Charlotte - Volume 1

Page 1


THE ART OF TRAVEL

Charlotte Magazine 由樂悠遊擁有及出版 香港西環干諾道西188號香港商業中心2603-04室 charlottetravel.com.hk All rights reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively by Charlotte Travel, its partners, associates and affiliates. All materials published remain the property of Charlotte Travel. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. All information contained in this publication is from a reliable source. Charlotte Travel does not make any guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained. 版權所有:相關版權及發行權由樂悠遊及其合作夥 伴、聯營公司及附屬機構獨家擁有。所有出版文字 及圖片均為樂悠遊之財產。未經事先書面許可,不 得複製本刊物中的任何部份。本刊物中所有資料均 有可靠來源,唯樂悠遊並不就資料的準確性及完整 性作出任何保證。

From CEO

Have you been watching hit HBO series The White Lotus? The devilish satire of the super-rich on holiday shows a blackly comic collision of blazing sunshine, gorgeous scenery, ludicrously well-appointed luxury resorts and groups of deliciously dysfunctional guests. And as fans of the series know, despite every possible manifestation of indulgence, comfort and opulence, things never turn out well.

We watch The White Lotus with a blend of envy and gratitude. Envy at the exotic locales. Gratitude our own holidays don’t (usually) collapse in a toxic mass of intrigue and murder. But there is another significant factor in the show’s success – its brutal skewering of the cliched expectations of luxury travel in the 21st century. Each season has been set in one of the White Lotus franchise resorts, where guests have come for ostentatious luxury and sanitised prepacked cultural experiences. Yet as the drama unfolds, characters begin to discover that material comforts fall ludicrously short of addressing their deeper desires. So-called ‘VIP travel’, The White Lotus so vividly demonstrates, is in of itself, not a panacea for all our ills and anxieties.

The latest season of the show coincides with our relaunch as Charlotte, a new publication carrying the legacy of Mirandus into a new era. Our evolution is driven by a renewed commitment to new ways of being present in the world, redefining at a granular level, how meaningful and nourishing mindful travel can be, as opposed to passive, one-size-fits-all luxury experiences. We want to reframe our perspectives towards holidays; whether a romantic break or a family getaway. We seek to create moments that stimulate the mind, inspire the imagination, nurture our bonds with loved ones and with ourselves.

最近HBO大熱劇集《白蓮會》也在你的追劇清單上嗎? 這齣黑色喜劇以辛辣諷刺的方式講述一群超級富豪放浪 形骸的假日:在豔陽美景之下、奢華得略顯荒唐的度假 酒店裡,上演著一幕幕癲狂世相。然而觀眾們都知道, 在表面的風光下,人心暗藏洶湧,最終醞釀出一發不可 收拾的局面。

看《白蓮會》的時候,我們心中會有一種既羡慕又慶幸 的奇妙感覺:羨慕的是異國風情,慶幸的是自己的假期 (通常)不會在陰謀和謀殺的陰霾中失控。不過,這齣 劇集的成功還有另一個因素,就是它將大眾對二十一世 紀奢華旅遊的貧乏想像暴露在日光之下,毫不留情地加 以嘲諷。劇集每一季都以白蓮會酒店為舞台,住客前來 享受奢華的服務,參加預先安排好、看似陽光正能量的 文化體驗。然而隨著劇情發展,劇中人逐漸發現再多的 物質享受都不能填滿心裡的慾望深壑。《白蓮會》想說 的是,所謂的「VIP旅遊」並—非消除所有問題和焦慮 的靈丹妙藥。

最新一季推出之際,正值《Mirandus》雜誌以 「Charlotte」之名重生,借新篇章續寫傳統。有別於千 篇一律的「奢華體驗」,我們遵循新承諾,誓將蛻變出 立於世界的新姿態,從最細微處開始重新觀察,窺探正 念旅行如何滋養身心、創造意義。無論是浪漫短憩還是 家族旅行,我們志在重拾「假期」的真義,尋探人在旅 途中如何重新認識自己,又或是與所愛之人建立更緊密 深刻的連結。

The destinations we describe over the following pages come to you with this credo in mind. We will deconstruct the fundamental reasons why we travel, how to journey mindfully, considerate of the environment and our host destinations. And we will focus on how luxury travels begins with oneself, a world of possibilities await, whether one seeks adventure and high-octane thrills and spills, or a gentler, more spiritual odyssey incorporating wellness and self-care.

In coming issues, we’ll be shining our spotlight on a series of themes: Wonder, Love, Senses, Sanctuary, Passion and Adventure. We will eschew the usual hotel reviews to bring you exciting, passionate stories and experiences from some of the most intrepid and adventurous globetrotters we can find. And we’ll inspire you hopefully, to come up with ideas that can be personally transformative, that will spark your imagination and fire your creativity.

這期雜誌所選的目的地皆秉持此信念。我們逐一解構 驅使人們出行的根本原因,以及顧及環境和目的地的 正念旅行。我們將集中探討奢華旅遊如何始於一己之 身,無論是尋求刺激冒險,還是結合身心靈健康的靜 修,世界正在等你發掘。

在接下來的期刊中,我們將聚焦一系列主題:奇觀、 愛、感官、聖地、熱枕和冒險,找來足跡遍佈天下的 大無畏行者,娓娓道來精彩非凡的故事。希望經歷能 啟迪你的想象空間,帶來自我蛻變的契機。

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Your Journey to a World Full of Possibilities Begins Here.
探索無限可能,由此起步。

For example, in this issue travel the world with us as we journey from north to south, east to west. Meet Joanna Hotung who files an awe-inspiring account of her Antarctic expedition, a thrilling adventure in search of extreme natural beauty and wildlife. Or at the opposite end of the earth, read about a gentler family outing, to magical forests in northern Finland, where each guest fulfilled their own wishes and desires, from lavish glass igloos, frozen lakes, and Northern Lights to a very special encounter with Santa. Unique trips such as these create a lifetime’s worth of memories.

These stories are just a flavour of what we have in store for you. Absorb them and feel the wind gathering at your back as you consider where you might make your own very special once-in-alifetime journey of discovery? Your journey to a world full of possibilities begins here.

今期我們從北到南、從東到西,與你一起環遊世界。何 苗春暉前往南極探險,世界盡頭的自然野性之美令她驚 嘆不已。然後我們跟隨一家人去到地球另一端,住進芬 蘭北部的豪華玻璃屋、參觀冰封湖泊、仰望北極光、邂 逅聖誕老人,在神奇的冰雪森林裡實現願望。這裡的每 一趟旅程,都足以成為一生難忘的回憶。

這些故事只是我們為你準備的冰山一角。現在,不妨靜 心下來,讓思緒隨文字起飛、乘著想像的翅膀翺翔,暢 想那此生一回的探索之旅,感受腳底下風的湧動。畢 竟,世界就在眼前,等候你來闖蕩。

FLE ET WIDE

The Luxury You Define

奢華,由你定義

The Luxury You Define

Luxury travel can have a deeper significance. Think of a bespoke vacation, one that aligns with your personal passions, dreams and aspirations. A trip designed to fulfil you and your loved ones. A unique holiday tailored to your tastes and interests. Sounds good? Once we begin to view the idea of a dream holiday as a boundless adventure refracted through this lens, all manner of exciting possibilities will come to mind.

If the key to appreciating luxury is understanding what we each desire and cherish above all and focusing on achieving it, why shouldn’t that apply to travel as well? For the most memorable and fulfilling experiences are the ones only we can dream up for ourselves.

旅遊的奢華體驗和深刻內涵,並非不可兼得。試想 像一趟可滿足個人興趣、夢想和渴望的旅程;一場 實現你與所愛之人願望的小旅行;依照你的品味和 喜好安排的假期——聽起來不錯吧?一旦開始循這 個方向思考,就會發現靈感源源不絕湧現,你的夢 想假期就如一場自由無疆的探索旅程,只待你踏出 一步去實現。

如果說,享用奢侈品背後的真正意義是為了解心中 最渴望和珍視之物,並以之為目標奮勇邁進,那旅 遊的真諦,亦不正是如此? 因為,只有你才能定義 何謂最深刻、最滿足的旅程。

文:Arsalan Mohammad
What is the essence of luxury travel?

何謂奢華旅遊的真諦?

Luxury doesn’t need to be passive – as pleasant as fine dining, percale cotton and mimosas by a pool are, will you tell your grandchildren about them? But instead, imagine for example, a special holiday of a lifetime designed by nostalgia and personal history. It could be revisiting a favourite childhood neighbourhood, special journey or destination that holds an especial sign ificance for you. Revisiting sunlit, fun-filled days when life seemed easier, with your own partner or family, can forge a new set of memories to be treasured in the future.

Or perhaps you yearn to shake things up and challenge yourself to an adventure holiday, tailored to your own personal ambitions. A safari, a desert trek, an expedition through ice and snow – losing yourself in the heart of the natural world can be a profound and life-changing experience. Setting a challenge and achieving it – nothing beats that sense of deep inner satisfaction and selfesteem. Add in a renewed sense of wonder and awe at the sheer diversity and scale of our planet and we’re talking about a truly transformative vacation.

奢華不止於享受,更要主動探索無限可能。美酒華宴、高級 密織棉布和游泳池畔的含羞草雞尾酒固然令人愉悅,但你會 特意跟孫兒講起這些嗎?但如果是一趟充滿個人回憶和情懷 的假期,想必你會很想與親人分享。例如是重訪童年時最愛 流連的街道,或對你而言意義特殊的地方。與伴侶或家人重 溫陽光燦爛的歡樂時光,回憶小時候無憂無慮的日子,孕育 出新記憶,供未來珍藏。

也許你渴望打破波瀾不驚的日子,嚮往來一趟挑戰自我的探 險,實現幻想已久的雄心壯志。是橫跨草原或沙漠的長途跋 涉,還是在冰天雪地中勇往直前?面對浩瀚無垠的天地和輪 動不息的大自然生命力,體會那肅然起敬的心情、那無法磨 滅的震撼,也許會徹底改變你對生命的看法。簡而言之,設 定挑戰,然後達成目標,內心深處所獲得的滿足和自信是無 與倫比的。

Today’s smart travellers seek out authenticity, experience and connection, as opposed to passive tourism. It’s all about centring oneself at the heart of an itinerary, to engage with people and communities on a real, everyday level, all the better to nourish the soul. Whether it be delving into local history, cuisine, community and heritage, real luxury is found in the smaller moments and interactions.

And this leads into another reason to travel mindfully –being aware of one’s well-being and spiritual renewal. Weary holidaymakers know only too well the pressures of following a pre-ordained tourist itinerary, being whisked through a whirlwind of sightseeing, frantically snapping blurred photos on the way. It doesn’t need to be like this and indeed, for increasing numbers of travellers it isn’t good enough, Instead, those in the know eschew material comforts and instead seek out journeys focused on wellness and personal growth. experiencing a world of traditional rituals and beliefs to soothe, nurture and inspire. Whether you dream of a tranquil yoga or meditation retreat or health spa tailored to your needs, there’s a world of possibilities out there.

Today, we travel with unprecedented awareness of our impact on the planet, on our destinations, on our budgets, on our comfort. From eco-friendly accommodation to supporting local conservation efforts, engaging in development initiatives and making a positive benefit to local economies, there is much we can do to voyage mindfully.

So, as means and modes of travel grow ever faster, we invite you to pause with us and reflect on what it means to journey mindfully, to create a wealth of memories and stories that can be told for a lifetime. For this is the fundamental meaning of luxury travel – the privilege of broadening the mind, nourishing the senses and ultimately, flourishing with our loved ones - and ourselves.

如今,真正懂得旅行的人追求真實、體驗與連結,而非由別 人規劃好的走馬看花。增廣見聞才是旅行的重點,走進社區 與當地人接觸交流,體驗地道日常,深入了解當地歷史、飲 食、社區和傳統,讓眼界滋養靈魂——奢華的真諦,就隱藏在 一個個細微的時刻和互動當中。

循此思路,就能發現正念旅行的另一個意義——自我察覺和靈 性啓發。如果你曾經有過疲於奔命的旅行經歷,就會很清楚 趕行程的壓力——馬不停蹄追著景點跑,途中急急忙忙拍下模 糊不清的照片。然而出門在外,何必如此匆忙?事實上,越 來越多人開始不滿足於這種蜻蜓點水式的觀光。熟悉門道的 旅人甚至願意放棄舒適的享受,轉而踏上尋求身心靈福祉和 個人成長的旅途,體會古老儀式和信仰所帶來的平靜和啟迪。 無論是瑜珈、冥想靜修,還是養生水療,都能度身打造——因 爲這個世界蘊藏無限可能。

現今世代的旅遊意識是前所未有地明晰,我們不僅注重行程 預算和舒適程度,更關注自身行跡對所到之地、以至整個地 球帶來的影響。選擇對環境友善的住宿、支持本土保育工作、 參與發展計劃、造福當地經濟——實現正念旅行的方式何其 多,只待我們一一實踐。

在旅行方式與模式越來越快速的今天,我們邀請你放慢腳步, 思考正念旅行的意義,創造足以回味一生的記憶和故事。因 為這就是「奢華」的真諦——讓我們得以開拓眼界、豐富感官 體驗,好比一種幸運的恩賜,而它的最終目的,是使我們能 活出真我,並與心愛之人共同成長。

Godfather of Green 大溪地最後探戈

文:夏羅傑及吳月華

Marlon Brando is often regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, famed for magnetic performances in movies such as A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Last Tango in Paris (1972), or The Godfather (1972). Less well-known is Brando’s passionate activism in support of various causes, including the civil rights movement, Native American sovereignty, anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa, and environmental protections, especially in the South Pacific. Brando fell in love with Tahiti in the early 1960s, when he visited the atoll of Teti‘aroa while scouting locations for the film Mutiny on the Bounty (1962). While there, he met and fell in love with his co-star Tarita Teriipaia, an actress of French Polynesian and Chinese descent who would become his third wife.

Captivated by the unspoilt beauty and tranquillity, Brando secured a 99-year lease in 1966 for Teti‘aroa, a paradise of 12 motu, or islets, circling a luminous turquoise lagoon. In 1970, he built his home and a small village on Onetahi, one of the islets. Constructed using local materials— coconut wood, thatched roofs, and even seashells for sinks—the dwellings became a refuge and gathering place for friends, family, and visiting researchers studying the atoll’s remarkable ecology and archaeology. Over time, this modest enclave evolved into an unassuming hotel managed by Teriipaia. “The happiest moments of my life have been in Tahiti,” Brando wrote in his 1994 autobiography Songs My Mother Taught Me. “If I’ve ever come close to finding genuine peace, it was on my island among the Tahitians.” The hotel quietly operated for more than 25 years before closing in 2004, shortly after Brando’s death. His estate entrusted development rights to Pacific Beachcomber SC., a Tahitian hospitality group, and in 2014 they opened The Brando, an island resort embodying Brando’s vision of a sustainable, luxurious paradise.

說起上世紀荷里活最偉大的影星,很多人會想到馬龍 ・白蘭度。他憑著入木三分的演技為影迷創造過許多 難忘的電影回憶,例如《慾望號街車》(1951年)、 《巴黎最後探戈》(1972年)和《教父》(1972 年)。不過,在現實生活中,他有著較鮮為人知的一 面——他積極支持社會平權發展,包括非裔美國人民 權運動、美洲原住民自治權、反對南非種族隔離政策, 亦關注環保議題,更身體力行地參與保護南太平洋的 自然生態。這一切源於1960年代初,當時他前往位 於南太平洋法屬玻里尼西亞的大溪地島為電影《叛艦 喋血記》(1962年)取景,在遊覽泰蒂亞羅阿環礁 (Tetiʻaroa)的時候,邂逅劇中女角泰麗塔・特里派 亞並墮入愛河。不久後,這位有玻里尼西亞和華人血 統的南太平洋島國美人成為馬龍・白蘭度的第三任妻 子。

泰蒂亞羅阿環礁與世隔絕,懸浮在碧海藍天之間,原 始的自然風光令這位荷里活當紅影星迷醉不已。1966 年,馬龍・白蘭度與玻里尼西亞政府簽下一份為期 99年的契約,租借這片以澄綠見底的潟湖為中心、 被12個小島嶼環繞的環礁。1970年,他在其中一個 小島 Onetahi 建造了自己的家和一個小村莊,建材 全部採用當地物料,以椰子木為樑、茅草為屋頂,甚 至用貝殼拼造洗手盆。這片世外桃源不僅招待他的親 朋好友,也接待訪問學者,讓他們可安心停駐,研究 這片環礁的生態和人文歷史。馬龍・白蘭度在1994 年出版的回憶錄《母親教我的歌》中寫道:「我一 生中最快樂的時光就在大溪地」,「在我的島上與 大溪地人一起生活,那是我最接近找到內心安寧的時 候」。他建造的旅館低調地經營了超過25年,在他 2004年離世不久後才結業。大溪地酒店集團 Pacific Beachcomber SC 受其遺產管理人委託發展環礁,於 是一座名為 The Brando 的海島度假村在2014年開 幕。它繼承馬龍・白蘭度的願景,結合可持續發展理 念和逸樂生活品味,成為一座海上度假天堂。三任妻 子。

Godfather of Green

Pacific Beachcomber operates seven hotels across French Polynesia where they pioneer the use of sustainable technology and support marine research. With The Brando, they have created a barefoot-luxury eco-resort that seamlessly integrates with a scientific research, education, and conservation centre on this pristine, private atoll. The resort offers 35 one-, two, or three-bedroom villas, along with an exclusive private residence—each thoughtfully spaced and set back from the beach, tucked among the tropical foliage for maximum privacy and tranquillity. Dining is a refined fusion of Polynesia flavours and French gastronomy by the acclaimed chef Jean Imbert. Guests can choose from five distinct venues, including Nami Teppanyaki grill, an all-day beachside restaurant, and the intimate Les Mutinés for Polynesian fine dining. For something more personal, private meals can be arranged at your villa or in locations around the resort, such as a candlelit table set along the water’s edge. A cherished vestige from Brando’s original retreat, Bob’s Bar was once the actor’s favourite hangout, named for his barman who used to serve up Brando’s sundowner cocktail the Dirty Old Bob Today, this laid-back cocktail lounge continues to serve South Pacific-inspired drinks, inviting guests to toast Brando’s enduring legacy.

Pacific Beachcomber 在法屬玻里尼西亞群島經營七間 酒店,在實施可持續發展技術和支持海洋研究方面走在 同業之先。The Brando 讓賓客安心赤足走在豪華舒適 的度假村中、自在地投入自然天地的懷抱。這片遠離世 俗塵土的私人環礁亦同時容納科學研究、教育和環境保 育工作。度假村有35間設置一至三間睡房的獨立別墅, 還有一座豪華私人宅邸,建築散落在綠樹掩映之間,遠 離海灘的人煙,讓住客享受到恬靜無憂的私密空間。餐 飲方面,The Brando 邀請法國名廚 Jean Imbert 設 計餐單,菜式融合玻里尼西亞風味和法式高級料理特 色。度假村共有五間餐廳,例如全天候海濱餐廳 Nami Teppanyaki、提供玻里尼西亞精緻美饡的高級餐廳 Les Mutinés。賓客也可以在別墅或度假村範圍內享用 私人晚餐——例如在沙灘上聽著海浪品嚐燭光晚餐。如 想小酌一杯,島上如今還有馬龍・白蘭度當年最愛去的 酒吧 Bob’s Bar,酒吧因調酒師而得名,這位名為Bob 的調酒師為白蘭度調配的日落鷄尾酒就叫做 Dirty Old Bob。酒吧氣氛輕鬆寫意,為每位賓客奉上以南太平洋 為靈感的特調飲料,一如當初巨星光臨的日子。

Old Bob

2 oz. Jack Daniel’s 1.5 oz. pineapple juice

1/4 oz. lime juice

4 fresh mint leaves

half an egg white

3 drops Angostura Bitters

1 oz. Tetiaroa honey

2安士 Jack Daniel’ s 1.5安士菠蘿汁 1/4安士青檸汁 4片鮮薄荷葉 半隻蛋白

3滴 Angostura Bitters

1安士當地特產蜂蜜

While the name may sound unappealing, this ice-cold specialty sip should be in your hand as you sway in the shade of a perfectly placed hammock.

這款雞尾酒的名稱聽起來也許有點不夠「循規蹈矩」, 但當你躺在吊床上悠然休憩時,一杯冰凍特飲絕對是錦 上添花的最佳伴侶。

Dirty

Beyond its exquisite location, impeccable service, and luxurious accommodations, what truly distinguishes The Brando is its unwavering commitment to zerocarbon emissions and environmental protection. The resort partners with the Tetiaroa Society—a nonprofit initiative founded by the Marlon Brando Estate and Pacific Beachcomber—which acts as the island’s environmental steward, overseeing a range innovative research and education programmes that serve as a model for sustainability.

除了優越無匹的地理位置、細緻入微的貼心服務和豪華 舒適的住宿設備,The Brando 真正出類拔萃之處,是 他們由始至終堅持實踐環境保護和零碳排放。馬龍・白 蘭度遺產管理人與 Pacific Beachcomber 集團合力創辦 的非牟利組織 Tetiaroa Society 與 The Brando 度假村 合作,確保度假村的發展符合環保原則,並負責監督島 上多項創新研究和教育活動,為可持續發展樹立楷模。

吳月華擁抱當地文化
Jackie Harris embracing local culture

The resort’s Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system uses the natural cooling power of the ocean to help regulate building temperatures. Deep, cold seawater is drawn up under its own pressure and passed through a heat exchange unit before being released back into the ocean. This innovative process reduces energy consumption for air conditioning by almost 90% compared to a conventional system.

More than 4,700 photovoltaic solar panels generate 60% of the resort’s energy needs. Excess energy is stored on lithium batteries that are made from recyclable materials and used to power the island at night.

Reverse osmosis desalination provides fresh drinking water for the island, while rainwater is collected to fill the swimming pools, toilets, and laundry facilities. Wastewater is treated by aquatic tropical plants in a sewage system and re-used for irrigation.

度假村的海水空調系統(SWAC)利用海洋的天然冷卻 功能調節建築物的溫度。寒冷的海水在自身壓力的作用 下,從深海被吸上地下水管,通過熱能轉換裝置,再被 釋放回到海洋。與傳統冷氣系統相比,這個創新的空調 技術可降低近90%能源消耗。

4,700多塊太陽能光電板產生的能源,可滿足度假村 60%的能源需求。剩餘的太陽能則儲存在用可回收物料 製作的鋰電池中,在晚間為島嶼供電。

逆滲透海水淡化系統為島上提供新鮮飲用水。收集的雨 水則注入游泳池、洗手間和洗衣設施。廢水經由污水系 統中的熱帶水生植物處理後用於灌溉。

To control mosquitoes without chemical intervention, the island employs a more effective and nature-based strategy: releasing thousands of sterilised male mosquitoes. The method has reduced the mosquito population by a remarkable 90%, and has been suggested as a means of preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as the Zika virus and dengue fever.

All food waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost using advanced eco-digesters to enrich the sandy soil and support the on-site cultivation of fruits and vegetables in the resort’s restaurants and bars. The organic garden produces an abundant selection, including vanilla, kumquat, papaya, bananas, limes, aromatic herbs, pomegranates, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, and green onions.

Used glass, aluminum, and cooking oils are carefully collection and redistributed to specialized re-cycling companies for re-use in a multitude of sustainable applications.

島上採用以大自然機制為基礎、而且比化學方法更有效 的控制蚊患策略:釋放數以千計基因絕育的雄蚊。此方 法成功令島上蚊子數量銳減90%,甚至有人提議用這個 方法預防蚊子傳播疾病(如寨卡病毒和登革熱)。

所有廚餘均經先進的生物分解器轉化為營養豐富的堆 肥,使沙質土壤變得肥沃,滋養度假村的餐廳和酒吧種 植的蔬果。度假村有機花園的農作物品種豐富,包括香 草、金橘、木瓜、香蕉、青檸、香草、番石榴、蕃茄、 青瓜、茄子、翠肉瓜和香蔥。

用過的玻璃、鋁和烹飪用油會被仔細收集,分發給專門 的回收公司,經循環再造後用於其他符合可持續發展的 項目中。

Guests wishing to learn more about how the luxury resort prioritises ecological preservation can join the Green Tour for a closer look at these innovations and more, including a visit to the Tetiaroa Society’s Ecostation—a central hub for the scientific research and conservation work conducted on the island.

The Brando is reached by a short but spectacular 20-minute flight from Papeete, Tahiti’s capital, which is easily accessible from most countries on the Pacific Rim. It’s unlike any other resort we have experienced. A sentiment likely shared by Barack and Michelle Obama who spent a month there while working on his White House memoir.

想深入了解 The Brando 度假村如何實現生態保護原則 的賓客,可參加綠色之旅(The Green Tour),親自觀 摩各項創新技術和措施,包括造訪島上科學研究和保育 工作中心——Tetiaroa Society 的環保站。

從法屬玻里尼西亞首都、位於大溪地島的巴比提 (Papeete)飛往 The Brando 度假村只需20分鐘,途 中可將南太平洋島嶼的壯闊風光盡收眼底。雖然位處南 太平洋一隅,但前往這片世外桃源並不需歷盡艱辛,大 部分太平洋沿岸國家都有飛往大溪地的航班。也許是因 為交通雖便利、卻無世俗泥塵的染污,連美國前總統奧 巴馬也曾攜著夫人在The Brando居住了一個月並撰寫 白宮回憶錄。或許,就是在這樣天地人融洽相處的環境 中,我們能循著大自然的聲息、找到內心真正的寧靜。

Terra Incognita

文:Bobby McGee
By Bobby McGee

Antarctica’s harsh, humbling beauty has long insinuated its wintery spell within the human imagination. Indeed, the seventh continent first took shape in our culture with the idea of an undiscovered terra incognita gaining currency centuries before its actual discovery. Aristotle and Ptolemy, for instance, both theorized the existence of an unknown southern landmass, believing it necessary to balance the weighty continents of the Northern hemisphere.

And they were right. Antarctica is an otherworldly ice sheet at the end of the earth—equal parts legend and landscape. In this frozen cosmos, nature reigns at its most sublime, distilled to elemental forces—nothing but ice, snow, rock, water, and sky.

Visiting Antarctica has long felt like an act of pilgrimage—from the initial trip to South America’s furthest reaches to where the epic journey truly begins, the notoriously unpredictable Drake Passage. This gateway of turbulent ocean acts as a portal between our everyday world and the great frozen desert. To cross these waters is to feel a change in the air, to feel a spiritual affinity with the explorers who bravely undertook the same routes in centuries past.

Now, an easier and more comfortable way to visit Antarctica exists—by flying directly from another continent, avoiding the rough seas altogether. This new option moves away from traditional routes, allowing travellers to soar above the stunning icy landscape before landing on this pristine wilderness. It transforms the experience, inviting those who once hesitated due to the tumultuous Drake Passage to witness Antarctica’s breathtaking beauty firsthand.

南極長年冰封,氣候嚴酷,然而苦寒的天氣卻有如這 片陸地的天然護甲,不受人間驚擾的冰雪為泥土裹上 銀妝,目之所及處,盡是一派純淨肅穆,壯麗廣袤的 風光令無數探險者心馳神往。這片第七大洲雖然最晚 被人類發現,但在我們的文化當中,早已存在著一個 「未知大陸」的假想概念,亞里士多德和托勒密都認 為,地球南端理應存在一片大陸,以平衡北半球的大 片陸地。

事實證明,古代先賢果真有先見之明。地球南端有南 極洲,遼闊的白色大地遠離塵囂,地平線上只有純粹 的冰雪、岩石、水和天空,宛如超現實畫作中的冰封 宇宙。在那裡,大自然莊嚴崇高,地位無可撼動。

南極之旅始於南美洲最南端——變幻莫測的德雷克海 峽(Drake Passage),縱然尚未踏足南極大陸,橫 渡德雷克海峽的驚險程度已足以構成一次獨立的朝聖 之旅。探險者必須穿越驚濤駭浪,才可從日常世界抵 達遺世獨立的白色極地。穿過這片水域時,彷彿連空 氣都截然不同,過去數世紀,大無畏的探險家們前仆 後繼沿著這條海路開拓未知,現代遊人追尋舊日蹤跡 進入南極,重溫揚帆探索天地圓方的冒險時代。 現在,有一種更簡單、更舒適的方式可以前往南極 洲——直接從另一個大陸飛過去,完全避開艱苦的海 路。這個新選擇遠離傳統路線,讓旅客在壯麗的冰雪 景觀上空翱翔,然後降落在這片純淨的荒野上。這種 方式一改以往,讓因為德雷克海峽的洶湧波濤而踟躕 不前的人們,也能親身感受南極洲令人驚嘆的美麗。

Even though Antarctica embraced tourism far later than most of the planet, its mythic allure has drawn ever-increasing numbers of travellers ready for bucket-list adventures; so profoundly transformative is the experience that many firsttimers arrive home already planning their return.

Today, the continent can offer an incredible variety of luxury experiences, allowing the unspoilt wilderness to be savoured with the ease of modern travel. With decades of experience organising unforgettable trips into the heart of this polar frontier, the team at Charlotte Travel curates bespoke itineraries that immerse guests in Antarctica’s raw majesty with discreet comfort and taste. And no stay is more unforgettable and wellappointed than travelling with White Desert.

儘管旅遊業在南極的發展遠遠滯後於世界上大部分地 區,但這片白色大陸擁有令人無法抵擋的神秘魅力, 成為越來越多人一生中的夢想之地。如今,許多到訪 這片神奇之地的人回國後都深受啟發,對南極念念不 忘,渴望有朝一日再度回訪。

時至今日,即使是南極也能與奢華體驗無縫接軌,讓 旅客透過輕鬆便利的現代旅遊方式,領略未被沾染 的原始風光。樂悠遊團隊擁有策劃南極之旅的豐富 經驗,度身安排的行程既可以讓客人全身心浸淫在 極地景致當中,還可以照顧到不同人對舒適和品味 的追求。而最令人難忘的南極之旅,莫過於 White Desert 帶來的體驗。

For over two decades, this pioneering British company has been providing luxurious, ecofriendly Antarctic camps that welcome just 250 guests each year—an exclusive cohort compared to the nearly 123,000 tourists who called on the continent during the 2023–24 season. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, staying along the coasts, White Desert takes travellers further, offering fully guided access to Antarctica’s remote interior. It’s an absolutely unrivalled kind of travel, designed for those looking for total immersion in wild, spectacular solitude.

Journeys begin in Cape Town, South Africa, where White Desert operates charter flights during its November to February season. Thanks to their Wolf’s Fang Runway—the first and only commercial private jet runway on the Antarctic continent— guests reach Queen Maud Land in just five hours. After crossing into the Polar Circle and entering the realm of perpetual daylight, the plane touches down on a mile-thick slab of deep blue ice, framed by the continent’s most impressive mountain range—monolithic peaks of dark rock etched against the skyline. Stepping off the aircraft, the immensity of landscape hits all at once, as the bracing clarity of the freezing air envelopes your senses.

二十多年來,英國公司 White Desert 一路領先業 界,為旅人提供豪華而且環保的南極營地。他們每年 接待約250位旅客——比起2023至24年踏足南極洲 的12.3萬名遊客,這250位旅客堪稱是極少數的幸 運兒。大多數前往南極的遊客都會乘搭郵輪抵達,登 陸後停留在海岸附近,唯有 White Desert 深入腹地, 由嚮導帶領旅人進入南極內陸。如此旅程壯絕無比, 適合追求天人合一、超然物外的探險者。

整趟旅程始於南非開普敦,每年11月至2月, White Desert 會在當地營運包機。他們建成南極洲 第一條、亦是唯一一條商業私人飛機跑道——狼牙跑 道(Wolf's Fang Runway),以便在五小時內將乘 客帶到慕德皇后地(Queen Maud Land)。飛越極 圈,進入無盡的白晝之境後,飛機會降落在厚達一英 哩的藍色冰層上。四周環繞著整片大陸最蔚為壯觀的 山脈,粗礪黝黑的單體岩石如劍抵長空,亙古如磐。 走下飛機,恢宏絕景頓時撲面而至,清冽的空氣籠罩 感官。

Whichaway, White Desert’s flagship camp, sits in a rare rocky outcrop at the shore of a freshwater lake in the Schirmacher Oasis. While the domed pods may recall igloos, inside visitors will find cozy old-world aesthetics offering a warming refuge from the frozen surroundings— a tribute to the Golden Age of Antarctic exploration that evokes the era of Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. The six living pods are complemented by thoughtful amenities—a wellness hub for rejuvenation, a lounge and library for unwinding, and a dining area where a private chef serves gourmet meals with South African flair. Each pod will have its own en-suite shower and a stunning glass conservatory. Lounging in bed under their duvets, guests will be able to take in the spectacular panoramic view of the lake and the encircling ice fall. Every detail is designed to enhance the unique privilege and perspective of living at the edge of the world.

White Desert 的旗艦營地「Whichaway」坐落於席馬赫綠 洲(Schirmacher Oasis)淡水湖畔的岩體上。圓頂露營倉 狀似冰屋,內裡溫暖如避風港,裝潢氣派典雅,致敬屬於沙 克爾頓和斯科特兩位偉大探險家的黃金時代。六個露營倉各 配備貼心設施,例如半球形的身心調節帳篷、為精神充電的 共享休息室和圖書館,客人還可以享用私人大廚親手烹調的 南非美食。另外,每個露營倉均配備私人淋浴間和擁有無敵 美景的玻璃露台,客人可躺在柔軟舒適的羽絨被中,將壯麗 的湖景和四周的冰瀑盡收眼底。露營倉的每個設計細節,皆 是為了讓客人能在世界盡頭享受獨一無二、賓至如歸的體驗。

On such an intimate and personalised journey, guests are invited to do as much or as little as they like—whether that’s relaxation-focused or adrenaline-fuelled. For the latter, White Desert’s team of professional polar explorers tailors a range of group excursions to suit both interests and abilities. A short drive and hike to the nearby ice shelf usually yields one of the most unforgettable experiences: entering the electric-blue caves and tunnels. Carved by seasonal meltwater through the ancient ice, these iridescent cobalt canyons glow with a magic luminosity. Depending on the weather, other activities can include a rope walk above a 200-foot cliff, skiing across windswept snow, gentle hikes to picnic amid panoramic views, icewall climbing with axes and crampons, or an exhilarating Arctic truck safari across the glacier. For the truly daring, summitting the awe-inspiring Drygalski mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Whichaway also offers a rare kind of polar comfort. The glass-fronted sauna overlooking the frozen lake allows you to alternate between rejuvenating warmth and a cold plunge. Guests can unwind further with a massage or find stillness through yoga and meditation inside the camp’s glass wellness dome—a serene refuge suspended in a landscape of ice and snow.

旅程專為個人度身訂造,無論是放鬆身心,還是追求驚險刺 激,客人都可以隨心所欲選擇自己想參與的活動。若客人熱 衷於腎上腺素飆升的感覺,White Desert 資深極地團隊將根 據不同人的興趣和能力,悉心規劃團體探險活動。短途駕駛 或徒步健行均可抵達鄰近冰架,而最令人難以忘懷的,莫過 於在湛藍的冰洞與冰道中漫步。古老的冰層在季節性融水的 沖刷下形成一道道幽谷,折射出鈷藍光芒,讓人恍若置身夢 境。若天氣許可,客人可於離地200英呎的懸崖上沿索而行, 或於漫天風雪中滑雪飛馳,或於如畫風光裡遠足和野餐,或 手持冰斧、腳踏冰爪,征服險峻冰崖,又或者駕馭極地越野 車,縱情馳騁於浩瀚冰原之上。對於無畏險阻、一往無前的 探險者,攻克令人嘆為觀止的德里加爾斯基山脈(Drygalski Mountains),無疑是畢生僅此一次的巔峰成就。

「Whichaway」營地還會提供別處難得一見的極地舒適體 驗。客人可以挑戰冷暖交替的桑拿浴,並透過玻璃窗,俯瞰 美麗的冰封湖面;也可以在半球形的身心放鬆帳篷裡享受按 摩,或者透過瑜珈和冥想調節身心,尋找靈魂中的安寧淨土。

The space-themed Echo camp, launched in December 2022, is situated in the glacial Henriksen Nunataks hills. It’s a constellation of fiberglass “Sky Pods” ,fronted by floor-to-ceiling windows to frame panoramic views of the lunar-like white terrain and endless horizons. The futuristic design pays homage to space exploration, inspired by astronaut Buzz Aldrin who visited White Desert and found Antarctica’s landscape decidedly extraterrestrial. Echo truly feels like it belongs on another planet: from the exterior’s otherworldly silhouette to its interiors, where sleek minimalism and high-design furniture take cues from the international space station. Cosmos, its central communal hub, hosts a dining room, lounge, library, and hot shower room where you can recharge after your day. Outdoor excursions here include the addition of a 14km track in and around the mountains for guests to enjoy at their pace—whether on cross-country skis, fatbikes, or skidoo.

2022年12月,以太空為主題的「Echo」營地正 式揭幕,以玻璃纖維製造的「天空露營倉」(Sky Pod)如星羅般散佈在冰川覆蓋的亨力森冰原島峰 (Henriksen Nunataks)上。露營倉正面是落地窗, 窗外天地一色,白茫茫的景象宛如月表,漫無邊際。 未來感十足的設計致敬太空探索,靈感取自太空人艾 德林(Buzz Aldrin),他曾入住 White Desert,認 為南極洲地貌近似外太空。無論是劍走偏鋒的超凡外 型,還是啟發自國際太空站的簡約內裝和豪華傢俱, 「Echo」營地都令人彷彿置身於另一個星球。營地中 央的共享區域「Cosmos」設有餐廳、休息室、圖書 館和熱水淋浴室,讓您洗盡塵埃,煥發新生。戶外設 有14公里長的山道,客人可以透過越野滑雪、雪地 越野單車或摩托車騎行,以最舒適的步調穿梭其中。

Understandably, the logistics of operating at the end of the earth are as formidable as the landscape itself, requiring precision planning and a hefty dose of Polar resilience. Yet the entirety of the White Desert’s operations is designed with environmental stewardship in mind. Carbon neutral since 2007, the company offsets all expedition emissions while maintaining a zero-footprint philosophy. Furthermore, each structure is designed for complete removal, ensuring Antarctica’s ecosystem remains undisturbed. Solar energy currently powers the camp’s heating systems, with plans underway to transition their vehicles to an all-electric, solar-powered fleet. Through the newly established White Desert Foundation, the company is helping address climate change by supporting scientific research and Blue Carbon projects in Antarctica.

Luxury camping in this pristine wilderness offers other singular rewards. For an optional add on, guests can relive history with a scenic, seven-hour flight to the Geographic South Pole. Standing at the southernmost point of our planet, you’ll learn the history of the early 20th century’s treacherous and tragic race to the pole and visit the AmundsenScott South Pole Station to discover the cuttingedge research in fields including climate change and astronomy.

Yet nothing rivals the awe of visiting the emperor penguin colony in Atka Bay. During November and December, when the colony teems with life, more the 14,000 breeding pairs and their downy gray chicks make for a truly majestic spectacle. Here, where human-animal interactions are exceedingly rare, these curious, charming little emperors show no fear, waddling boldly close to greet their human guests. To stand among them, dwarfed by Antarctica’s immensity, is not only the ultimate luxury, but a humbling reminder of our place in the world.

在與世隔絕的南極經營酒店,物流工作非常艱鉅,不 但需要一絲不苟的精確規劃,應付極地環境的抗壓和 變通能力更是必不可少。儘管面臨嚴峻挑戰,White Desert 整個營運仍然以環境為先。從2007年開始, 公司便致力抵銷所有活動帶來的廢氣排放,維持碳中 和以及零碳足印理念。此外,每座露營倉均可完全拆 除,讓南極洲的生態系統不受干擾。營地目前以太陽 能為暖氣供電,並計劃全面使用電動車和建立太陽能 車隊。新成立的 White Desert 基金會期望藉由支援 南極科研與藍碳(Blue Carbon)項目,協助解決氣 候變化問題。

在南極的原始荒野豪華露營,自有其他地方無法企及 的優勢。旅客可以乘搭七小時的航班,飛往南地極, 看人類探險史在眼前展開。站在地球的最南端,您將 身臨其境,體會20世紀初險象橫生的極地探險競賽 史,同時走訪阿蒙森-斯科特南極站(AmundsenScott South Pole Station),驚嘆於氣候變化和天文 學等領域的尖端研究。

旅客還可以到阿特卡灣(Atka Bay)探訪帝企鵝群, 感受極地生靈所帶來的震撼。11月和12月,企鵝群 迎來生機盎然的繁殖季節,超過1萬4千對企鵝和牠 們的幼雛擠滿灣岸,蔚為壯觀。人類與動物的互動在 當地極為罕見,生性好奇的帝企鵝幼雛毫不畏懼,蹣 跚學步,迎接人類訪客。身處帝企鵝群當中,與南極 洲的雄奇宏大相比,人類可謂相形見絀,在這裡,我 們感受到極致奢華的待客之道,亦不期然萌生出人類 之於世界是何等渺小的謙卑之心。

A Journey to the End of the World

世界的盡頭

文︰陳穎慈

When Hong Kong businesswoman Joanna Hotung sold her company after 28 years, she turned to Charlotte Travel, to help craft an extraordinary journey to mark this milestone. Known for their expertise in crafting bespoke adventures and handling complex logistics, Charlotte Travel’s team worked closely with Joanna to design the perfect expedition. "I’m not the kind of person who needs to buy stuff," she explained. "I was thinking of all the places I’ve always wanted to go to, like Machu Picchu, but this was such a big deal. I really wanted to go somewhere really spectacular," inspired by her mother’s solo Antarctic voyage at age 70.

What started as a planned solo trip evolved into a remarkable mother-daughter expedition when her daughter Sophia, who was recovering from an illness in Hong Kong, joined the adventure.

Working with their long-standing partners National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Charlotte Travel meticulously arranged every detail of their Antarctic journey, which began in February – the tail end of Antarctica’s summer season. "We saw a lot of newlyborn penguins," Sophia recalls, "who were just going from being downy little chicks to adults." After careful preparation, including purchasing winter gear in Hong Kong, mother and daughter flew to Buenos Aires for two nights, before continuing to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.

"It’s a semi-tourist town that’s grown around Antarctic tourism," Hotung remembers. "What’s exciting about being in that part of the world is you recognise all these names like - Tierra del Fuego and the lighthouse at the end of the world. There’s geography that you remember learning at school that makes you think about Robert Falcon Scott and Vasco da Gama."

何苗春暉及何慧恩

香港企業家兼慈善家何苗春暉(Joanna Hotung)在掌 舵企業廿八載後,決定請樂悠遊為她策劃一場奇幻旅程, 為人生新篇章揭開序幕。樂悠遊擅長度身安排行程,以 及處理棘手的交通和住宿問題,可謂能人所不能。他們 與Joanna緊密聯繫,斟酌出一個完美旅程。Joanna笑 言:「比起坐擁華服美飾,我更嚮往行萬里路。馬丘比 丘等勝地曾是我的心之所向,但這次旅程意義重大,必 須慎而重之。」Joanna的母親年屆古稀仍隻身探索南極 的壯舉讓她心嚮往之,因而她終究毅然選擇征服世界最 南端。

原本獨自遠行的計劃,因身在香港養病的愛女Sophia 請纓同行,意外演變成一場溫馨的母女探險。

樂悠遊與長期合作夥伴National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions攜手合作,悉心為母女二人安排了一趟無 微不至的南極之旅,選在南極仲夏將盡的2月啟程。「我 們有幸目睹企鵝寶寶蛻變的過程。從毛絨絨的小可愛蛻 變成英姿煥發的『成年企鵝』。」Sophia眉飛色舞地回 憶。母女倆在香港添置齊全裝備後,輾轉飛抵布宜諾斯 艾利斯小憩兩宿,繼而前往被稱為世界盡頭的烏斯懷亞。

「這座因南極探險而生的奇特小鎮,彷彿遺世獨立。」

Joanna感嘆:「佇立於此,遙望火地島和世界盡頭的燈 塔,不禁讓人憶起課本中史考特、達伽馬等探險家的豐 功偉績,感覺很不真實。」

Joanna and Sophia Hotung

National Geographic’s vessels host around 140 passengers and are classified as expedition ships. As such, the pair found themselves immersed in a floating research community. "Every meal, we would eat with scientists, naturalists, photographers, and learn about lichen, glaciology, ornithology, marine life, and climate change. It’s a working ship, so these specialists are there to conduct research when we’re not relaxing in the evenings,” Hotung explains.

The journey to Antarctica involved crossing the notorious Drake Passage, where three oceans converge - the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Ocean. They experienced the "Drake Lake" – the Passage at its calmest – on their southbound journey, but faced the challenging "Drake Shake" on their return. "The crew strung ropes around the ship," Sophia says. "Everyone for two days was getting around holding onto ropes, even in the restaurant buffet."

Their first glimpse of Antarctica proved unforgettable. "My perspective was off," Sophia recalls. "The glaciers were already so massive when far away, that I expected us to be a lot closer than we were. The scale made it almost feel like space travel."

此行乘搭的並非尋常郵輪,而是一艘載著140名乘客的 科學研究方舟。這是一次探索未知的遠征,而非舒適安 逸的度假。Joanna憶述:「船上雲集了專業攝影師和 各路專家學者,包括苔蘚、冰川、鳥類、海洋學家和氣 候專家,傍晚時分,他們會放下手頭的研究工作,與我 們一起用餐,暢談甚歡,讓這趟旅程既長見識,又增智 慧。」

穿越惡名昭彰的德雷克海峽時,三大洋在此交匯。去程 風平浪靜,宛如明鏡;返程卻驚濤駭浪,驚心動魄。 Sophia描述:「船上處處繫著安全繩索,就連用餐時也 得扶著繩索而行,步步為營。」

初見南極的震撼,令人目瞪口呆。「遠望時已覺巍峨壯 闊,愈近愈覺其浩瀚無垠,彷彿闖入了另一個宇宙。」 Sophia娓娓道來。

Daily expeditions brought Joanna and Sophia inches from local wildlife. The penguins, in particular, left a lasting impression on Sophia. "They're as goofy as the media makes them out to be. Everyone who visits is respectful, so these birds aren’t scared of coming close. They're very happy to run in front of you or check you out."

For many travellers, the trip’s highlight is the famous "polar plunge". "I changed my mind so many times," Joanna admitted. "Sophia was always going to do it. I got peer pressured!" In the end, about 30 people participated, with the ship’s doctor standing by and photographers capturing the moment as passengers took the plunge. "You jump in, and you've never felt so cold in your whole life! But then as they pull you out, you can choose hot chocolate or a shot of vodka - I had the vodka!"

每日的探險活動讓她們得以與野生動物親密接觸。「企 鵝的可愛程度絕不遜於銀幕上的形象,」Sophia分享道: 「牠們天真無邪,不諳世事,因為少見人類,不僅不怕 生,反而好奇地蹦蹦跳跳湊上前來,讓人心都融化了。」

最令人難忘的「極地跳水」環節,讓Joanna躊躇再三。 「我原本猶豫不決,最後在女兒和眾人的慫恿下,一不 做二不休。」在船醫和攝影師的見證下,約30位勇士紛 紛躍入冰海。「那一剎那,徹骨寒意讓人終身難忘,」 她笑言:「上岸後可選熱巧克力或伏特加暖身,我毫不 猶豫選了後者!」

Joanna also recalls feeling impacted by the guest lectures of climate expert Christiana Figueres. So much so that, upon returning to Hong Kong, she implemented a comprehensive recycling and composting regime in her home.

“Remembering the extraordinary purity, stillness and beauty of the Antarctic landscape,” Joanna says, "Looking up at the stars – I’ve never seen stars like that. I’ve never heard such quiet. It’s the most peaceful place I’ve ever been. Sometimes the sea is crystal clear and smooth, and you just feel like you’re floating on a lake - except the lake is just the most vast place you've ever been. It’s absolutely life-changing."

這趟旅程徹底改變了她們的環保意識。在氣候變化專 家Christiana Figueres的諄諄教誨下,Joanna回 港後立即在家中推行回收和堆肥計劃,身體力行,為 地球盡一份心力。

「那裡的寂靜如此深邃,彷彿浸透全身、深入骨髓。」 Joanna感慨萬千:「仰望南極星空,璀璨奪目的景 致觸動心靈。碧波如鏡,遼闊無際,讓人彷彿漂浮在 世外仙境。置身此境,才明白人類在浩瀚宇宙中是多 麼渺小。這確實是一趟改變人生的奇妙旅程。」

When Emergency Strikes

千里救援

The importance of booking such a trip as the Hotungs’ through an experienced travel agency became even more evident when the Hotungs faced an unexpected medical emergency in Buenos Aires.

While transferring through Buenos Aires airport, Sophia, who suffers from various chronic illnesses, collapsed and was rushed by ambulance to a rural clinic an hour outside the city. Joanna found herself navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system, but thankfully, Lindblad’s guide was with them every step of the way, providing crucial support well beyond their official duties.

For Joanna and Sophia, this crisis highlighted Charlotte Travel’s exceptional service. Despite the time difference, it only took one phone call to set everything in motion. Charlotte Travel swiftly rebooked Sophia’s missed flight to New York, secured her a seat on Joanna’s flight to London, and even managed to obtain a partial refund for the unused ticket. "If I had organized this by myself, there is absolutely no way I would have known how to resolve this sort of situation," Joanna reflected. "They resolved absolutely everything, stayed calm, made me calm, and got us both back safely."

誰知一場驚心動魄的醫療緊急事故,竟成為見證專業 旅行社實力的關鍵時刻? 正當母女倆打算在布宜諾斯艾利斯機場分開,Joanna 前往歐洲、Sophia隻身遠赴紐約時,一向患有慢性 疾病的Sophia卻突然昏厥倒地。當時人生地不熟, 本已完成自己工作的Lindblad嚮導仗義挺身,向母 女倆伸出援手,Sophia才得以順利被送往城郊的一 間診所接受治療。

正當兩人心慌意亂之際,樂悠遊再次展現出過人本 領。一通越洋電話,便重新安排好Sophia錯過的紐 約航班,巧妙的調配使她能與Joanna同返倫敦,甚 至設法為未使用的機票爭取退款。「若是單打獨鬥, 我必定手足無措,」Joanna由衷感激:「他們臨危 不亂,讓我們的旅程劃下圓滿句點。」

Empire of Penguins 企鵝的國度

文:

Few experiences implant themselves in the memory better than a wildlife excursion to Antarctica.

“Summing up a continent twice the size of Australia is tricky,” says Chris Dwyer, a travel writer who recently took a cruise to the icy continent to celebrate his 50th birthday. “The utterly pristine natural beauty on an epic, cinematic scale, was often impossible to take in.”

Penguins are plentiful, as well as “stinky, cranky, and hilarious in equal measure,” says Dwyer. While they can be spotted throughout Antarctica, Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea offers relatively accessible viewing of its emperor penguins colony.

During Antarctic summer, from December to March, Humpback whales breach the ocean surface daily for splashy spectacles in the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula, especially Wilhelmina Bay. This is when the Southern Ocean fills with nutrient-rich krill, drawing humpbacks within metres of boats—along with orcas, minke whales, and even blue whales.

人生中真正稱得上「此生難忘」的旅程也許不多,而探 索南極洲絕對算得上其中一趟。「對於這片面積是澳大 利亞兩倍的廣袤陸地,實在難以用隻言片語描述」—— 旅遊作家 Chris Dwyer 最近乘搭郵輪踏足這片冰雪覆蓋 的世外天地,慶祝自己五十歲生日。他記道:「看著眼 前一片如天地初開般純淨、曠闊無垠的世界,震撼無以 言喻。」

南極洲有許多企鵝,據 Dwyer 說,牠們「氣味很濃、性 情乖戾、卻同時滑稽可愛」。儘管企鵝在陸上隨處可見, 但要清楚觀察牠們,最佳的落腳點是威德爾海(Weddell Sea)的雪丘島(Snow Hill Island),那是帝皇企鵝的 棲息地。

每逢南極洲的夏季(12月至3月),在南極半島附近水 域——尤其是威爾米納灣(Wilhelmina Bay),每日都 能看見座頭鯨從深海浮上水面、噴出高聳水柱的精彩「表 演」。在這個季節,富含磷蝦的南冰洋水域會吸引座頭 鯨、殺人鯨、小鬚鯨甚至藍鯨聚集覓食;有幸在此時身 處此地的遊客,就有機會在船上近距離欣賞這些珍貴的 海洋生物。

Empire of Penguins

Seals are also among Antarctica’s most visible residents. While only six of the world’s 34 seal species live in Antarctica, they make up most of the the global seal population in sheer numbers. Weddell seals are often spotted with their pups during the November to March visiting season, alongside Antarctic fur seals, leopard seals, Ross seals, southern elephant seals, and crabeater seals. With no innate fear of humans, these seals are easy to approach for close encounters—though visitors must always take care not disturb them.

For birdwatchers, giant petrels and albatrosses are among the most spectacular finds, particularly around Drake Passage and South Georgia, while sooty shearwaters, blue-eyed shags, sheathbills, and skua patrol the Southern Ocean and the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula.

此外,海豹也是南極洲的主要住民,雖然只佔全球 三十四種海豹的其中六種,但若論數量,全球大部分海 豹都生活在南極洲。在11月至3月的南極旅遊季,遊客 可以觀賞到成千上萬的威德爾海豹(Weddell Seals)和 牠們的海豹寶寶,同時現蹤的還有:南極毛皮海豹、豹 斑海豹、羅斯海豹、南象鼻海豹和食蟹海豹。南極洲的 海豹對人類沒有戒懼本能,儘管人們可以輕易靠近,仍 要非常小心地避免打擾牠們的自然棲息。

南極也是觀鳥愛好者的天堂,除了在德瑞克海峽(Drake Passage)和南喬治亞島(South Georgia)上空翺翔的 巨鸌和信天翁,在南冰洋和南極半島西端還有灰鸌、藍 眼鸕鶿、白鞘嘴鷗、賊鷗等海鳥自由地生活和覓食。

Making the most of it 以有限之⾝ ⾒無限天地

Single-day trips by plane from Punta Arenas, Chile, or Cape Town, South Africa, offer the simplest way to see these icons of the Antarctic. But to truly absorb the majesty of this continent and the variety of the wildlife, you’ll need a multi-night cruise.

Silversea operates several dozen cruises each season, and includes immersive experiences— Zodiac boat rides to see humpbacks, kayaking among icebergs, and guided hikes across the wildlands— all led by an expedition team that includes marine biologists, climatologists and other experts to provide top quality information alongside the viewing. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offer fewer five-star creature comforts, but their unparalleled wildlife expertise makes them the top choice for photographers. Their expeditions include time with official National Geographic photographers to ensure your own pics hit the mark. And Quark Expeditions is a polar specialist, offering up to 20-day trips on smaller ships to access remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach.

Whichever experience you choose, the time in this part of the world—one of the last wild frontiers on the planet—will be sure to leave you thrumming with excitement.

如今交通便捷,乘坐飛機從智利南端城市蓬塔阿雷納斯 (Punta Arenas)或南非的開普敦可以即日來回南極洲 欣賞這些著名的極地生物,但要真正領略這片壯闊天地 的魅力、細看令人目不暇給的珍貴野生動物,還是非常 值得乘搭郵輪、用多日遊覽探索南極洲。

Silversea郵輪公司在每個旅遊季提供數十條南極觀光路 線,其中包括深度探索,例如乘坐Zodiac橡皮艇在海上 巡航觀賞座頭鯨;在雄偉的冰川之間划獨木舟;在陸地 上徒步尋找南極動物足跡。在旅程期間,還會有海洋生 物學家、氣候學家等相關專家從旁解説,為所見景物增 補豐富資訊,令旅程體驗更深刻難忘。國家地理雜誌與 Lindblad 探險船隊合辦的南極探索之旅雖然不及郵輪公 司般豪華,但在野生探索體驗方面更勝一籌,更是很多 攝影師前往南極的首選旅程。參加者還會獲得國家地理 雜誌官方攝影師指導拍攝,讓相機和回憶一樣滿載而歸。

至於Quark Expeditions

公司則具備多年極地探險專業 經驗,提供最多20日的南極洲探索行程,並選乘較小的 船隻,以便於游弋於大郵輪無法通行的航道和海域。

無論您選擇哪一種探索體驗,只要親身踏上這片地球上 最後的原生淨土,眼前所見定必會為您帶來前所未有的 感動和震撼。

Photo by Kuo Chengchang

Essential Packing Guide for Antarctica

南極探險裝備錦囊

Planning an Antarctic expedition? Here’s what you’ll need, based on the Hotungs' experience:

想要征服世界的盡頭?以下是Joanna母女的探險經驗談:

Base Layers:

Thermal underwear

Multiple pairs of warm socks

禦寒心法:

保暖內衣(身暖為本) 頂級保暖襪(腳暖為先)

Outer Wear:

Waterproof hiking boots

Waterproof pants

Warm hat or beanie

Gloves

Sunglasses (for intense Antarctic glare)

Note: Expedition ships provide their parkas

外層防護:

專業防水登山靴(立足風雪) 全能防水褲(禦寒之盾)

保暖帽(頭暖就身暖) 防寒手套(守護十指) 極地墨鏡(冰雪反光剋星)

溫馨提示:船方會奉上「戰袍」

Special Items:

Swimsuit (for the polar plunge and sauna)

Seasickness remedies (crucial for the Drake Passage crossing):

- Motion sickness bracelets

- Behind-the-ear patches

Binoculars and camera equipment (for capturing those unforgettable moments)

特別裝備:

泳裝(勇闖極地跳⽔及桑拿必備)

制勝暈船法寶(征服德雷克海峽的關鍵)

-神奇防暈手環

-耳後貼片

望遠鏡和攝影利器(捕捉永恆瞬間)

Practical Tips:

Focus on wind protection rather than heavy rain gear (Antarctica is technically a desert)

Pack efficiently - ship cabins are compact

Layer clothing rather than bringing bulky items

Consider bringing any specific dietary requirement supplies

Follow the detailed packing list provided by your expedition operator

智慧錦囊:

以防風為上策(南極實為冰雪沙漠)

精簡為王(船艙寸土寸金)

洋蔥式穿搭(靈活應對氣候變化)

特殊飲食需求需未雨綢繆

事前按照探險團隊的裝備指南收拾行裝

Remember: Most outdoor and hiking equipment stores stock the necessary gear. The key is layering and ensuring each item serves a specific purpose in keeping you warm and comfortable in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.

錦上添花:各大戶外用品店皆可尋得稱心裝備。切記穿搭有法,層層為營,方能在這片 極地淨土中游刃有餘,盡覽天地奇觀。準備周全,盡情享受一生一次的南極之旅。

Chasing Winter In Finland

文:Arsalan Mohammad

With Mexico at ten, the Netherlands at five, and Nordic nations filling out the top four slots, the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report recently crowned Finland as the world’s happiest country, for, astonishingly, the eighth consecutive year. No wonder then, that to the smart traveller considering a family trip packed with fun, joy, and wonder, a flight to this merriest of nations is a no-brainer.

Why does this beautiful country entrance the mind and soothe the soul with such pine-fresh dependability? The answer is in large part due to Finland’s national character, a sturdy, pragmatic spirit moulded over the centuries and shaped by one of the planet’s rawest habitable landscapes. You see it in the way the Finns live—huddled close together, coexisting efficiently with one another and with nature. Finland is one of the greenest countries on earth too, in every sense; over 75% of the country is blanketed by forest, dotted with nearly 200,000 lakes and thousands of tiny islands. With a bespoke itinerary created by the experts at Charlotte Travel, designed to delight every member of your family, in this extraordinary northern escape, what’s not to love?

在今年3月發佈、由聯合國贊助的《世界快樂報告》中, 墨西哥和荷蘭分別排行第十和第五,頭四位都是北歐國 家,其中芬蘭更是連續八年位居第一。無怪乎,見多識 廣的旅人們都會選擇這個全世界最快樂的國度,計劃在 此與家人一個充滿愉快驚喜的旅程。

美麗的芬蘭彷彿時刻散發著松木清香,讓人心醉神迷。

人們之所以覺得芬蘭可靠,很大程度上要歸功於芬蘭人 的民族特質 —— 堅韌、務實,在地球其中一個最嚴酷的 生存環境下,歷經多個世紀淬煉而成。芬蘭人守望相助, 以最有效的方式與彼此和大自然共存。它是世界上數一 數二綠地面積最多的國家,超過75%國土被森林覆蓋, 擁有將近20萬個湖泊和數以千計的小島。現在,就讓樂 悠遊旅遊專家為你度身規劃行程,讓你和家人盡情感受 芬蘭的魅力。我們馬上起程吧!

The Magic of Finland: A Winter Wonderland for Families

芬蘭魅力:闔家同樂的冬日仙境

You can visit Finland at any time of the year and enjoy a memorable trip, amidst sun or snow. Summers, for instance, are long, mild, and enchanted. The locals take advantage of extended days under the midnight sun to indulge in what Finns call Jokamiehenoikeus—essentially, a person’s right to wander freely in nature.

Winter, however, is when Finland really comes into its own. A realm of vast snowy landscapes, the spellbinding Northern Lights, and cozy fireside retreats, the dreamlike far north makes a family holiday into something truly extraordinary, especially after a journey from bustling Helsinki.

無論是日照漫長的涼夏還是銀妝素裹的深冬,芬蘭的每一個 季節都適合旅遊。夏日的芬蘭溫暖宜人,當地人沐浴在午夜 陽光裡,享受他們口中的「Jokamiehenoikeus」,即在大 自然中自由漫遊的權利。

不過相比起夏天,冬季才是芬蘭盡情綻放的時節。白雪茫茫 的廣袤大地、夢幻迷人的北極光、在暖意洋洋的火爐邊靜 修、從熙來攘往的赫爾辛基翻山涉水前往人跡罕至的遙遠北 境......無論哪種旅行方式,都能讓以安穩舒適為上的家族旅 行,別添不平凡的動人回憶。

Meet Santa in Lapland

魔法聖誕.拉普蘭奇遇

Lapland, at the very top of the world, is where Santa Claus and his elves work year-round, to organise their miracle global dash on Christmas Eve. Of course, planning the delivery of gifts to children around the world, as well as keeping reindeer warm and cosy and ensuring numerous elves are happy and busy is hard work, but Santa has had years of experience and by December, his final preparations are in full swing. What then, could beat the ultimate Christmas treat for lucky children, but a visit to his official hometown!

A visit to see Santa Claus in Finland is not just a holiday. It’s a unique experience. Children (and adults!) will remember, for the rest of their lives, travelling deep into the snowblanketed forests of Lapland, seeing reindeer roam freely, while the Northern Lights dance overhead. Every detail is infused with enchantment - from the scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, cosy firelit cabins, to the soft crunch of snow underfoot. The magic deepens when families, while exploring the enchanted forest paths, might unexpectedly encounter Santa’s helpers - playful elves who somehow know each child by name. These magical beings often carry personalized gifts and, to children’s absolute delight, proudly show them the famous "Good List" where their names are prominently displayed.

Because it’s only here in Lapland, that the magic feels real. And when reaching Rovaniemi, home to Santa Claus Village, children will finally meet the man himself - who, mysteriously, seems to know everything about their adventures back home. They can post letters to friends from the official Santa Claus Post Office and experience the surreal thrill of stepping over the line marking the Arctic Circle.

The best way to get from Helsinki to the perimeter of the Arctic Circle – is by the Santa Claus Express! This train service is, thankfully, a comfortable, family-friendly means of transport, adding to the sense of adventure and novelty. We'd recommend, given the train ride can take up to 12 hours, taking the overnight Express sleeper service.

在世界的最北端,有一個充滿童話魔法的國度——拉普蘭 (Lapland)。這裡不只是聖誕老人和精靈的家,更是一年 四季都充滿歡樂與驚喜的夢幻樂園。每到年底,聖誕老人和 他的精靈們都會加緊腳步,如火如荼準備給所有孩子的禮物 同時還要照顧辛苦的麋鹿,為平安夜的全球送禮大行動做最 後衝刺。而要說全世界最令人心動的聖誕禮物,莫過於親身 造訪這個充滿童話色彩的仙境。

踏上拉普蘭的旅程,不只是一趟假期,而是一場令人畢生難 忘的奇幻冒險。想像一下:漫步在銀白色的針葉林間,呼吸 著帶著松木與肉桂香氣的冷冽空氣,腳下的積雪發出細碎的 嘎吱聲,遠處的馴鹿自在地漫步,夜空中北極光如絲綢般舞 動。最讓人驚喜的是,當你漫步在魔法森林小徑時,說不定 會巧遇聖誕老人的小幫手們。這些調皮可愛的精靈不僅神奇 地知道每個孩子的名字,還會神秘兮兮地拿出「乖寶寶名 單」,讓小朋友們興奮地發現自己的大名赫然在列! 從芬蘭首都赫爾辛基(Helsinki)出發,搭乘聖誕快車(Santa Claus Express)是探索這片神奇土地的最佳選擇。別擔心 12小時的車程,特別預訂一個臥鋪包廂,就能把旅途變成溫 馨的體驗。躺在舒適的床鋪上,望著窗外月光灑落的銀白雪 原,彷彿自己也成為了聖誕故事的主角。

Twelve hours might seem a long time, but with a oncein-a-lifetime experience awaiting at your destination, the hours melt away, tucked up cosily in a bunk while imagining being borne aloft through the snow-blanketed moonlit plains by a fleet of reindeers. This is a storybook adventure made tangible—an unforgettable, fairytale encounter with the spirit of Christmas that will become a treasured memory forever.

Not far from the village is the stunning Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, a haven of cozy luxury deep in the forest. Their family-friendly glass igloos are enchanting dwellings. In well-equipped glass roofed pods, you can relax and recharge – and of course, marvel at panoramic Arctic views, as well as the splendour of the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed! Special packages are available, with memorable treats such as husky-dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling (on heated sleds), outdoor saunas and fireside storytelling adding to the wealth of memorable moments.

達羅瓦涅米(Rovaniemi)的聖誕老人村(Santa Claus Village),驚喜接踵而來。見到聖誕老人的那一刻,孩子們 會驚訝地發現,他居然知道他們在家鄉發生的趣事!在這裡, 你可以造訪官方認證的聖誕老人郵局(Santa Claus Post Office),寄出滿載祝福的明信片,還能親身跨越北極圈, 體驗站在世界頂端的奇妙感受。

入住北極樹屋酒店(Arctic TreeHouse Hotel)更是一大 亮點。被蒼鬱森林環繞的玻璃穹頂小屋,彷彿置身童話世 界。躺在溫暖的床上,透過全景玻璃屋頂欣賞極光(Aurora Borealis)在夜空中綻放,這樣的奢華體驗令人難忘。酒店 精心策劃的特色活動包括哈士奇雪橇探險、馴鹿雪橇之旅、 配備暖座的雪地摩托車體驗、芬蘭傳統桑拿,以及溫馨的篝 火故事會。

Arctic Adventures for Every Generation

老少咸宜的北極探險

Once you’ve had your fill of all things Santa, take your vacation to the next level with some of the exhilarating outdoor pursuits set in Finland’s vast winter playground. Husky sledding through snow-covered forests safely delivers white-knuckle thrills, while a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride amid the twilit Arctic wilderness offers a more serene pace for older guests or indeed, younger children.

For older children and adventurous parents, there’s a surfeit of unrivalled experiences on offer. Have you ever snowmobiled across a frozen lake? Or taken the plunge and tried an invigorating ice-floating experience while swaddled in thermal suits? The Wilderness Hotel Nangu, home of the unforgettable Aurora Cabins by Lake Inari, offers a range of exciting excursions, including a private visit to a Sámi reindeer farm, where Finland’s only Indigenous people invite kids to meet and even feed the gentle creatures and hear thrilling Sámi legends.

享受過純樸地道的聖誕氣氛,是時候踏出暖和溫馨的小屋, 投入冰天雪地,感受曠野風情。坐騎上哈士奇犬雪橇、握緊 韁繩,在白雪覆蓋的林地中馳騁,安全地享受刺激的高速狂 飆 。如有年長或年幼家人同行,也可以選擇靜態的活動,例 如乘坐馴鹿雪橇,在暮光下的北極荒原上徐徐移動,感受雪 國風光。

至於心境依然年輕的父母和好動的青少年,在芬蘭也有很 多刺激冒險活動可以一試。你試過駕駛雪地摩托車橫跨冰 封的湖泊,又或者縱身一躍、體驗讓人精神為之一振的冰 上漂浮嗎(當然必須穿特製保暖衣)?另外,南古荒野酒店 (Wilderness Hotel Nangu)會為客人準備位於伊納里湖畔 (Lake Inari)的極光小屋,提供各項獨特的地道體驗,例 如私人參觀薩米馴鹿農場,小朋友可以餵飼馴鹿,聽當地人 講述驚心動魄的薩米傳說。

Moments of Restoration: Cozy Retreats & Finnish Saunas

治愈⾝心:靜修與芬蘭桑拿

Finns understand the art of balance. After days filled with snowy thrills, there’s nothing more restorative than a real Finnish sauna. Most resorts across the country offer variations on a private sauna experience—an unmissable part of any Finnish expedition. Families can warm up together in herbal-scented sanctuaries before taking a dip in crisp, ice-carved pools—a bracing and unforgettable tradition, even for younger guests.

For those seeking the ultimate in relaxation, numerous luxury spas in Finnish Lapland offer world-class treatments incorporating local Arctic herbs, warm stone massages, and forest-inspired wellness therapies. For an indulgent stay, have a look at the Levin Iglut – Golden Crown, or consider the Luxury Aurora Cabin in Ylläs if you’re keen to incorporate some traditional Finnish spa elements to your holiday programme. Here you can enjoy delights such as an outdoor hot tub, herbal sauna, and traditional Lappish treatments for the perfect restorative touch.

芬蘭人熟稔平衡的藝術。探險結束後,有什麼比正宗的芬蘭 桑拿更能撫慰身心呢?芬蘭大多數度假酒店都設有各式各樣 的私人桑拿,這是在當地旅行時絕不可錯過的環節。一家人 在瀰漫草本清香的桑拿中讓身體變得溫暖,然後躍進冰雕水 池的清冽冷水中,這種瞬間經歷冷熱交替的芬蘭傳統,就算 是追求刺激的年輕人,也必定一試難忘。

對於追求極致放鬆的旅客,拉普蘭可謂豪華水療勝地。當地 有不少世界級水療中心,為客人提供融合北極草藥和熱石按 摩的森林浴健康療程。若希望在假期中享受芬蘭水療,不妨 選擇入住萊文伊格魯特酒店(Levin Iglut)或伊拉斯(Ylläs) 豪華極光小屋,在這裡,你可以享受室外按摩浴缸、草本桑 拿和拉普蘭式傳統療程。

A Sense of Wonder

迎接驚奇之旅

Finland’s cultural heritage is a melange of peoples, histories, and fables that will entrance adults and children alike. Up in the Arctic circle, there are numerous opportunities to explore traditional Sámi culture in Inari, learning about ancient reindeer herding practices and folklore that has been passed down for generations. For a step back in time, the medieval town of Porvoo, with its charming red wooden houses dusted in snow, offers an idyllic setting for holiday strolls and indulgent seasonal treats.

Whether your family seeks adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or simply a place to slow down and embrace the spirit of the season, Finland in winter offers it all. It is a place where luxury meets the wild, where holiday traditions take on a new level of charm, and where lifelong memories are made beneath the glow of the Northern sky.

This winter, plan your itinerary with Charlotte Travel to step beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary— because the magic of Finland is something every family should experience at least once.

民族、歷史和寓言結合孕育出芬蘭迷人的文化遺產。位於北 極圈內的伊納里(Inari)有著豐富的薩米傳統文化,讓遊客了 解到古代馴鹿的放牧方式和世代口耳相傳的民間故事。來到 波爾沃小鎮(Porvoo),彷彿置身舊日時光,可愛的紅色木屋 頂鋪滿雪花,靜謐的田園景致是假日漫步和品嚐時令美食的 理想之鄉。

無論你和家人追求的是冒險、放鬆、還是文化探索之旅,或 者純粹只想找個放慢腳步、感受聖誕氣氛的地方,冬日芬蘭 都是絕佳之選。在這裡,奢華與野性碰撞交融、節日傳統裹 上奇幻氣息——在北極光的映照下,為旅人留下終生難忘的美 好回憶。

芬蘭的魅力,值得每個家庭一起來體驗。今個冬天,和我們 一起規劃行程,走出平凡、領略非凡吧。

Into the Wild 非洲之心:獵遊新篇章

文:

9 Safari Insights with Ewan Burger, Head of Africa

非洲的奢華不在於富麗堂皇,而在於與大地的心靈契合。

From watching throngs of wildebeest crashing through a crocodile-infested river to floating serenely in a hot-air balloon over the savannah plains to view grazing giraffe, safari experiences are becoming more personalised, more familyfriendly and more accessible. Ewan Burger, Head of Africa at Charlotte Travel, explains why safaris are such a popular bucket-list experience and what you need to know before you go.

從目睹千軍萬馬的角馬群橫渡鱷魺密佈的河流,到乘 坐熱氣球翱翔於曙光初現的蠻荒大地,俯瞰長頸鹿悠 然自得的覓食身影,非洲獵遊脫胎換骨,邁向更個人 化、更親子友善的嶄新境界。樂悠遊非洲部門主管 Ewan Burger娓娓道來,述說這片令人嘆為觀止的 廣袤大地令人趨之若鶩的秘密。

What are the current trends in luxury safari travel?

當代奢華獵遊有什麼新趨勢?

Two trends we are seeing that we love: hyperpersonalisation and accessibility. When we begin all our conversations with travellers now, we start with two essential questions: what do you want to experience, and how do you want to feel? It’s never one thing for everyone. Then we build a picture of that experience whilst maximising their Africa adventure. We are also seeing more lodges able to accommodate the rise of multi-generational families sharing kid-friendly safaris-time spent with grandparents for everyone to enjoy together.

目前有兩大令人耳目一新的特色:除了提供量身訂製 的專屬體驗外,門檻也逐漸降低,讓更多旅客得以實 現非洲夢。規劃行程時,我們總會先拋出兩個關鍵問 題:您期待什麼樣的體驗?想要怎樣的感受?畢竟各 種行程各有千秋,各花入各眼,我們便以此為基石, 為旅人量身打造精彩非凡的非洲探索。

Are there any lesser-known destinations worth visiting?

有哪些值得一遊的小眾景點?

The majority of our clients want to see the migration, so the main choice is always the Serengeti in Tanzania, which hosts the migration for 10 out of 12 months. But more and more we offer a safari + gorilla combination where you can finish your safari in the Serengeti, then fly direct to Kigali in Rwanda to see the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Another is Zimbabwe. It’s not a traditional first choice as a Southern Africa safari destination, it’s seen as Botswana’s little brother, but the experience here, the lack of crowds, the value for money, it really offers something special for those who want to see something a little different to the usual safari programme.

大多數的旅客想要親眼目睹年度大遷徙。坦桑尼亞的 塞倫蓋提草原佔盡天時地利,每年有十個月都能目 睹這震撼人心的場面。不過,我們也越來越多推薦 safari加上大猩猩追蹤的組合行程——先在塞倫蓋提 盡情遊覽,再直飛盧安達首都基加利,造訪火山國家 公園探訪珍稀的山地大猩猩。

津巴布韋也是一處寶地。雖然不是南部非洲傳統的首 選獵遊目的地,常被視為波札那的小老弟,但這裡不 會像某些景點人山人海,性價比亦高,為想體驗與眾 不同行程的旅客提供了絕佳選擇。

What are the best times to visit each region?

什麼時候是造訪非洲的最佳時機?

Africa’s magic really unfolds all year round, but each season offers its own wonders. In Tanzania, everyone will say that the Great Wildebeest Migration peaks between July and October in the north. But as an insider, I recommend January to March in the southern Serengeti when it is calving season. Nothing compares to thunderous herds crossing the Mara River - a spectacle best witnessed from a private tented camp.

For South Africa, April and September deliver golden savannahs and crisp mornings, ideal for tracking the Big Five in Sabi Sands then ending your trip with sundowners on Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

Namibia’s ethereal dunes glow fiery red at sunrise in June, whilst Rwanda’s misty volcanoes invite intimate gorilla encounters year-round (though drier months, June–September, make trekking easier).

It matters to us when you go because we don’t just 'book trips' - we want to choreograph moments like a hot-air balloon drifting over the Serengeti at dawn, or a bush dinner under Namibia’s infinite stars, just for you.

非洲四季如畫。以坦桑尼亞為例,眾所周知的大遷徙 高峰在7月至10月間,但作為業內人士,我特別推 薦1月至3月期間造訪南部塞倫蓋提——那是角馬產 崽的季節。至於驚心動魄的馬拉河渡河場景,最好安 排入住私人帳篷營地,近距離感受大自然的鬼斧神 工。

南非最理想的觀賞時節是4月和9月,草原如金似錦, 清晨空氣清冽,最適合在Sabi Sands私人動物保護 區追蹤五大動物,再到開普敦桌山觀賞醉人的日落。

納米比亞的沙丘在6月的朝陽下如火如荼,蔚為壯觀; 而盧旺達的火山地帶則四季皆宜探訪大猩猩,但在乾 季(6月至9月)行山較為便利。

對我們來說,選擇最適合的時機至關重要。我們不只 是「預訂行程」,而是為您精心編排每個難忘時刻, 無論是清晨乘熱氣球飄過塞倫蓋提,還是在納米比亞 星空下享用野外晚宴。

How do you create authentic safari experiences while maintaining luxury?

如何在保持奢華的同時,創造真實的獵遊體驗?

Luxury in Africa isn’t about chandeliers; it’s about connection. Picture this: after a day tracking lions in the Okavango Delta, you return to your suite at &Beyond Xaranna where your plunge pool overlooks a watering hole visited by elephants. Or in Rwanda’s Bisate Reserve, volcanic peaks frame your fireplace as you recount the day’s gorilla trek with your private guide.

We partner with lodges that redefine wilderness elegance: think linen-draped beds, Michelinworthy bush cuisine and staff who anticipate your love for Amarula coffee at sunrise. Even 'roughing it' means a mobile camp in the Serengeti with Persian rugs and a sommelier-curated wine list.

非洲的奢華不在於富麗堂皇,而在於與大地的心靈契 合。想像一下:在奧卡萬戈三角洲追蹤獅群一整天後, 回到&Beyond Xaranna度假村的套房,在私人泳池 旁觀賞大象群悠然漫步於飲水處。又或是在盧安達的 Bisate保護區,坐在溫暖的壁爐旁,與私人嚮導細說 當天與大猩猩不期而遇的點點滴滴。

我們合作的營地重新定義了野外奢華概念:精緻床品、 米芝蓮等級的野外美饌,以及能預知您喜愛在日出時 分啜飲Amarula咖啡的貼心員工。就算是「野營」, 也能在塞倫蓋提的移動營地上享受波斯地毯和專業侍 酒師精選的佳釀。

What sustainability efforts is the safari industry undertaking?

獵遊產業在永續發展方面有什麼作為?

We choose partners who lead the charge, for example, Singita’s reserves fund 100% of their antipoaching units, whilst Wilderness Safaris employs 1,200 locals across Africa. In Rwanda, every gorilla permit directly funds community schools. We are designing more and more for 'conscientious travellers' that support the community they stay in. For example, at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, your visit supports reforestation.

我們精挑細選的合作夥伴都堪稱業界翹楚。例如, Singita保護區全額資助反盜獵部隊,而Wilderness Safaris則在非洲各地聘用逾千名當地員工。在盧旺 達,每張大猩猩觀察許可證的收入都直接投入社區 學校。現在我們也越來越注重規劃「具社會意識的 旅程」,讓旅客能實際回饋所在社區。One&Only Gorilla's Nest就是絕佳範例,旅客的造訪直接支持 了當地的造林計劃。

Can you share some tips for first-time safari travellers?

對初次參加獵遊的旅客 有什麼建議?

Slow down. Africa rewards those who linger. Spend four nights in one lodge to learn the land’s rhythms, the way a leopard marks its territory, or to hear the thunder clouds rolling in over the Serengeti plains.

For families, South Africa’s Royal Malewane offers child-friendly game drives with wildlife sketchbooks. Honeymooners? Nothing compares to star-gazing on a platform in the tree-tops at Lion Sands signature Tree house star bed experience (my recommendation is either Chalkley or Kingston).

I have two rules for safaris:

1. Your experience is made incredible by the guide you have, and we only arrange the best. They hold the key to what you see and how you experience the animals.

2. Africa is a year-round destination but the trick is to know what is happening where and when you want to travel, so you can make the most of your time there.

放慢腳步,細水長流。非洲會善待那些願意駐足的人。 建議在同一個營地停留四晚,慢慢體會這片土地的韻 律——或許是觀察花豹劃定地盤的方式,又或是聆聽 雷雲在塞倫蓋提平原上徐徐推進的聲響。

對於家庭旅客,南非的Royal Malewane提供親子友 善的獵遊行程,還會發給小朋友野生動物寫生本。至 於蜜月夫妻,我特別推薦Lion Sands的標誌性樹屋 星空床體驗(建議選擇Chalkley或Kingston),在 樹冠層平台上數星觀月,別具浪漫情懷。

我有兩個獵遊金科玉律:首先,精彩體驗的關鍵在於 優秀的嚮導,我們只與最頂尖的嚮導合作。他們掌握 著您所能看到的精彩內容和體驗野生動物的方式。其 次,非洲全年都適合造訪,但訣竅在於了解各地各時 段的特色,妥善運用您的寶貴時光。

What makes a safari truly exceptional?

什麼樣的體驗最令人難忘?

One thing I would recommend is a balloon safari. These are truly awesome. It’s an amazing way to see the area from a different vantage point. You lift off as the sun rises, view the game for about an hour, then touch back down for breakfast or brunch in the bush. It’s a beautifully serene way to see the animals.

我特別推薦熱氣球之旅,絕對令人讚嘆。這是從全新視角欣賞非洲 的絕佳方式。隨著朝陽升起緩緩起飛,在空中巡遊約一小時,然後 降落享用野外早午餐。這是欣賞野生動物最優雅寧靜的方式。

Do you have any tips for photography and wildlife viewing?

關於攝影和野生動物觀察有什麼建議?

I’m a photographer myself, so I always recommend photographers use vehicles that are kitted out with built-in tripods, bean bags and swivel chairs. Having a good long lens is also important - and you can hire these from some of the lodges - because you cannot go off-road to get a better photo with your short lens.

Wildlife viewing is best in the mornings and early evenings. Mornings are more action-packed with kills and hunts. It can be upsetting for some, so it’s not for everybody.

身為攝影愛好者,我建議選擇配備內建三腳架、豆袋和旋轉座椅 的車輛。擁有一支優質長焦鏡頭也很重要——部分營地提供租借服 務——因為車輛不能為了拍攝而偏離既定路線。

觀察野生動物以清晨和傍晚最佳。清晨較常見到獵捕場面,可能會 讓某些旅客感到不適,因此不是人人都適合。

What does the future of luxury safari travel look like?

奢華獵遊的未來發展趨勢如何?

Personally, I want to make Africa feel like it’s yours. Whether it’s a private jet safari or a culinary walking tour of Cape Town’s Cape Malay cuisine with a local, we craft journeys that resonate long after the dust settles.

我的理念是讓每位旅客都能擁有專屬的非洲。無論是私人飛機獵遊,還是由在地人 帶路探索開普敦馬來美食,我們打造的旅程都能在未來久久縈繞心頭。

Ready to begin? Contact Ewan to design your bespoke safari, where every detail, from your airport transfer to the thread count of your bush suite, is tailored to your definition of luxury.

Email: ewan.burger@charlottetravel.com.hk

準備展開您的非洲之旅了嗎?聯繫Ewan,為您量身打造獵遊體驗, 從機場接送到營帳床品,每個細節都將完美符合您對奢華的期待。 電郵:ewan.burger@charlottetravel.com.hk

Where the Wild Wines Are 獵酒南非

No country blends the freedom of exploratory excursions with the joy and conviviality of sharing great wine quite like South Africa. Tucked along its sun-drenched southwestern coast, particularly in Western Cape, the country’s wine estates are marvels of slow travel—places where you can savour the sweeping landscapes and aromatic vintages in unhurried harmony.

你可知世上有這樣一個地方,讓人可以在原始風光和酒鄉田 園之間穿梭倘佯?這個地方就是南非。南非的葡萄酒產區集 中在西南沿岸、尤其是西開普省,那裡的酒莊適宜悠閒逐一 探索,讓曠野景色隨著漫行的步伐和酒香滋潤心田。

Stellenbosch

斯泰倫博斯

Take Stellenbosch, known as the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands and the region that first placed the country on the global wine map. Home to some of South Africa’s oldest wineries, it continues to fly the flag for the country’s vintners in wine menus the world over. In James Suckling ’s 2024 ranking of the 100 best South African wines, Stellenbosch led the way with 38 selections—more than any other region.

斯泰倫博斯(Stellenbosch)是南非開普敦酒鄉(Cape Winelands)的核心產區,是不少愛酒之人認識甚至迷上南 非葡萄酒的原點,加上南非好幾間歷史最悠久的酒莊均位於 區內,令斯泰倫博斯產區成為世界各地酒單上南非美酒的代 表。在 James Suckling 2024年度南非百大葡萄酒排名榜中, 有38款上榜佳釀來自這個產區,榮膺全國之冠。

Swartland

斯瓦特蘭

But it was another region—Swartland—that produced the number one wine on the list. The Sadie Family’s winning blend wine, described by Suckling as “layered and incredibly complex, as well as aromatic,” brings together syrah, mourvèdre, grenache, carignan, cinsault and tinta barroca from 12 different vineyards. At 13.2% alcohol, its subtle, restrained expression is a far cry from the powerful, bombastic South African wines of the past that often reached 15%. And Swartland itself is a delight to explore: a medley of 20 wineries connected by golden wheat fields, orchards, and olive groves lends a real rustic charm to tasting tours and excursions.

在該榜上位列第一的 Sadie Family 則來自另一個產區斯瓦 特蘭(Swartland),James Suckling 給予它的評價是「層 次豐富、極緻複雜,香氣亦如是」。這款美酒混合十二塊 葡萄園的 Syrah、Mourvedre、Grenache、Carignan、 Cinsault 和 Tinta barroca 等六種葡萄,酒精濃度13.2%, 比起過往澎湃熾烈、酒精濃度常達15%的南非葡萄酒柔和得 多。斯瓦特蘭也是風光優美的旅遊勝地,區內二十間酒莊在 金黃的麥田、果園和橄欖樹叢之間阡陌相連。

Robertson Wine Region

羅伯遜產區

Set in the Breede River Valley 100 kilometres from Cape Town, the Robertson Wine Region offers expansive opportunities to discover new varietals, with 60 wineries spread across the sun-soaked landscape. The hot, dry climate is ideal for cultivating Chenin Blanc, perhaps South Africa’s best-loved varietal, and the region is home to two of the country’s most famous producers: De Wetshof Estate and Springfield Estate. Both are deeply committed to sustainability, using natural winemaking methods with as little intervention as possible. De Wetshof, for example, is one of 50 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champions, a status awarded to farms that lead the way in biodiversity-friendly and regenerative practices.

羅伯遜(Robertson)產區位於距離開普敦市100公里外的 布利德河谷(Breede River Valley),共有六十間酒莊,因 此可供品鑒的美酒種類非常豐富。炎熱乾燥的地區氣候令當 地極宜釀造南非引以為傲的 Chenin Blanc 白酒,而且南非 最著名的兩大酒莊 —— De Wetshof Estate 和 Springfield Estate 均位於羅伯遜產區,他們同樣堅持自然釀造法則,將 人為干預減到最低。其中 De Wetshof 更是世界自然基金會 環保五十先鋒(50 WWF Conservation Champions)之一, 憑著採用有利生物多樣性和再生農耕法而獲此頭銜。

Luxury Accomodations

奢華住宿享受

For a truly immersive South African wine experience, staying on the estate is essential. Fortunately, many wineries offer deluxe accommodations alongside vineyard tours, cellar tastings, and sumptuous dining. In Franschhoek, South Africa’s “French Corner,” Mont Rochelle combines the beauty and charm of a country retreat with scenic views of the Klein Dassenberg Mountain. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this 100-acre vineyard and boutique hilltop hotel feels a world away from a working farm. There’s also the Cellars-Hohenort, a spalike resort nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, which brings a Small Luxury Hotels of the World experience to its guests—all within 15 minutes of Cape Town.

要盡情感受南非葡萄酒的地道風味,最好當然是直接在當 地留宿。南非有很多酒莊不僅提供葡萄園參觀和品酒導賞 之旅,還附設豪華住宿設施和饗宴,Mont Rochelle 就 是當中的佼佼者。它位於南非的「法國區」法蘭史霍克 (Franschhoek),面向壯麗的 Klein Dassenberg 山脈, 驟眼看去似是一座度假別墅山莊多於像一間葡萄酒莊園,而 這座氣派不凡的酒莊的東主就是知名英國企業家理察·布蘭森 (Richard Branson)爵士。不過,如果喜歡較小巧精緻的 奢華旅館,坐落於開普敦地標桌山(Table Mountain)山腰 地帶的 The Cellars-Hohenort 定必帶來驚喜。這座如水療 度假酒店般令人舒適愉悅的酒莊,矢志在更隱密的空間裡為 客人帶來世界級的豪華享受,而它還有一大賣點:這片寧靜 小天地距離開普敦市區僅十五分鐘車程。

Unique Experiences

與別不同的體驗

And for those looking to take their wine journey to new heights—quite literally—helicopter tours offer a thrilling way to explore vineyards. Available throughout the winelands, these day-long flights can include stops for vineyard lunches, cellar tours and sparkling wine tastings, all with stunning aerial views in between.

若在山川大地之間漫步仍不夠盡興,還可以選擇乘直升機從 天空俯瞰各大產區和莊園,途中當然也會著陸遊覽葡萄園和 酒窖、進餐和品嚐美酒。只要有心發掘,上天下地皆樂趣無 窮。

The Art of Sky-High Slumber

雲上夢鄉的藝術

As our Chief Experience Officer Charlotte shared on our Instagram, mastering time zone transitions comes down to one essential accessory: a quality eye mask. Here’s our carefully curated selection of premium sleep masks that blend sophisticated function with luxurious comfort.

如今世界交通發達,今天人在東京,次日清晨已在羅馬,地理距離看似拉近,但物理時 差仍在。最近 Charlotte 在IG上分享了她駕馭時差的秘密武器——一副高品質的眼罩。 因此,我們為你精心挑選六款眼罩,功能與舒適兼備,伴你優雅出行。

Derek Rose Cashmere Eye Mask

US$100/HK$795

Available at: www.derekrose.com

This ultra-soft cashmere mask combines indulgence with functionality, offering natural temperature regulation, complete darkness with a double-layered design, and generous size for full coverage that gently soothes tired eyes.

極致柔軟的羊絨將奢華享受融入功能當 中。雙層設計提供自然溫度調控及全方 位光線阻隔,寬大的尺寸溫柔地包覆眼 窩,有效舒緩眼睛疲勞。

Manta Silk Sleep Mask

US$69/HK$550

Available at: www.mantasleep.com

This mask features adjustable eye cups for your facial structure. Comfortable cups are designed for complete darkness without applying pressure to your eyes, while the infinitely adjustable velcro strap ensures a perfect fit for any head size.

眼罩可配合不同面型,獨特的造型既可 隔絕光線,同時不會對眼球造成壓迫。 採用魔術貼調節鬆緊,適合各種頭型。

Olivia von Halle Audrey Eye Mask

US$193/HK$1,545

Available at: www.oliviavonhalle.com

This silk satin mask offers ultimate comfort with raw silk padding. Available in timeless solid colours and striking prints, it includes a matching storage pouch for stylish travellers

緞面生絲軟墊帶來無與倫比的輕柔觸 感。顏色選擇豐富,有永不過時的素色, 亦有斑斕奪目的花紋,附帶貼心防塵小 袋,讓你隨時隨地當個時尚旅人。

Tempurpedic Sleep Mask

US$29/HK$230

Available at: www.tempurpedic.com

Tempurpedic’s contoured mask features pressure-relieving foam that adapts to your face, creating eye cavities for unrestricted REM sleep, while moisture-wicking fabric ensures comfort during long flights.

採用減壓海綿配合獨特弧度,貼合面 型,並留出適當空間,在你進入快速眼 動睡眠時,雙眼不感壓迫。吸濕排汗布 料確保長時間配戴也不覺悶熱。

Prices and availability are subject to those displayed on the official websites. 價格及款式以官方網站顯示為準。

Drowsy Sleep Co. Silk Sleep Mask

US$92/HK$735

Available at: www.drowsysleepco.com

Drowsy’s oversized sleep mask achieves total blackout with "cloudlike" cushioning. Ultra-soft mulberry silk and an elastic-free design prevent hair creasing and facial compression, offering exceptional temple coverage for side sleepers.

如雲霧般似有若無的質感,帶著你輕輕 進入甜蜜夢鄉。蠶絲布料加上360度 包覆全遮光的環形設計,不會對面部 和頭髮造成壓力和摩擦,覆蓋兩鬢的 oversize 尺寸尤其適合側睡人士。

Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask

US$75/HK$600

Available at: www.slip.com

Setting the gold standard for luxury sleep accessories, Slip’s pure mulberry silk mask offers unparalleled softness, cooling, and light blockout, with a silk-wrapped adjustable band to keep your hair tangle-free.

Slip 純蠶絲眼罩如雲朵般柔軟,觸感清 涼,能完全阻隔光線侵擾,蠶絲包裹的 鬆緊帶絕不令頭髮打結,一覺醒來仍一 絲不亂,堪稱助眠用品之圭臬。

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