Uncategorized Archives - Swain Destinations

Tour Like A Tudor: London & Windsor

Swain Destinations Team member, Cathi Landowski, shares her favorite footsteps to trace around London and Windsor: The Tudors.

For as long back as I can remember, I’ve always held a fascination for the Tudor history of the United Kingdom. With the exception of their current monarch, it’s pretty obvious their most famous ruler (and some would say infamous) would be Henry VIII. It’s one thing to ‘know’ about Henry and his wives. It’s another to walk through the buildings where they lived, loved and died.

On my first trip to London, my first stop was, of course, The Tower of London. It’s beautiful in it’s own way, and so much history has been kept within their walls that it would take hundreds of trips to experience it all. From the Crown Jewels that sparkle and gleam, to the sad Tower Green where Queens lost their heads, the terrifying Traitor’s Gate, where prisoners entered the Tower to never leave alive. This history is all around you when you walk into the doors of the Chapel. When visiting The Tower, I make it a point to always pay my respects to the Queens who lost their lives to Henry and his ambitions and love of power.

Another spot with a Tudor focus would be Westminster Abbey. They now have verger-led tours to help you bypass a lot of that, which is great news. The majesty of this building cannot be overstated. From the stunning black and white floors to the incredible ceilings, you could literally spend the day here.

Windsor Castle is world renowned as the current Queen’s most beloved home but in truth 39 monarchs have called it that. Windsor is set in a lovely little village accessed by train from London. Here you can visit State Apartments, mouth agape from the incredible tapestries, chandeliers and paintings. My favorite spot, though, is St George’s Chapel. Steeped in history from the happy to sad (Prince Harry’s wedding to Prince Phillip’s funeral in recent years), St George’s is the final resting place of Henry VIII.

Of all the Tudor spots around Greater London, though, none hold my heart like Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court is a brilliant mash-up of architectural styles, and is the closest you’ll get to experiencing life as a Tudor. Hampton Court is built with stunning red bricks, setting it very much apart from, say, the Tower of London and it’s pale walls. Hampton Court has a brilliant courtyard, with incredible decorative chimneys scattered about.

The wonderful thing about London is that you don’t have to be a super Tudor fan to find things to do. London has something for literally EVERYONE. It’s why you can go back again and again, finding new spots, revisiting old familiar ones. I truly love London and can’t wait to go back!

Sanctuary In Botswana

Africa, Property Highlights, Travels, Uncategorized

Our partner, Lara Vancans from Sanctuary Retreats, takes us on an adventure across Botswana. Her trip takes her to four different luxury camps; Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, and Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, all recently refurbished to an exquisite standard.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Bright, airy and sophisticated, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero’s spacious suites and manicured grounds make for an instant at-home feeling. Dramatic views of the Chobe River are best complemented by a romantic dinner on our new deck, and a complimentary welcome foot massage at the spa lulls you quickly in to relaxation mode. I loved the natural light and clean lines of the suites, three of which now offer an additional room for little ones. Chobe is best experienced from the river, and in my view, with a gin and tonic in hand! All of which we are more than happy to arrange!

Tip: Visit the Dipetsana Women’s Bike Shop and let the ladies lead you on a bike tour of the village where you can see the impacts of their success first hand.

Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp

Situated in one of the most picturesque and quintessentially beautiful areas of the Okavango Delta (as described by locals, not me!), the new Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp maintains the down to earth charm I love. And yet, the new design is polished and sleek, with cleverly built tents that feature more window (netting) than canvas. Even in the warmest months, Delta breezes keep you cool. At Stanley’s, it’s you, the canvas, and just the right amount of luxury. His and hers sinks, a spacious dressing area, stylish furnishings and a well-stocked mini fridge will have you radioing “Sorry, elephant outside!” … just to enjoy a few extra minutes in your tent.

Tip: In flood season, enjoy sundowners with your feet in the water and the tilapia nipping at your toes!

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp

Perhaps the most striking transformation of the Delta camps, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is guaranteed to make you smile as you stroll through the colorful and characterful sitting room to take in the beauty of the Boro River from our private dock. Cue perfectly timed elephant crossing! With only six suites, Baines is our most intimate camp, and in keeping with the theme, we love spoiling honeymooners! To turn up the romance we turn on the faucets and surprise guests with a bubble bath under the stars. And if you’re feeling adventurous, we can even push the bed outside so you can dream beneath the African stars.

Tip: Try your hand at making a Delta Necklace as you mokoro along the Boro River … don’t worry, we’ll show you how!

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Arriving at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp you are instantly enveloped in a rich and established tradition of hospitality and warmth. There is a timeless, effortless elegance to the camp’s understated décor, the smiles of the staff, and the peacefulness that surrounds you. Your suite’s soaring ceilings and sophisticated furnishings evoke comfort, while the elephants drinking from your plunge pool root you in the wilds of the Delta. A personalized sundowner stop at the “Herbivore Champagne Bush Stop,” complete with beaded animal sculptures munching on the local flora, left me smiling, speechless, and with maybe a tear in my eye! Brilliant and unforgettable!

Tip: Be sure to visit the orientation room and speak with our resident rhino monitors to learn more about conservation on Chief’s island.

To learn more about Botswana read our e-brochure, Swain’s Southern Africa Journeys.

The White Continent, Antarctica

Anne Pace, Antarctica, Cruises, Travels, Uncategorized

The white continent, Antarctica, is often seen as the final frontier for intrepid travelers with the lofty ambition of seeing all the Earth’s continents. But for the truly adventurous traveler, Antarctica should never be seventh.

In early December, I took an overnight flight from Miami to Santiago, Chile. In the early hours of the following morning, another flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, with charming colorful buildings backed by snowcapped mountains. All to accomplish what had been a long-cherished aspiration, to visit Antarctica! I was not to be disappointed.

The magic and joy of this journey was in experiencing the absolute calm and tranquility together with the splendor and majesty of the ever-changing scenery around you.

We were fortunate in that both the outbound and return crossings of the Drake Passage were relatively uneventful. Heavy winds did at times cause a change in anchorage and the cancellation of kayak trips. A trip to the most remote destination on Earth requires many considerations as to weather conditions, guest comfort, wildlife preservation, and environmental responsibility, and so this is all part of the expectation of visiting this remote continent.

Each time you left the ship, after dressing in waterproof pants and layers topped by a super warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves and adjusting your life jacket, gathering your poles, you then donned knee high boots. Before boarding the zodiac for the day’s adventures, you immersed your boots in a disinfectant solution. On your return to the ship before removing your boots, they were thoroughly cleaned in a machine which reminded me of a car wash.

The emphasis on keeping this continent free of contamination and protecting the precious environment was extremely important.

My most treasured memories from this very special experience are, first and foremost, the up close and personal wildlife encounters, with different species of penguin, leopard seal, so many different birds and of course, massive whales breaching in front of you.

Secondly, visiting Research Bases, both active and now abandoned, wondering at the tenacity and strength of both the current and early explorers, who spend many months isolated in this vast region.

And last but certainly not least, being in a zodiac, traversing through ice floes, with the brilliant blue of the icebergs and glaciers nearby. Just marveling at the remoteness of where you actually are and the incredible beauty of this vast white continent. A journey of a lifetime!

Discover Mexico

Uncategorized

A Swain Destinations experience in Mexico is a hand-held luxury experience in line with our offerings to all of our destinations. Mexico is renowned for its pristine beaches, accommodation, and fantastic cuisine but selecting the best experiences for your desires is our forte. Swain Destinations loves Mexico for its natural beauty. From stunning beaches, to the deserts of the North, to the jungles of the South, Swain travelers discover so much more than for what they bargained with our personal service throughout a country filled with adventure, luxury and beauty.

Copper Canyon

The star attraction in northwest Mexico is certainly the Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon), a series of more than 20 spectacular canyons. It’s the largest canyon in North America, nearly four times the volume of the Grand Canyon in Arizona and in parts much deeper. The Copper Canyon is a natural wonder that has wondrously remained unspoiled!

Mexico City

Built over Lake Texcoco and the famed Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, Mexico City is one of the most populous and vibrant modern cities in the world.

The pulsating megatropolis lies nestled in the Valley of Anahuac between the dramatic peaks of two snow-capped volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Travelers to Mexico City find themselves in a melting pot of history and culture, where the ancient past and contemporary present blend to create a unique synergy with a foot in both worlds. Packed full of incredible museums, popular tourist attractions, award-winning restaurants, boutique hotels and endless possibilities for adventures, Mexico City is a world-class destination ranked among the best cities in the world.

Morelia

This area offers cultural experiences in the colonial city of Morelia and nearby towns as well as incredible encounters with nature during the area’s annual monarch butterfly migration.

In the winter, guests can enjoy the extraordinary experience of the monarch butterfly migration at Mexico’s famous butterfly reserves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trees and butterflies become one as boughs bend under the weight of millions of these beautiful creatures. Waiting to take flight and fill the sky with splendor, the butterflies spread their orange and black wings, soaking up the warmth of the morning sun.

San Miguel de Allende

Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as the Best Small City in the World, San Miguel de Allende is ideally set in Mexico’s Colonial Heartland. The quaint UNESCO World Heritage City is a thriving center for art, culture, and history, where the streets are lined with well-preserved buildings that have become home to various art institutions and galleries over the past 60 years. Beautiful cathedrals and restaurants serve as the perfect backdrop for the many live music and arts events that visitors are likely to encounter.

Top 6 Things to do in Tanzania

Africa, Kathryn Fischer, Uncategorized

Tanzania is an iconic destination for intrepid travelers, known for its diverse landscapes and up close wildlife experiences.

Encounter massive herds of animals in the endless plains of the Serengeti, where it feels like you are at the edge of the earth. Explore the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, or the world’s largest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Have one-on-one interactions with Maasai and immerse yourself in another way of living.

After the whirlwind of this year, I believe travelers will be more selective in their travel decisions, seeking wide-open spaces instead of jam-packed cities. Tanzania is the perfect destination for this, with rich cultural and natural resources to offer. Here are the top six things to do in Tanzania:

Wildebeest grazing — Wildebeest pause to graze while making the Great Migration

1. Experience the Great Migration

The Great Migration is a year round event that occurs naturally. The animals do not follow the same exact route each year, but experts have an idea on their general circuit.

At the start of the year from January – March, massive herds of gazelles, wildebeests, and zebras can be seen around the Ndutu area, in the Southern Serengeti. This green season also coincides with calving season, and who does not love baby animals?

From March – July, these herds migrate North and West towards the Kenyan border. The start of July through early October is peak season to witness the Great Migration in the Northern region of Tanzania. It’s when millions of herds journey across the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in search of food and water.

Around October, the herds head back into Tanzania, crossing the treacherous Grumeti and Mara Rivers once again. The sheer abundance of animals makes the Great Migration a highlight for travelers.

Masaai Village Visit — Kathryn visits a Masaai village in Tanzania

2. Interact with the Maasai

Swain Destinations works with operators who empower those in the local community. These operators have excellent relationships with Maasai villages scattered throughout Tanzania and help provide education and employment.

Your escorts, housekeepers, and waitresses at your safari accommodation likely come from a neighboring community. Though you will have personal interactions during your stay, a visit to a Maasai village is a must to learn about their proud cultural traditions. You are encouraged to get involved – ask questions, dance and sing, and get your hands dirty. The more you put into the experience, the more you get out of it.

3. Visit Ngorongoro Crater

Around 3 million years ago a volcano collapsed in on itself, creating the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Now the Ngorongoro Crater has an impressive permanent concentration of African wildlife that thrives on the nutrient-rich environment. In addition to encounters with animals like hyenas, lions, and endangered black rhinos, the landscape beckons to be explored.

You’ll see varied habitats like seasonal wetlands, open grasslands, and lush rainforests all within one game drive. The jungle-like crater rim has playful baboons and panoramic vistas of the vast crater floor below. To top off your Ngorongoro experience, stay at a luxury tented camp set on the edge of the crater, providing you with early access to the action and walking safaris directly from camp.

Sundowners in the Serengeti — A perfect spot for sundowners in the bush

4. Have a Meal in the Bush

One of the most memorable ways to enjoy a meal is in the middle of the African bush. Any time of day is beautiful, though sunrise and sunset are particularly special. After a dreamlike hot air balloon ride, have a romantic champagne breakfast. Or imagine a relaxed picnic lunch under an Acacia tree.

Later in the day, experience the magic of sundowners on a kopje. And perhaps end the evening with snacks and conversations around the bonfire. The options are endless and always prove to impress.

Boabab Tree — A boabab tree in Tarangire National Park

5. See Baobab Trees in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is slightly off the traditional safari circuit, so you do not see many other vehicles. It is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants from June through October, but during green season, most herds migrate out of the park. Still, the landscape dotted with giant, majestic baobab trees is worth traversing.

You can take the time to look out for the little creatures, like dwarf mongoose and over 500 species of birds. It is a great place to start or end a safari, as you can soak up the solitude of a relatively empty national park.

A Dhow boat sailing off the coast of Zanzibar — A dhow boat sailing off the coast of Zanzibar

6. Island Hop to Zanzibar

After your safari, relax on the exotic beaches of Zanzibar. Or continue your wildlife adventure by snorkeling or scuba diving in the Indian Ocean. This archipelago not only has the turquoise waters and swaying palm trees that you’d expect from an island, but also has a vibrant culture with strong Arabic influence.

Sail on a traditional dhow boat or wind through the alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a storied past.

Ready to start planning your adventure in Tanzania? Get inspired with our sample itineraries.

Top Southern Africa Activities

Africa, Articles, Kevin Murray, Travels, Uncategorized

Southern Africa is known mostly for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, wild animals, and of course “The Smoke That Thunders” Victoria Falls. Some may already be aware; however Southern Africa is also home to a wide variety of adventure activities. Check out what tops my own list below.

Victoria Falls: Southern Africa Activity Capital

Starting in Victoria Falls, the extreme sport capital of Africa, you will be able to find a multitude of options located just minutes from Victoria Falls. Incredible white water rafting is only minutes from the area. Featuring grade five rapids, it is some of the best rafting in the world. Even more intense is the Gorge Swing. Located about 400 feet above the Batoka Gorge, the adrenaline rush from this 230-foot free fall is one of the most daring of all the African adventure activities.

A Swim With The Sharks

Heading down south, Cape Town is no slouch with the Southern Africa activities offered in this area. Their options may not be as dare devilish or high flying; however, Shark Cage Diving is high on many bucket lists. Located off the coast of Cape Town in either False Bay or Gansbaai, which is a two-hour drive along the coast, those brave enough can jump into the Atlantic Ocean with these beautiful creatures. June and July are the best months to see the Great Whites while they are hunting Cape Fur seal pups, however a variety of these predators can be seen year-round.

Family Friendly Adventure

Sandboarding | Photo Credit: Sandboarding

For a more family friendly Southern Africa adventure activities, look no further than right outside of Cape Town. I highly recommend sandboarding on the Atlantic Dunes. This beautiful drive is approximately 50 minutes north west of the city. As a half day experience, it is great for active families traveling with children. This soft white sand can reach up to 165 feet in height which can help get the adrenaline flowing while cruising down the dune. This majestic white sand dunes also offer activities such as ATV’s, 4×4 riding and quad bikes.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush with a stunning backdrop, look no further than Southern Africa. The activities, much like the people, landscapes, and wildlife, are unforgettable.