Elite Traveler March-April 2018

INSPIRE TOP 50 ADVENTURES WATER

SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS LOS CABOS, MEXICO Outdoor adventure might not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of Los Cabos, known for its decadent hotels and lively nightlife. To fix that, the Resort at Pedregal created a ‘luxploration’ program to showcase the natural beauty of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula in absolute style and comfort. On your first day, head to the oasis-like area outside of the town of Santiago, where towering palms and lush vegetation are a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Accompanied by a local dog to scare away any predators, your guide will take you on a challenging hike. Your reward at the end is a magical landscape where a river winds its way through a spot peppered with enormous boulders that look like they could tip over at any moment. Clambering over the boulders brings you to natural rock waterslides and swimming holes, where you can cool down. End the day at the Sol de Mayo waterfall, perhaps leaping from some of the cliffs if the water level is high enough. The following day, take to Cabo’s seas for an unforgettable experience: swimming with whale sharks. Don’t be afraid of these gentle giants — they are filter feeders, so you can get as close as you want without any risk. Spend hours snorkeling alongside them in their natural habitat before exploring a nearby town. From $18,969 for three-night stay in Presidential Suite and both tours for two people. Contact Jenny DeBonis, leisure sales manager, jenny.debonis@theresortatpedregal.com, +1 844 733 7342, theresortatpedregal.com

OYSTER FARMING PYLA-SUR-MER, FRANCE The serene views at Villa Serini are worth waking up for — rise with the sun and watch it ascend over the sea from the expansive stone patio. Or, go one further and take to the seas yourself for a unique fishing experience. Setting out in a flat-bottomed boat in the early morning with an experienced oyster farmer as your guide, you’ll wade in the water near his oyster farm at low tide. Learn the craft of oyster farming and about the mollusks’ life cycle, and attempt to pry them open yourself. Assemble around the farm table to taste the oysters you’ve just farmed while sipping on white wine specially chosen by Le Collectionist’s oenologist. Villa Serini from $6,300 per night, oyster farming $110 per person. Contact Bastien Vienne, customer

adviser, bastien@lecollectionist.com, +33 173 030 202, lecollectionist.com

Photo Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez / Photo Gilles Martin-Raget