For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown San Fran, Cavallo Point represents the perfect haven. Situated halfway between the city and nearby Sausalito, the resort enjoys sumptuous views of the famous bridge and offers guests access to an array of exciting onsite amenities and impeccable customer service. Sharpen your culinary skills with a cookery class, rejuvenate your mind and body with a spa treatment or simply reconnect with nature in the resort’s expansive green spaces.

The close proximity of two outstanding National Parks in the shape of Yellowstone and Grand Teton mean there are plenty of stunning landscapes and unique wildlife to admire, while the region is not short on adrenaline-fuelled activities, either. In summer, you can explore the outback on foot, horseback, by boat or even via hot-air balloon. Meanwhile, the colder months draw winter sports aficionados, with plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities set against a breath-taking backdrop that simply isn’t to be missed.

For the perfect complement to this pastoral paradise, check in to the Magee Homestead for an adults-only ranch experience. Situated inside a 30,000-acre cattle farm, this all-inclusive resort is the place to indulge in supreme relaxation and rejuvenation. As well as guided tours of the surrounding farmland and forestry areas, there is also a comprehensive spa and wellness centre, rifle range and a top-class restaurant serving delicious farm-to-fork delicacies. Meanwhile, each log cabin is lavishly decked out, creating the ultimate in bucolic luxury.

To really take advantage of an outback experience, stay at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort tucked deep in the heart of the island. This eco-style safari lodge is reached by floatplane and boasts just 25 luxuriously equipped tents, creating a unique environment in which to relax and recharge. As remarkable as it is remote, this breath-taking resort offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to take part in a full range of hinterland activities on a daily basis, while the culinary artisans employed onsite mean you won’t want for the finest food, even in the middle of all that rugged splendour.

For an exclusive hotel in an ideal location, stay at the Four Seasons Downtown on the fringes of the world-famous TriBeCa neighbourhood. The spacious suites at this prestigious landmark make excellent use of natural light, allowing the sun’s rays to flow in during the daytime and gifting visitors a remarkable vista over the City That Never Sleeps. With an a la carte restaurant helmed by celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck and an entire floor given over to its health and wellness centre, you might even be tempted not to leave the hotel at all.

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The Quintessential touch

Through our dedicated team of travel experts all over the globe, we’re personally acquainted with the cultural and culinary hotspots of all the cities and townships featured above, meaning we’re best-placed to create a bespoke holiday experience geared towards your particular interests. What’s more, we hold VIP Preferred Partner status with all of the finest hotels in each locale, meaning you can enjoy excellent facilities, impeccable service and all those little extras and benefits which are instrumental in getting the most out of your time away. For more information about the luxury travel services we provide, get in touch with Quintessentially Travel today.

Our Travel Manager, Katie Macdonald says, “For an exotic experience, opt for the lush greenery of a beach villa. Meanwhile, the floating Japanese restaurant is an absolute must, with baby tipped sharks that swim alongside as you dine on sushi, teppanyaki and sip from the extensive sake menu.”

Reconnect with your ancestors by following in their footsteps throughout the many hiking trails or soar above it all in a hot-air balloon. Then, when the day is done, retire to your luxury suite at Amangiri to indulge in a post-adventure banquet and settle in with a restorative digestif.

The Sal Salis, an exclusive beach retreat, is perfectly placed to take advantage of all that wildlife. The camp offers guests safari style tents, water-based adventures and the most comfort-inducing blanket of stars you could possibly imagine.

The lavish lodge and spa has been designed with the utmost in indulgence in mind, with each spacious suite boasting floor-to-ceiling views of the Andes mountain range and delicately designed furnishings that take their inspiration from the wonders all around.

With a tropical forest teeming with wildlife on one side and the great blue expanse of the Indian Ocean on the other, the unadulterated beauty of nature is sure to leave you intoxicated and invigorated.

Hunker down in your very own glass igloo and witness the marvels of the Aurora Borealis first-hand, or simply stare up at the boundless starry night and let a feeling of reassuring insignificance settle upon you.

A Quintessential connection

At Quintessentially Travel, we understand that everyone’s idea of the perfect getaway varies from person to person. That’s why we go the extra mile in understanding what constitutes the perfect holiday for you and your loved ones, including exactly which kind of experiences stimulate your sense of adventure. Then, furnished with that information, we can use our vast knowledge of the best hotels, resorts, lodges and hideaways around the world to tailor-make an itinerary guaranteed to delight.

When you’re looking for a holiday that allows you to reconnect with nature, there’s no one better equipped to make your dreams become a reality than Quintessentially Travel. Choose from one of the six nature-centric destinations mentioned above, or have a chat with our travel specialists to discuss a plethora of other options available to you, and we can take things from there. To learn more about our luxury travel portfolio, or to take the first step towards your next organic escape, get in touch with us today.

For a truly memorable stay, we recommend the Aman Venice. The property itself exudes elegance from the very brickwork, combining Renaissance charm with refined classic décor as Rococo masterpieces rub shoulders alongside ornately adorned ceilings. The Aman is far from just a pretty face, however. The cuisine on offer in its Palazzo Kitchen is cooked up by the world’s finest chefs, while the hotel also has plenty of exclusive offers in the shape of private opera box tickets, sunset boat rides and complimentary entry into some of the city’s most impressive architectural marvels.

Complete the experience by staying at Il Sereno Hotel in the laid-back commune of Torno. Tastefully designed with an emphasis on modern elegance, the hotel’s four spacious suites draw the al fresco appeal of the lake indoors with floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of natural light. Its Michelin-starred restaurant serves up artful interpretations of regional specialities using the finest local ingredients, while guests can also enjoy all manner of extra-curricular activities, from helicopter tours to spa treatments.

For a more restful hideaway, why not stay at the Six Senses in the Douro Valley? Located at a comfortable remove of under two hours from Porto proper, this stunning property offers sweeping views of the lush valley greenery below. The 19th-century manor house has been recently renovated with impeccable refinement, boasting an onsite spa and fitness centre, various diverse dining experiences and, of course, its very own wine library. For a world-class hotel located in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, would you expect anything less?

To take advantage of the twin pleasures of the village and the seafront, Finca Cortesin offers everything you could possibly desire. The palatial property is set inside 23,000m2 of perfectly manicured gardens and offers access to four swimming pools, a 6,000m2 beach club, tennis and padel courts and a world-class, 18-hole golf course that consistently ranks among the most highly regarded in all of Spain. Finish off the day with a revitalising Thai massage and you can’t fail to return from your break refreshed and ready to go again.

Continuing the theme, no stay on the Côte d’Azur would be complete without a prestigious hotel to match and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is the ideal candidate for the role. Part of the celebrated Four Seasons brand, the Cap-Ferrat has been frequented by such luminaries as Elizabeth Taylor and Sir Winston Churchill. Follow in their footsteps by pampering yourself at the VIP Suite in Le Spa, indulging in Provençal and Mediterranean-inspired dishes created by a Michelin-starred chef at Le Cap or simply feasting your eyes on the beauty of the surrounding enclave from the hotel’s panoramic perch.

A Quintessential experience

At Quintessentially Travel, we understand that planning a holiday can be a time-consuming process in itself, before you’ve even begun to think about how you’re going to find the hours to enjoy your escape. We also appreciate the value of local knowledge and insider information in turning an agreeable experience into an unforgettable one.

That’s why our extensive network of travel specialists are relentless in their pursuit of the next hidden gem, constantly scouring the globe to come up with city breaks designed to gratify every preference and satisfy every palate. We go the extra mile to forge partnerships with some of the world’s best hotels, earning you access to all those little extras and VIP benefits which really make a holiday memorable. To find out more about how we can tailor-make the trip of a lifetime, get in touch with our team at Quintessentially Travel today.

In addition to elegant furnishings and African-themed artwork throughout all of its 12 luxurious rooms, the Manor allows guests to enjoy afternoon tea on its lawn while the giraffes roam freely around, or else breakfast indoors while they pop their heads in to say hello. A truly unique way to start the day. But unlike some wildlife experiences, the emphasis at Giraffe Manor is very much on conservation and very much against exploitation. These majestic creatures are under threat; their global population has fallen by around 40% in the last 30 years, with just 68,000 specimens left worldwide. Rest assured that the 10 in residence at the Manor are very well looked-after, while it has also served as a breeding centre for Rothschild’s giraffes for far longer than it’s been a hotel. As well as running a sponsorship programme for these endangered animals, the Safari Collection (by whom Giraffe Manor is run) are also careful to follow sustainable practices and give back to the communities they inhabit, taking a holistic approach to conservation.

Meanwhile, the hotel itself is the epitome of secluded decadence, with a choice of tented or treetop villas. The kitchen serves up delicious food made using locally produced ingredients on a menu that changes daily, while the idyllic location makes for the perfect backdrop for yoga, meditation and massage. Wa Ale Island Resort also employs the most forward-thinking sustainability practices possible in its operation. A percentage of the proceeds from the luxury resort go directly towards the Lampi Foundation, which was created to help fund conservation projects and social welfare initiatives in the surrounding area. In 2016, the Lampi Foundation successfully developed a turtle hatchery, providing a much-needed boost to the dwindling numbers of these serene ocean dwellers in the process. The hotel itself has been designed to leave behind the smallest green footprint possible, with all buildings constructed from local raw materials and all produce in the kitchen sustainably farmed and caught.

The drastic dive of the cliffs on one side is offset by the expansive sprawl of the valley floor on the other, with mile upon mile of scenic Australian outbreak unfurling before you. There are a variety of dining options, some of which serve up sumptuous six-course extravaganzas, while the One&Only Spa specialises in holistic body care therapies. More active guests can take advantage of the surrounding countryside to participate in wildlife safaris, gallop off on horseback adventures or learn more about the locale with heritage tours. That unique heritage, and the incredible landscape which has fostered it, is a special point of interest for the resort; their conservation programme allows guests the opportunity to become a part of the reserve’s history and make a hands-on contribution to ensuring its beauty and biodiversity extend far into the future.

The 11 villas here have been designed with the surrounding biodiversity in mind; all the buildings have been constructed from materials sourced during the island’s rehabilitation, while the marine colour scheme and multi-textured surfaces evoke an abode that’s truly at one with its environment. Guests can partake of the plentiful snorkelling, scuba diving and water sports activities, or focus all their energies on feeling good with a variety of spa and wellness treatments. Those more interested in understanding more about the impressive outcome of the conservation efforts can spend time chatting with the resort’s Environmental Staff, or simply experience those results first-hand by wandering in awe around the island at their own pace.

Indeed, the Park has done incredible work over the last half-century to coax the population of these noble predators back from the brink of extinction to a stable figure of around 80 specimens today. Meanwhile, the nearby Chambal River is home to India’s largest group of the critically endangered Gharial crocodile, offering even more opportunities for conservation. Aside from all that sustainability, Oberoi Vanyavilas is quite simply a stunning safari destination in its own right. The triple-canopied tents are modelled after the fashion of the Indian Royal family’s own opulent accommodations and each room is equipped with air conditioning, a king-size bed, plush armchairs and a claw-footed standalone bathtub. As well as the wildlife exploration activities, the hotel also offers all manner of extra-curricular pursuits, from cookery classes and fine dining feasts in its world-class kitchen to stargazing sessions and cultural excursions in the surrounding environs.

The Lodge is also engaged in a number of conservation projects in partnership with Costa Rican universities and non-profit organisations, allowing it to give back to the communities it interacts with and raise awareness over the importance of environmental issues in the process. By staying in one of its sumptuously adorned suites, you can contribute to that good work. It’s not all about philanthropy, though; there are plenty of other enticing reasons which make Pacuare Lodge a firm favourite with everyone who’s ever crossed its threshold. The proximity of the Pacuare River offers unbeatable white-water rafting opportunities, while the lush rainforest on all sides is teeming with birds, mammals and amphibians just waiting to be spotted. Meanwhile, the appropriately titled “Nest” is a purpose-built viewing platform 20 metres above the rainforest floor, where guests can enjoy an unforgettable meal in the company of one of the best views in the world.

The Reserve is a delicate and distinctive blend of a myriad of different ecosystems, with temperate rainforests and alpine peaks dissected by meandering rivers and expansive lakes. The brainchild of founder Richard Genovese, the Resort has been conceived as a means of allowing guests the chance to experience this incredible utopia through safe and sustainable means. Home to just 25 intimate guest tents, this reclusive retreat is only accessible by floatplane or boat, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and serenity. But don’t let its remote location fool you – the resort is still a hive of gentle activity throughout the day. Guests can avail themselves of the opportunity to embark on horseback forays into the untouched valleys all around, participate in restorative yoga classes or try their hand at fly-fishing in the many rivers which criss-cross the terrain. The delectable cuisine is concocted from a plethora of locally sourced and sustainably farmed ingredients, while the log-built Cookhouse, with its open fireplace and overstuffed couches, provides the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day’s adventuring.

Quintessential conservation

Whether you crave the isolated tranquillity of a tropical island paradise or the thrumming rhythms of a cloud-kissing rainforest, there’s a holiday destination that’s sure to put you back in touch with nature and leave you feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to go. At Quintessentially Travel, we pride ourselves on being able to identify the unique tastes of our clientele, often ascertaining preferences of which they themselves were not even aware.

Then, using our team of globally placed and highly passionate travel experts, we can marry those predilections to a tailor-made holiday experience designed to satisfy your every desire. What’s more, our commitment to giving back means we are intimately acquainted with the most sustainably minded organisations out there, allowing you access to luxury locations which work hand in hand with the communities and ecosystems that support them. To ensure your next holiday makes a real difference in the world – to the places you visit and the people you meet and, of course, to you and your loved ones – get in touch with Quintessentially Travel, today.

However, it’s its work with the indigenous Batwa community that has seen Gahinga Lodge become a cornerstone of a growing effort to bring guests closer to the local people in this beguiling corner of East Africa. The lodge offers a Batwa experience, where visitors can meet and learn about their past and how they are looking to take charge of their future.

The Batwa, once known as pygmies, were the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rainforest, which spreads across the south west of Uganda and through neighbouring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But when Mgahinga was designated as a national park by the Ugandan government in 1991, the Batwa were forcibly removed from the land they had called home for millennia. No compensation was paid, with pressure to conserve the critically endangered population of mountain gorillas trumping the needs of the indigenous population.

Traditionally hunter gatherers, the Batwa, who are thought to number around 6,200, just 0.2 per cent of Uganda’s entire population, were forced to work as farm labourers, finding themselves homeless and living as refugees in their own country. The skills which they had used in the forest were in danger of being lost as the need to survive became paramount.

Recognizing that the Batwa needed to be the focal point of conservation in Uganda, Volcanoes Safaris’ founder, Praveen Moman, set about finding a way to give Batwa who lived close to Gahinga Lodge a chance to rekindle their skills and take advantage of the area’s growing popularity with tourists. In 2017, Volcanoes Safaris, through its Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT), purchased 13 acres of land close to Gahinga Lodge, building 100 homes to house 18 Batwa families. There’s a vocational centre where a nurse visits once a month, with space for tribal meetings and dancing. Most important of all, it abuts the forest itself, giving the Batwa a tangible sense of being close to home.

Walking out of Gahinga Lodge towards the Batwa village, I get chatting with Herbert Mfitundida, Community Manager for VSPT. Mfitundida works as a co–ordinator between the Batwa and VSPT, with four Batwa tribespeople working at the lodge itself. We’re on our way to speak with the Batwa, with the chance to see what guests see when they take part in the Batwa experience offered by the lodge. “We’re trying to bridge the gap between conservation and communities,” explains Mfitundida as we pass across neatly ploughed fields and pass through a recently laid wall into the village, dozens of children running to greet us.

Behind the youngsters stands Safari Monday, the chief of this Batwa tribe. Monday moved with his people from makeshift shelters in Musasa, 4km away, to the village when it opened three years ago. Mfitundida acts as translator, with Monday speaking Rufumbira, a local dialect.

Monday explains that his tribe can no longer enter the forest they once called home. “The forest is heavily guarded, we know we could be shot. But I understand the restrictions. I don’t think about it.”

Instead, he immediately turns his attention to the vocational centre, displaying an intense pride at this, the heart of his new village. The people still eke out a living working on farms, or growing their own crops, but the beautiful handicrafts made here are sold to tourists, including those staying at Gahinga Lodge, with 100 per cent of the profits going straight to Batwa families.

The birth of the village and its alliance with Gahinga Lodge has also meant that Monday and his fellow Batwa have been able to pass down their traditional knowledge to the younger generation. Later that day, on a short trail within the hotel’s grounds, Monday and some young members of his tribe show the bow and arrow methods they used to hunt prey and the simple homes they built in the forest.

It’s clearly not a substitute for the real thing. But the increased knowledge of the Batwa’s plight, and the fact that guests have an opportunity to give directly either via online contributions or through the purchase of goods made by Batwa people, appears to be giving them the boost they have so desperately needed for so long.

Mfitundida explains that having been pushed to the fringes of society, the Batwa here have not been able to take advantage of more lucrative work as porters and guides in the Mgahinga National Park, due to a lack of education. That, he says, is slowly changing, with children attending school and learning modern farming methods.

The long-term prospects for the wider Batwa community remain uncertain. But in this beautiful corner of Uganda, there is hope that tourism can play its part in creating a brighter future.

* Photo credits: Black Bean Productions, Craig Howes, Michael Turek, Robin Francois, Sinamatella.