Manon Ropital

This is how I was able to wrap up the Big Five in no time. Staying at Nedile Lodge, a true gem just hours away from Johannesburg, was a dream come true.

Tayrona is where the wild Caribbean truly comes alive: no polished resorts, just raw ocean, dense jungle and untouched beaches. Diving here felt like exploring a secret world, with no docks or crowds, just reef, current and freedom. Sleeping in a jungle cabana and waking up with the ocean's song made me feel completely off the grid and connected to nature. It’s the kind of trip that strips things back to what really matters: water, earth and wonder.

Zen Resort Bali is more than just a retreat, it’s a sanctuary for deep healing and renewal. The caring staff creates an atmosphere where you feel truly at home, nurtured and supported on your journey. With nourishing Ayurvedic treatments, meditation, yoga and wholesome meals, I was able to fully let go, recharge and embrace rest like never before. This experience was truly transformative, bringing balance to my mind, body and soul.

Unlike any other destination on Earth, Antarctica is a place where nature reigns in its purest, most untouched form. This was not just a cruise, it was a journey through majestic wildlife and serenity. Being surrounded by endless white landscapes is both humbling and serene, the silence broken only by the distant crack of shifting glaciers, making you feel infinitesimally small. Yet, there is a sense of comfort in this world of silence. Before embarking, the adventure begins with a pre-cruise stay in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where rugged landscapes and rich history set the stage for the extraordinary voyage ahead. This expedition is not just about reaching the White Continent, it’s also about experiencing it in a way that is both luxurious and deeply transformative.

Ischia is the kind of place that makes the rest of the world fade away. Time slows. The scent of lemon groves lingers in the air, and the island’s thermal waters are the best remedy. Hot spring carved into the rocks, stop for a glass of Biancolella as the sun dips behind Aragonese Castle, Ischia invited me to live fully in the moment. Here, worries dissolve like seafoam, and all that matters is the simple pleasure of being topped with Italian cuisine.