Abercrombie and Kent

These days, when you hear the phrase "I'm going on an African safari," roughing it doesn't necessarily come to mind. Those with the wherewithal to get themselves to Africa usually also have the means to make their trip a pretty comfortable one, even in the bush.

If you're like me, you find that almost disappointing. It doesn't seem fair to impose a luxury hotel on the wilderness of Africa, and it definitely doesn't seem right to destroy natural resources just to make the bush more amenable to wealthy guests. But, consider that some of the money from those guests goes to support the national parks and the local communities, as well as protect the natural resources. Consider that they bring not only money, and lots of it, but that they are there to experience, not destroy, the wildlife.

I still had my apprehensions about this balance when I embarked on my recent trip to Zambia, where I visited four Sanctuary Retreats camps on a tour with Abercrombie & Kent, a Luxist Awards' Nominee in the Best Adventure Getaway Category. To my surprise and delight, I found the most exceptional juxtaposition of immersion in the wild and modern convenience and comfort I have ever seen. I had heard that the Sanctuary Retreats camps were designed to be eco-friendly, but I couldn't have imagined just how seamlessly they fit into the landscape, and how natural and harmless their remarkable luxuries felt.

Here are ten ways A&K and Sanctuary Retreats make the bush luxurious -- and how they protect the environment and local communities while doing so.

1. Location, location, location.

With the exception of Sanctuary Baines' and Stanley's Camp, all Sanctuary Retreats properties are located within national parks. This make for impossibly pristine surroundings -- and allows the camp managers to be stewards of those surroundings. In most camps, the wildlife is so present that you can hear various animals wandering around your tent or room at night. They definitely don't seem to mind the guests being there.

2. Hot water.

Hot water is definitely a luxury when you're in the bush -- and Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp (above) keeps it eco-friendly by using solar power to heat the water.



3. Size matters.

Each camp obeys strict regulations as to how many people and guestrooms it can have. As a result, you are always in an intimate group of travelers (the maximum number of guestrooms I experienced was 14 at Sussi & Chuma). This not only keeps the camps' footprints small, but ensures that the staff can keep an eye on all the guests. This both protects the safety of the guests and the safety of the surrounding wildlife -- and gives the experience a highly elite feel.

Welcome to Sanctuary Retreats Sussi & Chuma in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, near Livingstone, Zambia. If you've ever wondered what it's like to stay in a treehouse hotel, check out the video above.

The guestrooms on the Sussi side of this property are all somewhat like the above, except for that a few of them are being renovated. A hop and a skip from the treehouse lodge are two "Chuma" houses, which have their own pools, kitchens and lavish living areas for guests who want a little more privacy. You can check out pictures the Chuma houses, as well as some of the Sussi renovations, in the gallery below.

Abercrombie & Kent offers many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for family vacations, but one of the most special trips has got to be its river barge cruise through the Burgundian countryside. A chartered seven day cruise aboard La Belle Epoque, A&K's 126-foot-long, 16.5 feet wide barge, is a luxurious and relaxing way to travel and to taste award-winning Burgandy wines, and hence is nominated for a Luxist Award for Best Luxury Family Summer Vacation.

The barge, which is equipped with six cabins, all outside facing and each equipped with en-suite bathrooms. There's one deluxe double cabin; one deluxe twin/double; two twin/double cabins and two cabins each with twin beds. There's also a small swimming pool, a sauna and several sun decks. Bicycles are also available for those wanting to cycle in the towns the barge visits. A gourmet chef is on board to prepare all of the meals, which are included in the cost of the excursion.

The seven-day-long itinerary commences in Venarey-les Laumes. After a champagne welcome, there is time to settle in before dinner on board the barge. On day 2, after lunch, you will visit 12th-century Fontenay Abbey with its peaceful gardens and beautiful cloisters. On the third day, you will cruise to Ravières passing the 18th-century Forges de Buffon. It was here that the great naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon commercially exploited his scientific discoveries by harnessing the waters of the River Armançon to power the water mills. Barge guests will visit the hilltop village of Flavigny (where the film Chocolat was made) and then continue to ancient Alesia, site of the last battle between the Gauls and the Romans in 52 BC.

The African bush is full of beauty and danger---best to leave excursion planning to an experienced professional. There are none better than Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company that's been at it for half a century, now nominated for a Luxist Award in the Best Adventure Getaway category.

Established in 1962 by a British family living in East Africa, Abercrombie & Kent offers an unparalleled safari in Kenya and Tanzania. The two-week East Africa in Style itinerary starts with a flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and socioeconomic hub of East Africa. After two nights there, you'll fly to Lake Manyara, where towering trees loom in front of a 2,000-foot escarpment. For the next two days, you'll see wildlife including monitor lizards, vervet monkeys, African spoonbills and pelicans.

Your next stop will be the Ngorongoro crater, a caldera nearly half a mile deep, formed from the core of a collapsed volcano; its prairie boast lions, elephants, hyenas and gazelles. Continue on to the Samburu and Masai Mara game reserves, where you'll meet with members of nomadic tribes and learn about their cattle-herding lifestyle. On your last day, you'll stop at the Kent family home for a final lunch before heading back to Nairobi. All the while, you'll be waited on by a personal tent butler; groups are limited to 12 people in total.

Abercrombie & Kent's East Africa in Style getaway is a spectacular opportunity, but these memories won't come cheaply. The cost, based on double occupancy, starts at $16,000 per person plus airfare. Once there, the experience is priceless.

Vote for the Adventure Getaway that you think is the best of breed. The winner will be announced on September 1st.

There are some who believe that the only truly elegant way to see Egypt is by dahabieh, or private boat. Even in this highly exclusive niche, a few vessels stand heads and shoulders above the rest, like The Zein Nile Chateau -- the first dahabieh built to international luxury standards, complete with air conditioning, expansive windows and graceful, enchanting decor inspired by Egyptian history.

The Zein Nile Chateau consists of four rooms and two suites and can accommodate up to 12 guests for trips up and down the Nile, docking virtually anywhere. "With a dahabieh serving as a floating hotel, it is possible to go beyond Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, continuing past some of the most beautiful scenery along the river. The Temple of Horemheb is cut into the riverside rocks at Gebel Silsila; the pre-Dynastic capital of Upper Egypt, El-Kab, has tombs and temples dedicated to the vulture goddess, Nekhbet," says a statement from Abercrombie & Kent about the advantages of traveling this way.

Ever watched a movie about an adventure in a far off land and wished you were there? Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is betting that you have and is ready to bring the fantasy to life with their new "Cinema-cations" travel packages. Inspired by your favorite movies there are itineraries available all over the world, including a Moroccan adventure based on "Sex and the City 2" (complete with sunset camel ride), a trip to India based on "Eat, Pray, Love", and even one to Great Britain inspired by "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" that's great for families. Other movie itineraries include "The Hurt Locker," Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile," and the famous and beautiful "Out of Africa."

Created so you can 'follow in the footsteps of your favorite actors' each of the Cinema-cation packages are created specifically to emulate as much of the movie experience as possible, taking you to the same places and through the same adventures as the characters (minus the drama, of course).

Which one will you choose? I'll take one of each please.

Best Caribbean Cruises
Each of finalists for the Readers' Choice for the Best Caribbean Cruse offers the ultimate in luxury. One features a ship that cost $800 million to build, measures 1,132 feet in length and is outfitted with the latest and most modern amenities, including a pool with a retractable dome. Another offers all-suite, all-balcony ships and the must inclusive ultra-luxury experience with everything included in the fare, including air, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions. The third nominee is perfect for anyone seeking an exclusive experience on a smaller ship while the fourth nominee bills itself as the world's best upper premium cruise line. Finally, there's a nominee known for the feng shui-inspired elegance of its ships as well as the rich cultural activities for its passengers.

Crystal Cruises
Cunard Cruise Lines
Oceania
Regent
Silversea


Best City Hotels
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best City Hotel include one considered to be the most glamorous in all of London that has been the destination of choice by Kings and Queens alike, not to mention a smattering of Hollywood stars. Another, designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, rises high above Manhattan offering stunning views. The third nominee is a historic hotel that is only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Another nominee, also in Paris, is a breathtakingly beautiful property that was originally a palace commissioned by Louis XV. The final nominee is a tranquil, lush getaway amid gorgeous manicured gardens in Venice, accessible only by boat.

Claridge's, London
Four Seasons, New York
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Hotel Cipriani
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

The Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice nominees for the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation include a luxurious family safari in Kenya where you'll see the wilds up close. The second nominee is a family trip to the Rockies in Colorado where just about every winter sport can be enjoyed. The third nominee is a paradise for families located in a picture-perfect stretch of beach on the Big Island's Kona Coast. The fourth nominee offers a once-in-a-lifetime educational cruise to the Galápagos Islands. The final nominee is nestled in a rugged 2,500 acres of native forest on the edge of the Mamaku Plateau in New Zealand; it boasts a game reserve, seven trout streams, four lakes and more than 70 kilometers of hiking trails.

Abercrombie & Kent Family Safari in Kenya, Africa
For families with a thirst for adventure, a safari trip to Africa may be the ideal cure to the winter blues. Leave the planning to Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company that's been at it for half a century, now nominated for a Readers' Choice Award in the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation category.

Founded in 1962 by a British family living in East Africa, Abercrombie & Kent offers an unparalleled family safari in Kenya. The 11-day itinerary starts with a flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and cultural, economic and political hub of East Africa. Once there, you'll start your journey with a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's Baby Elephant Orphanage, where keepers sometimes sleep with lonely animals at night. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, where you'll feed long-necked beauties from the palm of your hand.

Next, you'll head out into the wilds with a drive to the Sweetwaters Reserve, one of the best places to spot a rare chimpanzee or black rhino. Then delve deep into bush country with a trip to the Samburu game reserve, rife with buffalo, lion, leopard among others; meet with members of the nomadic Samburu tribe and track game, catch butterflies, or even ride a camel.

The next day, you'll spend the first of three days on the Masai Mara Game reserve, sleeping in tents near the Talek River and witnessing the vast expanse of the African savannah. Travel to a nearby village to learn about tribal culture and discover the proper way to throw a spear or light a fire with sticks. For amateur aviators, consider the optional hot air balloon safari before heading home.

Vote now for what you believe is the best international ski destination. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on February 1st.

For families with a thirst for adventure, a safari trip to Africa may be the ideal cure to the winter blues. Leave the planning to Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company that's been at it for half a century, now nominated for a Readers' Choice Award in the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation category.

Founded in 1962 by a British family living in East Africa, Abercrombie & Kent offers an unparalleled family safari in Kenya. The 11-day itinerary starts with a flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and cultural, economic and political hub of East Africa. Once there, you'll start your journey with a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's Baby Elephant Orphanage, where keepers sometimes sleep with lonely animals at night. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, where you'll feed long-necked beauties from the palm of your hand.

Next, you'll head out into the wilds with a drive to the Sweetwaters Reserve, one of the best places to spot a rare chimpanzee or black rhino. Then delve deep into bush country with a trip to the Samburu game reserve, rife with buffalo, lion, leopard among others; meet with members of the nomadic Samburu tribe and track game, catch butterflies, or even ride a camel.

The next day, you'll spend the first of three days on the Masai Mara Game reserve, sleeping in tents near the Talek River and witnessing the vast expanse of the African savannah. Travel to a nearby village to learn about tribal culture and discover the proper way to throw a spear or light a fire with sticks. For amateur aviators, consider the optional hot air balloon safari before heading home.

Abercrombie & Kent's Kenya Family Safari is the experience of a lifetime, but these kind of memories don't come cheaply. The cost, based on double occupancy, is $5,825 per person plus airfare. For those who can afford it, there are few alternatives that can compare.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

When you think of Abercrombie & Kent, you may think of tours and safaris. Did you know that they also have villas?

Well, they do. A&K owns and operates villas all over the world, including in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. The villas vary in size and style, but all bring that old world A&K glamor to the table, as well as the A&K expertise -- they can arrange excursions for you like balloon rides, wine tastings, cooking classes and more.

Two new properties have recently opened in Italy, La Fornace (Tuscany, above) and La Castellina (Chianti).

La Fornace, scenically located near Arezzo and Cortona, has a heated swimming pool with a view of the countryside, a pizza oven, a gym and spa, grand stone fireplaces, bikes, a volleyball court and a soccer field. Does that just about cover your whole family? There are 5 en-suite bedrooms (sleeps 10) with satellite TVs, two kitchens, a game room, a cinema, a piano and central heating and air conditioning. Get a few friends together and rent it for $11,744 to $16,224 per week (high season).

Alternatively, La Castellina has six bedrooms (sleeps 10 +1) and lies in the heart of a small wine-producing estate. There's a large swimming pool, table tennis, badminton, WiFi, a bread oven and the sitting room is a rustic-chic converted hay barn. It's available for $9,744 to $14,432 per week (high season) -- and you can have A&K arrange a personal chef for you, transportation to nearby vineyards, whatever you'd like.

Visit akvillas.com to see galleries and floorplans of their villas worldwide (and to book -- be sure to invite us if you have an extra bed!).

This year is the 150th anniversary of Darwin's Origin of the Species, so don't you think it's about time you saw the Galapagos? If you've been waiting for an even more auspicious reason, then Abercrombie & Kent, the travel agency made adventurous hedonists, wants you to mark this Thursday, December 10 on your calendar.

At 9 a.m. Central Time A&K will begin discounting the prices for nine destinations and its World Pass. Every thirty minutes from then on, another 5% will be subtracted, so that by 3 p.m. CST the price you pay will be 60 percent smaller than the retail price. Notice we did say "trips:" in case you're taken with Darwin's spirit of enterprise but not his destination, Galapagos isn't the only option. Other locales include Eastern Europe, East Africa, Chile, Peru, Botswana, Zambia, Jordan, and Turkey.

The catch: there are only limited number of slots on each trip, and once they're gone, they're gone. That means you need to balance your desire to save with the joy-killing principle of scarcity, so bring your adamantium nerves. A second choice wouldn't go astray, either. But even if you miss out on a chance to ride the camels in Jordan's Wadi Rum, well, there's always... the Galapagos.

The posh Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is offering a trial membership for those interested in trying out one of the club's multi-million-dollar residences (and really who wouldn't be?). The Trial Membership offers access to beach, mountain and golf destinations in idyllic vaction spots including the Turks & Caicos, Deer Valley and Kiawah Island.

Most residences are 4,000 square feet with four bedrooms and at least four bathrooms providing a luxurious home away from home for a gathering of family and friends to celebrate a special event or just gather for some much-needed relaxation. The Trial Membership provides access to the full range of Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club services including a dedicated Global Experience Manager to orchestrate every aspect of your stay, greeting at the airport and private transportation to the residence, pre-arrival grocery shopping, daily housekeeping and the local knowledge and activity-planning assistance of a Destination Host.

For a limited time, Trial Membership in the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is available for $1,400 per night. Reservations can be made for a minimum of three and a maximum of seven nights and can be made from two to 180 days in advance of travel date but must be made by September 30, 2009. More details on the club website.

As the Sherpa Report mentioned last month, this is actually a trend with several other clubs including Exclusive Resorts, Ultimate Escapes and Quintess also all offering trial memberships to tempt travelers during a time when people are cutting back on their vacationing.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Just about anywhere you can think of, you can likely find an Abercrombie & Kent trip to take you there. The A&K Private Jet Experiences has numerous itineraries that whisk you away to anywhere from Bora Bora to Egypt. They have a variety of itineraries that take you to visit world destinations in style. Their customized Boeing 757 is capable of holding 186 passengers, but will only carry 52 for the Private Jet trips so each passenger has plenty of personal space, but can hang out n the jet's lounge area as well. This is definitely the company to call when you are ready to do your "Bucket List" trip.

They also do private experiences with special elements of personalization like individual dine-around choices and in-room breakfasts, or day trips like spa treatments, elephant rides and more. Accommodations include suites in some of the world's finest hotels and resorts, selected for their distinctive sense of place, gracious hospitality and inspiring views.

They also work with the Nature Conservancy to take you to some of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse destinations on the planet visiting Conservancy sites in Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Alaska. These trips include a year membership to the Nature Conservancy and seven percent of each trip's proceeds will be donated to The Nature Conservancy and its conservation efforts in the destinations visited in this trip series.