic
chic – champagne-coloured wood, thatched
roofs, macramé cushions, and over-water swings.
Not just a honeymooners’ hideaway – there’s a
toddler play garden, a kids’ club, and dedicated
Teen Town. While offspring are cosseted in
clubs, the Willow Stream Spa is a veritable oasis,
offering authentic local island culture treatments.
There’s a buffet-style restaurant, a seafood
restaurant supplied by local fishermen, and a
signature Japanese dining space. The open-air
bamboo bar is reminiscent of Balinese hangouts.
The eco-creds check out too: solar panels have
been installed and desalinated water is served in
reusable bottles all over the island.
LUX* North Malé Atoll
Opening: Early 2019
Best for: Future-focused folk
and party people
The second Maldives getaway from the
LUX* group, the resort in the Olhahali
Atoll will turn the typical Maldivian trope
on its head when it opens in early 2019.
Forget wood and thatch, instead there
are space age-style, white pod villas. By
Singaporean design house Miaja, each of
the 67 double-storey residences features
hand-polished wood, indoor/outdoor
spaces, and white and neon-pink interiors.
They have been imagined as South Beach
superyachts and will be crowned by
spacious Sky Lounges. These ultra-modern
‘penthouse paradises’ aim to elevate the
archipelago experience.
Facilities on the island include an
outdoor cinema; kids’ club; brunchserving,
international DJ-headlining beach
club; an art studio; holistic spa; dive club;
and superyacht for bespoke sailing trips
into the sunset.
WORDS: ALICIA DEVENEY
66 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

Kudadoo Private Island by Hurawalhi,
Lhaviyani Atoll
Opened: Early 2018
Best for: Recluses and marine-life lovers
Straw hats off to the team behind just-opened
Kudadoo Private Island by Hurawalhi. Forty
minutes by seaplane from Malé, it’s joined
the ranks of a select few private islands
already raising the bar for chic castaway
resorts in the archipelago. Serviced by the
adjacent Hurawalhi Maldives resort in the
Lhaviyani Atoll – a Maldivian manta ray hot
spot – a mere five-minute boat ride away, this
exclusive-use, grown-ups-only island features
15 villas. Roomy and spacious, the onebedroom
villas are 303 square metres, while
the two-bed residences are 380 square metres.
Designed by Yuji Yamazaki of YYA New York,
all the elegant, Japanese style-influenced villas
are over-water and butler-serviced.
If guests can bear to leave their patch of
private paradise, Hurawalhi features the
amenities that could be expected from a
Maldivian resort hotel, plus a fun, all-glass
undersea eatery – the largest in the Maldives.
Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu at 5.8
restaurant, while marvelling at the occasional
octopus, manta, and eagle ray that pass by, not
to mention zebra-patterned bannerfish, glass
fish, and yellow long-nose butterfly fish.
JOALI, Muravandhoo Island,
Raas Atoll
Opening: Late 2018
Best for: Imaginative kids, their arty
parents and foodies
As part of the new wave of hotels that
are reimagining the Maldives as a family
friendly destination, JOALI will offer
giggle-inducing, fun activities for all its
mini guests when it opens later this year.
Treasure hunts, storytelling sessions,
special mini spa treatments, and a junior
chef programme will engage and entrance
little visitors. And they’ll love the artisanal
chocolate and ice-cream store.
Grown-ups will praise each of the 73
one- to four-bedroom thatched beach or
over-water villas, the Bellini bar, the ESPA
spa, and inventive fusion cuisine, such
as Peruvian-Japanese. With interiors by
Autoban and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt, all
villas are adorned with objets d’art by young
artists – many using recycled materials.
JOALI proves that even resort construction
doesn’t have to be destructive – it has been
designed in and around every swaying
coconut palm and native tree on the island.
SEYCHELLES
Four Seasons Seychelles
at Desroches Island
Opened: March 2018
Best for: Happy couples
Fresh from a two-year-long revamp, this
overhauled resort (formerly known as
Desroches Island) has been remade as Four
Season Seychelles at Desroches Island. A
35-minute seaplane flight from Mahé, the
resort has been curated as the perfect blend
between the pulse and pace of the larger
sister Four Seasons resort in the Seychelles
and a private island getaway.
The 40 beach suites have been redesigned
and now boast private pools, outdoor/
indoor bathrooms, and a castaway-chic vibe
compete with unfinished wood, rattan and
unbleached linens. Each room faces the
Indian Ocean and guests are encouraged
to explore the 14 kilometres of white icingsugar
beaches or freewheel via palm-lined
paths by complimentary bicycle.
Each of the 11 new private residences
has the boon of a butler, perfect for
larger groups. There’s a state-of-the-art
anti-gravity yoga pavilion and an Aldabra
giant tortoise sanctuary to explore. In the
turquoise waters around the island there
are no fewer than 14 world-class dive sites
including the Desroches Drop.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information, or to discuss your next holiday to the
Maldives or the Seychelles, call to speak to our beach-holiday
travel specialists on 01242 547 708.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 67

68 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
LOVE
TRIANGLE

HAVING TAKEN INDIA’S FAMED TOURIST ROUTE, THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, JAN MASTERS
REVISITS INDIA TO EXPLORE A NEW TRIO: VARANASI, DARJEELING, AND KOLKATA
The go-to itinerary for any first timer to India
is the Golden Triangle in the north. It’s a
perfect polygon of super-sightseeing that
takes in dizzying Delhi, Agra’s mighty Taj Mahal,
and Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, studded with pink
palaces. As an introduction to the subcontinent,
it’s a crash course in the country’s traditions and
colourful culture.
Visitors looking to make their next trip often
apply the brakes and head down south to lush
and languid Kerala. But I have had two other
destinations tugging at my dreams, demanding
attention: Varanasi, the sacred city on the Ganges;
and Darjeeling in the lofty Himalayas. The question?
How to work them into a cohesive holiday. A&K has
the answer. Create my own Golden Triangle Mark
Two by plunging into spiritual Varanasi (after taking
an international flight to Delhi), before heading to a
heavenly tea estate in the Himalayas, and finishing
with a blast of beyond-busy Kolkata. Deal.
Hotel transfers aren’t usually holiday highlights,
but as my husband and I take a boat down the
Ganges, we are afforded our first sight of Varanasi,
and it’s right up there in my compendium of wideeyed
travel moments.
This extraordinary city, thought to be at least
3,000 years old, is a tableau of towers, temples, and
ghats (steps down to the river). Here, you will see
sadhus (holy men) in their saffron robes, their faces
covered in white ash, and hundreds of pilgrims,
dipping and diving into the river to wash away
sins. As smoke from numerous bankside funeral
pyres writhes up into the air, it is perhaps the
closest experience to time travel, for this place, so
frenetically active, is also a frozen snapshot of
India’s history.
Amid the intensity of Varansi, you need a
bolthole. But I also want somewhere to stay that’s
authentic so as not to dilute the drama of daily
discoveries. Brijrama Palace on the Darbhanga Ghat
fits the bill. Built as a palace in 1812, it was acquired
by the Brahmin King of Darbhanga in 1915, who
three years later installed one of the first elevators
in India. I love the carved interiors with original
art and the restaurants’ traditional fare (note, no
alcohol is served due to proximity to the holy river).
We also enjoy the rooftop terrace where you can
rejuvenate before revving yourself to venture into
the streets of the City of Light.
For Hindus, this is not only a special place to
visit or for a family member to be cremated, it is
also the most auspicious place to pass away – if
you die here, you attain moksha, release from the
cycle of reincarnation. Along the ghats, the funeral
pyres burn 24/7, 365 days of the year, and the most
respectful way to view the scene is to let A&K
organise an expert guide to escort you on a boat
(be aware, photography is frowned upon, although
it’s tolerated from a distance). This also ensures you
will be found a great vantage point from which to
witness the Aarti ceremony at dusk, when the river
is worshipped with flowers and candles.
Varanasi is one of the oldest places to be
continually inhabited, and for all its many rituals
surrounding mortality, it veritably pulsates with life.
Children play cricket and fly kites. Cattle negotiate
the steep steps with superior aplomb. Vivid laundry
is flapped into the air and laid out like a ginormous
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 69

70 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

patchwork quilt to bake in the sun. And on the river, traders in
flower-adorned boats row by, ready to sell you armfuls of trinkets
and treasures.
Would I come here in the serious heat rather than coincide my
trip with winter? No, I would find it far too full-on. Would I come
here again? Resoundingly yes. It is one of the most compelling
places I have ever seen. But now I am more than ready to come up
for air in Darjeeling, so we leave Varanasi, flying in to Bagdogra
airport to be collected by our driver for the four-hour drive to the
Glenburn Tea Estate.
Aah, Glenburn. You have me at hello, despite enduring a
30-minute drive from the turn-off on the main road to the door
on such rocky terrain it’s like riding a camel (bear this in mind if
you have any conditions that might make the trip prohibitive). The
main British colonial bungalow, with its verandas, chequerboard
floors, white walls, and racing green roofs, offers a view that is
truly breathtaking. From on high, a verdant tea garden speaks
before you. Beyond is the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain (the
third highest in the world), dusted with snow. The sky (lucky us) is
bluer than blue. The terraced gardens are bursting with marigolds,
poinsettia, and bougainvillea. Tea trays are laden with welcome
refreshments. This chill-out zone beguiles from minute one.
Glenburn, sensibly, has eschewed the contemporary, could-beanywhere
boutique style. It’s all original four-poster beds, electric
blankets, muslin curtains, and chintz-patterned china. Here you
can take breakfast and lunch under the dappled shade of fruit
trees, read books, play board games, cook in the kitchen, fish by
the river, and sip G&Ts before heading to dinner, a shared event
where you get to sample excellent Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese
fare. Dress up. Dress down. Do what you fancy. This is your home
in the Himalayas.
Bounded on its north border by the state of Sikkim, to the east
by Bhutan, and the west by Nepal, Darjeeling is about an hour
away. A tourist must-do is taking the Toy Train (actually pretty
much full-size and part of the Himalayan Mountain Railway) to
Ghum and back (don’t miss the amazing Yiga Choeling at Ghum,
the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery built in the area), then
sweep along the tracks into Darjeeling, where you will find shops
crammed with potential keepsakes.
All too soon it’s time to head towards urban reality and the
cacophony of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal and India’s
second largest city. We drop off our bags at the Taj Bengal, an
airy hotel with an 1,000-square-metre atrium lobby and a vertical
garden. The rooms are comfortable but what makes it special is the
service. Always attentive, smiley, and genuine.
As a former capital of British India, developed by the British
East India Company, the city has lots of colonial architecture,
such as the Victoria Memorial and St John’s Church with its Black
Hole of Calcutta Monument. Often linked in visitors’ minds with
deprivation – and sadly, very real poverty exists – it is, however, a
surprising and often uplifting cultural and artistic hub.
We love wandering through the potters’ quarter, Kumortuli,
where they create thousands of clay idols, and the huge book
markets, stopping at The Indian Coffee House, where poets and
thinkers hang out under lazily revolving ceiling fans, attended
previous: The holy Ganges at Varanasi
clockwise from left: Petals in the market at Kolkata;
Dali Monastery in Darjeeling; a serene garden in Kolkata;
the view of the tea fields at Glenburn
photographer: Jan Masters
by waiters in immaculate green and white uniforms. There’s so
much to Kolkata, we simply wander, taking in South Park Street
Cemetery with its Gothic and Indo-Saracenic tombs and looking
up at once-grand buildings in a state of elegiac decay, with tree
roots growing down walls like dripping candle wax, reminiscent of
the Ta Prohm temple at Angkor.
And then there is the Mother House, where Mother Teresa
lived and is buried. Her room remains untouched, humbling in
its simplicity. This has been a trip so full of discovery, so full of
contrast, it rivals the Golden Triangle in a very real way.
Jan Masters is a contributing editor at Harrods magazine
Delhi is India’s main point of arrival for overseas
visitors and the major transport hub for various
destinations throughout the country. One of
the finest hotels to stay in is, without doubt, The
Imperial, an iconic five-star property in the heart
of the capital. A step away from Connaught
Place, the renowned shopping district, it has the
air of a bygone era with all the most up-to-date
conveniences. Relax in its elegant bars whenever
you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
This A&K 11-night, tailor-made holiday starts at £3,400 per
person (based on two sharing, includes flights, private transfers,
B&B accommodation, and selected excursions). For more
information, call our India travel specialists on 01242 547 755.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 71

ACCESS AMERICA
SEE BEHIND THE SCENES, RUB SHOULDERS WITH THE RICH AND FAMOUS, AND ENJOY VIP HOSPITALITY AS
YOU DISCOVER THE BEST OF THE STATES, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM US, SAYS CHARLOTTE WELLS
Everything’s bigger in the United States of America, from the cars
to the distances travelled. However many coffee-fuelled road trips,
overnight Amtrak rides, or short-haul flights you endure,
it’s impossible to see all of this vast country in one fell swoop. Rather than
over-stuffing your itinerary, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds
of a region that resonates with you – whether you’re drawn to city lights,
tempted by local cuisine, moved by authentic music, or keen to “yee-haw”
in cowboy country. To make that holiday to the US extra-special, A&K
can give you coveted insider access; to peek behind the scenes, dodge the
crowds, and mingle with the movers and shakers. With so much to see and
do, we can’t wait to show you around.
Big city thrills
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA | THE RED CARPET TREATMENT
Head to Los Angeles at the tail-end of February in time for the Academy
Awards; the city is buzzing with anticipation as the red carpet unfurls and
the biggest names in Hollywood arrive dressed up to the nines. While the
ceremony itself is an exclusive affair, there are always exciting fringe events
open to the public – everything from open-air screenings to champagnefuelled
parties. Let A&K whisk you off to some of the best late-night hot
spots to party amid the glitz, glam, and glitterati. Your name may not be
among the nominees, but it’ll certainly be on the VIP list.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK | ART AFTER HOURS
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) nestles harmoniously among the
concrete and glass of Midtown Manhattan’s urban landscape. There’s
barely an architectural wink or nod betraying its contents. Once you’re
pacing between MoMA’s large gallery spaces, though, expect to be dazzled;
cutting-edge creations hang by modernist masterpieces, video projections
flicker beside sculptural wonders, and bold statements pose near obtuse
head-scratchers. Sometimes it takes an expert’s eye to bring these
exhibitions to life, which is why a guided tour is always recommended.
To avoid the crowds, A&K can arrange a private after-hours tour of MoMA
accompanied by an experienced art curator.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA | FOUNTAINS OF FUN
Tourists are drawn to the bright lights of Las Vegas like a professional
gambler to a high-stakes poker tournament. Nevada’s most populous
city hums, clinks, and jangles with neon-lit casinos and nocturnal bars,
especially along the famous Vegas Strip. While here, be sure to stop by the
72 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

left: Posing on the red carpet in LA
right: Fishing in Maine
below from top: The Bellagio
Fountains, Las Vegas; pulling pints in
Denver; Napa Valley vintages
vintage engine that ferries passengers to their next
tipple-stop. While on board, enjoy gourmet cuisine
in the dining car – paired with the best local wine,
of course.
Bellagio Resort to see the iconic Bellagio Fountains in
action. We can even arrange a behind-the-scenes (and
underground) tour to see how they work, followed by a
champagne toast as the fountains dance along to your
favourite song.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA |
CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE
An indisputable icon of San Francisco’s skyline, the
Golden Gate Bridge straddles the vast strait of its
namesake. A visit to the City by the Bay would be
incomplete without crossing the bridge at least once.
You could simply drive, or even cycle, but for a truly
unique experience, board one of San Francisco’s vintage
cable cars. These electric-powered trams have a long
and fascinating history, and are typically bustling with
tourists. Afford yourself the luxury of a private cable car
tour, arranged by us, to see the city in style.
Food & drink
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA | RED, RED WINE
The Napa Valley is a star of California’s viticulture.
More than 400 wineries adorn its sun-drenched hills,
nurturing the finest grapes for the press. Whether
you’re a connoisseur or simply enjoy a glass, you’ll
delight in learning about Napa’s wine from a master
sommelier during the private winemaking and tasting
session we’ve arranged. You can even take home a bottle
hand-blended by you. The valley’s vineyards are woven
between by the famous Napa Wine Train, an elegant
CAMDEN, MAINE | CATCH OF THE DAY
Maine is quintessential New England, where forest,
mountain, and coast coalesce in breathtaking fashion.
Seafaring is an age-old tradition for Mainers in
charming harbour towns such as Camden, and there’s
nothing like taking a boat out on the cool blue waters
to catch a bite. We can arrange a charter for you and
company to spend a day sailing and fishing, returning to
cook what you’ve caught at a nearby restaurant. It’s the
ultimate hook-to-plate experience, and the perfect way
to experience the state’s great outdoors and great seafood
in one cast of a rod.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS |
DOWN ON THE FARM
Adrift off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard
is a picturesque little island popular with wealthy
vacationers. Here, grassy hills and clay cliffs slope into
pristine sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. The
island’s farming and fishing heritage is strong, and
you’ll find plenty of local produce served proudly at the
one-off eateries. To immerse yourself in the farm-to-fork
traditions here, we can arrange a private tour of a local
farm. You can help harvest food, feed the animals, then
head to the kitchen to prepare a farm-fresh lunch under
a chef ’s tutorship.
DENVER, COLORADO | PINT-SIZED PLEASURES
It used to be the promise of gold which drew visitors
to Denver – now it’s golden ale. In the last couple of
decades, Colorado’s capital has transformed into a craft
beer boomtown. The so-called Denver Beer Triangle,
encompassing the area between the city, Boulder, and
Fort Collins, contains more than 70 breweries. We can
arrange a craft brewery tour around Denver’s historic
downtown, stopping by a handful of microbreweries
to see where the magic happens – with a chance to wet
your whistle along the way.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 73

Music
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | HONKYTONK
HOPPING
As you enter Nashville, you’re passing through the
steel-stringed gates of country music heaven. This is the
spiritual birthplace of countless legends in the genre,
including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell,
and Patsy Cline. The city wears its musical heritage on
its sleeve – the Country Music Hall of Fame is located
here – and we can take you on a whistle-stop tour of the
most famous haunts, honkytonks, and hot spots. We can
even arrange a VIP trip to the Grand Ole Opry, the live
country music phenomenon hosted here since 1925.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE | THE KING AND YOU
Though born in Mississippi, Elvis’s heart and home lay in
Memphis, Tennessee. Once he hit the big time, The King
bought Graceland, a grand farmhouse-style mansion in
the Whitehaven community. It became his sanctuary after
long tours around the world, and still bears the flourishes
of his unique character and fashion sense. Now a
National Historic Landmark, it’s the second most-visited
house in America (the first being the White House).
We can arrange VIP access to the Graceland compound,
including a guided tour, front-of-the-line access and
entry to an exclusive exhibition in the mansion.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS | WHY THEY CALL IT
THE BLUES
The Windy City will sweep you off your feet with its
cultural charms and architectural marvels. For music
lovers, it’s Chicago’s key part in the development of the
blues which may be the greatest draw. This is where
the laid-back, rootsy blues of the rural regions took on a
broader, more urban attitude, a stylistic shift which later
influenced rock ’n’ roll. During a Blues & Jazz Evolution
Tour around the city, you can explore the history of the
genre and African American culture in fascinating detail.
74 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

left to right: Country music in Nashville; a
traditional luau in Hawaii; cowboy trekking
in Scottsdale; Monterey Bay Aquarium;
surfing in Hawaii
Family
HAWAII | BEACHES AND BONFIRES
Scattered in the middle of the Pacific, America’s far-flung 50th
state is the perfect place for a family escape. Hawaii’s islands
promise sun, sea, sand – and volcanoes. For a touch of A&K
luxury, enjoy a private curated beach experience on the aptly
named Big Island, including a luau – a traditional Hawaiian
celebration – with a barbecue, music, and fire dancing. It’s a
great way for the family to let their hair down.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA | COWBOY COLLEGE
Is there anything more emblematic of America’s Wild West
than a cowboy? These rough ’n’ tough cattle wranglers hold an
enduring appeal, and many of their traditions are continued
to this day on ranches dotting the country’s rural plains.
There’s more to being a cowboy than donning a Stetson and
a spur-heeled boot, though. You’ve got to become a hero of
horsemanship and rule over the ranch. We can take you to
the Arizona Cowboy College, where you and your family can
learn the ropes (literally) under expert tutelage.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA | MEET MICKEY & FRIENDS
Whether you’re the biggest fan of that big-eared mouse, or just
love a good theme park, you won’t find much better than Walt
Disney World in Orlando. It’s the most-visited vacation resort
in the world for good reason. Take advantage of a Disneyland
VIP tour, and not only will you meet beloved characters and
skip to the front of the queues, you’ll be taken for a glimpse
behind the scenes of the whole shebang by a cast member.
MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA | HAVE A WHALE
OF A TIME
Monterey Bay stretches around 70 kilometres from its
eponymous city to Santa Cruz, overlooking the gorgeously
blue Pacific the whole way. It’s a mecca for marine life,
including whale, dolphin, otter, and shark. Weather
permitting, head out on an eco-raft safari to see these creatures
in their natural habitat. Alternatively, sleep overnight with the
family at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, surrounded by oceanic
life. You’ll have this magical place all to yourself.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information, or to discuss your next tailor-made
adventure in America, call to speak to our North America
travel specialists on 01242 547 717.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 75

SKI HIGHS
A&K VILLAS’ TOP FIVE CHALETS BRINGING STYLE AND COMFORT TO THE SLOPES
Shemshak Lodge, Courchevel 1850
SLEEPS 8+5
Tucked away on the pistes, Shemshak Lodge delivers slopefuls of Alpine
luxury. This chic stone-and-wood chalet features five en-suite bedrooms
spread over four floors, and the interior is designed to the world-class
standard that’s de rigueur here.
When it comes to R&R, you’re spoilt for choice. A whole floor is kitted
out with all you need to relax: a Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, state-of-theart
gym, and a large pool boasting panoramic views of the valley. Other
facilities include an iPod docking station, DVD library, toys, sledges, and
wifi. Oh, and if your legs are too ski-weary to take the stairs, there’s even a
lift connecting each level of the property.
Placing you slopeside in the heart of Courchevel 1850, Shemshak Lodge
has some of the best skiing in the Trois Vallées right on its doorstep.
Chalet Twenty 26, Morzine
SLEEPS 12
Picture yourself soaking in a hot tub, sipping champagne, as the sun slips
behind distant peaks – a soothing end to a day spent on Europe’s best
slopes. With its Morzine locale and fabulous facilities, that’s a dream Chalet
Twenty 26 can make true.
This six-bedroom chalet offers a contemporary twist on alpine style.
The spacious open-plan living and dining area features panoramic views up
the valley, while each of the en-suite bedrooms comes equipped with a TV
and entertainment system. When you’re not relaxing in the sauna, enjoy
yourself in the cinema and games area.
This family-friendly property sits at the start of the Vallée de la Manche,
with the nearest ski lift just 500 metres away, making access to all that the
massive ski area of the Portes du Soleil has to offer relatively quick and easy
– as well as the trip home.
WORDS: JOE MEREDITH
76 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

Chalet 1597, St Anton
SLEEPS 10+2
Alpine chic abounds at one of the most luxurious properties available in
the Stubenbach area. This chalet may have been built 421 years ago, but the
grande dame has aged well. Indoors, original timber and antique furniture
sit alongside modern furnishings and fittings – a perfect blend of old and
new. Spacious communal areas give social butterflies room to stretch their
wings; the dining room is made for après-ski soirees, whilst the elegant
living room suits family gatherings to a tee.
Facilities ranging from a home cinema to a bio-sauna will keep
you entertained and relaxed. The mountain view from the terrace is a
permanent temptation, and Chalet 1597’s location makes it easy to give
in; the nearest ski lifts are a few minutes away by car.
The Heinz Julen Loft, Zermatt
SLEEPS 6
The Heinz Julen Loft is one of the most spectacular properties in the Alps.
Named after its local designer, it’s a grand Manhattan-style loft fusing steel,
glass, wood, and textured concrete – set amid the snowy Zermatt slopes.
Located just two minutes from the top of the Omnia Hotel lift, this
unique ski apartment offers a bird’s eye view of the municipality and
the Mischabel Mountains beyond. With floor-to-ceiling glass on two
sides, the sense of space, light, and closeness to nature is unparalleled.
The property features bespoke furniture to sink into, a baby grand Steinway
for tinkling the ivories, a suspended, illuminated dining table, and eccentric
flourishes throughout.
Sleeping six across three indulgent bedrooms, the Heinz Julen Loft is
truly one of a kind.
Chalet L’Hotse, Val d’Isère
SLEEPS 12+2
Returning to Chalet L’Hotse is the perfect end to a day of schussing down
the silky slopes surrounding Val d’Isère. The property is situated moments
away from some of the best pistes the Tarentaise Valley has to offer.
But there’s more to boast about than just the location. This luxury ski
chalet offers an indoor swimming pool, spa area with hammam, massage
room and solarium, a gym, and an outdoor hot tub. A fully-stocked
bar, wine cellars, and home cinema should meet most après-ski needs.
All six bedrooms feature a private balcony, plasma TV and integrated
music system.
While its facilities are state of the art, Chalet L’Hotse retains its
traditional Alpine style thanks to the use of reclaimed wood to create a
warm and relaxing space.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS & SKI
For all ski holidays, we advise early booking. For more information,
or to discuss a reservation, call our ski specialists on 01242 547 776.
akvillas.com | 77

Tales from the Road
LOVE TRAVEL? SO DO WE! READ ON FOR A ROUND-UP OF WHERE WE (AND SOME OF
OUR CLIENTS) HAVE GONE AND WHAT WE’VE ALL BEEN UP TO SO FAR THIS YEAR...
AND THE WINNER WAS...
Late last year, we ran a writing competition for children on the
topic of ‘my favourite holiday experience’. The talented winner, Maya,
aged 9½, submitted a story about the time her family went to Thailand,
which impressed our panel of judges with its creativity and eloquence.
The prize was a five-night family holiday in Oman to be enjoyed this
year, staying at the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and the
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.
Maya and her family enjoyed all that Oman offers: sun, sea, sand,
scenery, and sights. From canyons to coral reefs, bazaars to forts, and
with year-round sunshine, amazing facilities and a reasonable flight
time, it’s the perfect choice for half-term or Easter holiday getaways.
Well done, Maya (and thanks for the fab photos of your holiday).
For more information on A&K luxury tailor-made holidays
to Oman, call our travel specialists on 01242 547 703.
left to right:
Maya and her
family enjoying
her prize – a
holiday in Oman
A&K ON TOUR
The team at A&K never sit still for long. We’re continually
traversing the globe, looking for the latest hot spots, hidden
gems and travel experiences. So far this year, members of
our UK-based sales and product teams have taken 53 trips
to 47 countries.
Catherine Padbury,
A&K Indian Subcontinent
travel specialist, seeks the
shade and marvels at the
cool Umaid Bhawan Palace
in Jodhpur
Guy Grant, A&K Europe & Middle
East travel specialist, strikes a pose
with Ramesses II and one of his
daughters at the Karnak Temple
Complex in Luxor, Egypt
Amy Metcalfe, A&K North
America travel specialist,
takes a break at the Red
Rock of Sedona in Arizona
Adam Fogg, A&K Latin America
and Antarctica senior travel
specialist, enjoys the otherwordly
scenery at Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
78 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

Never a dull
moment
“Wandering through the colourful lanes of Kolkata
one morning I found these gentlemen who live there
and were happy to be photographed” – Louise W
Every holiday is personal, every memory precious. At the start of 2018,
we asked you to share your #TravelMoments with us to showcase the
individuality of each of your holidays. Each new journey brings discovery
and delight – and we wanted to enjoy all of these experiences with you.
As part of our Travel Moment movement, we were searching for
individual instants, memories that will last a lifetime. The prize for the
best moment: a luxury A&K holiday to Kenya.
The lucky winner, Louise Waldron, was chosen for her photo of
an Indian street scene (pictured above). The team at A&K loved the
uniqueness and authenticity of the moment Louise captured in Kolkata.
As a reward for her creativity, she, and her guest, will be staying for three
nights at the extensively refurbished Sanctuary Olonana and then for
three nights at the newly opened Hemingways Watamu.
We can’t wait to see the moments that Louise photographs in Eastern
Africa – A&K’s birthplace.
WIN A LUXE HOLIDAY
FOR TWO WITH A&K
Due to the success of our #TravelMoment
competition, we are doing it all over again. Upload
your moment at abercrombiekent.co.uk/travelmoment
by Friday, 21 December 2018 and you’ll be
in with a chance to win an A&K luxury holiday for two
people. Watch out for our giveaways on our social media
channels also.
A selection of some of the other entries to the competition:
“Enjoying eggs over easy with our new
friend Margaret on the first day of our
honeymoon at Giraffe Manor!” – Anna K
“‘Blackbeard’ is one of the
last remaining cormorant
fishermen of Guilin, China.
I pictured him fishing at
sunrise, an hour upstream of
his hometown” – Bessie O’D
“Discovering Italian gelato for
the first time” – Alastair P
“Listening to the Borneo rainforest
awakening as the first warming rays
renew us all for another day. Puts
life into perspective!” – Fiona H
“Watching my children
embrace the beauty of a
sunset across the water...
it may only be in Cornwall
but it’s sparked a passion
for travel!” – Emily W
“Masai Mara. Just us, our
guide and wonderful lions.
The cub impatiently waiting
for its own perfect milk
sundowner”– Giles H
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 79

A&K PHILANTHROPY
LIFE CYCLE
Jordan Bike Enterprises: Um
Qais, Feynan, Petra, Shobak,
Tafileh, and Amman,
Bwindi Women
Bicycle Enterprise,
Uganda
How A&K Philanthropy is using
your second-hand bikes to create
livelihoods across Africa
Dipetsana Women’s
Bike Shop, Botswana
Chipego Bike Shop
and Mfuwe Women’s
Bike Society, Zambia
Duuma Wajane Bike
Shop, Tanzania
Ashipping container popping up in
rural Uganda is bound to turn heads
– especially in a village surrounded
by dense forest more than 1,000 kilometres
from the ocean. Inside, hundreds of bicycles sit
wheel-to-wheel in various states of disrepair.
But what might seem like scrap to us is in
fact a lifeline for this community. So, how
is a load of old bikes making a difference?
In the age of the ‘global village’, it’s easy
to forget that there are people disconnected
– for whom simply leaving town is an
insurmountable struggle. Many living in
remote communities across Africa find
themselves without the means to access
employment, healthcare, education, and daily
essentials. In conjunction with Working Bikes,
A&K Philanthropy (AKP) has sent thousands
of donated bicycles to rural villages in Uganda,
Botswana, Tanzania, and Zambia. When the
shipping containers arrive, they’re transformed
into bike shops, employing local women to
repair the bicycles for sale and rental. Not only
does this create sustainable employment, but
it also provides the community with a cheap,
accessible mode of transport. On two wheels,
suddenly the world is a little smaller, and every
day a little easier.
In Zambia, the hard-working crew of
Chipego Bike Shop has been busy serving the
Nakatindi community since 2015. These five
local women see their job as more than just an
income for the here and now – it’s permission
to look ahead. To dream.
“My future will change, and so will the lives
of my family,” says Agathar Mabuku, one of
Chipego’s mechanics. She has no home of her
own, but the bike shop gives her hope: “The
one thing that is always at the back of my
mind – I want to buy a plot. Working with
the bikes gives me the chance to build my
family a home.”
As well as tending to ailing bicycles, Agathar
tends to unwell people. She’s a member of the
Nakatindi Health Committee (NHC), and
has eight patients under her care. Agathar’s
not alone – almost all the women working at
Chipego belong to the NHC, caring for the
sick and elderly in the community. Now that
Agathar and her fellow healthcare workers can
cycle between visits, they can reach four times
as many patients.
We’re also putting the wheels of change in
motion beyond Africa. With a photogenic
landscape, well-maintained roads and 310 days
of sunshine a year, Jordan has the potential to
become a superb cycling destination. However,
due to high import tax and no homegrown
bike manufacturers, cycling here is the preserve
of the wealthy; less than one per cent of the
country’s nine and a half million residents
owns a bicycle.
AKP has teamed up with partners to
establish seven bike rental businesses here.
Young Jordanian entrepreneurs receive training
in tour guiding, guest safety, accounting, and
marketing, until they’re ready to take the helm
of these small, sustainable enterprises.
During an A&K holiday, stop by one of
these life-changing projects and meet the
people for whom the humble bicycle has
saved the day. Next time you’re thinking about
chucking your old bike away or selling it for
pennies, consider what good could come of it
in less fortunate hands.
A&K’S BIKE SHOP
PROGRAMME
• Running since 2015
• Active in five countries
• 19 shipping containers sent
• 8,000 bikes donated
• 11 bike shops established
• 25 women employed full-time
• 18 employed part-time
above: Chipego Bike Shop, Zambia
inset: Map of Bike Enterprise projects in Africa
and the Middle East
WORDS: JOE MEREDITH
| ABERCROMBIE & KENT PHILANTHROPY |
If you would like to know more about Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, please call us on
01242 547 760, or visit akphilanthropy.org to find out about other projects A&K is involved in.

Step into an eco-sanctuary
Simply kick back and relax on a ‘no news, no shoes’ island.
You’ll be welcomed by your very own Mr or Ms Friday,
who’ll show you around the island and launch you into an
amazing adventure, full of memories you’ll cherish always.
Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 01242 547 708
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives, Lankanfushi Island, 08290 North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts

IMMERSE I INDULGE I INSPIRE
Immerse yourself in the Year of Culinary Experiences
With over one hundred exquisite restaurants on island, it is no surprise that Barbados is regarded as the
culinary capital of the Caribbean. Indulge in the seemingly endless menu of gastronomic experiences from
romantic beachfront dining under a tapestry of stars, to the rustic charm of a fresh seafood feast with locals
at the popular Oistins Fish Fry – there is much to choose from when in Barbados. Regardless of how you decide
to tantalise your taste buds on the island, be sure to complement the meal with a refreshing cocktail prepared
by one of our talented mixologists, infused with the indigenous spirit of the island, rum!
abercrombiekent.co.uk/barbados | 01242 547 780

Amazing grace
At the end of the road less travelled lies
the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Dive beneath crystal clear waters to dance
with manta rays and let your spirit be light.
Lose yourself in Anantara.
VISIT ANANTARA.COM
ASIA MIDDLE EAST AFRICA EUROPE
LIFE IS A JOURNEY

ON LY H E R E
Nestled in breathtaking, hand-picked corners of the planet, One&Only resorts are havens of unrivalled style
and service that invite you to let go completely. Incredible, authentic cuisine; bespoke local adventures; rousing
wellness; spectacular private spaces to celebrate and unwind. It’s a magical feeling. And it exists only here.
abercrombiekent.co.uk/one-and-only
01242 547 760
*BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY NIGHTS, COMPLIMENTARY HALF BOARD UPGRADES AND
DINE-AROUND OPTIONS FOR THE FAMILY AND CHILDREN. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.