Elite Traveler March-April 2018

INSPIRE TOP 50 ADVENTURES WATER

SAMUI SEASCAPES KOH SAMUI, THAILAND Explore the tropical islands on the eastern coast of Thailand, known for dreamy beaches fringed with coconut trees and dense jungle. While Thailand is a year-round destination, we recommend visiting in April to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. The only downside (or upside for sun worshippers) is that this is the hottest month. Escape the heat by diving in the waters of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan to spot the abundance of tropical marine life and coral species, or hike to Namuang Waterfall — muang means ‘purple’ in Thai, and the rocks that form the falls are indeed purple. Kayak enthusiasts will want to head to Angthong National Marine Park, a protected archipelago of roughly 42 tropical islands — the majority of which are uninhabited and undeveloped. Land your kayak on the beach of Koh Mae Koh and climb through lush tropical forest to see the gorgeous Emerald Lake, then spend the afternoon kayaking through lakes, along beaches and into caves. From $1,600 per person. Contact Brian Morgan, CEO, +1 406 541 2677, adventure-life.com

UNDISCOVERED ECOSYSTEMS PACIFIC ATOLLS

Home to some of the most remote marine ecosystems and best dive spots in the world, the South Pacific offers the chance to discover a yet-unknown species. With a marine biologist as your personal guide, you’ll visit Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau in the French Polynesian Tuamotu Islands to search for undiscovered creatures. Fakarava especially features a unique untouched environment and is now a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Expect to see blacktip and oceanic whitetip sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. Brown + Hudson can also organize private dives to other spectacular spots, deep-sea fishing expeditions and a visit to a pearl farm. From $27,600 per person for a minimum of three nights, based on two people. Contact Chris Brown, senior trip planner, chris@brownandhudson.com, +44 203 358 0110, brownandhudson.com

Photo Adventure Life