I learned a new word. Thalassophile: a person who loves the ocean; a lover of the sea. Driven by a constant need for Vitamin Sea and the soothing sound of the waves, thalassophiles live for that warm sea breeze, salty air, sun-kissed hair and the silky sand between their toes. They constantly crave those limitless ocean views, they love being in the water and they have a curious fascination with the underwater world. Sound familiar?
When &Beyond started out, way back in 1991, we soon became globally recognised as a leader in luxury safaris. Three decades later, we are now one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, operating on three different continents: Africa, Asia and South America. Most people know that we own and operate 29 award-winning lodges and camps in Africa, but perhaps not everyone knows that we also design personalised luxury adventures in 15 countries in Africa, 5 in Asia and 4 in South America. Not only that, but we are bona fide island experts with three exclusive island properties (which one best suits you?) within our lodge portfolio, as well as a growing collection of far-fetched islands within our tour operating portfolio.
For 30 years and counting, our core company ethos of caring for the land, wildlife and people has remained at the heart of everything we do. This philosophy of care now extends to the earth’s water too, with the launch of our Oceans Without Borders initiative, which aims to connect our three tropical island destinations and plays a significant role in the conservation of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) of wild African coastline.
So let us help cure your thalassophilia with the luxury of an island holiday. Here are 15 incredible island escapes to choose from – ok, so they aren’t all ocean-based, but we think you’ll love them all the same.
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