With travel opening up and people longing to spread their wings, 2022 is all about bucket-list adventures, mind-blowing experiences and luxury in the truest sense of the word. In other words, making up for lost time … by really making your travel count.
If money were no object, what would your perfect holiday look like? Perhaps it’s hanging out with emperor penguins in Antarctica, gorilla trekking in Uganda or drifting along the ancient waterways of the Okavango Delta.
If you’ve been eagerly squirrelling away funds and are ready to push the boat out on a ‘revenge travel’ trip of a lifetime, do we have some ideas for you!
Ellerman House, Cape Town
Ellerman House has long stood as one of our top picks for those looking to splurge. But what makes it worthy of a dream holiday? This Cape Town hideaway boasts one of the most exclusive postal codes in the Mother City. It’s glitzy, exclusive, and the views are out of this world.
It’s the kind of place to lounge in a fluffy robe with a glass of bubbly, where Leonardo DiCaprio could live next door, and the word luxury takes on a whole new meaning. Aside from its gorgeous 13 individually-styled villas, there’s an Olympic-sized pool, a spa, and yes, even a private art collection.
Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana
If you’re a bona fide safari fiend, make a beeline for Xigera. You’ll not only snap up a front-row seat to the comings and goings of Botswana’s iconic Moremi Game Reserve, but the seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta, too – yes, it’s the best of both!
This oh-so-luxurious lodge strikes just the right balance between eco-friendly living and the finer things in life. Just imagine it: world-class game viewing, top-notch cuisine, and endless stargazing around the fire pit. Now, this is the stuff safari dreams are made of.
Great Plains Conservation
If conservation is high on the list when it comes to planning your dream trip, consider an experience through Great Plains, one of our long-standing sustainability partners across Africa.
Witness the Great Migration, meet real Masai warriors, and move with the pace of nature on guided walking safaris knowing that your travel spend directly supports the preservation of Africa’s wildlife and local communities. This is low-volume, low-impact tourism at its very best, with plenty to do to top your 2022 bucket list.
Thanda Island, Tanzania
Channel your inner Richard Branson with a romp on the exclusive Thanda Island. Fringed with swaying palm trees, shimmering white beaches, and a tropical forest at its heart, this private piece of paradise is the epitome of barefoot luxury.
Scuba dive and snorkel to your heart’s content, or simply take up a prime spot on the sun lounger, colourful cocktail in hand. This luxury isle is a little more James Bond than Robinson Crusoe if that’s what you’re after for that next trip you’ve been longing for.
Gorilla trekking
No other wildlife experience comes close to spending time with the mighty mountain gorilla – yes, it’s pricey but absolutely worth every cent. Of all the remaining gorillas in the wild, only a small portion of families are habituated and accessible for travellers to witness, making it even more special.
As an added perk of your visit, the money spent on permits to see these majestic primates is put back into their continued protection. Our top destination to see them is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, but you can also do so in Rwanda and the DRC.
White Desert, Antarctica
If you’re on the hunt for an adrenalin-fuelled experience topping everything you’ve ever done before, consider an excursion with White Desert. As one of our travel partners, their itineraries hit the sweet spot for movers and shakers looking for the ultimate adventure in Antarctica.
A stay at one of their carbon-neutral camps is luxurious as it is adventurous. After living through multiple lockdowns, this is your chance to journey to the bottom of the world. Step aside, Bear Grylls!
Whether you’re considering a massive holiday splash or simply looking to reconnect with loved ones, our team is here to help make it happen, just the way you’ve imagined it. Get in touch here.