One question I get asked more often than not is about my personal bucket list. And I mean, it’s a fair question! As the founder of PureLuxe, I’ve spent years crafting bespoke journeys for our clients, so it is only natural for people to be curious about the adventures and experiences that make it onto my own must-do list.
So, consider this my open book moment—here I am, sharing my ultimate travel aspirations with you. From the heart-pounding excitement of swimming with whales in Western Australia to the timeless charm of experiencing the Palio in Italy, here are all the experiences that set my wanderlust on fire.
This is me spilling the beans on the destinations and adventures that have captured my imagination and inspired me to explore the world in style and with no bounds, whatsoever. Who knows, maybe you'll find a few ideas to add to your own bucket list along the way!
1. Swimming With Whales in Western Australia
Photo by Cameron Witney on Unsplash
There are only a few places it is possible to swim with Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales all in one Trip and it is The Ningaloo Reef. While the Great Barrier Reef on Australia's east coast may be the biggest in the world, the Ningaloo Reef on the west coast is home to some of the world's most unique Marine Life.
2. Experience the Palio in Siena
A centuries-old tradition which ties together the stunning beauty of Italy, Palio di Siena is a thrilling horse race that peps up the Tuscan city of Siena each summer. Numerous colourful banners sway with the wind, drums thunder, and crowds roar with excitement as jockeys representing Siena's historic neighbourhoods compete in a frenzied race around the iconic Piazza del Campo.
3. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Photo by Murenzi Emery on Unsplash
Venture into the lush forests of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Tracking these magnificent creatures through their natural habitat is not only a thrilling adventure but also a deeply moving conservation experience. Witnessing the gentle giants in their family groups, observing their behaviours, and making eye contact with a wild gorilla is a surreal wildlife encounter I cannot wait to find myself in. It’s been something that fascinated me ever since I saw the baby gorilla, Poppy interacting with Sir David Attenborough.
4. Dive with Tiger Sharks in The Bahamas
Photo by Gerald Schömbs on Unsplash
Picture yourself descending into the crystal-clear waters of Tiger Beach, located off the coast of Grand Bahama Island, for a heart-pounding dive with one of the ocean's most formidable predators. Tiger sharks, with their distinctive stripes and impressive size, gather here in abundance, offering divers the rare opportunity to observe them up close in their natural environment. Despite their intimidating appearance, these majestic creatures are surprisingly graceful, making for an exhilarating and awe-inspiring underwater experience.
5. Surf a Legendary Wave - Like Gods Left
NIHI Sumba
If you're looking for the ultimate wave-riding experience with the perfect barrels and epic swells, you've got to check out Gods Left or the Occy’s Left in Indonesia. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a novice enthusiast, there's nothing quite like catching a perfect wave at one of the most renowned surf spots in the world.
6. Camp out with White Desert Antarctica
White Desert is the only company offering luxury camping experiences in the Antarctic interior. This means you'll be sharing this incredible landscape with a small group of like-minded travellers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Imagine waking up to the sight of untouched snowfields and enjoying the serenity of this remote wilderness without the crowds. Explore hidden ice caves with vibrant blue hues, embark on guided hikes across the frozen plains, or take a scenic flight over the majestic Transantarctic Mountains. You can even try your hand at dog sledding, a quintessential Antarctic experience.
7. Drive Across Namibia
Unlike many road trips, you'll encounter vast stretches of untouched wilderness, feeling the immense scale of the desert and witnessing a spectrum of landscapes. From towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. Namibia boasts some of the darkest skies in the world, free from light pollution. At night, you'll witness a breathtaking spectacle of stars, making for unforgettable stargazing experiences under the vast African sky.
8. Explore The Kamchatka Peninsula by Yacht
La Datcha
Kamchatka is a remote and sparsely populated region, offering a chance to experience vast, untouched wilderness. You'll sail past towering volcanoes, dramatic coastlines, and hidden coves, all teeming with life. Home to over 160 volcanoes, many of which are still active, you can witness geysers erupting, volcanic calderas steaming, and lava flows carving their way through the landscape. The waters around Kamchatka are teeming with marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals, and bears. You might even be lucky enough to spot orcas or walruses!
Consider this bucket list of mine an open invitation for you to join us on our future private journeys. Which destination would you like to explore? Tell us in the comments.
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