Our Year in Travel: Remote Lands’ Experts Share Their 2022 Highlights and Plans for the Year Ahead
A year is a long time in travel. And the last 12 months have been especially monumental, given the radical transition that has taken place in countries around the world as dissipating pandemic clouds have cleared the way for a resurgence in immersive, experiential adventures.
OUR YEAR IN TRAVEL:
REMOTE LANDS’ EXPERTS SHARE THEIR 2022 HIGHLIGHTS AND PLANS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
A year is a long time in travel. And the last 12 months have been especially monumental, given the radical transition that has taken place in countries around the world as dissipating pandemic clouds have cleared the way for a resurgence in immersive, experiential adventures. The Remote Lands team is full of gratitude for the opportunities that 2022 afforded us. As curators of meaningful, personalized travel, we’ve never taken our calling for granted. Therefore, it’s been an absolute delight to see how travel has not only returned to the Asian continent but flourished. Here a few of our team reflect on the year that just passed and the one that lies ahead.
Catherine Heald, Co-Founder & CEO
"My single favorite travel experience was in June 2022 when we were finally able to operate our first Aman Jet Expedition since October 2019. This expedition had been postponed many times and the guests had been very patient so it was wonderful when we all met in Bali at Amankila and my husband and I had our wedding vows renewed on the beach in a traditional Balinese ceremony. Looking ahead, I am really looking forward to our Aman Jet Expedition from Kyoto to Marrakech and our Aman Japan Culinary Journey from Aman Tokyo to Amanemu, in Shima, to Aman Kyoto with Japan’s finest culinary and libation experiences. I’m also looking forward to exploring even more of the remote corners of Japan. Many new hotels and ryokans opened during the pandemic and I can’t wait to go check them out myself."
Jay Tindall, Co-Founder & COO
"Remote Lands officially opened the Caucasus region in 2022, and my favorite moment of the year was hiking the snow-laden landscapes of the Southern Caucasus Mountains to the remote village of Juta, in Georgia. This year, I’m looking forward to exploring another new Remote Lands destination, Saudi Arabia, particularly Al Ula, the coffee plantations of Asir, and the borderlands with Yemen."
Clarissa Dourmashkin-Cagol, Senior Luxury Travel Designer
"Travel returned with a bang for me in 2022 and my experience of the year was horseback riding through the grasslands by Song-Kul in Kyrgyzstan and meeting one of the few remaining eagle hunters in the country. Looking ahead, I hope to add to my experience of Central Asia by traveling to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. I’m also planning a return to China and am looking forward to seeing The Bund lit up at night in Shanghai: a special sight."
Melisa Novick, Vice President of Business Strategy
"Visiting the Middle East was a highlight for me in 2022. I loved traveling to Abu Dhabi, which can be a little undervalued in comparison with Dubai. The Desert Safari at the Al Ain Zoo there was a particular highlight. In the year ahead, you will likely find me planning and then executing a trip to Sri Lanka which has been on my travel wish list for years. When I finally get there, I hope to have some success searching for the elusive leopard at Yala National Park."
Trinity Nguyen, Director of Product
"The 'Covid years' was a difficult period and finally in 2022 when travel returned, I took a much-needed getaway to Java and Bali. From a serene misty morning overlooking Borobudur and biking through rice terraces, to having my fortune read by a spiritual healer, my trip was replete with experiences that left me feeling renewed for the new year ahead. In 2023, I’d love to explore the Himalayas and the Caucasus."
Lydia Smith, Private Jet Expeditions Manager
"2022 was a great year for making memories. And few were more indelibly etched than some of the experiences I had while leading an Aman Jet Expedition in Nepal. I’ll struggle to forget a champagne breakfast overlooking Mount Everest. Our incredible helicopter excursion, meanwhile, took us to Kalapathar (18,519 feet) just above Everest Base Camp. Definitely a “peak” travel experience! This year I hope to travel to Laos and further explore Southeast Asia. I would love to cruise the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves and hike to the Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang."
Jacob Roy, Director of Travel & Planning
"Spotting tigers in the wild is an experience that was never going to be anything less than visceral. And my 2022 highlight —an up-close look at the magnificent beasts at Ranthambore in Rajasthan— was as thrilling as I had anticipated. As far as what’s on my radar goes. I’m very keen to travel to Nepal during 2023 and I also hope to explore Indonesia beyond Bali."
AJ Arena, Luxury Travel Designer
"I got the chance to visit Bhutan after it reopened in 2022. It’s a truly special destination and I loved its blend of deep spirituality, the sense of fun among its people, and the spectacular scenery. The highlight was trekking up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. An unforgettable hike.
In 2023 I want to explore Southeast Asia in more depth by visiting Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Thailand to check in on the Remote Lands team in Bangkok. I'm planning to focus future sightseeing on nature, wildlife, and beaches."
Molly Perkins, Travel Operations & Training Manager
"My favorite travel experience of 2022 was spending the month of February in Thailand as restrictions were lifted. It was incredible having sites — like the Grand Palace — that would normally be packed almost completely to ourselves. It’s unheard of to have the entire beach at Hong Island in Krabi to ourselves. In 2023, I’m looking forward to Malaysia in 2023; getting to know KL — the city I was born in — even better, and visiting the orangutans in Malaysian Borneo."
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