Elite Traveler Spring 2019

O N E O F A K I N D

TITANICDIVE ATLANTIC OCEAN

An extremely rare opportunity is on the horizon — the infamous Titanic shipwreck, submerged approximately 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, around 12,500 ft under the sea. Exploring this historical site is an experience that certainly won’t be around forever, as, according to a 2016 study, the remains of the ship are disintegrating and could disappear within a decade. Plus, the logistics behind a trip to the ship’s resting place mean that only a few people have visited the site since it sank in 1912, and the majority of those visits have been for scientific purposes. Now, Quintessentially Travel is offering an incredible chance to a lucky few to be some of the first to explore the shipwreck with a deep-sea dive. The nine-day excursion includes helicopter underwater egress training, vessel orientation, briefing sessions with the pilot, lectures and discussions with deep-sea ocean explorers and scientists, and a post-mission briefing. The dates available are June 15 to 22; June 22 to 29; and June 29 to July 6. From$108,200 per person. Contact Valentina Orselli, travel manager, valentina@quintessentiallytravel.com, +1 212 370 8468, quintessentiallytravel.com

CHARTERS AND CASTAWAYS MYANMAR

Located off the far south coast of Myanmar, the Mergui Archipelago is made up of hundreds of tiny, castaway-style islands. Picture pristine beaches with swaying palm trees, thick jungle, clear seas and colorful marine life — all unspoiled and mostly uninhabited. The archipelago receives very few visitors, so you can be sure of complete privacy, especially as you’ll be on board the sailing yacht of your choice. Choose from the eight-person, 85-ft Meta IV or, for more intimate trips, the six-person, 72-ft Scame . Naya Traveler can customize your itinerary, but we recommend sailing to Great Swinton Island, where you can visit a local Buddhist monastery and, come night, witness the magical bioluminescent plankton, or journey to the small village on Nyaung Wee Island and meet the local tribes. The inhabitants are called the Moken, a community who live off — and on — the sea. They lead a traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle and, over generations, have adapted to their environment and developed skills for a life lived partly underwater. Moken divers often descend to depths of more than 65 ft without oxygen tanks, and have incredible underwater vision. Sail onwards to Ohway Island for snorkeling and fishing, then head to Jar Lann Kyun and drop anchor in the giant fjord. From $3,000 per day. Contact Sarah Casewit, co-founder and sales director, info@nayatraveler.com, +1 301 358 5096, nayatraveler.com

CAMPING AND CARVING CANADA

Located between Greenland and mainland Canada, Baffin Island is a wild, dramatic expanse of land that despite being the fifth-largest island in the world, has a population of only 11,000. In winter, fluffy snow blankets the jagged mountains and the lakes freeze over; it’s a wonderland for off-the-beaten- track skiers. Cookson Adventures has partnered withWeber Arctic, a family-led exploration company, to create a six-day trip: Venture out into the wild via helicopter and snowcat to carve through untouched powder. You can even name a ski line after yourself on these unchartered slopes, should you wish to leave your mark. Face some of the world’s highest vertical cliffs and longest couloirs. Accommodations are equally out-of-the-ordinary — a collection of Pacific dome tents that are cozy and snug inside but resemble spaceships from the outside. Experience the rich culture of the native Inuit people: Clyde River maintains some of the oldest traditions of any Inuit community. The residents live in harmony with nature (including the polar bears that roam through local fjords). Price on request. Contact Irene Lobo, adventure project manager, info@cooksonadventures.com, +44 207 736 0452, cooksonadventures.com

Photos Jordan Manley, Alexander Rochau, Gustavo Giron Jr. - Astrum Helicopters