Into the wild
By Christina Pfeiffer | theage.com.au | 11 July
Not so long ago Machu Picchu, Easter Island and Antarctica might have been exotic destinations for well-to-do travellers seeking luxury adventures in far-flung corners of the world. But as luxury travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations has become increasingly popular, a range of exciting new projects around the world have emerged in places like Mongolia, Peru, Zambia, India and Bhutan.
What's more, providing the equivalent of five-star accommodation is no longer enough. Today's sophisticated traveller is looking for experiences that offer a genuine interaction with the people, landscape and wildlife while enjoying a high level of luxury.
Sujata Raman, managing director of luxury wilderness travel company Abercrombie & Kent, says, "Our clients want to see more than just the wilderness, they want to meet local people, interact with local cultures and be involved in meaningful projects." Southern Ocean Lodge's owner, James Baillie of Baillie Lodges, agrees. "There's a definite trend towards the demand for unique experiences and not just accommodation. Fine food and wine, local interpretive experiences, architectural flair and a sense of place are all important," Baillie says.
There are some properties in Australia that meet these criteria, including the recently opened Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Bamurru Plains in the Northern Territory and Voyages Resort's premium collection: Longitude 131, El Questro Homestead, Wrotham Park Lodge and those at Bedarra, Lizard and Wilson islands. But Australia still has a long way to go. "We need to enlarge the menu of properties in Australia to encourage more visitors to enjoy our vast unspoilt nature," Baillie says.
The desire to be in an isolated oasis of calm in a wild location seems innate. Here is the pick of new luxury wilderness experiences around the world.
Peru
Ride a mountain bike, paddle a kayak or go trekking 3810 metres above sea level at Lake Titicaca in South America's Andes Mountains. Titilaka Inkaterra (which opened in May) has 18 modern suites with views of the lake. There are heated floors, mini bars, iPods, portable oxygen tanks, 26-inch plasma televisions, wireless telephones and luxurious bathrooms.
Abercrombie & Kent, www.inkaterra.com, 1300 851 800
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the relatively unspoilt Colca Canyon is dotted with traditional Inca farming terraces and is a jaw-dropping spot. For something completely different you can volunteer at the local soup kitchen. Las Casitas del Colca (opened April) has 20 casitas (small house) each with private terraces and heated plunge pools. There's a spa and swimming pool along with trout ponds, a chapel and a small farm.
Orient Express, www.lascasitasdelcolca.com, (02) 8248 5200
Zambia
With beautiful scenery, wondrous Victoria Falls and the opportunity for game viewing without the crowds, Zambia is becoming an elite wilderness hot spot. Abercrombie & Kent has opened three safari camps over the past six months. The newest is Zambezi Kulefu (opens this month) in the isolated Lower Zambezi with seven tented chalets offering views of the Zambezi River. In the remote South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge Camp (opened May) has six luxury tents, while former presidential residence Chichele Presidential Lodge (opened December last year) has 10 air-conditioned Victorian-style suites.
Abercrombie & Kent, www.abercrombiekent.com.au, 1300 851 800
India
Track tigers at Madhya Pradesh's national parks, which are also sanctuaries for other wildlife such as three-striped palm squirrels, langurs, jackals, striped hyenas and leopards. The Taj Hotel group has teamed up with CC Africa to set up Taj Safaris wildlife lodges within India's tiger reserves. Mahua Kothi is on the edge of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve while Baghvan is in Pench National Park. Lodges are planned at Kanha and Panna national parks for later this year. Banjaar Tola will have luxury tents situated along the banks of the Banjaar River overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park, while Pashan Garh will have a cluster of stone cottages on a hill, with magnificent views over the forest and animals drinking from a large nearby waterhole.
Taj Safaris, www.tajsafaris.com, 0011 800 4588 1825
Mongolia
Ride off into the Mongolian wilderness on horseback, learn Mongolian archery or stay in a nomadic family's ger (felt tent). Mongolia's first five-star resort, the Terelj Hotel (opens this month), is located 85 kilometres from the capital Ulaanbaatar in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, near the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Originally built as a summer camp for the Soviets, the building has undergone a complete multimillion-dollar renovation and now has 51 suites and amenities, such as high-speed internet, children's play areas, shopping arcade and clinic.
Small Luxury Hotels, www.slh.com/terelj, 1800 251 958
Bhutan
Pristine scenery, unique culture, exotic architecture and gentle people are some of the things that attract visitors to Bhutan. Amankora's five individually designed lodges (a sixth lodge is on the drawing board) are scattered throughout Bhutan's valleys. The newest, Amankora Bumthang (opened late last year) is located next to the king's palace, Wangdichholing, in the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Valley. The 16 guest suites, in four separate dwellings, have wood-panelled interiors, traditional bukhari stoves, king-size beds and terrazzo-clad baths. Journeying between the lodges is a great way to experience Bhutan.
Aman Resorts, www.amanresorts.com, 0011 800 2255 2626
Australia
Explore Kangaroo Island, South Australia, from the comfort of Southern Ocean Lodge (opened March). The rate of $900 a person a night (twin share) includes meals, beverages, mini bar and local guided experiences.
Southern Ocean Lodge, www.southernoceanlodge.com.au, (02) 9918 4355
Camp in luxury at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia (just opened). The nightly rate of $685 a person (twin share) includes luxury tented accommodation, meals, beverages and excursions.
Sal Salis, www.salsalis.com.au, 1300 790 561
First published by TheAge.com.au on July 11 2008
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