Bespoke Adventures & Experiences

	Cottar's 1920's Safari Camp  Cottar Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya   Some things do not change, so it is hardly surprising that the Cottar family, who have been running safaris since 1920, remain the most skilled in their homeland’s bushcraft and the style of elegant service. White canvas, mahogany, brass and crystal abound whilst the gramophone plays and an old typewriter is on hand for you to record your day’s experiences. Your personal butler is also on hand and will arrange massage, fishing, guiding, walking, swimming and picnics whilst supervising the service and the delivery of any drink at any time. A personal guide and game vehicle are at your disposal and convenience, as in days gone by, to safari in a private area of the Mara.
Pousada Baiazinha nr Campo Grande, Pantanal, Brazil  Home to hundreds of species of birds and animals, the Pantanal is the world’s largest area of wetlands and a place of almost mythical status amongst lovers of all things natural. Pousada Baiazinha is a lodge built on stilts overlooking an islet that is home to spoonbills, egrets, cormorants and alligators. Guides take visitors out into the forest on foot, in canoes or on horseback on a Pantanal safari where one can confidently expect to spot anaconda, cayman, capybara, anteaters, macaws, toucans, kingfishers and tiger herons. There are no TVs or telephones here – rather, guests prefer to arise for the dramatic sunrises and listen to the extraordinary birdsong.
Aggie Grey's Apia, Upolu, Samoa  The people of Samoa still hold true to their ancient culture, fa’a Samoa, based on strong village and family loyalties (and a lot of dancing thrown in for good measure). Their open sided ‘fales’ provide little privacy and the bamboo shutters are only drawn for sleep. Certainly a country still rich in its own heritage, this is an interesting paradise for those seeking adventure, rather than sun worship. Apia is the slightly down-at-heel Pacific capital but its famous hotel, Aggie Grey’s, is in good shape after a refurbishment that has preserved much of its original colonial character. If neighbouring Tonga is the first to see the sun rise each day, Samoa is the last place on Earth to reach for the future, thus making it the most laid back place on the planet?
	Elsa's Kopje Meru Park, Kenya  Joy and George Adamson’s home, Mughwango Hill overlooks the Meru plains that stretch out for miles around. As the incredible light moves over the plains below, gentle breezes carry the African scents in to the camp - just 9 open sided cottages of stone and thatch – lending an overall sense of space, style and relaxation. The rooms are luxurious – stone baths, hand-made furniture, twin basins, huge beds swathed in netting – and lamp-lit paths lead to the comfortable lodge building and the ultimate pool view. The staff are exemplary and from your personal butler to the skilled guides who delight in introducing you to more species than any other park in East Africa, you can see why Elsa picked this spot.
Komodo Island  Lesser Sundas, Indonesia   ‘There Dragons Be’ was the notation against this exotic island, home to the running, swimming, tree-climbing carnivorous lizard, the Komodo Dragon. Often over 12 feet long and preying mainly on pigs, the grave of Baron Rudolf von Reding Biberegg is testament to the sound advice of living aboard the comfortable Evening Star II, a beautifully restored 100 foot sailing boat. Embark on lizard tracking (rangers defend with forked sticks!) or dive from the boat and view some of the most spectacular marine life in the world. Alternatively, a glass of chilled chardonnay served by the cheerful Australian crew is excuse enough to whale-watch in this other-worldly location.
Blancaneaux Lodge San Ignacio, Mountain Pine Forest Reserve, Belize    A delicately balanced mix of luxurious comfort and natural beauty makes Blancaneaux Lodge a truly enchanting experience. Perched over the waterfall, the cabanas offer the ideal getaway. Choose between a huge private deck overlooking the falls or your own private garden paradise. Elegantly themed with native art and local textiles, each cabana offers a queen-size bed and hand-painted tile bath. In the restaurant and bar, classic Italian cuisine, including made-to-order brick-oven pizzas, is featured at the Montagna Restaurant. Enjoy drinks in the Jungle Bar before your meal or after dinner on the deck overlooking the jungle.
	Kapawi Eco-Lodge Kapawi Reserve, Ecuador    A spectacular retreat in the Amazonian rain-forest, Kapawi was built with the indigenous Achuar Indians and is a must for those adventurous and passionate about the environment. Fly from Quito to a tiny military airbase in the rainforest, take another plane to a tiny airstrip and then a three-hour canoe ride – getting there is an adventure in itself! Thatched cabanas with private decks & hammocks overlooking a dreamy lagoon, the rainforest beyond, supplied with solar heated showers and power, provide comfortable living and the food is very good. From kayaking, piranha fishing, birding, trekking, building traps and using a blow-pipe to learning shamanic rituals and herb-lore, watching turtles and dolphins, one leaves Kapawi enriched.
Saruni Masai Mara, Kenya    Saruni is a beautiful intimate lodge set in a private conservation area for just twelve guests in six spectacular cottages and offers the new concept that a ‘Group Ranch’ makes possible - real African adventure lived in harmony with the Maasai warriors yet coupled with the highest standards of style and comfort. Furnished with colonial antiques, Persian rugs and African art, the atmosphere at the camp is informal but elegant. Each cottage has hot and cold running water, 220 volt electricity, elegant Italian bathroom fittings, polished wooden floors, and large bathrooms where the canvas can be opened to offer an amazing view from the shower!
	Makweti Welgevonden Reserve, South Africa    This beautiful, pristine 33,000 hectares private reserve, malaria-free and home to the ‘Big 5’, offers luxurious comfort and great game experiences in its congenial, relaxed atmosphere. Part of the Waterburg, the varied terrain of escarpments and bushveld provides stunning views and incredible sunsets. The camp is intimate and friendly - each chalet has out- and in-door showers and Victorian bathtubs, fireplaces and private viewing decks – and, completely un-fenced, guests can expect the unexpected visitor at any time! The park itself boasts the largest number of white rhino on a private reserve, as well as lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, cheetah and wild dog.

Modumo Lodge Okovango Delta, Botswana     Modumo Lodge is a wonderfully relaxed, luxury lodge from which to reach the marvels of the Okavango Delta. The staff are extremely welcoming and the atmosphere is just a little bit fun to help things along a bit. Bedrooms, bathrooms, pool and bar all have the wonderful natural backdrop that is the delta itself whilst the utmost comfort is on hand at all times. Mokoros, walking safaris or lolling by the pool can all be organised at the drop of a hat – a wonderful place.