Epic Travel Blog

I write this as I “wing” my way home. I apologise for not having been in contact for a while. Mobile communications have been sketchy in the Khumbu Valley in the aftermath of the earthquake. It has been a confronting few days as Nepal comes to grips with the magnitude of this disaster.The earthquake itself was quite a surreal experience. It took a few seconds to actually register what was happening. At the time we were just short of the historic village of Tengboche, deep in a river valley. We had just finished lunch at a teahouse. It was only when ...

The Singular Hotel – Puerto Natales, Chile This incredible property sits in the quaint little Patagonia town of Puerto Natales which is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Not only is the service, architecture and scenery amazing the hotel also has an incredible history in the local community. Prior to being a 5 star hotel the property was home to Frigorifico Bories a cold storage plant from 1915 to 1971 where hundreds of locals were employed to freeze and preserve meats and fish before putting them on ships to be sent all around the world. In 1996 the building ...

After our first day the wilds of Africa we were content; everything after this was a bonus. Viewing the Victoria Falls at ground level is nothing short of breathtaking. However when one takes to the skies in a helicopter that culminates with a low level, high adrenalin rush, slingshot flight through the lower chasms of the Zambezi one truly finds their heart in their mouth with both fists pumping from excitement. After coming down we revelled in the opportunity to walk in close quarters with the Mosi oa Tunya rhino anti-poaching squad which allows privileged access to these endangered giants; ...

Firstly happy new year! We are now winging our way to Bangkok in search of warmer climes after a spectacular 11 days in Bhutan. Since my last blog post there has been action aplenty. Our stay at Gangtey culminated with a fantastic walk up into the hills to some remote houses where we were entreated to an impromptu insight into rural Bhutanese life. The family we visited consisted of a mum, dad (who was away working) and four daughters. Sunday was “washing” day and the family was hard at work hand-washing the past week's clothes. The two young twin daughters, Sun and Moon ...

There are not enough superlatives to describe Bhutan. It is a place of awe-inspiring scenery and THE most hospitable people on the planet. The Bhutanese are a very proud people who cling strongly to their traditions and their religious roots. There is undoubtedly something to be said for Buddhism and its fatalistic beliefs. It makes for a very understanding demeanour. We flew into Bhutan paralleling the Himalayas. The weather was superb and offered incredible views of Everest and numerous other 8000 metre plus peaks. On arrival in Paro, Bhutan, one understands why the airport is where it is. It must be ...

Trust everyone is getting into the festive mode. I am presently on a family holiday in India and Bhutan and wanted to share some of our experiences from the past week. We have just arrived back in Delhi after a few nights in the bush at two of Sujan’s luxury camps, Jawai and Sher Bagh. Jawai is located a few hours drive north of Udaipur in a beautiful rural setting. The drive, like any drive in India, is ordered chaos; horns blaring, motor bikes everywhere, vehicles driving down the wrong side of the highway and a wide array of modes of transport ...