Elite Traveler March-April 2017

INSPIRE ADVENTURES TOP 50 ADVENTURES

Brazilian Explorer documentary

Coastal Photo Safari CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Capture your adventure with a beautiful keepsake; the Coastal Photo Safari is an extraordinary experience that immortalizes the beautiful beaches of Southern California through a renowned photographer’s lens. Celebrated photographer Aaron Chang is widely credited with pioneering modern surf and ocean photography, and he takes guests on a private journey to discover the heart and soul of Southern California through his work. Part photography lesson, part surf photo shoot, the activity embodies the spirit of San Diego’s surf culture. Coastal Photo Safari is offered by the recently redesigned Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara. The resort offers all the luxury services and amenities you would expect from Four Seasons. Set among a lush acreage of beautiful hillsides, pretty gardens and fairways, it is nestled on the northern shores of the Batiquitos Lagoon, a protected wildlife sanctuary regarded as one of California’s most precious saltwater wetlands. Price $12,000 per person for two nights in the premier villa with Coastal Photo Safari Contact Joanna George, lead concierge, joanna. george@fourseasons.com, +1 760 603 3700, fourseasons.com/northsandiego

MATO GROSSO DO SUL, BRAZIL

Renowned for its exotic wildlife, the Pantanal, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, is an immense natural region that is home to the world’s largest tropical wetland area. Its unique ecosystem hosts more than 242 species of fish, 650 species of birds, 110 different species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles, as well as the most exotic flora. The Brazilian Explorer expedition gives you the incredible chance to get close to giant anteaters, toucans, caimans and jaguars – all while being recorded 24/7 by your very own film crew. There’s also the opportunity to swim with one of the most mysterious animals of Brazil, the green anaconda. The heaviest and one of the longest snakes in the world, the green anaconda is – thankfully – non-venomous. The 12-day tour is designed by a team of experts and will take adventurers from São Paulo to Bonito, the ecotourism capital of Brazil. The trip includes driving, hiking and rafting through the epic wetlands of the Pantanal, as well as the one-of-a-kind chance to star in your own nature documentary. Price $176,144 for up to four guests Contact Stuart McNair, founder, stuart@ luxurytraveladvisors.co.uk, +44 20 8451 7196, luxurytraveladvisors.co.uk

Photos Daneil de Granville, Aaron Chang, Alphonse Island