Spotlight On: Exclusive Stays
Villa Tres Amaras, Bonvido
American Safari Camp, EXP Journeys
Finniss River Lodge, The Tailor
The Headwaters, Ahipara
Agua Baru, Galavanta
Willka Wasi, Enigma
Shakti Ladakh, Banyan Tours
Exclusive Stays
VILLA TRES AMARAS - Bonvido, Dominican Republic
This private estate on the Dominican Republic’s untouched north coast is fringed by its own golden-sand beach. All the charm of a Spanish colonial villa, but without any compromise on modern amenities: spa, salt-water pool, pizza oven. In and outdoor cinemas, too.
Hiring this nine-bed beauty, via Bonvido, is like having a boutique hotel to yourself. And while it’s remote, there are “a tonne of activities” in the area, from surfing to horse riding, via family-friendly canyoning trips.
AMERICAN SAFARI CAMP - EXP Journeys, USA & Canada
EXP has permits to set up its mobile tented camp in nearly 50 locations across the US. That means luxury accommodation in the remotest destinations. Guests enjoy unprecedented access and a fully customised experience, from the food and drink to the activities and storytelling.
Sustainability and conservation are top priorities, with a strict ‘Leave No Trace’ policy. When you see the set-up in all its splendour it’s hard to believe they’ll depart with no evidence that anyone was ever there!
FINNISS RIVER LODGE - The Tailor, Australia
Only 12 months old, this secluded six-bed property in the wilds of the Northern Territory has set whole new standards. Drew Kluska at The Tailor assures us it’s a perfect marriage of comfort and pristine wilderness. Client feedback has been “first class”.
Family-run Finniss River Lodge is set in a 60,000-acre outback cattle station. Their walking safaris take guests through five different ecosystems! Once that’s done, guests can do a 4x4 buggy safari or enjoy a unique ‘cows and canapés’ activity. Sundowners will never be the same again!
THE HEADWATERS - Ahipara, New Zealand
Ahipara’s hot tip is this state-of-the-art eco-lodge in Glenorchy, “Where the Silicon Valley have their end-of-world bunkers”. Just getting there means taking one of the world’s most scenic drives. But the real USP is the lodge’s laser focus on sustainability, Headwaters has a zero-carbon footprint and is working on making stays carbon positive.
I love that the owner has gifted it all to the local community, too. Whatever profit it makes goes to a good cause. “When clients come and stay, they do leave changed,” says Ahipara. “They want to create revolutionaries!”
AGUA BARU - Galavanta, Colombia
Even by my standards, Agua Baru – offered up by Colombia’s Galavanta – really knocks your socks off. Pristine nature in every direction and a villa fit for the most discerning guests.
It comprises a jaw-dropping main villa – with three bedrooms – and two further bungalows, each with a private pool and ocean views. Once you’re done snorkelling the island’s pristine waters, I’d take a canoe through its beguiling mangroves. Artisanal fishing isn’t something you forget in a hurry either.
WILLKA WASI - Enigma, Peru
Enigma’s best ‘homes’ in Peru are found in the Sacred Valley, north of the Inca capital of Cusco. But for founder Silvia, there’s one property in particular that really stands out. Or rather a collection of traditional Spanish-style homes, sitting on a 4,000mtrs² plot of land.
Willka Wasi is for absolute privacy. It’s in one of the best corners of the valley, making it a perfect launch pad for Machu Picchu. Of course, there’s a full suite of staff, including a chef, but I particularly like that Enigma provides an in-house host to assist with just about anything.
SHAKTI LADAKH - Banyan Tours, India
Banyan Tours comes to us not with one property, but six. An exceptional collection of Shakti properties in Ladakh, to be experienced as part of a seven-night, three-region trekking adventure in the majestic Indus Valley, India. I’ve been and they’re incredible.
Leave the modern world and step into one of the best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist communities on earth. Authenticity meets the highest possible spec in these newly renovated spaces, and guests can enjoy private experiences. Morning prayer with the monks is moving stuff. One thing, though: book well in advance!