The OPEN ROAD INSPIRED OUTINGS SOUTH AUSTRALIA WINE COUNTRY AND MORE - YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH US - Virtuoso
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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH US SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2020
AUSTRALIA | NEW ZEALAND
The OPEN ROAD
INSPIRED OUTINGS SOUTH AUSTRALIA WINE COUNTRY AND MORE
Dream trip: A vintage drive with Wes Anderson appeal.
McLaren Vale vineyards.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Whether you’re packing your bags now or dreaming about adventures to come, look to a
Virtuoso travel advisor for inspiration and practical advice on navigating travel’s new landscape.
For close-to-home escapes or far-flung trips of a lifetime, Virtuoso advisors are your resource
for all the insight you need to plan a safe, successful, and unforgettable holiday. Their expertise
and access to Virtuoso’s network of the world’s best tour operators, hotels, cruise lines, and
other travel providers mean your most memorable trips are yet to come.
Find an advisor to make your next trip the best one yet at virtuoso.com.
THE WORLD’S FINEST TRAVEL AGENCIES AND ADVISORS ARE VIRTUOSO.
JOSIE WITHERS
The Viking Story
Centuries ago, amid the rugged nature of Norway, Built for discovery and comfort, over 70 purpose-
the Viking age was born. And as it flourished, built Viking ships explore the far corners of the
exploration became a Norwegian tradition. globe and all seven continents, sailing from
Today, just like the original Vikings, we are true their homeport in Norway. Everywhere they go,
innovators when it comes to exploring the world. they carry a little bit of our Nordic heritage with
them, including the most extensive Norwegian
Viking was founded in 1997 by Norwegian, Torstein
art collection at sea, and the largest private
Hagen, with the purchase of four river ships in Russia.
collection of Edvard Munch works outside of Oslo.
Today, Viking remains a family-owned cruise line,
Designed for discerning travellers with interests
at the same time as it has become the world’s
in science, history, culture and cuisine, a voyage
leading – and largest – small-ship operator,
with Viking is designed to be destination focused
offering scenic cruising on state-of-the-art
and culturally enriching – it’s why Torstein Hagen
vessels on the world’s rivers, oceans and lakes,
says Viking offers ‘The Thinking Person’s Cruise’,
with expeditions launching in 2022.
in contrast to mainstream cruise lines.
— Torstein Hagen
Chairman, Viking
“Viking bills itself as ‘the thinking person’s cruise’
and that’s reflected in spending more time in ports,
with a focus on the destinations and their culture.”
— Ewan McDonald, Mindfood Magazine
W H AT V IK ING IS NOT
We do not try to be all things to all people — which means we can focus on delivering meaningful experiences,
tailored to you. While most cruise lines are building bigger and more over-the-top ships, offering a multitude
of experiences to a broad spectrum of ages, we provide you with all that you need, and nothing you don’t.
• No casinos • No charge for beer & wine • No entrance fee for The Spa
• No children under 18 with lunch & dinner • No spa sales pressure
• No crowds • No charge for alternative • No smoking
restaurants
• No inside staterooms • No waiting in lines
• No charge for Wi-Fi
• No umbrella drinks • No formal nights, butlers, or
• No charge for use of self- white gloves
• No photographers
service laundry
• No art auctions • No nickel-and-diming
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR TO BEGIN YOUR VIKING JOURNEY
V IK ING ’S NE W EST JOUR NE YS
Explore all seven continents with Viking – New voyages departing 2021-23
E X PE D I T I O N C R U I S E S M I S S I S S I PPI R I V E R C R U I S E S
Viking will bring its signature style to the ends of the earth Picture yourself tapping your toes to the rhythm of American
when its two purpose-built expedition ships launch in 2022. folk, soul and jazz music, and learning about the Civil War
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will sail to Antarctica, the and American civil rights movement. Purpose-built for
Arctic and the undiscovered Great Lakes of North America, America’s Great River and currently under construction
boasting industry-first features like two complimentary in Louisiana, Viking Mississippi will set a new standard for
underwater submersibles; an enclosed, in-ship marina called modern river cruising in the region when she launches in
‘The Hangar’ that allows for the comfortable launch of small 2022. The ship will blend the best of Viking’s river and ocean
excursion craft; and an onboard Laboratory, where resident cruise product to create a sleek, spacious and comfortable
scientists will conduct important research which guests can way to explore.
take part in.
Viking is busy building new ships, opening new destinations and creating new
itineraries so that when you are ready to travel again, you’ll have more choice
than ever before. Prepare to explore all seven continents of the world in comfort.
WOR LD CR UISE G A L Á PA G O S C R U I S E S
The newly-announced 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise will Expanding its destination-focused travel experiences,
span 136 days, 56 ports and 27 countries, with overnight Viking will launch small-group voyages to the Galapagos
stays in 11 iconic cities. Setting sail on 24 December 2021 Islands and South America from 2021. The voyages will
from Fort Lauderdale to London via Central America, combine a fully guided land exploration in Peru and
the USA, Hawaii, Australasia, the Middle East and the Ecuador with an all-inclusive Galapagos Islands ocean
Mediterranean, the epic voyage will include three brand- cruise in the company of experienced Naturalists and
new ports of call for Viking, including Phillip Island in Expedition Leaders. With a choice of three itineraries,
Victoria and Eden in NSW, and Yangon, Myanmar. guests can look forward to thoughtfully exploring one of
the world’s most spectacular open-air wildlife museums.
CONTENTS ISSUE 66
September | October 2020
44
Delinquente Wine Co. pours.
Sustainable
31 44 50
Travel
GREATER GOOD FLIGHTS OF FANCY ACCIDENTAL MAGIC
Travel insiders on the future A laid-back scene and winemakers’ Globe-trotting images from
of sustainable travel, looking independent, experimental streak the Accidentally Wes Anderson
out for the locals, and Galápa- make South Australia one of the Instagram community.
gos best practices. most exciting wine regions going.
BY JOSIE WITHERS
On the Cover
JOSIE WITHERS
MOTORING MOTIVATION: A picnic-ready Nissan Figaro in the English countryside.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYLEY DOYLE, FROM ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON (LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY).
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 5
CONTENTS ISSUE 66
September | October 2020
18
12
8 EDITOR’S NOTE
12 PASSPORT
16 BON VOYAGE
New itineraries for 2021,
plus a first look at Viking’s
Mississippi riverboat.
17 SUITE TALK
Health retreats in Gstaad.
18 GREAT OUTDOORS
For Heavens’ Sake
Worshipping the stars
on Spain’s volcanic islands.
24 FIRST PERSON
The Year We Stayed Home
When your backyard becomes
your entire world.
26 POINT OF VIEW
Overtourism
Three travel-industry insiders
on how we can help, great
unsung spots, and skirting
the crowds (when that’s
a thing again).
28 IN MY BAG
My Travel Essentials
28
Kellee Edwards takes her show
on roads less travelled.
60 GALLERY
Window Seat
Capturing the world as seen
(TEIDE NATIONAL PARK) ROSSHELEN/GETTY IMAGES
from 11,000 metres.
16
6 V I RT U O S O L I F E
Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Wide-open spaces. Endless blue skies. And plenty of room to explore
in Southern California’s most storied resort oasis. Refresh, unwind and
soak up some vitamin D.
It’s a place that could make a world of difference any time of year.
visitgreaterps.com
Editor’s Note
Silver
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED THIS YEAR
• Masks are the new must-have
Linings accessories. Pro tip: Spritz
with an aromatherapy spray for
a mood boost.
S
O … THE YEAR • Embrace your protocols. I’ve
certainly didn’t turn always travelled with antibacterial
out like we’d hoped. wipes and hand sanitiser, furtively
Ambitious travel plans wiping down surfaces around me and
were scuttled, events were can- smiling apologetically to my seat-
celled, and uncertainty still mates. I’ll no longer be embarrassed
looms. I try to keep my eyes on about my pre-emptive paranoia.
the horizon, reminding myself
that this too shall pass. • We’ll never not use a travel
While my family didn’t take advisor. We heard so many stories
our usual international holiday, of DIY travellers who were stranded
we definitely had an abundance when travel restrictions were imple-
of togetherness, and I’m grate- offers a quirky take on places that will mented earlier this year – and of
ful for this borrowed time with my 20- be within reach again someday, and Virtuoso advisors who saved the day
and 17-year-olds. I spend most of my our sustainability report underscores (not to mention time and money).
week working from home on an endless the economic, cultural, and environ- As the world continues to reopen,
loop of video calls. But “home” these mental impact – and importance – of we value our Virtuoso advisors’
days is where your computer is, and the our travels. expertise, connections, and advocacy
options expand when you can take that As always, in these pages you’ll more than ever.
computer to the beach, mountains, or find inspiration for future trips and
lake. (Let’s just say my kids perfected ideas about where you can get away • Travel is more than just the trip.
their wakeboarding skills these last now. (With ever-changing rules and It’s about the excitement of planning,
few months.) I took a father-daughter restrictions, your Virtuoso advisor is the experience, and the memories
road trip to visit old family friends, your best resource for real-time infor- you make along the way. And it’s the
boarded my first flight in months for mation.) You’ll also read interviews knowledge that you’re giving back just
a quick jaunt to the coast (I’ve never with travellers, industry insiders, and by going – supporting local economies
been so happy – or nervous – to get on a advisors around the world, all of whom and people whose livelihoods depend
plane), and finally had time to commit point to the silver linings of this pause on the travel and tourism industry.
to weekly volunteer service with my in travel. Their positivity and optimism
husband and kids. reinforce our belief that travel will • Seize the moment. As travel journal-
This issue celebrates the beauty endure – and that we’ll emerge from ist Kellee Edwards tells us (page 28),
of our own backyard. A photo essay this pandemic with an even greater “Who’s to say you’ll have the chance
excerpted from the popular Acciden- appreciation for the immeasurable to do it again? Life is for living, not
tally Wes Anderson Instagram account rewards of travel. contemplating and overthinking.”
KORENA BOLDING SINNETT
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR &
VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT
esrnka@virtuoso.com
8 V I RT U O S O L I F EYOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH US
EDITORIAL
VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ELAINE GRUY SRNKA
MANAGING EDITOR MARIKA McELROY CAIN
SENIOR EDITOR JUSTIN PAUL
MANAGER, DIGITAL CONTENT AMY CASSELL
ASSISTANT EDITOR SAMANTHA FALEWÉE
SENIOR CO-ORDINATOR DENISE RODRIGUEZ
DESIGN
DESIGN DIRECTOR MELANIE PRASETYO FOWLER
ART DIRECTOR KORENA BOLDING SINNETT
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER VERONICA ROSALEZ
CONTRIBUTORS
COPY EDITORS MIRIAM BULMER, DIANE SEPANSKI
RESEARCHERS DONNA BLINN, JESSICA MUELLER
PHOTO RESEARCHER MARY RISHER DIGITAL RETOUCHER WALTER KELLY
WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS NANNA DÍS, MICHAEL FRANK, LUIS GARCÍA, ELAINE GLUSAC,
DAVID HOCHMAN, JEFF KOEHLER, KEVIN J. MIYAZAKI, KIM BROWN SEELY
MARKETING/ADVERTISING/PR
MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBAL PUBLIC RELATIONS MISTY EWING BELLES
PRODUCT MANAGER, ADS AND ACCESS JAMES RICKS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBAL MARKETING STRATEGY LAURA SPORT
DIRECTOR, MARKETING PRODUCTS & PROGRAMMES ROBERT DUNCAN
SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING KIM BRADSHAW
MANAGER, DIGITAL MARKETING KELLY KIRCHNER
CIRCULATION/DATA SERVICES
LANECHA WHITE
AMY HYDE, GAYLYNN MAGERS
MARKETING OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR KATHY NIWA TERRELL
SENIOR MANAGER MARTIN NOGUEIRA
SPECIALIST NATALIE SHERMAN
CO-ORDINATOR HALEY COWSER
ASIA PACIFIC OPERATIONS
MANAGING DIRECTOR MICHAEL LONDREGAN
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ASIA EVAN PIERCE
MARKETING & COMMERCIAL MANAGER ADRIAN CLARKE
ACCOUNT DIRECTORS, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
ANNA DAVIES, MICHELE SAUNDERSON
ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATOR KARA LIPSCOMBE
ACCOUNT SALES DRIVE TIME: Chez Dede’s
SARA ARCHIBALD, AMY BAILEY, SCOTT BRYAN, Grand Sac. chezdede.com.
CAROL COLEMAN, CRICKET DUCAT, XABIER EGUREN,
ARLLYS FILMER-BENNETT, TRISHA FORESMAN,
CHRISTINE GILBERT, RACHEL GROGAN,
STEPHANIE LEE, GREGG NIELSEN, DANIELA TROTTA
VIRTUOSO
CHAIRMAN & CEO MATTHEW D. UPCHURCH
SVP, PARTNERSHIPS ALBERT M. HERRERA
SVP, STRATEGY DAVID KOLNER
ACTING SVP, MARKETING HELEN McCABE-YOUNG
SVP, FINANCE & OPERATIONS MIKE McCOWN
SVP, PRODUCT TRAVIS McELFRESH
VP, CULTURE & TALENT MICHELLE RASHID
VP, MEMBER RELATIONS CHERYL BUNKER
VP, PARTNER RELATIONS BETH BUTZLAFF
VP, TECHNOLOGY PAUL KEARNEY
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
TONY ADLER, MEREDITH BURBIDGE, GRACE DEVITA,
SCOTT LARGAY, ALLYSON MOFFITT, KEN NEIBAUR, ANGELA PIERSON, ERINA PINDAR,
ANNE SCULLY, LEAH SMITH, RENEE WEISS, JIM WELCH, KIMBERLY WILSON WETTY
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S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 9WHALE
SHARKS
& WINES
OF THE
WEST
Enjoy unparalleled views of Uluru from the air, before stopping for lunch
Swim with whale sharks – the world's biggest fish – off Ningaloo Reef
Indulge in the epicurean delights of Margaret River and Coffin Bay
7 days by Business Class Jet, Sydney return, 2 May 2021, $14,900 per person, twin share
For full terms and conditions, see captainschoice.com.au/conditions. CC-579We cover the breadth of the continent to explore four distinct regions in a single week.
Our journey takes place aboard our business class private jet and is reserved for just 35 guests.
SYDNEY
ULURU
NINGALOO REEF
MARGARET RIVER
PORT LINCOLN
SYDNEY
Discover our entire range of Australian & New Zealand Journeys by Private Aircraft
To secure your place or find out more, contact your Virtuoso Travel advisorPASSPORT PLACES
TRENDS
CULTURE
& STYLE
The Soul
of Oslo
More than 26,000 of Edvard Munch’s
works, including The Scream, will
move into the new Munch Museum
on Oslo’s waterfront this spring.
Spanish architecture firm
Estudio Herreros designed
the 11-gallery, 13-storey
glass-and-recycled-
aluminium landmark to
display artworks by Munch
and other modernist and
contemporary artists he
influenced – as well as some
of the best views of the Bjørvika
neighbourhood and bay from
its rooftop terrace bar. A special
double-height gallery shows
some of the artist’s largest works,
such as his eight-by-five-metre
mural, The Sun. munchmuseet.no.
ADRÀ GOULA
PASSPORT IS REPORTED BY: Michael Frank and Elaine Glusac
12 V I RT U O S O L I F EART & CULTURE
Art That Binds
Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art has responded to
pandemic-forced separations with Just Connect, a group show
exploring solitude and how people connect and interact with one
another in works by artists such as Emeka Ogboh, Jenny Holzer, and
Kerry James Marshall. Through 8 November; mcachicago.org.
Nicolas Africano’s I Get Hurt.
Below: A rendering of SpaceShipTwo’s passenger cabin.
SPACE TRAVEL
ROCKET SCIENCE
BACK IN BLACK
To celebrate the 150th anniver-
sary of New York’s Metropolitan
Museum of Art, its Costume
OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO/NICOLAS AFRICANO AND WEINSTEIN HAMMONS GALLERY
(DRESS) NICHOLAS ALAN COPE/THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, (AFRICANO) MUSEUM
Institute will exhibit About Time:
Fashion and Duration. The show
Canopies woven from recycled
pairs related designs from differ- plastic bottles help Sarika blend
ent centuries, such as a shapely into its 55-hectare setting.
1870s princess-line dress beside
Alexander McQueen’s tailored and
revealing Bumster skirt of 1995.
The collection of 120 pieces – all
black – aims to highlight fashion Virgin Galactic recently revealed the first glimpse of SpaceShipTwo’s cabin as part of
cycles and shape-shifts among the its 16-year quest to fly travellers into suborbital space: Mood lighting adjusts to various
world’s most influential designers, stages of flight (and cuts out entirely in space to focus attention on Earth’s glow), a
from Azzedine Alaïa to Yohji Yama- dozen circular windows with soft foam rings double as handholds for moving about the
cabin during weightlessness, and a large tinted mirror at the rear allows passengers
moto. 29 October 2020, through 7
to perfect their zero-g acrobatics. Designers streamlined the interior to maximise
February 2021; metmuseum.org.
passenger manoeuvrability. Seats are sized to fit individual passengers and feature
pilot-controlled recline settings for greater comfort when g-forces intensify, as well as
Dutch designer Iris van
personal seat-back screens to display data and updates from the flight deck. Our fa-
Herpen’s Timeline dress from her vourite touch: 16 high-def cameras to record the experience, leaving passengers free to
2012-2013 collection. take it all in rather than fumble with settings.
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 13Passport
GEAR UP
Sound
Improvements
Five favourite earbuds for workouts, travelling, and the new normal at home.
1. JBL Reflect Flow buds’ snug, secure
fit makes them great for workouts –
they’re also waterproof, so sweat or
getting caught in a downpour isn’t an
issue. A special “hear-through” mode
pipes in more outside noise as a safety
feature for running or biking near traffic.
10 hours of listening per charge. jbl.com.
➊
2. Apple’s AirPods Pro deliver superb
sound reproduction with active noise-
cancelling capability and an exception-
ally comfortable fit. This pring, the com-
pany will introduce “spatial” separation
to its flagship buds through a software ➋
update, so concert recordings, especial-
ly, will let you distinguish different voices
and instruments. 4.5 hours of listening
per charge. apple.com.
3. You’ll pay extra for them, but for play-
back time, stellar sound, and waterproof
design, Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay E8
Sport buds are the king of the passive-
noise-cancelling bunch. Like the JBLs,
they also offer a mode to allow in ambi-
➌ ent sounds for safety. 7 hours of listen-
ing per charge. bang-olufsen.com.
4. Sennheiser’s Momentum True
Wireless 2 earbuds offer active noise
cancelling to shut out the world’s din,
convey a pure sound profile with clear
highs and strong bass, and recognise ➍
voice prompts to activate either Siri or
Google Assistant. 7 hours of listening
per charge. sennheiser.com.
5. Jabra’s Elite 75t buds boast the best
active noise cancelling of the group and
sound quality that’s just slightly less
impressive than Apple’s, sacrificing
➎ some clarity for deeper bass. 7.5 hours
of listening per charge. jabra.com.
14 V I RT U O S O L I F ETRAVEL INTELLIGENCE
Value
Proposition
For when UK travel is pos-
sible again: A recent cut
to the UK’s value-added
tax (VAT) means a hotel
stay or dinner may cost
less. The cut, which ap-
plies to hotels, dining es-
Freeze-frame: Iceland’s
tablishments, and enter- lagoons beckon travellers.
tainment venues, reduced
the VAT from 20 per cent
STAMP
OF consider eco-friendly the way are in keeping
to 5 per cent through ASSURANCE solutions and avoid with World Health Or-
January 12, 2021. Travellers looking single-use products ganization and World
for a little peace of where possible. Travel & Tourism
mind should keep an Council guidelines.
eye out for the World WELL TRAVELLED
Travel & Tourism The modern travel- SMALL IS
Council’s new Safe ler is getting a new THE NEW BIG
Travels stamp. BFF: When guided G Adventures has
87
More than 1,200 holidays begin again, launched a new
companies, from tour a dedicated wellbe- collection of small-
operators to cruise ing director will be group tours that cater
lines, and destina- accompanying all In- to just eight to ten
tions, from Slovenia sight Vacations and travellers and use
to Saint Petersburg, Luxury Gold trips private vehicles. The
(COINS) GETTY IMAGES, (ICELAND) UMKEHRER/GETTY IMAGES
have now received the of 20 or more people trips, slated to run
stamp. The WTTC’s to uphold safety and through 2021, span 27
The percentage standards balance hygiene measures. countries and include
of travellers current-moment That means keeping walking on north-
practicality with travellers up to date ern Spain’s Camino
who feel ready long-term goals; for on local regulations, de Santiago, sailing
to take a road trip example, companies ensuring luggage is Thailand’s southern
now, according must provide em- sanitised before it islands, and visiting
ployees with personal arrives at hotel rooms, Iceland’s natural won-
to a recent protective equip- and confirming prac- ders, such as geysers
Virtuoso poll. ment, but should also tices at all stops along and lagoons.
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 15Bon Voyage
ROLLING ON THE RIVER
Sail in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn: Viking’s river
cruises have unveiled a first look at the 386-pas-
senger Viking Mississippi, set to debut in August
2022, as well as its 2022 and 2023 itineraries. The
new ship will sail the length of America’s great river
from Minnesota to Louisiana, marking the line’s
first U.S. venture. During the 8- to 15-day sailings,
musicians will help travellers explore the roots of
Saint Louis blues, while cocktail classes in Natch-
ez, Mississippi, invite cruisers to taste Sazeracs,
mint juleps, vieux carrés, and other southern U.S.
staples. On board, Scandinavian-style staterooms
and suites range from 25 to 95 square metres,
all including private balconies, heated bathroom
floors, and 24-hour room service. Throughout the
ship, eco-friendly fixtures include LED lighting and
solar panels, and floor-to-ceiling windows maxi-
mise natural sunlight. Be sure to check out the
top deck for barbecues on the open-air Aquavit
Ship in the night: A rendering of Terrace and sundowners by the infinity plunge
Viking Mississippi in Winona, Minnesota. pool. Departures: Multiple dates, 27 August 2022,
through 2023.
FULL STEAM AHEAD
New sailings to plan for in 2021.
Seabourn has announced new seven-day Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures specialises
sailings between Tel Aviv and Athens aboard in small-ship expeditions to places such as Alaska,
the 604-passenger Seabourn Ovation for next the Hawaiian Islands, and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés
year’s Mediterranean season. Cruisers visit the (vessels accommodate 22 to 86 passengers). Next
GreekIsles – tasting ouzo in Mykonos and learn- year, the cruise line will launch a series of six-day
ing folklore in Symi – and explore parts of sailings in the Salish Sea on the U.S.-Canada
Turkey, including first-century archaeological border to provide quick outdoor getaways – per-
sites in Ephesus and beaches on the Turquoise fect for families and working professionals. Depar-
Coast. Departures: 7 and 14 August, 2021. tures: Multiple dates, 9 May through 17 October, 2021.
SHIPSHAPE: Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, in collaboration with sister lines Silversea and Celebrity Cruises,
respectively, have launched a Healthy Sail Panel of experts to ensure traveller wellbeing at sea. The panel, including scientists, hospitality
specialists, and public health officials, will create recommendations and protocols to share across the industry with other cruise lines, tour
operators, and hoteliers. Former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Mike Leavitt and former U.S. Food and Drug
Administration commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb will cochair the panel. Royal Caribbean’s new public health and chief medical officer, Dr.
Calvin Johnson, will collaborate with the panel to ensure health initiatives are met.
16 V I RT U O S O L I F ESuite Talk
Mountain highs: Wellness
retreats at Alpina Gstaad.
SWISS FIX
Swiss mountain resort Alpina Gstaad aims to nourish guests post-lockdown with an enhanced focus on personal wellness.
In addition to hatha, vinyasa, and power yoga, the 56-room retreat has added yang yin (a mix of slow and dynamic practices), pi-yo-chi
(a combination of Pilates, yoga, and tai chi), Tibetan yoga, and yogic sleep (a three- to five-day programme focused on better rest)
to the lineup of group classes or one-on-one sessions. New two-day retreats focus on forest healing through mindful mountain walks,
and energy sound healing using gongs, singing bowls, and tuning forks. Travellers can bring a bit of the resort home with the
Alchemy Bar’s mix-them-yourself health and bath-and-body products.
SPYWEAR
Ian Fleming wrote the Bond novels from a Jamaican hideout that’s part of the present-
day GoldenEye resort, home to 45 cottages and villas on the island’s northeast coast. To
celebrate the upcoming release of No Time to Die, the resort tapped British brand Orlebar
Brown for swim trunks featuring Fleming’s villa and its private beach. Available at the resort
boutique and orlebarbrown.com.
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 17Great Outdoors
For Heavens’ Sake
Worshipping the stars on Spain’s volcanic islands.
BY JEN ROSE SMITH
HOWARD LITHERLAND/ALAMY
The Milky Way spangles
the sky over Tenerife’s
Teide National Park and
(opposite) the park by day.
18 V I RT U O S O L I F ED
AYLIGHT FADED AS I DROVE been joined by stargazing travellers. time, focusing on the pale smudge of the
upward through Tenerife’s At a trailhead near Teide’s lower Andromeda galaxy. The nearest major
misty pine forests, fado music slopes, I met with a star guide who’d galaxy to our own, it’s still 2.5 million
crackling over the car radio. The set up high-powered telescopes for the light years away, the most distant object
air – along with the mournful tunes – went evening’s group. We followed him down that can be seen with the naked eye.
suddenly clear when I left the trees and a path lined by volcanic rock forma- It’s easy to imagine Tenerife’s an-
entered Teide National Park. Below me, a tions, jagged teeth rising to an unbro- cient inhabitants on a night as clear as
skirt of clouds spread to the horizon; high ken swath of stars. To my right, I spot- this one, watching the faraway galaxy
above, stars framed the triangular profile ted the dim freckles of the Pleiades, against a velvet-dark sky. Thousands of
of El Teide volcano, Spain’s tallest peak. and the guide pointed out the North years later, the view retains its power.
Alluring beaches have long drawn Eu- Star’s steady light above the far hori- I looked a final time, then moved aside
ropean sun seekers to Spain’s Canary zon. In summer, he said, we’d see the as another stargazer took my place at
Islands. Scattering westward from Mo- Milky Way sweeping past in a luminous the telescope. He drew in a quick breath
rocco’s coast, the volcanic archipelago band; locals call it the Camino de Santi- when Andromeda came into sudden fo-
(Tenerife is its largest and most populous ago, named for the pilgrimage footpath cus: “My god!” he said.
island) basks in African sunshine through spanning northern Spain.
the northern hemisphere’s winter. But I’d Bundled against the mountain air, our
come for a nighttime show – the Canary group took reverent turns at the tele-
Islands are among the finest places on scopes. Venerating the skies is nothing
earth to watch the sky.
“You have very high mountains sur-
new in the Canaries. Archaeologists have
found temples here with architecture
TIP
rounded by the ocean,” says Héctor fine-tuned to celestial rhythms, point-
Socas, a researcher at the Canary Is- ing to a cult of star worship. One such “When people think of the
Canary Islands, often the
lands Institute of Astrophysics, whose site, on the neighbouring island of Gran resorts of Tenerife are top of
futuristic white observatory sprawls Canaria, is Risco Caído, a troglodyte set- mind. But travellers who venture
over Teide’s flank. “That gives you ideal tlement that joined the UNESCO World farther across this volcanic
archipelago are rewarded with
conditions to make observations.” High- Heritage list last year. There, in a temple four stunning national parks
altitude stargazing means less atmo- known simply as Cave Six, sun rays and boasting diverse landscapes,
sphere to distort the view, while marine moonlight enter an ancient sanctuary from Spain’s highest mountain
to desertlike dunes and tropical
weather reduces the air turbulence that through a carved tunnel, painting shad- beaches rivalling those of the
can have a blurring effect. Scientists ows across the interior walls. South Pacific.”
come from across the globe to look at the As stars arced past Teide’s summit, – Sarah Lang,
stars here, and, in recent years, they’ve the guide adjusted the telescope a final Virtuoso travel advisor
(TEIDE NATIONAL PARK) ROSSHELEN/GETTY IMAGES
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 19Great Outdoors
The village-style
Bahía del Duque.
STAY
White stucco architecture
and red-tiled roofs evoke a
traditional Canarian village at
Bahía del Duque, a resort that
wraps around a sheltered bay
on Tenerife’s sunny southern
coast. The property’s 288
rooms and 58 suites spiral
through lush gardens and
cascading pools, with eight
restaurants that range from
modern Basque to beach-club
casual, plus a wellness centre
with a thalassotherapy circuit.
After dinner, meet the prop-
erty’s resident astronomer at
an on-site observatory for a
sparkling nightcap of stars.
MORE DARK-SKY DESTINATIONS
The show begins when the sun goes down.
CANADA renowned for stargazing, the most of the starry abun- Some 6,000 years ago, the
See constellations reel over the wildlife sanctuary is also dance overhead. Departures: peninsula’s Neolithic people
the Canadian Rockies at the among the largest private Any day through 2021. aligned their stone monu-
442-room Fairmont Jas- nature preserves in Africa. ments to celestial events.
per Park Lodge in Jasper Ker & Downey’s private, IRELAND Now, moonless nights reveal
National Park, the world’s customisable, eight-day fly- Coastal hills on the Iveragh hosts of galaxies, nebulas, and
second-largest Dark Sky in Namibia safari includes two Peninsula along the Wild shooting stars. At the gateway
Preserve. At the hotel’s on- nights in the nature reserve Atlantic Way frame twinkling to the peninsula, the 72-room
site planetarium, astronomy at the recently renovated night skies in the Kerry Inter- Sheen Falls Lodge offers
experts lead virtual tours andBeyond Sossusvlei Des- national Dark Sky Reserve, falconry, outings on horse-
of constellations and train ert Lodge, where an on-site the first such reserve in back, and salmon fishing on a
the Canadian Rockies’ most observatory and resident Ireland. Locals have long kept private stretch of river within
powerful telescope on the astronomer help guests make an eye on the heavens here: the 120-hectare estate.
night sky. Watch for flickering
tongues of purple, green, and
A starry night
blue light, too, as the aurora over Kerry.
borealis makes flash appear-
ances above Jasper from
August to April.
NAMIBIA
Even in full sunlight, the Na-
mib Desert resembles some-
thing from another planet,
with its Martian-red plains
DON MACMONAGLE/ALAMY
grazed by spiral-horned kudu.
At night, it’s the dark skies
that dazzle in NamibRand
Nature Reserve. An Inter-
national Dark Sky Reserve
20 V I RT U O S O L I F EAtrium, Seven Seas Explorer®
First Person
The Year A
RMED WITH THE CUTEST BABY MUG SHOT EVER, MY HUSBAND
and I took our 6-month-old daughter to apply for her first passport in
March. We had ambitious plans for the year ahead: Vancouver Island,
We Stayed
Florida, and, best of all, a two-week jaunt through Italy to see friends
get married and visit family. (One Saturday night, buoyed by takeaway sushi, a
soundly sleeping infant in the next room over, and a couple glasses of wine, we
Home
even started talking about an adventure in Tokyo.)
That trip to the passport office was on 7 March B.C. – Before Coronavirus. It
turned out to be one of our last mask-free outings as a family before our stay-
at-home order two weeks later. The U.S. State Department stopped processing
When your backyard nonessential passports in April. And, in an instant, all our plans – unlike us –
becomes your entire world. were up in the air.
In an alternate, limoncello-soaked reality, this essay would have been packed
with memories and lessons learned from our first big trip with Eleanor – our
BY AMY CASSELL grand Italian adventure as a party of three. (And my first trip to Italy too!)
ILLUSTRATIONS BY QUEENBE MONYEI We’d overnight in Rome, drive to Tuscany for the wedding weekend, then hop
24 V I RT U O S O L I F ETravel has always made me feel
most like myself. And after world-changing
moments – life, loss, a pandemic – we all
deserve to feel like ourselves.
a flight and a ferry to La Maddalena, the She’d be turning 1 while we were in Tus- either, but I still love asking my mum
tiny island off the coast of Sardinia where cany. We joked about letting her cele- to tell me about them. There was the
my mother-in-law grew up. We’d meet brate by digging into a slice of tiramisu. long road trip for Christmas when I
great-aunts and -uncles, and my husband I couldn’t wait to watch her grab for was 14 months old. (A horrible idea in
would translate as I tried to keep up with strands of cacio e pepe at lunch. (I also hindsight, she admits. We flew home
the conversation. Eleanor would screech couldn’t wait to grab for strands of cacio while my dad and grandpa drove the car
while we dipped her toes in the Mediter- e pepe at lunch.) back.) And the summer lake getaway.
ranean. Connecting with extended fam- Instead, I’m at home, where we’ve My mum chuckles while telling me how
ily while building our own family – all the more or less been for the past six months. I ran around all day and then refused
makings of beautiful reflection, right? I’m writing this in my new office, which to fall asleep until 4 am – not surpris-
We were ready. I’d done the research is really just a desk tucked in the corner ing, given that my own daughter likes to
and had the sleek travel crib and the of a spare bedroom. According to the party at midnight too.
lightweight stroller in my online cart. State Department’s Passport Applica- My mum lights up over these memo-
The extensive “surviving baby jet lag” tion Status website, Eleanor’s passport ries. So, as much as I’m disappointed for
Googling was complete. I felt empow- is still processing. After this year, I think Eleanor this year, I think it’s clear that
ered by the friends with older kids who we’re all still processing. I’m really disappointed for me. I want to
kept encouraging us to “Go now!” They I know: She won’t be disappointed start collecting stories that I can tell my
said travelling with Eleanor would be by these foiled first-birthday plans be- daughter about later. And I want to travel
much easier before she could get bored cause she won’t remember this year. again. Though having a child is a beauti-
on airplanes and moody on car rides. I don’t remember my early holidays ful, fulfilling, no-regrets experience, it
can also be an overwhelming, lonely, and
disorienting one. There’s an unbeliev-
able rush of love and a momentous loss
of independence. But travel has always
made me feel most like myself. And af-
ter world-changing moments – life, loss,
a pandemic – we all deserve to feel like
ourselves.
It’s a privilege to be able to travel
abroad as a family; I don’t take that for
granted. But amid everything that’s
going on in the world right now, I still
believe you’re allowed to feel sad about
cancelled holiday plans. It’s OK to wal-
low for a minute. Yet what this year could
have been is what next year might be. I’m
still looking forward to Eleanor’s first
scoop of gelato on the Via del Corso, and
now I’ve got a few extra months to learn
a little more Italian than grazie and allo-
ra. And the passport offices have slowly
started to reopen. Here’s to filling my
daughter’s fresh one with stamps some-
day soon.
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 25Point of View
Overtourism
Three travel-industry insiders on how we can help, great unsung spots,
and skirting the crowds (when that’s a thing again).
INTERVIEWS BY ADAM ERACE
While many people see overtourism as a the top of a hill with stunning views, very
problem, we see it as an opportunity. authentic.” It’s all about giving the trav-
Capri is a fabulous example. Everyone eller bragging rights. They can go home
links Capri with the Blue Grotto. We and say, “What do you mean you’ve
start our itinerary later in the day and never heard of San Donato? It’s the most
actually go first around the back of the amazing place.”
island, so our guests get to see the other IC Bellagio is an on-site tour operator
beautiful grottoes, and usually there is based in Lake Como that works with Vir-
nobody there. They can do their swim- tuoso travel advisors to create custom trips.
ANDREA GRISDALE ming and go to the private little beaches,
CEO, IC Bellagio and then by the time they come to the
front of the island, and they see the cir-
cus at the Blue Grotto, we ask, “Would
COVID-19 HAS PRESENTED HUGE OP- you still like to go?” and it’s like, “No,
portunities for travelling in Italy. I think no, no, get me out of here!” And by the
this will be the only year ever when you time they’re arriving at Capri, it’s four
can enjoy major destinations and sites in the afternoon, which is also what time
without the crowds. Just two weeks ago the crowds leave. So then they get Capri
I was in Piazza San Pietro at 3 pm, and all to themselves, with a huge highlight
there were no crowds. Places like the being by the time they get back on their
Vatican Museums have hugely reduced boat to the Amalfi Coast, the sun is gen-
admissions, so the experience is much erally setting over Capri.
more pleasant. I think this will be the Overtourism is mentioned in about 50 CATHERINE HEALD
year Italians get to love holidaying in per cent of our requests. They will say, Cofounder and CEO, Remote Lands
their own country. “We would love to go when there’s less
There is talk about cruise ships start- people” or “We would be willing to wake
ing back from Venice soon, something up early if it meant avoiding the crowds.” WITH THE EXCEPTION OF INDIA, ASIA
we can very easily link to overtourism. To help us understand the client, a great has relatively few Covid cases and
Rome and Venice are the destinations question we ask is, “How comfortable deaths, and the countries are all well
from which many cruises start and end would you be enjoying dinner with a lo- into recovery and largely reopened. Siem
their itineraries. Or, last year and the cal family in their home?” and if people Reap and Angkor Wat, which is usually
year before, there were some days where say they would love it, obviously we totally overrun with tour buses, are com-
we had 9,000 people getting off a ship in would feel a lot more comfortable going pletely empty. This may never happen
one day destined for the Cinque Terre. into regions or areas which are perhaps again in our lifetimes.
And if you put those 9,000 people to- less frequented by international travel- In Kyoto, the temples and gardens
gether with the day visitors and the peo- lers. Say, for example, we’re in the height are usually packed, but are now empty.
ple who are staying there, it’s total chaos. of summer in the Tuscan countryside When Japan first opens, I expect this
In the last five years, it’s become more – our driver-guides might say, “Listen, will continue for a few months until
and more a situation of also managing if you want, we can go to Siena or San people are able to plan trips again. But
our itineraries around when we know Gimignano, which I know is going to be when travel returns to pre-Covid lev-
there’s going to be that huge amount quite busy today, or I can take you to San els, as it inevitably will, travellers can
of people at that time and in that place. Donato, one of my favourite towns, at combat overtourism by avoiding the
26 V I RT U O S O L I F Emost famous destinations and instead
venturing off the beaten path. In Japan,
minimise time in Kyoto and Tokyo, and
instead focus on remote corners of Hok-
kaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Elsewhere “When travel returns to pre-Covid
in Asia, in Indonesia, for example, they levels, as it inevitably will,
can minimise their time on Bali and travellers can combat overtourism
instead go to Java, Sumatra, Borneo,
Sulawesi, and Sumba. In India, skip Ra-
by avoiding the most famous
jasthan and instead focus on Darjeeling, destinations and instead venturing
Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, and Ladakh. off the beaten path.”
These destinations are what I call under-
rated and underappreciated Asia.
While we always want to lead our cli-
ents away from the crowds, there’s the
dilemma of wanting to visit must-see
places, like Angkor Wat. That’s some-
thing most people want to do in their
lifetimes, so it’s our job to figure out a
way to avoid the crowds and have a more
private experience, whether it’s the tim- 2020, mainly due to the fear of Covid and bat overtourism, the most important
ing to avoid the tour buses, like going the economic impact of the crisis. Since thing is to open your mind to other pos-
very early, or going in through a differ- Machu Picchu overshadows everything sibilities; prioritise unique and super-
ent entrance, as well as visiting a lot of else, 95 per cent of our visitors come here authentic experiences in uncrowded
other smaller temples that are wonder- to go there; it’s like going to Paris and see- destinations. For example, in Peru, we
ful but nobody goes to them. Or Everest: ing the Eiffel Tower. But the experience also have the northern coast, with sun-
In Nepal, which is still closed and really wasn’t the best because of the amount of ny and warm beaches all year round;
suffering, as they depend very much on people – more than 4,000 per day before the southern coast with amazing des-
tourism, I assume it will take some time Covid. Now, a very low limit of visitors erts; and many Andean destinations,
to get back to pre-Covid numbers, espe- has been set, 675 per day (75 per hour). plus the Amazon. Brazil has positioned
cially for group travel, so early 2021 will This daily limit will be increased as pro- itself as “the Amazon,” but the Ama-
probably be an excellent time for hiking tocols and control measures improve. So zon River is born in Peru and our rain
Everest without crowds, especially for whoever has the opportunity to come to forest is pristine. Travelling in Peru is
individual travellers. Machu Picchu in 2020 will undoubtedly usually very intense: There are lots of
Remote Lands is an Asia tour operator enjoy it with very few people around. early wake-ups, lots of flights, packing
specialising in off-the-beaten-path and cus- In normal times, to ensure our cli- and unpacking, plus high altitude, so at
tom itineraries. ents have the best experience at Ma- the end, it’s nice to have a more relaxing
chu Picchu, we try to avoid morning experience like an Amazon cruise or
visits. There’s a belief that the sunrise lodge, an escape to the beach, or a few
on Machu Picchu is something special, days at a Paracas desert resort.
but since it’s in the middle of a cloud Most tourists come to Peru for a
forest, it’s usually cloudy, especially in week, and they just check off the south-
the mornings. We go in the afternoon, ern Peru circuit – Arequipa, Cuzco,
when it’s usually sunny and there are Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake
fewer people. Another suggestion is to Titicaca, and Puerto Maldonado. But
overnight in Machu Picchu so you can northern Peru is super interesting:
experience it in the afternoon with Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chachapoyas, which
fewer people, and then on the follow- our tourism board has been putting in
ing morning, if you like, you can go back a lot of effort and money to promote.
very, very early before people arrive by While southern Peru is all about Inca
train, or climb to the Huayna Picchu sites, the north is pre-Inca sites, and
ALONSO ROGGERO mountain, an in-demand experience while they’re a lot older than Machu
General manager, within Machu Picchu that’s only avail- Picchu, they are recent discoveries, so
Metropolitan Touring Peru able during the morning. you can see the actual teams of archae-
But we also recommend other Inca ologists digging and working there.
sites, like Choquequirao and Huchuy Metropolitan Touring Peru is an
THE REVIVAL OF TOURISM HAS JUST Qosqo, that don’t have the branding on-site tour operator based in Lima that
started in Peru, but incoming travel will yet but could be as impressive as Machu works with Virtuoso travel advisors to
continue to be very slow in the rest of Picchu. For visitors who want to com- craft custom itineraries in the country.
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 27In My Bag
My Travel Essentials
Kellee Edwards takes her show on roads less travelled.
T
RAVEL AND ADVENTURE
journalist Kellee Edwards
has journeyed more than
300 kilometres along the
Peruvian Amazon to visit remote
tribes, searched for mummies in
Alaska, piloted a Cessna 172 along
the Kimberley coastline, and gone
cave swimming in Fiji’s Yasawa
Islands. “If you’re the least bit curious
about experiencing something, that’s
the perfect reason to do it,” she says.
“Who’s to say you’ll have the chance
to do it again? Life is for living, not
contemplating and overthinking.”
Pre-pandemic, the host of the Travel
Channel’s Mysterious Islands and,
more recently, of Travel + Leisure’s
“Let’s Go Together” podcast trav-
elled at least twice a month for her
projects or for fun. For now, she
welcomes the opportunity to explore
within the U.S. and her third trip
to Alaska, one of her favourite adven-
ture playgrounds.
7.
I DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT:
1. My Lo & Sons O.G. 2 holds 6. I use the latest GoPro, the
everything I need for flying and only camera that can go any- 3.
is perfect for taking to meetings where I go by land, air, or sea.
as well.
7. Garmin’s InReach Explor-
2. Une Piece Sexy Rashie er+ satellite communicator lets
is UPF 50+, protects my arms, me send a text from anywhere
and comes in a great mix of in the world to let loved ones
solids and patterns. know I’m OK. Hi, Mom!
3. The Patagonia Nano 8. Rest & Renew satin
Puff is compact, warm, pillow protectors help me
and travels well. avoid bed head.
9.
4. I organise gadgets, cords, 9. The Yeti Panga
and toiletries in Isaac Mizrahi backpack 28 is waterproof
mesh pouches. and extremely durable.
5. 10.
KELLEE EDWARDS
I wear a red lip on all my An EightyFive
adventures, and Fenty Beauty EightySix mesh sling bag holds
Stunna lip paint lasts through- smaller essentials for quick
out the day. access on the go. 5.
28 V I RT U O S O L I F EA NE W EA SYGO IN G WAY TO G O ACTI V E
Easygoing E-biking,
Multi-Adventure Relaxed pace.
and Walking Trips
Stylish comfort.
Set your own easygoing pace on a new
Unique access.
kind of Backroads journey. You choose
how each day unfolds, whether it’s Authentic
adagio or a bit up-tempo. Welcome experiences.
to active travel the way you want
to play it: Dolce Tempo.
WE ARE YOUR ACTIVE TRAVEL EXPERTS
Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor today for details and reservations.Sustainable
Travel Report
GREATER GOOD
Galápagos best practices, looking out for the locals, and industry insiders on travel’s future.
DC COLOMBIA/GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO CREDIT TKTKTK
Natural intrigue: Bartolomé
Island in the Galápagos.
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 31SUSTA I N A BL E T R AV E L R E P ORT
GOOD NEWS
The latest in supporting local economies, celebrating cultures,
An eagle hunter in
and protecting the environment. REPORTED BY MARIKA CAIN Mongolia and (left)
the Mwema Children
Centre near Ele-
wana The Manor.
GOLDEN EAGLE
STANDARD
Nomadic Expeditions
helped found Mongolia’s
Golden Eagle Festival
20 years ago, securing
the continuation of the
area’s ancient falconry
tradition – and creat-
ing an enduring draw
for travellers. Now the
tour operator is fund-
ing a research initia-
tive to support golden
eagle conservation, a
logical next step for this
sustainability-minded
operation. The proj-
ect, conducted by the
Wildlife Science and
(EAGLE HUNTER) OLEH SLOBODENIUK/GETTY IMAGES, (SOAP) PANNONIA/GETTY IMAGES
Conservation Center
GOOD NEIGHBOURS of Mongolia, includes
a study of western
Through its charitable arm, safari com- Mongolia’s golden eagle
pany Elewana Collection has launched population and review
a fund for locals affected by the recent of the long cultural
downturn in East African tourism. The tradition of hunting with
Land & Life Foundation’s Elewana Pamo- golden eagles.
ja Fund supports communities neigh-
bouring Elewana’s properties through
a variety of initiatives, from providing
Raising the Bars
meals for children at an orphanage and Kempinski Hotels is turning waste into wellbeing through a new partnership with
a girls school near Elewana The Manor Clean the World. The organisation collects discarded soap from Kempinski proper-
at Ngorongoro to supporting wildlife ties, runs it through a refining and sanitisation process, reinvents it as fresh bars
protection in Kenya and Tanzania. of soap, and distributes it to groups such as World Vision and the Red Cross. The
Travellers who want to pitch in can make end result: Hygiene products that might otherwise be discarded instead wind up at
donations through Elewana’s Land & Life homeless shelters, food pantries, and refugee camps around the world, helping to
Foundation. landandlife.foundation. prevent disease – an especially squeaky-clean mission in Covid-19 times.
32 V I RT U O S O L I F ETAKE
ONLY PICTURES The Galápagos’ South
Plaza Island and
(above) Aura Banda.
Silversea naturalist guide and environmental
manager – and third-generation Galápagos
resident – Aura Banda on seeing her favourite
destination responsibly.
WHY THE GALÁPAGOS? The Galá- WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR SUS-
pagos is one of the most pris- TAINABLE WILDLIFE VIEWING?
tine archipelagos in the world. When the time comes to
What you see now is probably resume travel, start by choos-
not so different from what Dar- ing the right company to travel
win saw in 1835. And on some with. Companies that invest
islands, what you see is even in the places they visit are also
better than what it was before, contributing to the protec-
thanks to the amazing conser- tion of the place. Once you
vation efforts and continued encounter wildlife, observe it
Silversea Cruises’ 100-passenger, all-suite Silver Origin,
work of the Galápagos National with respect. Don’t disturb the
a purpose-built Galápagos vessel, will preserve the region’s
Park. From Galápagos giant animals, don’t call them, don’t
delicate sea floor with anchorless positioning technology and
tortoises to the only marine feed them – just enjoy the privi-
minimise waste with in-suite water-purification systems that
iguana in the world, the only lege of being there with them.
cut the need for single-use water bottles. Natural immersion
penguin that lives on the equa- Take photos, but don’t take
prevails on board and on shore: Travellers can take in pristine
tor, and 17 different species anything else. We don’t have to
seascapes and spot wildlife from ocean-view showers (in some
of Darwin’s finches, what you take rocks, sand, and feathers
suites), and greet the archipelago’s marine iguanas, blue-
encounter here is truly unique. as souvenirs. Contribute to
footed boobies, and sea lions up close during Zodiac tours and
Where else could you swim NGOs or projects in the area.
guided island hikes.
(AURA BANDA) GREG ARANEA, (GALÁPAGOS) BLUEORANGE STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK PHOTO
with penguins and parrotfish Be an ambassador and spread
at the same time? the word about the importance
of visiting and keeping the
WHAT DO NATURALISTS BRING place for future generations.
TO THE GALÁPAGOS EXPERIENCE? The Silversea Fund for the
Visiting the islands without a Galápagos will finance projects
naturalist guide is like watching related to youth empower-
The travel-size Rahua Enchanted
a fascinating nature documen- ment, education and training,
Island Lotion Mist features Galápa-
tary without the sound. Here, and science, technology, and gos-inspired guava and passion fruit
naturalists are prepared by the conservation. I believe that it’s oils, and donates a portion of pro-
Galápagos National Park, and our responsibility to prepare ceeds to The Pink Flamingo Project,
they have to be permanent resi- the children of the Galápagos which funds protection of Galápagos
dents of the islands. So when you to protect the islands for species. rahua.com.
visit the islands with a natural- the future, and the only way
ist, you’re benefiting from the to prepare them is to educate
insight of a person who knows them about the importance
these islands intimately and has of their home.
a deep passion for the region. – Interview by Ariel Shearer
S E PT E M B E R | O CTO B E R 2 0 2 0 33You can also read
