Margaret Carnright, Director of Travel Programs, Audubon Nature Odysseys: "Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands could all be described as pure and simple destinations. In this technological era, Antarctica is an awesome reminder of the natural world's power and majesty. Incredible blue landscapes, delightful penguins and the freshest air imaginable keep this destination at the top of my list. Remote South Georgia, meanwhile, is a bird-lover's paradise. With penguins as far as the eye can see, this is nature at its best. As for the Falklands, these beautiful islands have sheep and penguins sharing the same fields. Where else does the wildlife outnumber the locals? All three of these magnificent destinations make this New Yorker truly appreciate the natural world." audubon.org.
Nathaniel Waring, President, Cox & Kings USA: "Imagine the perfect island — the one in your dreams that you've not yet found. It sits on the edge of paradise, overlooking a vast lagoon, and has shady patches under coconut palms. For me, this place was a small motu (or reef island) in Rangiroa, the world's second-largest lagoon, two hundred miles north of Tahiti, in the South Pacific. It's a private island, to which my company takes small groups to stay in African-style safari tents. Breakfast consists of steaming French coffee and baguettes (this is, after all, a French overseas territory). Days can be spent kayaking, fly-fishing, learning how to make local dishes or taking naps in a hammock. I was most touched by the intimate connection to the ocean. In the middle of the South Pacific, the ocean is a reflection of your soul." coxandkingsusa.com.
Ken Fish, President, Absolute Asia: "My wife and I visited Australia with our two children last year. One night we left the kids with my in-laws and took a vacation from our vacation, heading north from Port Douglas to the magical Silky Oaks Lodge, next to the Daintree rain forest. That night we stood side by side on the veranda of our "tree house," listening to the sounds of the rain forest and peering into the wet darkness of Mossman Gorge. I felt a moment of utter clarity and joy that is almost impossible to describe." absoluteasia.com.
Walter Bruns, President, Canadian Mountain Holidays: "As a Canadian and an avid skier, I am naturally drawn to the mountains of western Canada. I found my passion there, and I have had the immense good fortune to make a career as a professional mountain guide. During my early days 'in the field,' I was the manager of Bugaboo Lodge, in a remote valley at the foot of the world-famous Bugaboo spires. I hiked and skied with thousands of guests, but for much of the time, I lived there by myself. I chopped firewood, washed the windows and got the place ready for the coming season. The highlight was a cordial (but cautious) relationship with a small black bear that grazed on the lawn one fall season. The memories of that magical solitude will remain with me always." cmhski.com.
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