ONE OF THE many benefits of working at Departures is that I get to (at very least) hear about the most interesting and elevated travel experiences on the planet, which stretch from the surreal glacial cliffs of Antarctica to Elba’s bleached, rocky Italian beaches to the high-altitude forests and volcanoes of Rwanda. I am constantly reminded of how vast this planet actually is — and that modern transportation makes exploring it a tangible reality. More and more, however, I am drawn to experiences that offer a deep sense of place and make concerted efforts towards preserving it. They steep visitors in their unique culture and invest in holistic sustainability efforts, giving back to the local economy and environment in an effort to ensure the destination and its treasures live on for generations. Speaking of looking towards the future, in a nod to the upcoming new year, I’ve compiled a list of my 2024 travel goals (I admit, it’s ambitious).
ROAR AFRICA
The Greatest Safari on Earth
It’s bold to name your trip the “greatest” on Earth, but in the case of Roar Africa’s adventure, it’s true. This 12-day journey was personally designed by the company’s CEO and founder, Deborah Calmeyer. Having been born and raised on the continent (her family’s lineage in South Africa dates back to 1688), Calmeyer was often asked: “I want to go Africa, but I only want to go once — where should I go?” She remains convinced that once you experience Africa, you’ll invariably return, but the prompt inspired Calmeyer to carefully consider what “once” might look like.
The Greatest Safari on Earth is the result: It travels to four of Africa’s most iconic and magical destinations, showcasing Calmeyer’s local knowledge and connections to their fullest, with its chronology conscientiously crafted to open hearts and minds, and to give back to its hosts. (Roar Africa offsets all its carbon emissions — not just its flights — by more than double, with the money going to projects on the safari’s flight path.) A maximum of 10 guests depart from Dubai aboard the A319 Emirates Executive Private Jet to the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, staying a few miles up the river at the Matetsi Private Game Reserve. The next stop, Xigera Safari Lodge, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, teeming with wildlife, resides in one of the most unique and pristine landscapes left on the continent. From there, it’s off to Angama Mara in the Masai Mara of Kenya to witness the great migration, which is “one of greatest natural spectacles on the planet,” Calmeyer confirms. Finally, trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to visit the last remaining mountain gorillas is like coming home to yourself, she explains: “the humility, beauty, and peace one experiences while sitting and looking into the eyes of these powerful creatures who share 97% of our DNA is hard to put into words.” Guests inevitably return from the safari profoundly changed. There is space for that deep transformation because of the trip’s immense beauty and seamless execution; as Calmeyer explains, “When you take the grind away from travel, there is a certain stillness and softness that allows that best of who we are to come to the surface.”
The Greatest Safari on Earth is limited to two trips each year — August 10 to 22 and August 25 to September 6 — with spots limited to 10 per safari.
Bravo Whisky Golf
Rare Rounds in the Sport’s Historic Homeland
Bravo Whisky Golf is known for individual (and idiosyncratic) golf adventures, which both liven up the game (think: far-flung destination courses) and maximize off-link time (think: helicopter rides and pop-up fine dining). Although my partner and I haven’t devoted an entire European holiday to golf, most of our trips do involve hitting the links. Therefore, this one will be exceptionally memorable. The Grand Golfing Tour of Scotland 2024 offers small groups an adventurous week-long, bespoke itinerary in the picturesque country, with tailored private activities ranging from fishing at a remote, undisclosed loch under the guidance of one of Scotland’s finest ghillies, Michelin-starred dining at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, and a private in-castle consultation with one of Scotland’s most respected tailoring firms. Then there are private tastings at the Bowmore Distillery and rides around the Isle of Islay in a rare vehicle from Bowmore’s Aston Martin collection. Accommodations are equally elevated, including meticulously restored thirteenth-century castles and floating hotels. Naturally, there’s also world-class golfing at courses such as The Machrie Links — and travel is by private air.
Keythorpe Hall
Culinary Festivities in the English Countryside
My version of a dream vacation always includes several days dedicated to food and wine — specifically exploring the origins, preparation methods, and thoughtful pairings of local dishes, wherever I may be. This places Keythorpe Hall — a 20-guest, 20-acre residence in the English countryside — high on my must-visit list. For starters, its head chef, Bent Varming, curates custom menus using organic fruits and vegetables from the property’s onsite walled kitchen garden and local farms. Regarding imbibing, the property’s wine concierge, Bert Blaize, is available for recommendations or to host a full-on dinner with Matt Gregory, Leicestershire’s premier winemaker, as the guest of honor. If you’re like me and prefer to truly get your “hands dirty,” head gardener and ethnobotanist Claudio Bincoletto is available to guide wild food walks. Then there’s also distiller Brentingby Gin’s spirit-making sessions, Perry from Rennet & Rind’s local cheese tasting, and whiskey tasting or old-fashioned making led by Rob Simpson (London’s “Best Bar Chef”). Pair these with Keythorpe’s butchery and cooking-over-fire masterclasses and you’ll be prepared to survive and thrive in the property’s picturesque woods for days. Though, in reality, you might need more than a week to properly enjoy the hall’s indulgences — along with its epicurean riches, its wood-fired hot tub, in particular, caught my eye.
Grace Bay Resort’s Rock House
A Fantasy-Inducing Tropical Escape
Picture this: 14 acres of oceanfront paradise framed by a majestic limestone cliff stretching 600 feet along the beach and rising 95 feet above sea level. This dream has a name: Rock House. Nestled on the northern coast of the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, the intimate resort fulfills all of the warm-weather fantasies that crowd my mind during slushy, long New York winters. Its breathtaking views, personalized service, and 100-foot jetty, which extends into a pristine protected bay, would be fodder enough for my overactive imagination, but the property’s ideal location also serves as the perfect jumping off point for exploring the surrounding waters and coastline’s stunning nature, including its barrier reef, via guided diving, kayaking, or snorkeling adventures.
VM Elite’s Heli-Adventures
Remote and Rewarding Patagonian Journeys
Have you ever tried fly fishing? It’s incredibly enjoyable. Connecting you with nature and demanding just the right amount of focus (but not too much), it encourages calm introspection. And while it presents a challenge, its rewards are truly satisfying, which is why VM Elite’s fly fishing itineraries make this list. They mirror the interests of each traveler while showcasing South America’s distinctive cultures and landscapes. I envision guided angling on remote glacial peaks, in Northern Patagonia, and along the Futaleufú and Palena River — all accessible by helicopter only — then dining on locally sourced ingredients paired with Chilean wines. To note: Three months of the year Patagonia’s ski and fly-fishing seasons overlap, so if you plan well you can hit them both.
Mad Rose Journeys
An epicurean pilgrimage to Jura and Burgundy
Recently, I’ve developed a preference for sipping Burgundy wines, appreciating their rich, full bodies and velvety textures. This upcoming year, I’d like to take that appreciation to a new level, and level-up my knowledge of the varietal with a visit to the region. I plan on selecting Mad Rose Journeys, curated by the esteemed wine importer Neal Rosenthal, as my guide. Tailored to the season and the interests of an intimate group of eight, each immersive journey promises a blend of regional delights: visits to renowned vineyards, Comté cheese tasting, and picturesque views, with lodging at Rosenthal’s charming maison d’hôte, La Closerie les Capucines. The 8-day journey begins with a guided exploration of Lyon’s food market, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, followed by a private dinner hosted by Michelin-starred chef Jean Paul Jeunet. The following days are similarly exceptional, dedicated to wine tastings, day hikes, and intimate dinners in Burgundy, along les Routes des Vins in Cote d’Or, Maconnais and to the Beaujolais district, offering a unique opportunity to sample wines from some of Rosenthal’s renowned growers.
Six Senses Vana
Transformative Self-Care in the Himalayan Foothills
In 2023, we laid the foundations for cultivating good habits and prioritizing mental health — or so it’s been widely reported. In 2024, then, we need to actively sustain these efforts. Nestled south of the Himalayan foothills in Mussoorie, amidst a Sal forest in Uttarakhand, India, Six Senses Vana provides the foundational tools. This full-immersion wellness retreat is designed to help you feel, think, and be better — whatever that means to you. Each stay is precisely tailored to individual needs through wellness consultations, screenings, daily treatments, and guided nutrition — all rooted in foundational Ayurvedic principles, yoga, Tibetan medicine, and natural healing therapies. Moreover, it’s intended to help seed or grow your personal intentions — to help return you to your essential being, remind you of what’s most important to you, and guide you toward a more fulfilled future. This is why the programming for each guest is incredibly diverse and personalized — addressing everything from stress reduction and breaking unhealthy habits to realigning your energy and balancing your body. And the word on the street is: The longer your stay, the deeper your transformation.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
An Oasis of Local Culture and Relaxation
Nestled on Vietnam’s striking, serene central coast, The Nam Hai is located near three remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites and perched on one of the nation’s most famous (and beautiful) beaches. Its offerings, meanwhile, provide something for everyone — whether you’re seeking relaxation or aiming to experience the country’s vibrant culture and natural wonders. My stay will start with a visit to the resort’s The Heart of The Earth Spa, where treatment pavilions gracefully float atop a lotus blossom-filled lagoon and holistic services range from energy-balancing rituals to rhythmic realignment therapies to element-centered body work. Also enjoying a Four Seasons guided tour of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary — a well-preserved Cham site not far from the property, which is home to Hindu ruins dating back as far as the fourth century — and to visit Hội An Ancient Town, where a labyrinth of lantern-lit streets, temples, pagodas, and ornate Vietnamese tube houses line the postcard-worthy Thu Bồn River. Lastly, I’ll hop onto a Four Seasons guided Vespa to enjoy the city’s memorable regional and traditional Vietnamese cuisine like a local.
On Location: Paris 2024
Hassle-Free, Front-Row Tickets to the Olympics
Full disclosure: I love Paris — and traditions. So the arrival of the Olympic Games in Paris means that I’m ready to book my ticket to the City of Light, despite having spent a week there just this past year. The streets and banks of the Seine are poised to overflow with global fans, especially during the Opening Ceremony, as it’s set to take place along the iconic river, with athletes “parading” in on barges. The influx of global visitors combined with the city’s already vibrant culture, world-renowned cuisine, and artistry is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacular. On Location’s Paris 2024 Explore package ensures I’ll enjoy the best of it, without battling for access. The six-night, five-star offer includes tickets to the Opening Ceremony, rugby sevens, tennis, gymnastics, and swimming events — plus an exclusive Champagne toast at the Eiffel Tower, a personalized city guide, and accommodations at Hôtel Bel Ami, with its dedicated, on-call concierge team.
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Elysha Beckerman Writer
Elysha Beckerman is Senior Director of Partnerships at Departures and has shared brand stories, spotlighted creatives, and built partnerships for over a decade. She blends this deep storytelling experience with her passion for bringing people together through her dinner series Nomadic Gathering. If you visit her at home in Brooklyn, she’ll happily make you pasta.
