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Stories from PURE 2010
Stories from PURE 2010
Pure Life Experiences 29 November 2010
South America
Stay in the Southern-most hotel in the World. Lakutaia, meaning Bay of the King Cormorant, is a 24-room hotel situated on the very Southern tip of South America. Guests can sail through Darwin's Beagle Channel, take a flight over Cape Horn, go birdwatching, fly-fishing and heli-skiing in winter. www.lakutaia.cl
The newest wine region in Argentina, Uco Valley, is opening up to tourism. French investment 12 years ago has resulted in a region producing superb Malbec wines. Wines and Adventures of the Andes offers tailormade tours. www.wines-and-adventures.com
A new hotel, Catucaba, opening in February 2011 will open up the Sao Luiz do Paraitinga region to tourists. The 10-room property is situated on an old farm in thousands of acres of dramatic countryside. All the food is produced on the farm staffed by the local community. Those looking for a real rustic experince should wait for the opening of scattered workers cottages - no electricity, water from the stream and a food parcel of fresh local produce delivered each morning. At the other end of the scale 12 completely sustainable, highly contemporary villas, each with their own 10 hectare plot will be built by 2013. Rooms at Catucaba from US$350. www.catucaba.com or www.WandOtravel.com
Africa
In six months time visitors to Botswana will have a greater chance of seeing black Rhino. As part of a long term conservation programme Wilderness Safaris are moving ten black Rhino from Zimbabwe to Botswana where there are currently only five. There are now 45 white Rhino in the region. For the best chance of seeing them, stay at Mumbo Camp in Botswana. www.wilderness-safaris.com
Asia
Swayed by watching or reading Eat, Pray, Love? New Monastery tours in Cambodia give guests two days and one night in a Buddist Monastery. Visitors learn about Buddism, rise at 4am for a half-day meditation and adhere to the monks' strict dietary regime. www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk
India
Coffee addicts can stay at Orange County in Southern India and participate in the entire coffee harvest and production with local workers. www.orangecounty.in or www.greavesindia.com
America
Europanache has launched a new USA programme. The company that gets private access to everything from Fashion Week in Paris to personal guides with world renowned architects has new bespoke tours across the USA including an intimate look at the vibrant Chicago Jazz and Blues scene.
Indonesia
Pasola, a local "jousting event" between rival villages is one of the cultural experiences guests at Nihiwatu in Indonesia, winner of the overall Virgin Holidays/Responsible Travel Award, can experience if they are staying at the right time in February or March. In a traditional ceremony on the beach, as the local chief waits for an annual influx of red worms, he announces the date of Pasola. Nihiwatu, an hour from Bali by plane, is building 12 new bamboo design villas powered by thermal, wind, water and solar. They will be completed by March 2012.
www.nihiwatu.com
Australia
Farming oysters in Tasmania; wildlflower walking safaris from Wilpena Pound and hikes to fresh water rock pools in remote parts of the Kimberley coast are some of the experiences offered by members of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, launched this year. Seventeen small, luxury properties across Australia focus on offering guests highly memorable personal experiences that connect them to the place in which they're staying.
www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au
