Pictured above, clockwise from top left: trekking near Vira Vira Lodge, Chile; Oryx at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia; marine iguana, Galapagos Islands, lion spotting at Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa; beach banda, Mnemba Island near Zanzibar; Vira Vira Lodge, Chile; boma dinner at Phinda Mountain Lodge, South Africa; leopard at Phinda Private Game Reserve. Photos: andBeyond.
During a pandemic, open borders and the ability to travel are only part of the equation, of course. People need to feel safe as well, and reports such as this are designed to show what some travel operators are doing to satisfy that need.
AndBeyond CEO, Joss Kent, said that travellers were now more likely to be interested in exploring and interpreting nature and looking for more meaningful and purposeful travel experiences. "Our vision of luxury has always been one where we strive to provide an experience that goes beyond expectations and where guests leave transformed, with a view as to how they can leave their world a better place. Our challenge has been to combine these with any concerns that we think our guests may have around international travel," Kent said.
With many travellers looking for an experience that is exclusive to themselves and their party, andBeyond has put together a selection of Private Travel options designed to offer privacy and exclusivity without costing the earth.
The Slow Travel options are ideal for those who prefer to spend less time in transit and immerse themselves deeper in one destination. Known as the 7 Wonders in 7 Days, these long-stay journeys have been specially created to ensure guests don't lose time travelling, taking a week to explore a single destination. Each itinerary offers a range of different levels of exclusivity, depending on the size of the travel party, as well as the level of privacy that guests feel most comfortable with when it comes to accommodation, flights, transfer and activities.
Africa
Destinations include Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, where guests can experience safaris in seven distinct habitats, as well as choosing from additional options that include bush walks, sleep-outs, community visits, hands-on conservation experiences and even ocean adventures in nearby Sodwana Bay.
A stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia provides myriad opportunities to explore the unique surroundings, from scenic helicopter flights to dune excursions, desert drives, stargazing and many more. Seven days at idyllic andBeyond Mnemba Island offer plenty of opportunities for water sports from scuba diving to snorkelling and kayaking, as well as a selection of wellness treatments, not to mention optional day trips to nearby Zanzibar.
India
Even in bustling India, the 7 Wonders in 7 Days itinerary includes private, off-the-beaten track experiences that range from horse riding to opportunities to explore traditional villages, taste authentic food and explore a colourful culture.
South America
At andBeyond Vira Vira in Chile's Lake District, travellers can keep themselves busy with trekking, horse riding, an array of water activities on the nearby lakes and rivers or a plethora of other options.
Travellers can choose
Recognising that not all travellers will want to limit themselves to a sole destination, andBeyond also offers its Exclusive Explorations collection, which features the comfort and privacy of private transportation, sole-use accommodation and exclusive experiences. These itineraries allow guests to create their own private travel bubble while still enjoying the freedom of exploring a variety of destinations. Travellers can choose from a range of private safaris in Africa's premier wildlife destinations, explore the mountains or beaches of India or venture into some of South America's most famed landscapes.
Travellers departing from the US can also enjoy an extra bubble of exclusivity by booking a seat on one of &Beyond Private Jet & Yacht Journeys. Currently only available out of Florida, the two itineraries offer a choice between Big Five safari in South Africa or an exploration of the land and marine environments of the Galapagos. Offering the ultimate in exclusive travel bubbles, they provide exclusive VIP access to a thrilling selection of private adventures.
With the virtual workplace more popular than ever, andBeyond has prepared itself for the growing number of digital nomads who will be working from holiday in 2021. Offering more flexibility than ever before, andBeyond says it can adapt the travellers' daily schedule and activities around their work commitments.
It has also hand-picked a range of destinations where guests will have hassle-free connectivity options, from wi-fi to a stable cellular network. Activities and experiences can be tailored around working hours, while meals can be served wherever and whenever most convenient to ensure travellers make the most of their time away without missing work deadlines or meetings. Specially trained lodge staff will be on standby to keep non-working family members happily occupied.
Entry requirements
At the time of writing, all of the countries featured in this article are permitting entry to international travellers, with the exception of India. Entry is subject to conditions which generally include providing proof of a negative COVID PCR test within a specified time before arrival in the country, comprehensive travel insurance and entry through only one or more specified airports. Check for updates on government websites or at worldnomads.com