August 2024…// Holidaymakers looking to inject their getaway with a dose of adrenaline need look no further, Charlotte Rous Communications is delighted to share its most exhilarating adventures for Summer 2024 and beyond from across its unrivaled client portfolio. Inspired by the Olympics? From paragliding over the Alps in Méribel with Purple Ski to surfing the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives at Gili Lankanfushi, an incredible array of action-packed activities awaits.
Elephant, Leopard and Sloth Bear-Spotting Safaris at Uga Chena Huts, Sri Lanka
Travelers looking for a true sense of adventure in untouched wilderness need look no further than Uga Chena Huts, nestled deep within the jungle in Sri Lanka’s far south, a few miles from Yala National Park.
Top of the agenda for adrenaline-seekers are the exhilarating safari drives aboard Uga’s custom jeeps, which see adults and children aged 6 and up transported to Yala National Park where they can spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles and over 200 species of wild bird, including the rare, black-necked stork.
The private game drives are led by a team of experienced in-house rangers who use their intimate knowledge of the park to gravitate towards quieter areas where encounters with wildlife can be more languidly observed. The team can identify leopards by name, promising an informative and rewarding opportunity to create memories of a lifetime. For the ultimate setting in which to unwind post-safari, Uga Chena huts can also organize a secret sundowner drive, where guests are taken to watch the sunset with a sumptuous gourmet sundowner and their favorite cocktail in hand.
Comprised of just 18 thatch-roofed cabins – each with its own private deck and pool – Uga Chena Huts provides a bucket-list-worthy opportunity to immerse the whole family in nature.
Nightly rates at Uga Chena Huts start from $1,237 (£962*), based on two adults sharing a Luxury Pool Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/
Horse Safari Adventures and Bush Breakfasts at Great Plains’ ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya
Riders in search of a rush will revel in the chance to saddle up and experience the magic of the bush at the remote ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya, which offers the unique opportunity to swap the rumble of the engine for the sound of hooves on the grassy plains. Home to an impressive stable of 23 horses, the lodge can arrange a variety of horseback adventures, including the iconic horse safari experience, available for riders of novice to intermediate levels and suitable for families (with children over the age of 12), couples and groups of friends alike. Here, guests can feel truly at one with nature and have the chance to spot elephants, giraffe, buffalo and more as they ride through the plains in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The most exhilarating way to start the day at ol Donyo is with a breakfast in the bush by horseback! During this experience guests will ride through the bush – spotting local wildlife including giraffe and cheetah as they go – before arriving to a delicious remote breakfast set up, accompanied by birdsong, under the shade of an acacia tree. This breakfast may be away from the camp kitchen but the team don’t leave anything behind, with freshly baked goods, hot breakfast and fresh fruit a plenty making for a morning to remember.
A must for adrenaline junkies, a new addition for ol Donyo Lodge is the camp’s own Bell 505 helicopter, which is available for guests to enjoy on scenic flights through the incredible Chyulu Hills, Kilimanjaro and Amboseli area with stunning views. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, ol Donyo Lodge offers guided mountain biking using top-of-the-range mountain bikes and a collection of e-bikes. Ride alongside some of Africa’s most iconic species in a truly unique and exciting safari experience.
Serenely located in the Chyulu Hills, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, privacy is guaranteed at ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya.
Nightly rates at ol Donyo Lodge from $1,960 (£1,540*) per person per night sharing. For more information visit https://greatplainsconservation.com/ol-donyo-lodge-kenya-safari/
Paragliding in Méribel at Purple Ski’s New Chalet Harmony
Mountain-loving daredevils will delight in the opportunity to paraglide over the French Alps during a stay at Chalet Harmony, Purple Ski’s newest five-star chalet. A sport of flight that allows guests to explore the snow-drenched landscape from the air, guests will take off on skis for a bucket list flight, soaking up an incredible bird’s eye view of the pretty resort of Méribel as they go. The experience will be organized from start to finish by Purple’s Ski’s expert concierge and run by trained glider pros, with the opportunity to tailor the experience to the individual’s ability and desired vantage point.
Chalet Harmony, Méribel *Sleeps up to 15
Enjoying a privileged position in Méribel’s central Duo du Pont area, the opulent new four-story Chalet Harmony from Purple Ski presents a rare opportunity to combine luxury and complete privacy with proximity to the Alpine resort’s charming center, with its bustling shops, bars and restaurants as well as the main ski lift area.
Sleeping up to 15 in an elegant master suite with its own floor and six further en-suite bedrooms including one with an additional children’s bunk area, the chalet is the ideal choice for families and groups of friends alike. The chalet’s entire first floor is devoted to post-ski relaxation and entertainment, boasting an impressive cinema room with tiered seating, perfect for the whole family to escape to after a tiring day on the slopes.
Next door is the beautifully appointed wellness area, where one can warm up in the hot tub, ease sore limbs in the sauna or steam room, work out in the fitness room or simply relax by the large indoor swimming pool. Chalet Harmony’s views of the Méribel village and mountains from the hillside allow guests to truly relax and get away from it all.
A seven-night stay at Chalet Harmony starts from €41,955 (£35,480*) on a catered basis. For more information or to book visit https://www.purpleski.com/chalets/harmony/
Surf Gnarly Waves and Hang Ten at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, is giving guests a chance to surf like a pro this season. Offering a variety of year-round surf experiences for adults and children aged six and up, Gili Lankanfushi is a true surfer’s paradise for beginner and advanced wave-riders alike.
Perched within its very own turquoise house lagoon, Gili Lankanfushi provides a magical setting for first-timers finding their way around a board. For more experienced riders, the resort is just a short boat journey away from some of the Maldives’ best surfing spots, including Sultans, a world-class wave. When guests are ready to wind down post-waves, there’s even a surf remedial massage on offer at the resort’s Meera Spa.
Gili Lankanfushi’s expert Tropicsurf instructors are on island 24/7, ready to help guests realize their surfing ambitions whether it be in a group or private sessions. Before heading out to the ocean, instructors will discuss whether they want to simply stand on the board and cruise along a green wave or barrel ride and execute critical maneuvers like Kelly Slater – creating a program that is completely bespoke and personalized.
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoiled island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport, with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travelers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from $1,440 (£1,120*) based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite including breakfast. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com
Take Flight over Como with Dolce Vita Seaplane Flights at Hilton Lake Como
There’s nothing quite like an aerial view to truly soak up Italy’s most famous lake, and at Hilton Lake Como guests can take flight by seaplane for the best view in town. Aero Club Como, which was founded in 1930 and is the oldest seaplane operation and seaplane flight school in the world offers guests of the iconic property the chance to see the lake from a whole new perspective and book the Private Pilot License (PPL) Introductory Course flying from water to sky. The Aero Club is just a 7- minute walk away from Hilton Lake Como. From the air, fliers can spot some of the lake’s most legendary landmarks, including Villa del Balbianello, where James Bond epic Casino Royale was filmed.
Formerly a silk factory, Hilton Lake Como is now a modern lifestyle hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. There are 170 spacious rooms and suites to choose from, including Family Deluxe King Rooms, which sleep up to 4 and perfectly cater to family travelers alongside new interconnecting rooms, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant.
Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €350 (£296*) per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included. For more information and to book visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mxpcohi-hilton-lake-como/
