Centurion Middle East Spring 2023

|Places| A pod’s

|Places| A pod’s alfresco soaking tub affords a spectacular ocean view From the outside, the pods look like little black timber cabins, but the inside reveals a glassy lair with floor-toceiling windows, giving me access to widescreen wilderness thanks to the commitment of its environmentally minded, hands-on community. Light-touch tourism is very much part of the renewed focus of the island, with an onus on visitors to learn about the regenerative efforts and maybe roll up their sleeves and use their travel mileage for good. Part of this new chapter in tourism, and the main reason for my visit, is to check out the newly erected WanderPods, a cluster of four off-grid cabins – compact, stylish and deeply comfortable – located on a privileged position on a 150m grassy northern bluff overlooking blockbuster Snelling Beach and the Great Australian Bight. Known for their low-impact escapes in nature-soaked locations, after launching in Queensland’s Scenic Rim last year, this is the company’s second instalment with more planned for other regional destinations. Built as a premium eco-escape, WanderPods has admirable sustainable credentials – solar and water harvesting and storage, water-saving toilets, and water recycling – without sacrificing on style or comfort. “We started Wander so that we could connect to some of the most spectacular parts of Australia with people who share a mindset of wanting to make a positive change when they travel”, says founder and CEO Cassandra Sasso. From the outside, the pods look like unpretentious little black timber cabins, but the inside reveals a glassy lair with spectacular floor-to-ceiling ocean-facing windows, giving me access to wide-screen wilderness. Strategically positioned, two of the pods provide the best vantage for sunrise, and the other two for sunset. As the soft-focus light drips into the Southern Ocean, mobs of kangaroos peacefully congregate outside my sunset pod, undisturbed by my gaze. The next few days are spent close to nature, in my pod and beyond. I watch the first pinkish streaks of daybreak from my bed. From the outdoor tub, using a pair of binoculars, I trace the honey-coloured hills that tumble into the angry ocean, hoping to spot some action on the empty beach, maybe a whale or a frisky seal. Later, as the night air howls, I cocoon myself deeper into my bed. The island’s remote and fertile landscape has brought to boil its booming food and drink scene. A mix of cattle, sheep and grain farms, plus a bountiful sea, has always meant island residents eat well. But now there’s a culinary renaissance rippling through the island. Gastronomo, one of Kangaroo Island’s more interesting producers, mixes hyper-local cuisine with eccentric “wilderness” dining experiences, where the restaurant settings are as interesting as the menu. Partnering with WanderPods, my modern kitchen is stuffed with seasonal food and treats – everything from vegetables to muesli, yogurt, croissants, honey, cheese, eggs and meats – enough for breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between, and it’s an excellent taster of things to come. PHOTO REMY BRAND 22 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM

A World of Enrichment An exceptional year of learning and adventure awaits on The World, the largest, private residential ship on Earth Renowned for travelling to the planet’s most fascinating places from the comfort and privacy of a luxurious home at sea, The World’s global voyage “brings the destination alive” through an enriching lecture programme. More than 80 speakers each year offer live and virtual talks crafted to expand residents’ and guests’ knowledge, often on newsworthy topics related to the countries visited. Arts, culture, history, food, wine, health and wellness are among the topics presented, some from their authentic current and historical locales. Experts in a variety of areas like photography, diving and yoga spend extended periods onboard teaching new skills and nurturing hobbies in creative ways. The Nobel Laureate Lecture Series and Honored Speakers series bring world-renowned authorities to recount their remarkable achievements and service in brilliant detail. Interactive workshops and intimate roundtable forums complete The World’s enrichment programme, providing one-of-a-kind curated experiences set to majestic scenery – all without ever leaving home. A small selection of homes on The World is available. In Spring/Summer 2023, there will be select opportunities for a private tour during the ship’s visit to Europe and the UK. Learn more about ownership opportunities and private tour availability by contacting our Residential Advisor. Contact The World at +44 20 7 572 1231 residentialadvisor@aboardtheworld.com, aboardtheworld.com