A NARRATIVES PR PUBLICATION

Travel has long been back on, as evidenced by the return of global travel trade exhibitions such as ITB Berlin, which took place in Germany at the top of March, Africa Travel Week and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cape Town, South Africa at the end of the same month; and now the Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market this May. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to head into Southern Africa again in recent weeks, first into Mozambique, where I spent a few days watching Cyclone Freddy roll in from the ultra luxurious Kisawa Sanctuary, before later experiencing safari-fused excellence at Singita Boulders Lodge on the banks of the Sands River in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve. My trip closed in with a whirlwind, super-packed itinerary in Cape Town City and across the Western Cape Winelands, for an experience unlike any other. Doing so with a group of luxury travel journalists and influencers from Africa, Europe and the America’s, carried with it an exciting opportunity to not only connect with individuals with a passion for documenting Africa’s distinctive travel experiences, but also for me; I got to learn more about what’s hot on the travel scene from their individual perspectives.

It won’t be too long before lodges are fully booked again, and for those of us in the Middle East, we begin carving out what our summer itineraries will look like, especially how quickly in the year the Ramadan and Eid Holidays came about. What we can all attest to is the growing desire to pack a few bags and take our friends and family along for a little rest-infused retreat, adrenaline packed adventure, cultural exploration, or some version that combines all three.

It is always my pleasure to present yet another Issue of Travel Essence Magazine, one that gives a glimpse of some of the experiences our team has had the privilege of enjoying, courtesy of the epic, boutique hospitality players that open their doors to local and international travellers year on year. As you turn each of the following pages, may be you inspired by new possibilities, adding more destinations we have featured onto your bucket lists.