Aventuras Únicas Expedições de Iate Explore Comunicações Sobre Nós EN PT NL Início - V&J na Imprensa - Masters Expo Masters Expo March-2022 When you travel with Voyages & Journeys, you can be sure you are in for something extraordinary. - Mical Joseph - Enchanting Portugal offers something for everyone. MASTERS finds Voyages & Journeys to be the perfect tour operator to guide you through Selecção das Quinas. The rolling hills of Alentejo, vineyards scattered from north to south and culinary highlights that explain heritage and culture dating back to the 11th century. Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of the Azores, a playground for the adventurous and admire the land with your own eyes. A journey never to be forgotten When you travel with Voyages & Journeys, you can be sure you are in for something extraordinary. The travel company goes far beyond the extraordinary. In addition to guiding guests to the various unique places on earth, Portugal is a special destination for Voyages & Journeys because it was in this country that it all began. In addition to beautiful city breaks like Lisbon, Porto and the golden shores of the Algarve, Portugal has so much more to offer. Head to the Alentejo region, one of the best preserved landscapes and one of the least populated regions of southern Europe. The vast open country is home to both tradition and contemporary culture, renewing itself as a region that is global but not globalized. The sense of beauty is almost everywhere. Breathtaking and one of a kind Go further north and discover the chaotic landscape peaks and breathtaking views of the Serra de Estrela with 250 km of marked hiking trails, venture onto the Paiva trails where you will find the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. A little further north you will find the Douro Valley, marked by small valleys of terraced vineyards, fringed by olive trees, and supported by many kilometres of slate walls, hosts a typical Mediterranean fauna and flora, and constitutes one of the world's most fascinating architectural works, where human strength and the grandeur of nature are uniquely combined, with the Douro River as a core identity factor. For the adventurous Travel to one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, Caldeira das Sete Cidades, Explore the beautiful islands of the Azores with an expedition yacht. Enjoy both an active and relaxing adventure, sail the Azores with Ragnar, the ultimate exploration yacht; Accompanied by your Voyages & Journeys expedition leader on board you are in for an unforgettable adventure, world-class whale watching and scuba diving or take off with the helicopter on board and discover unique hiking and cave routes. »»» For the original publication click here ««« < Previous Article Next Article >

Kijken naar de prachtige landschappen die als een elegante muze op de achtergrond voorbijtrekken. Unieke Avonturen Jacht Expedities Ontdek De Numinous Wie Zijn Wij EN PT NL Home - Ontdek - Treinen Treinen Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life and travel leaves marks on you. - Anthony Bourdain - Kijken naar de prachtige landschappen die als een elegante muze op de achtergrond voorbijtrekken terwijl je geniet van een kop thee of van een glas wijn is een perfecte manier van reizen, laat je meevoeren door inspirerende landschappen tijdens een luxe en zeer comfortabele treinreis. Deze legendarische routes brengen je naar plaatsen die normaal niet of moeilijk te bereiken zijn. Het land doorkruisen met de trein zorgt voor een elegante en levendige romantiek, en onze unieke treinreizen laten u de grote pracht ervaren van reizen aan boord van een luxe en historische treinwagon. Aan boord van The Ghan doorkruis je de zinderende woestijn landschappen en rode rots formaties van de Australische Outback. Uitzonderlijke fijne diner arrangementen worden bereid door de chef-koks die samenwerken met lokale boeren en leveranciers, zodat u kunt genieten van de verse regionale producten. Verken de zeven prefecturen van Kyushu, de diverse natuur, geschiedenis en oude culturen van het eiland die per regio verschillen. Iedereen die aan boord van de Venice Simplon-Orient-Express stapt, betreedt de romantiek en sfeer van de grote Gatsby. Het is verreweg de meest legendarische reeks rijtuigen ter wereld. Het belooft u niet alleen door Europa te brengen, maar u ook terug in de tijd te vervoeren. Met zijn gepolijst hout, weelderige bekleding en antieke armaturen, belichaamt de trein de glamour en elegantie van de Gouden Eeuw van reizen. Stap aan boord van de Rovos Rail, een van de meest excentrieke treinreizen ter wereld. Je maakt een moderne ontdekkingsreis met een historische context dwars door de landen van zuidelijk Afrika. Tijdens je reis zie je de buitengewone flora en fauna en ecologische biodiversiteit aan je voorbij trekken. Dit zijn slechts enkele voorbeelden van de mooiste treinreizen wereldwijd. Geniet van al het comfort van een boetiekhotel van wereldklasse, geniet van werelds meest exclusieve treinroutes in het volle zicht vanuit uw suite of lounge, ervaar de culinaire hoogtepunten die zich aanpassen aan de regio waar u doorheen reist. Met onze kenmerkende services en de uitstekende persoonlijke services aan boord, zorgen we voor een probleemloze reis. Onze trein bestemmingen Ierland India Japan Peru Rocky Mountains Schotland Trans Siberië Verenigd Koninkrijk Zuid Afrika Zuid Oost Azië Ierland India Japan Peru Rocky Mountains Schotland Trans Siberië Verenigd Koninkrijk Zuid Afrika Zuid Oost Azië Ierland India Japan Peru Rocky Mountains Schotland Trans Siberië Verenigd Koninkrijk Zuid Afrika Zuid Oost Azië Laten we van start gaan

Aventuras Únicas Expedições de Iate Explore Comunicações Sobre Nós EN PT NL Início - V&J na Imprensa - Talkies Man Magazine Talkies Man Magazine April-2023 Als travel curatoren stellen zij zorgvuldig op maat gemaakte reizen samen voor uiteenlopende cliënten. - Marina de Massiac - Portugese duo Jasper Sigon en Vanessa Mestre richtte een aantal jaar geleden het exclusieve reisbureau Voyages & Journeys op. Als travel curatoren stellen zij vanuit hun hoofdkantoor in Lissabon zorgvuldig op maat gemaakte reizen samen voor uiteenlopende cliënten. Of een klant nu vijfduizend euro betaalt of honderd keer meer, het einddoel blijft hetzelfde voor het avontuurlijke duo: 'cliënten moeten thuiskomen met een hoofd vol onuitwisbare indrukken en mooie verhalen’ , aldus Jasper Sigon. Waarom zijn jullie een reisbureau begonnen? ‘We hebben allebei een achtergrond in de energiesector. Onze banen brachten ons op de meest afgelegen en hardcore locaties ter wereld. In 2015 ben ik van functie gewisseld, hiervoor werd ik permanent in Nederland gestationeerd, dit bracht logistieke moeilijkheden met zich mee: Vanessa werkte in Portugal en het land waarin haar project zich bevond, terwijl ik in Nederland zat. In onze vrije tijd spraken we af in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt of Parijs om elkaar te kunnen zien. Tijdens een mooie wandeling in het Portugese Serra da Estrela besloot ik dat ik niet verder wilde met mijn baan. We zijn toen gaan reizen door Zuidoost-Azië en het Midden-Oosten. Eenmaal terug sloeg de realiteit toe: ik moest geld gaan verdienen.’ Het fundament voor jullie bedrijf werd gelegd. ‘Niet direct. Ik ben Uber-chauffeur in Lissabon geworden om rond te komen. Ik reed een jong stel rond dat meer van Portugal wilde zien gedurende een aantal dagen. Ik stelde een reis voor ze samen waarin ze mooie bezienswaardigheden bezochten, culinaire hoogtepunten beleefden en wijn proefden. Een aantal maanden later kwamen ze terug met de hele familie om twee weken lang door Portugal te toeren. Ik vond dit zo leuk dat we op een gegeven moment meer dan driehonderd reizen per jaar binnen Portugal organiseerden. Op dat moment werd het fundament van ons bedrijf gelegd. Later volgden er mooie reizen in Marrakesh, de Sahara en Schotland.’ Waar streven jullie naar met jullie bureau? ‘Waar het ons om gaat is dat onze cliënten hun perspectief op reizen veranderen. We zijn geen reisadviseurs die reispakketten samenstellen waarin de cliënt van a naar b reist. We kleuren ver buiten het hokje. Cliënten moeten thuiskomen met een hoofd vol onuitwisbare indrukken en mooie verhalen.’ Niks is dus te gek? ‘In feite zijn out of the box aanvragen onze specialiteit. We organiseren veel jachtexpedities. Natuurlijk kun je dan op de Mediterraanse zee of het Caribische gebied varen, maar wij denken graag out of the box. Zo nemen we onze cliënten graag mee naar de Noordwestelijke doorgang, de verborgen marinebasis in Kroatië, de witte woestijn of Antarctica. De jachten die we charteren zijn van alle luxe voorzien, zo komt het weleens voor dat er een helikopter aan boord is of een onderzeeër waarmee we een remote destination kunnen bezoeken. Volgend jaar zullen we met onze exclusieve partner Ocean Sky Cruises op een milieubewuste manier reizen organiseren naar de Noordpool.' Milieuvriendelijk reizen lijkt haast de nieuwe norm te zijn. Houden jullie daar rekening mee? ‘Het conserveren van ecosystemen staat voorop en is een van onze kernwaarden. We geloven erin dat je milieubewust de wereld kunt ontdekken. Over de jaren heen hebben we een netwerk opgebouwd waarin we met veertig conserveringsprojecten in contact zijn gekomen. We koppelen onze cliënten op drie verschillende manieren aan de instanties. Door middel van een donatie in de vorm van tijd of geld kunnen ze bijdragen aan een mooiere toekomst. De verbinding tussen mens en natuur is zó belangrijk. Neem nu het volgende voorbeeld: gedurende een verblijf op het Filipijnse eiland Palawan planden we een excursie naar Bacuit Bay. We bevonden ons twintig meter onder water. Dichtbij zwommen er vijf walvishaaien met ons mee. Toen we eenmaal boven water waren moesten we een uur bijkomen, zó mooi en onwerkelijk was het moment onder water geweest.’ Tot slot: gaan jullie over tien jaar de ruimte in? ‘Ik had niet verwacht dat het daadwerkelijk plaats zou gaan vinden, maar in 2025 gaan we in samenwerking met onze exclusieve partner Space Perspective de ruimte in. De oprichters van het bedrijf, Jane Poynter en Taber MacCallum hebben een project op poten weten te krijgen dat de hele wereld zal verrassen. Op een hele comfortabele manier passagiers de ruimte in krijgen is iets wat tot de verbeelding spreekt. Op dertig kilometer afstand van de aarde zal men gedurende zes uur in de Spaceship Neptune van een panoramisch uitzicht kunnen genieten in een zeer ruime, comfortabele cabine. De in Miami gevestigde horecaondernemer David Grutman zal passagiers voorzien van een trendy F&B ervaring.’ We leren Jasper en Vanessa kennen tijdens een reis naar Portugal. Het duo koos voor het interview een bijzondere plek uit bij een van hun zorgvuldig geselecteerde partners: het Herdade de Malhadinha Nova hotel. Gelegen in de vrij onbekende Portugese Alentejostreek. Vanessa komt van origine uit Portugal, maar laat zich ondanks het feit dat ze half Portugees is onverminderd aangenaam verrassen door de originaliteit en het ronduit rustgevende landschap van het hotel. Het duo selecteert voor haar cliënten een select aantal accommodaties waar oog voor detail een prominente plek in beslag neemt omdat het naar eigen zeggen een reflectie van hun geboden service moet zijn. Het gros van de accommodaties wordt in eerste instantie bezocht en getest op kwaliteit om zo cliënten van een premium ervaring te voorzien.' < Previous Article Next Article >

Aventuras Únicas Expedições de Iate Explore Comunicações Sobre Nós EN PT NL Início - Comunicações - Honeymoon Honeymoon November-2021 “More than 2 years ago, Vanessa and I got married and it was truthfully a day to remember. Today, we still receive messages from our family and friends about how amazing and memorable that day was for them. For us, having such busy lives, a big part of the process was our honeymoon, it was a period where we really wanted to retreat and enjoy each other on an unforgettable adventure. At the time, for us, that was Cuba.” – Jasper Sigon The wedding is such a remarkable day in our life, that the honeymoon should be the journey of a lifetime, preparing us for a “together forever” ride. It is one of the most important vacations you will ever take. We understand more than ever that such a celebratory occasion needs to fully speak to your interests and inspiration. Whether enjoying the turquoise waters surrounding your ocean villa in Fiji, Maldives, or the beautiful islands of the Seychelles, or even if you crave for adrenaline and adventure alongside your chilled glass of champagne and luxury accommodations – with Voyages & Journeys you are definitely in for a treat. We are here to make sure that your honeymoon is exceptional. From an exotic island experience in the heart of the Indian Ocean or South Pacific, a beautiful voyage through Raja Ampat or an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled adventure in Norway, Costa Rica, the beautiful Galapagos Islands or Australia and New Zealand. We will take you beyond the extraordinary. An adventurous honeymoon means that we really guide you to off-the-beaten path destinations. Pass the night among the most extraordinary stargazing locations like a luxury tented camp in the empty quarter (Oman), or explore the wilderness of British Columbia, or head to Western Australia and experience exceptional biodiversity and activities, from swimming with whale sharks and whales, or fly fishing, heli mountain biking and horse riding in Wanaka (New Zealand). There are also honeymoon destinations much closer to home where you can turn up the intensity and the romance. Discover the Élan of Portugal, the beautiful landscapes of Italy, or the land of fire and ice (Iceland), or even take your predator dune buggy through the Agafay desert in Marrakech. We offer experiences for the true adrenaline seekers for every season. Whatever sort of thrills you are after, there is an adventure honeymoon out there that is just waiting for you! We are looking forward to realizing a honeymoon that goes beyond the extraordinary. < Previous Article Next Article >

We hebben allemaal die momenten in ons leven die een buitengewone viering vereisen. Unieke Avonturen Jacht Expedities Ontdek De Numinous Wie Zijn Wij EN PT NL Home - Ontdek - Vieringen Vier Elk Moment in het Leven The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by. - Alek Wek - We hebben allemaal die momenten in ons leven die een buitengewone viering vereisen, een mijlpaal, belangrijke datum of een gebeurtenis die je graag wil markeren. Om zo’n moment te combineren met een uitzonderlijke reis is de perfecte combinatie voor een onvergetelijke ervaring. Met Voyages & Journeys specialisten aan uw zijde ben je verzekerd voor de reis van je leven. Als je het aan onze mede-oprichter Jasper vraagt, is elke middag een moment om iets te vieren met een Aperol Spritz of een glaasje bubbels. Elk speciaal moment in ons leven is het vieren waard, of het nu een herstel is, een mijlpaal met uw bedrijf, verjaardag of romantische gelegenheid. Het zijn deze momenten die de reis een stuk specialer maken. Of zoek je het gezin bij elkaar, Jasper en Vanessa weten als geen ander hoe belangrijk die momenten zijn, Vanessa’s familie woont in het zuiden van Portugal en Jaspers’ familie woont aan de andere kant van Europa “wanneer we met onze families of vrienden zijn zorgen we er altijd voor dat de dag geen morgen heeft” – Jasper Sigon. Met onze kennis en unieke avonturen brengen we jouw inspiratie en ideeën tot leven. Van verbluffende safari's over de Afrikaanse vlaktes, de toendravelden in Patagonië tot de ongerepte en ruige landschappen in IJsland of Noorwegen. Variërend van de schoonheid en romantiek in de Stille Zuidzee en haar idyllische bestemmingen, tot onverschrokken avonturen door het noordwesten van China of de sensationele wandelingen door Brits-Columbia, al onze avonturen zijn op maat gemaakt zodat het altijd past naar waar je opzoek bent. Wanneer beginnen met plannen? De verantwoordelijkheid hebben om een reis van een grote groep te plannen, kan een handvol werk en heel tijdrovend zijn, waarbij je probeert de verscheidenheid aan wensen en verlangens te vervullen, vooral wanneer u naar een ander land en buiten uw comfortzone wilt reizen. Wij hebben het voorrecht om de wereld rond te reizen, en continue op zoek zijn naar die afgelegen en uitzonderlijke bestemmingen die echt die opmerkelijke ervaringen bieden. Uit de comfortzone komen en die grenzen verleggen is precies wat we doen bij Voyages & Journeys, het is een plek waar wij ons erg op ons gemak voelen. Dit resulteert in een stressvrije ervaring voor jou terwijl we jou en de groep meenemen naar een epische ervaring die elke verwachting zal overtreffen. Bij Voyages & Journeys is vertrouwen een groot deel van ons ethos, geef ons uw vertrouwen en we zullen een combinatie van uitzonderlijke ervaringen en momenten leveren die u voor altijd bij zullen blijven. Waar te vieren, een afgelegen bestemming of op een jacht? Of u nu naar uw bestemming afreist en de vieringen beginnen vanaf het moment dat u een voet op de landingsbaan zet in combinatie met de meest afgelegen en opwindende accommodaties tot het verkennen van de meest afgelegen uithoeken van de wereld aan boord van uitzonderlijke jachten die alles bezitten wat u zich maar kunt voorstellen, superjachten zijn echt gemaakt voor groepen, ze zijn het perfecte platform om avonturen te beleven die je echt de rest van je leven bijblijven. V&J is er voor u om op maat gemaakte avonturen te ontwerpen en de ultieme vieringen te creëren naar bestemmingen die we maat al te graag willen ontdekken, door te verblijven in accommodaties en aan boord van jachten te verblijven die al uw verwachtingen en die van uw reisgenoten zullen overtreffen.

Home - Yacht Expeditions - Yachts - Elena Elena Guests: 14 Year: 2009 Length: 55m Cabins: 5 Crew: 8 Price: From €100.000/week Elena is a meticulous recreation of the historic trans-Atlantic superyacht race record holder from 1928. If you desire the ultimate sailing experience, there is no better yacht than Elena. A century ago, naval architect Nat Herreshoff, also known as the “Wizard of Bristol” and a true mastermind behind several notable America’s Cup contenders, designed her to win the 1928 Transatlantic race. She is designed for pure speed and performance, a schooner that can win, only this replica is every bit as fast as the original - only more luxurious. Herreshoff designed Elena as a sistership to Westward but fitted her with a fuller keel which lowered her center of ballast and amended the dimension of her rigs to further improve her windward ability. She is majestic and inimitable under sail. Step on board and discover her elegant and calming spaces, with spacious decks and stately interiors that transport you to a different time. If you are looking for a vacation to remember, this direct descendent from sailing’s Golden Age is for you. Exhilarating or relaxing or both, a yacht charter on Elena is a rare experience in today’s modern world. Fast forward to 2009, McLaren, former captain of Westward’s 2002 replica Eleonora, set out to repeat history and build another Elena that could wipe out all the competition. Now almost a century later and Elena continues the winning legacy, having won multiple regattas including the Barbados Round Island Race, The Antigua Classic Les Voiles de St Tropez and Monaco Classic Week. Elena captures the grace of bygone eras, providing total exhilaration and utter relaxation in equal measure. With her impressive sail plan and a windward ability that is unmatched by both modern and classic yachts, Elena is a formidable regatta contender, and the ideal yacht for experienced sailors, for those seeking a new and unique yachting experience. Her gorgeous interior is more than fit for an Admiral of a Fleet. Polished hardwood panelling hides sailing tomes, bottles of claret and flagons of navy rum. Her endless wooden deck is the place where we will design and plan your daily adventures. She accommodates up to eight guests in four ensuite cabins, all named after classic sailing yachts and they are generous in size, while honouring the 20th-century aesthetic - two doubles and two twins. When used privately there is an optional fifth cabin which can accommodate another two guests. The master cabin features an office-sized desk and seating for two while the three guest cabins all boast excellent storage space and privately controlled air conditioning systems. Elena has array of fun toys for in-water discovery, ranging from snorkels and kayaks to wakeboards and kitesurfing equipment. You will be able to spend sun-drenched days in the water alongside the other guests taking in the scenery and practising some new skills. With the two tenders you are able to be transported ashore for land-based excursions. Highlights A true racer With a fuller keel which lowered her centre of ballast and amended the dimension of her rigs to further improve her windward ability. Tenders & Toys Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. We will update you on the latest information. 2 x Kayaks 8 x Snorkelling Sets 2 x Tenders 2 x Stand Up Paddle Boards 1 x Water Ski 2 x Fishing Equipment 1 x Kitesurf Board 2 x Wakeboards Gallery < Previous Yacht Next Yacht >

Experience the Aurora Borealis and be captivated by the beautiful dancing waves of light that will be displayed right before your eyes. Home - The Numinous - Aurora Borealis Experience the Aurora Borealis July-2022 Witnessing this magnificent light show with various colours dancing and twirling before your eyes, is nothing short of amazing, each display is totally unique and definitely a life-changing event. Let us first start to explain what causes the Aurora Borealis - When charged particles from the sun strike atoms in Earth's atmosphere, they cause electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state. When the electrons drop back to a lower energy state, they release a photon: light. This process creates the beautiful aurora, also known as the Northern Lights. Truly a dazzling natural phenomenon that can be displayed in a variety of locations across the globe. The name Aurora Borealis comes from the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and Boreas is the Greek name for the north wind. Norway has no shortage of prime vantage points. First and foremost is Svalbard, a string of Arcticislands midway between continental Norway and the North Pole. Because the archipelago experiences polar night, or perpetual darkness, between mid-November and February, it offers double the opportunity to see the lights and is the only inhabited place in the world where you can experience the phenomenon during the day. Finland has around 50 nights per year of perpetual darkness and a vast array of extraordinary ways to watch this natural display, one of them being one of the most isolated lodges in Finland where the sky and your surroundings become a 360º theatre. With minimal light pollution and near-perfect visibility in some places, Greenlandprovides exceptional odds for viewing milky-green lights. A three or four night stay during the aurora season (September to the beginning of April) offers the best odds of spotting the lights. Or if you are in for more adventure, let us take you to Kangerlussuaq- this former U.S. military base near the airport counts northern lights sightings 300 nights per year, and it hosts aurora excursions that include a tour to witness the phenomenon and an overnight stay on the Greenland Ice Sheet (an experience typically reserved solely for research and expedition purposes). Combine the Northern lights with a unique adventure through the land of fire and ice, Iceland. From November through mid-March, where it will be short on sunlight, but days are still packed with adventures, like whale watching in the fjords, astro-touring the celestial events and fat biking groomed trails through breath-taking valleys. Around this period, it provides front row seats to the view the ghostly Northern Lights. Polar bears and the beluga whales have planted the Manitoba town of Churchill on the map – it is the easiest place to access that guarantees sightings. Also, an exceptional spot as it experiences aurora activity more than 300 nights per year. Observing the Northern Lights is truly the cherry on top to an otherwise amazing adventure. Voyages & Journeys provide specialised Aurora Borealis adventures among the most exciting destinations, but we should all bear in mind that it is are a natural phenomenon and thus elusive and unpredictable. < Previous Article Next Article >

The passion of travel curators Vanessa and Jasper from Voyages & Journeys surpasses the norm.- Gemma Harris - Home - V&J in Press - Tempus Magazine Tempus Magazine January-2023 The passion of travel curators Vanessa and Jasper from Voyages & Journeys surpasses the norm. - Gemma Harris - A journey into Portugal's Alentejo All in the details; a chic stay at the rural Malhadinha Nova with unique travel curators, Voyages & Journeys. The passion of travel curators Vanessa and Jasper from Voyages & Journeys surpasses the norm. Even before meeting them face to face, I could tell they were in it because they genuinely wanted to improve travel experiences. The faultless and compassionate service from the outset reflected their personalities. They accompanied me on my transfer to our destination. The two-hour travel time from Lisbon allowed us to chat about their aim with Voyages and Journeys. The different paths they are taking from others and the values they hold close to help them find their edge in unique and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences for clients. And for this journey? They were taking me to experience one of their favourites and Portugal's best-kept secret, Alentejo. Driving through Alentejo at sunset made the evocative natural scenery even more so, with pink glistening in between the rolling vineyards and cork farms which seemed to stretch for miles. Sporadically we would encounter a small village where things moved leisurely, and they undoubtedly embraced the slower pace of life. The kind of villages where locals always leave their doors open and unlocked explained Vanessa. A warm welcome Arriving at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in the evening created even more intrigue that this wild region exuded. The bumpy transfer in one of the estate's characterful jeep defenders did not disappoint. On route through the estate, Jasper explained that it spread over 450 hectares with various houses complete with rooms and suites. Over time the ruins throughout this area have been transformed into luxury accommodations. I was welcomed into one of the estate's 30 rooms within the 'Home of the terracotta.' Artisanal design Waking up to the far-reaching view surrounded by vineyards held promise for the next two days spent on the estate. Finishing up a cappuccino in none other than Vista Alegre crockery and the in-house chef's speciality eggs on the terrace overlooking the pool, I was ready. The tour around the estate highlighted how Malhadinha uses architecture that perfectly complements the area's rurality with modernity. Each house has its own take on the Alentejo culture, filled with various pieces from local artisans. I even had the opportunity to try my hand at a craft while here, taking a bulrush workshop with a local artisan - safe to say my creations won't make it into a room, however insightful and fun all the same. Each interior has its personalised touches, from the handcrafted marble details, and locally crafted furniture to the creative lights made from recycled plastic. Family details Owned by the Soares family, Rita Soares, the CEO, was there pointing out her favourite spots, with even a glimpse into the new under-construction spa area, building yet more for the future on what is already an estate based upon strong family foundations. It is truly all in the details throughout, and you can see this family passion project is authentic, with Rita perfecting every design touch herself, even down to each room's scent. Like all good stories, the Soares family story began with wine, with their project starting with the plantation of the first 20 hectares of vineyards. The tour around Malhadina's wine-making facilities and cellars showed every bottle label drawn by the family's children; the cow by Matilde was my favourite! This charm continued throughout and into the wine-tasting experience. Tasting their complex yet elegant - which today are award-winning - wines confirmed that they had resulted in their dedication to their respectful and sustainable processes. Gastronomic secrets The wines were paired with one of the many farm to table experiences I had here. From the olive groves, orchards, and farms to the vegetable gardens, Malhadinha is rich in quality, organic produce grown using regenerative farming methods. The food truly put the cherry on top, especially the Alentejo black pork on decadent risotto. Or maybe it was the incredible apple tart that almost looked too good to eat. The chefs throughout the estate are true to traditions while putting their gastronomic twists and tweaks on each dish. One of the local Portuguese chefs has been in the family for the past 25 years, adding the best-loved family dishes to the estate's menu. If you fancy getting in the kitchen, you can take lessons at Malhadinha and learn from the best. Anything is possible As well as being introduced to various friendly and welcoming staff members and local artisans in my time here, I also got to meet the other equine family members. They weren't just any horses; these were pure-blood Lusitano horses you can ride throughout the vineyards. Aside from wine tasting and horseback riding, there is plenty to do here. On my stay, I met with Luisa, the guest experience manager and was reassured that pretty much everything and anything was possible at Malhadinha, purely restricted by the guest's imaginations and desires. Some popular experiences are hot air balloon rides over the Alentejo plains, romantic picnics within the vineyards, quad biking around the estate or even your own beekeeper experience. More than luxury In Alentejo, nothing is rushed, slowly but surely providing for future generations. These sustainability-minded values continue to be a focus throughout Malhadinha, staying honest to the region. It is more than a luxury retreat. Malhadinha provides a carefully designed, unique and authentic space where traditions are kept alive and experiences are second to none while balancing the needs and respect for nature. Everything here, like in the hands of Voyages & Journeys, feels right and is a profound step for luxury travel. »»» For the original publication click here ««« < Previous Article Next Article >

At Voyages & Journeys we want to show you the possibilities outside these yachting routes, and where we are truly in our element! Home - The Numinous - Extreme Destinations Endeavour to the World's Most Extreme Destinations September-2022 Everybody knows the main yacht destinations, such as the Mediterranean or parts of the Caribbean, what is of course never dull. At Voyages & Journeys we want to show you the possibilities outside these yachting routes, and where we are truly in our element! Of course, we have also available our “are you out of your da** mind?” destinations – seen for many as dangerous travel zones, are, for us, a viable destination for the ultimate adventure. With the astonishing capabilities seen on the latest explorer yachts, the list of NO-GO destinations around the globe is getting slimmer and some of the world’s most remote and challenging destinations are beginning to give up their secrets. However, destinations like the Gulf of Guinea or Margarita Island are still Piracy hotspots. At V&J we spend a fair amount of time in our daily operations to study and stay up to date about these destinations, and therefore we care able to design and provide exceptional yacht itineraries among the remote corners of the world for restless yacht owners or charters. Sadly enough, the challenges and limiting factors in exploration terms around these destinations are made by humanity itself. Piracy, conflict zones, poor security and even nuclear testing put some places out of reach. These types of expeditions require knowledge and know-how from specialist guides or pilots, not even mentioning the local relations to require the correct permits. This is where our strength, reliability and knowledge are most treasured. With Vanessa’s and Jasper’s profound background in operating in the harshest environments around the globe, during their time operating offshore, we are more than prepared to provide you with the most exciting itineraries, whether you are a yacht owner, charterer, or broker. To endeavour on expeditions of this calibre should not be taken lithely, the costs can extend significantly, but totally worthy when compared to the value of the yacht and more importantly the safety of the passengers. The foundation of an unforgettable yacht expedition is planning, planning and preparations for any contingency or medical contingencies. Among these extreme destinations, a hospital can be more than a day away even by helicopter. While heliskiing operations in Greenland or Antarctica there must be a second helicopter or supply vessel for rescue operations. During our yacht expeditions there is always a V&J specialist onboard to assist the captain and crew during unexpected situations and to assist you on the day-to-day execution, but also to ensure that the best waste management practices are being followed. Are you interested to endeavour on a yacht expedition to the ends of the earth? Here are a few of the destinations where we can provide these types of adventures: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Antarctica, Arctic, Socotra, Northwest Passage, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu islands < Previous Article Next Article >

Watching the beautiful landscapes crossing by like an astonishing background, holding a cup of tea or enjoying a glass of wine is a perfect way to travel. Home - Explore - Train Voyages Train Voyages Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life and travel leaves marks on you. - Anthony Bourdain - Watching the beautiful landscapes crossing by like an astonishing background, holding a cup of tea or enjoying a glass of wine is a perfect way to travel. Let yourself be carried away by inspiring landscapes during a luxurious and very comfortable train journey. These legendary routes take you to places that are normally difficult to reach. Crossing the country by train brings an elegant and vivid romance, and our hand-crafted train voyages will let you experience the great splendour of travelling on-board a luxurious and historical rail carriage. On board The Ghan you will cross the sweltering desert landscapes and red rock formations of the Australian Outback. Exceptional fine dining arrangements are prepared by the chefs who work with local farmers and suppliers, so you can savour the fresh regional products. Explore the seven prefectures of Kyushu, the island’s diverse nature, history and ancient cultures that vary to each region. Anyone who steps aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express enters the romance and atmosphere of the great Gatsby. It is by far the most storied set of carriages in the world. It promises to take you not just across Europe, but to transport you back in time. With its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the train epitomizes the glamour and elegance of the Golden Age of travel. Step aboard the Rovos Rail, one of the most bespoke train journeys’ in the world. You will make a modern voyage of discovery with a historical context right through the countries of Southern Africa. During your voyage you will see the extraordinary wildlife and ecological biodiversity passing by. These are just a few examples of the most beautiful train journeys worldwide. Savour all the comfort of a world-class boutique hotel, enjoy some of the world’s most exclusive rail routes in full view from your cabin-suite or lounge area, experience culinary highlights adapting with the region you are traveling through. With our signature services and the excellent on-board personal services, we ensure a hassle-free journey. Our train destinations India Ireland Japan Peru Rocky Mountains SE Asia Scotland South Africa Trans Siberian United Kingdom India Ireland Japan Peru Rocky Mountains SE Asia Scotland South Africa Trans Siberian United Kingdom India Ireland Japan Peru Rocky Mountains SE Asia Scotland South Africa Trans Siberian United Kingdom Contact us & l et's do it together

Some of our favourite diving spots, the most exceptional diving vacations and personalised expeditions. Home - Explore - Underwater World Explore Our Magical Underwater World The most exceptional diving spots It is no secret that our founders, Vanessa and Jasper, are great lovers of discovering the underwater world, and they are experienced divers with logged dives across the oceans. V&J plans diving expeditions to the shores of the Azores; the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea; the glowing plankton-rich depths surrounding Hawaiian Islands; the coral triangle in the western Pacific Ocean; or a mere encounter with whales in the Tasman Sea. “Diving shows you a complete different world, so beautiful that is difficult to express in words.”- Vanessa Mestre. In Jacques Cousteau own words “the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever”. More than 70% of the planet is made of our oceans and more than 80% of our oceans is unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored – there is still so much to learn from the mysteries of the deep. From past experience working offshore and from their diving adventures, Vanessa and Jasper bring their luggage to the table, and we will provide the most exceptional diving vacations and expeditions. Together with world renown underwater photographers, marine biologists, and researchers we create unparalleled diving expeditions to the most remote and beautiful paradises around the world. We have put together some of our favourite diving spots, for anyone that travels the globe in search of that one, unforgettable, diving day. Shipwrecks, vibrant reefs, or dancing with whales, each spot is a unique portal into the mysterious, beautiful world beneath the ocean's surface that awaits us. V&J only works with private dive instructors and dive centres that prioritise environmental conservation and educational tourism, protecting the unspoiled beauty that attracts scuba divers from all over the world. Azores (Portugal) Consisting of 9 beautiful islands, the Azores Archipelago boasts a variety of geographical diversity filled with high-octane activities. Each island features unique sceneries, cuisine, and cultural charm. Located in the volcanic Atlantic between Europe and North America, this Portuguese island group has developed its own special identity throughout its dynamic history, and today boasts natural beauty. The underwater realm of the Azores present divers with intriguing topography and diversity of dive sites. A subtropical oceanic climate combines with the rich waters of the Gulf Stream, creating a healthy ecosystem that is rich with marine life. The Azores serve as a veritable beacon for whales. Resident sperm whales are joined by migratory blue, fin, humpback, minke, and sei whales plus orcas and several species of dolphins. The peak of whale spotting season is early spring. The Azores is also an up-and-coming destination for shark diving especially with the beautiful blue and mako shark in these deep blue waters. Manta rays are also prevalent in these outstanding depths, along with occasional whale sharks, hammerheads, and a wide array of large fish. Have a look at our Unique Adventure to the Azores for more information. Cocos Island (Costa Rica) [Photograph by Flip Nicklin] When the topic is diving, Cocos Island will absolutely be mentioned in that conservation. Known as one of the most extraordinary places to dive, it is also a highly protected UNESCO world heritage site. The uninhabited Island, 550 km (340 miles) west of the Pacific shore of Costa Rica, and halfway to the Galapagos Islands, offers divers exceptional marine splendour. With a rich history of pirates, whalers, Tongan captives and German adventurers, scuba diving at Cocos Island truly earned the spot on the world map as a top diving destination, with supreme shark experiences in a Pacific playground for schooling hammerheads, manta rays, whale sharks, endangered sea turtles, humpback whales and many more. With the correct weather conditions, it promises diving schedules as many as 3 or 4 dives per day, to explore these ocean waters that are exploding with sea life and ready to unlock unforgettable experiences. Coral Triangle The only region where all together, new and unimaginable forms of life, may perhaps be found. Coral reefs account for less than 1% of ocean floor yet they are home to more than twenty 25% of marine life. In a time when much of world’s reefs are dying due to ocean acidification and rising of sea temperature, less than 1% of the world’s reefs are in a pristine state. The world’s finest reefs can be found within the Coral Triangle of Indonesia, where the Pacific and Indian Oceans converge. Marine scientists recorded over 76% of all known hard coral species and 52% of identified Indo-Pacific reef fish species within this region. When combining both land and sea-based species, Indonesia ranks number one in the world. The diversity goes beyond the kaleidoscopic coral reefs and reef fish. The larger pelagic species can be seen constantly on the move to hunt prey. This includes oceanic manta rays, the great hammerhead shark, the giant sun fish, and the thresher shark as well as the world’s largest living animal, the blue whale and the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. Have a look at our Raja Ampat voyage , step aboard a wooden schooner build by the Konjo Tribesman with 21st century engineering and sail the Coral Triangle on an exceptional sea safari that is created to your inspiration and requirements. Ningaloo Reef (Australia) Located 1.200 km north of Perth, sits a hidden magical place where words simply cannot do justice. Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing coral reef, awaits. This 260 km long spectacle is just a few salt-watery steps from the exceptional eco-luxe safari tents of Sal Salis. This place is magical because it is truly the rarest of places, where outback, reef and ranges meet and merge; amidst a spectrum of colour for which, only nature has the palette. Between May to October, migrating humpbacks are drawn through Ningaloo Marine Park. Whale sharks, blue whales, southern right whales, orcas, turtles, mantas, and a range of dolphin species are also part of the reef’s oceanic menagerie. A natural symphony that only happens here. A reminder that this world can still astonish. A world even greater and more beautiful exists. The moment you submerge into the realm of whale sharks and humpback whale, your life changes. The whale shark season runs from mid-March to July. Revillagigedo Islands This is the place for high octane diving. Exciting, demanding and, for the experienced diver, very rewarding. The Revillagigedo Islands are located south-west of Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of Baja California. There are few other destinations in the world where we can encounter such an impressive array of “big beasts” – humpback whales, giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, tuna, pelagic fish, and many other shark species. At Guadalupe Island you can get an encounter with great white sharks in superb visibility. The “closest’ island to the mainland is San Benedicto, 390 km offshore, which has become famous among divers around the world for the dive known as El Boiler – a pinnacle covered in corals and patrolled by manta rays and sharks. Nearly 50 km to the south of San Benedicto lies Socorro Island. Also known as the aquarium, Socorro has manta ray cleaning stations as well as several pinnacles where schools of hammerhead sharks are often seen and bottlenose dolphins visit sites, such as Cabo Pearce, almost daily and long encounters are a frequent occurrence. Around 315 km to the west of Socorro is the infrequently visited Clarion Island. Not much is known about Clarion other than it is still relatively unexplored. Tonga The friendly Islands, also known as Tonga, are called the Friendly Islands because of its friendly reception toward Captain Cook during his first visit in 1773. The Islands exist out of 169 islands located in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Stretching over 800 kilometres and with a total surface area of 750 km2, only 96 of these islands are inhabited. Tonga lies South of Samoa, about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. Tonga is known as one of the few places in the world where you can swim on a safe distance with humpback whales. These magnificent creatures pass through the islands between the months of July and October to mate and give birth. They then leave for their Arctic feeding grounds. In addition to humpback whales, divers can encounter manta rays, eagle rays, many shark species, and other diverse marine life in the area. The underwater geography is just as diverse as its marine life; with dive sites containing everything from coral gardens to caverns and vertical walls, Tonga truly has something for everyone. Tubbataha Reefs (Palawan) The tubbataha Reefs is an UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Sulu Sea to the east of Palawan, Philippines. The region's remote location along with challenging access make it one of the healthiest and least exploited areas of reef in the world, exciting out of 100.000 hectares of the spectacular reef system. Diving these reefs is very limited and controlled because they are so protected for very good reasons, when you can explore these magical waters, you will discover a wide array of pristine coral gardens mixed with steep walls dropping down into the deep blue. Tubbataha park area is an important fish spawning and breeding site and is significant in terms of global marine life species diversity and richness. Tubbataha is the best diving spot in the Philippines, and one of the most biodiverse diving spots on earth. Tubbataha is home to no less than 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals (about 50% of the coral species in the world), 11 species of sharks (including tiger sharks, whale sharks, and whitetips), 13 species of dolphins, and whales, nesting hawksbill and green sea turtles. You can also see manta rays, schools of barracuda and tuna, and smaller marine life like nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish, seahorses, and frogfish. Amos Rock is often cited as the best dive site in Tubbataha, boasting colourful soft corals, massive schools of fish, large reef sharks and a gorgonian-covered wall. Washing Machine in the North Atoll is known for some of the best visibility within the marine park and is home to grey reef sharks and plenty of tropical reef fish. You might even see a whale shark or two if you're lucky! Black Rock in the South Atoll is a popular dive spot for whitetip sharks, rays and schools of grouper and giant trevally. U-Boat Navigator “If Jacques Cousteau was alive today, he would have built U Boat Navigator. No other private boat in the world compares to this dedicated diving vessel.” – Julia Zaltzman, freelance journalist. The U-Boat Navigator is the ultimate diving vessel, fully equipped with underwater exploration gear, two Triton submersibles and a full dive centre with a decompression chamber for up to four people, a gas filling station including nitrox and trimix and a wet diving bell operating to a depth of 100 m. Guided by highly experienced diving instructors. She is more than capable of discovering depths of up to 1.000 m, ideal for dedicated scuba divers, or for guests passionate about world history, shipwrecks, or geology research. Being involved in countless expeditions, being featured in documentaries, and discovered many new wreck sites across the Mediterranean, she is equipped with recording equipment and a media team so that you can relive every moment of your underwater expedition in ultra-high definition. The U-Boat Navigator sails the waters of the Mediterranean, Balearic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic, and the Aegean Sea. Get in touch with us for more information and charter possibilities.

Being ice classified 1D by Lloyd’s Planet nine has been engineered for explore the higher latitudes. Home - Yacht Expeditions - Yachts - Planet Nine Planet Nine Guests: 12 Year: 2018 Length: 73.2m Cabins: 9 Crew: 22 Price: From €592.000/week Planet Nine is designed by the renowned Tim Heywood and is destined to be regarded as one of the world's foremost explorer yachts. She can accommodate up to twelve guests in nine elegant state rooms. Although she is purely designed for exploration, her interior meets the highest level of luxury and comfort. A lift serves all five decks, where you can enjoy the entire deck that creates a private 278 square meter apartment with a full suite, dressing rooms, saloon, study, and terrace. The VIP suite occupies much of the bridge deck, creating another private area having its own lounge, which can be converted into a cabin. A forward observation lounge affords panoramic 180-degree views and floor to ceiling glass is a feature across the yacht. In the unlikely event that you require a distraction from the outside world, a cinema lives below the observation room. Her hull is ice classed and comes with a superb specification, she has a helicopter landing pad and internal garage facility for her custom MD 600 Explorer, as well as three custom-built Rupert Marine RIBS. Designed for the most extreme and challenging conditions, perfect for exploring the most remote destinations or just a lot of fun. She holds an abundance of water toys, such as dive equipment, paddleboards, canoes, wave runners, sea bobs, e-foils, kite surfing equipment and skiing equipment. Highlights Autonomy With the range to sail from Sydney to the Caribbean via Cape Horn, helicopter refuelling facilities and freshwater production, she is self-sufficiency for genuine voyages. Tenders & Toys Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. We will update you on the latest information. 1x Limousine Tender 2x RIBS Tenders 1x Deck Jacuzzi 3x Wave Runners 2x Sea Bobs Anti-Jellyfish Pool Trampoline Aquapark Inflatable Platform Kite Surfing Equipment Water Skis Inflatable Tows Fishing Gear Diving & Scuba Gear Gallery < Previous Yacht Next Yacht >

With an amphibious vehicle like the Big Bo to your exposal, it makes exploring the unknown a lot more fun. Home - Yacht Expeditions - Yachts - Ragnar Ragnar Guests: 12 Year: 2012 Refit: 2020 Length: 68.2m Cabins: 8 Crew: 16 Price: From €525.000/week Named after the legendary Viking King, being one of the most extreme and impressive explorations yachts in our ocean waters, Ragnar is more than a charter yacht, she is a powerful portal into a world of adventure and excitement, a steel vortex that transports the brave and the bold into a different world. From the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean to the South Pacific - wherever in the world, Ragnar grants the willing the ability to fly with eagles, to dive with whales, to carve through the waves with the power of 800 horses. Ragnar is a legendary figure in Old Norse history and mythology. King of the Vikings, Ragnar. With a range of 6000 nm, full ice-breaking functionality and stabilisers that work even at anchor, it can handle the most extreme weather conditions, with its surplus of power. After your daily ocean / land expeditions you can retreat to the spa centre that provides a fully equipped massage room, sauna, steam room and foot spa, afterwards head to the top deck jacuzzi or the C deck pool under the awesome gaze of an effigy of Ragnar himself, then contemplate nature's limitless majesty from the B deck observation lounge. Ragnar has Arctic ice breaking explorer capability, the power to handle all weathers for peaceful nights. You will need at least a week to experience all her toys, including an Airbus EC145 helicopter for heliskiing and a three-passenger submarine to explore the depths. Highlights Wellness After a day of exploration and adventure rest and restrengthen at Ragnar’s spa facilities and services. Tenders & Toys Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. We will update you on the latest information. 3x Tenders 4x Stand Up Jet Skis 6x SUP Boards 6x Sea Bobs 1x Flyboard 2x Efoils 4x Snowmobiles 1x Big Bob Water Skis Deck Jacuzzi Wakeboard Inflatable Toys Pool Surfboards Scuba Equipment RYA Training Centre Kite Surf Equipment Fishing Gear Gallery < Previous Yacht Next Yacht >

Our planet is filled with breathtaking National Parks that hold extraordinary biodiversity and wildlife. Home - The Numinous - Our Natural World Discover our Natural World March-2022 Our planet is filled with breathtaking National Parks that hold extraordinary biodiversity and beautiful wildlife, each with their own purpose in maintaining the magical fauna and flora that we can delightfully witness. The range of experiences we offer in the natural world covers a variety of exceptional and sometimes extremely remote worldwide destinations with their own unique characteristics. The range is limitless, from yacht expeditions discovering the most inaccessible places on earth, to extreme polar regions, or through Hang Son Doong (the world’s largest cave system in Vietnam), tracking golden snub nosed monkeys’ mountainous forests of central and southwest China, the far eastern brown bear in Kamchatka peninsula in Russia, or to the safaris through the diverse ecosystems in Africa. No matter what is on your travel bucket list, we can take you to its heart. With still so much natural beauty to behold across the globe, each with magnificent landmarks and wildlife, it is not easy to filter out how to travel responsible to these destinations, not to mention the logistics and preparations that come with destinations like these. "Specialist" is a quite common word these days, tour operators are not so specialist anymore in today's day and age - mostly it is an A to B package with a lot of extra costs. We believe our conservation-centred approach is unequalled in the industry. Whether it is photographing polar bears and beluga whales in Manitoba, tracking the Kermode Bear in the heart of British Columbia, tracking the elusive Puma in Patagonia through the Torre del Paine National Park, a face-to-face encounter with the endangered Gorillas in Virunga National Park, the Orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park, or diving through an underwater forest of kelp with Sealions and Sea Otters in Monterey Bay. We design each of these unique itineraries that it will leave you with unforgettable wildlife encounters. After all the truly exceptional nature and wildlife documentaries narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough (strongly recommend watching), we are so happy to see that United States former president, Barack Obama, is narrating a five-part documentary “Our Great National Parks” by Netflix. This documentary will highlight some of the world’s most astonishing national parks. Did you know that President Barack Obama protected more public lands and waters than any other US President? Definitely his conservation-oriented principles are impossible to miss! Our fauna and fora around the globe deserve to be protected and preserved. A great way to understand it is by watching this spectacular documentary and understand how these wonders look like when they thrive. The adventures we create are designed to bring you as close to the natural world as possible, no matter what it takes, but without disturbing or harming the environment. Our national parks fauna and flora are more than just scenery. What does the rainforest smell like? What is going on beneath the ocean waves? What is so remarkable about a dark damp cave? Join us on a journey into the extraordinary and beyond to build memories that will last a lifetime. Journey through the natural wonders of our shared birthright. - Barack Obama - < Previous Article Next Article >

Luckily not everything that goes wrong is quite so life-and-death. Sometimes it’s about managing expectations.- Sam Fortescue - Home - V&J in Press - BOAT International BOAT International October-2023 Luckily not everything that goes wrong is quite so life-and-death. Sometimes it’s about managing expectations. - Sam Fortescue - Even the most experienced adventurers face the odd mishap at sea. BOAT talked to our Co-Founder Jasper Sigon on how V&J endures their own challenges on the water. Luckily not everything that goes wrong is quite so life-and-death. Sometimes it’s about managing expectations. Jasper Sigon of bespoke yacht charter specialist Voyages and Journeys remembers a client getting hot and bothered about a delayed flight home via Paris after an expedition. "We ended up arranging a private lunch at L'Ambroisie to kill the extra time and everyone was super happy." - Written by Sam Fortescue and published in the article, Epic passages: around the world in 80 mistakes , from Boat International . Today, we see a lot of individuals or even travel agencies marketing yacht charter services on the mainstream media channels. Since Covid-19 it has become an upcoming market in the travel industry, especially now that these concepts are trending. We even see it on the yacht exhibitions, like Fort Lauderdale and the Monaco yacht show. In Jasper’s personal opinion is not a good development because, there is so much more to it than to just to provide a yacht charter. Unfortunately, for most of the time, these entities will offer a yacht and a destination, then the Client will be forwarded to a Broker to sign the charter contract and they will take care for the basic preparations for the charter and then during the charter the Captain will see what the possibilities are for anchor points. This is such a sad development and definitely not worth the amount of money you pay for a yacht charter. It is not the responsibility of the Broker - the Broker is there for the crew, maintenance and yacht management as service to the owner. It is V&J's responsibility to provide an unforgettable itinerary, and that is why we always have a V&J maritime specialist onboard - to support the Captain and Crew wherever needed and guide them through the itinerary. This way, the Captain and Crew can purely focus on the comfort during the sailing route, what is essential. “You consult an accountant when you need help with your money and a lawyer when you need help with legal issues. Therefore, you should consult a yacht specialist to plan your yacht charter vacation and build your experience portfolio. – Jasper Our Co-Founder, Jasper, has 7 years’ experience at land at sea, by working onshore and offshore drilling platforms located in the harshest environments, like the North Sea. Vanessa, the other V&J Co-Founder, brings more than 11 years of experience of not only operating but also managing operations in remote areas of the world where in addition to the logistic changes, one may have to plan for piracy threat. According to both, there is no bigger challenge that to plan drilling operations offshore where all the planets need to be perfectly aligned. Their background brings to V&J a unique set of skills and knowledge from operations at sea. “Here’s a saying among the boating fraternity that sailors come in two varieties: those who have run aground and those who lie about it. The idea has been claimed and attributed to numerous salty characters down the years but, regardless of its origin, it illuminates a fundamental truth about yachting. That sooner or later, things will go wrong.” – Sam Fortescue, Freelance marine writer Chartering a yacht is a process, where we take every tiny detail in consideration and carry them all out in house. The process of chartering a yacht with V&J goes as follows: 1. Start to understand Client’s past yacht experiences, in order to manage expectations and explain how the process looks like with us. 2. Define the type of yacht that will fit the best with the wishes, budget, destination to explore, and most importantly, the best weather window for such an expedition. 3. Contact the central Broker and Owner of the chosen yacht to confirm requirements and request a draft of the yacht charter contract. What is the difference between a Broker and a central yacht Broker? The central Broker is the direct yacht management company of the yacht, the one that has a direct line with the owner. The majority of all yacht Brokers always have to go to the central yacht Broker. If possible, we try to eliminate this step because it represents a big hazzard for planning and it has many ingredients to jeopardize the ideal planning. We strive to ensure a direct line of communication; one of the keys aspects to safely and successfully operate in maritime environments. 4. After gathering all the information, we will sit down and go through every little detail with the Client, advise and even negotiate on behalf if needed. 5. When every party involved agrees to the terms, before signing the contract we will schedule a site visit to the yacht (if possible), so that the Client can meet the crew and get an impression of the yacht. 6. When the Client gives the green light, the contract will be signed, and the first payments will be made. 7. In the meantime we will start creating the voyage and map out the anchor points, permits, supplies, activities, third parties, docking, flights, safety procedures, etc. This normally happens when you step aboard your vessel and discuss the possibilities with the captain while spending your first night in docks. At V&J we do this inhouse; we operate with our own harbour agencies and local partners around the world, and we communicate this directly to the captain onboard in advanced. Like this we have everything in our control, a direct line of communications, this also takes away some stress points for the captain so that he/ she can fully concentrate on the voyage. 8. When everything is double checked and approved by the Client and owner of the yacht, we request the last payment and confirm every detail. 9. At the end of the voyage, we will receive the APA overview (Advance Provisioning Allowance) - this is the part of the total yacht payment required to cover the flexible costs for preparations, requested supplies, port fees, mooring, permits, fuel, communications, third party services, itinerary, food, beverages, etc. We will go over this overview with the client to see if everything is correct, and the remaining value will be transferred back to the Client. A very important aspect for V&J is that we always suggest adding marine conservation efforts into our yacht expeditions. During the first contacts with the Client, we evaluate the possibility and interest to donate a pre-defined amount of time and space onboard (if applicable) to local or international marine conservation projects. This initiative always results in unforgettable experiences for the Client, such as tagging Tiger Sharks or testing new equipment, restoring Coral Reefs, or creating observation reports about unreachable parts of the ocean. It brings the Client directly in touch with marine life, and it is a true life-enhancing experience. To ensure a memorable yachting experience there is always a V&J yacht specialist onboard during the voyage, so that the Client always has a central point of communication, and the Captain and Crew will have a Focal Point to rely for special operations or to deal with Client’s wish-list. As the article from Boat international describes, we can never rule out something going wrong or not going according to plan, especially while afloat and being depending on weather. This is where knowledge and experience come in. We know very well how to anticipate and prepare for these situations and to voyages to the ends of the earth and outside the main sailing routes, so we can always adapt and act on it. “Expect the unexpected and prepare. These are standard practices operating offshore.”- Jasper Sigon < Previous Article Next Article >

Home - Yacht Expeditions - Yachts - Heeus Heeus Guests: 12 Year: 2023 Length: 44.2m Cabins: 6 Crew: 9 Price: From €230.000/week “Heeus can reach virtually any point on Earth that you can reach by sea. This yacht has no-limits” - says Bering Yachts Co-Founder Alexei Mikhailov. Fresh out of the Bering shipyards M/Y Heeus is a true masterpiece, if you are looking for a yacht that provides the perfect platform in tough ocean passages in remote subarctic locations or long stretches anchored at remote tropical islands with nothing but the fish and stars for company, Heeus should be definitely on your shortlist. It is built just for these purposes. With her huge volume of 499GT and impressive hybrid technology that enables her to cruise silently for a few hours or sit at anchor for a long time with zero noise or emissions, Heeus is not only an explorer yacht, but also a luxury yacht offering best in class comfort and refinement. With a wide array of tenders and water toys, including a 9.2 metre chase tender, two further tenders, three jet skis, three Seabobs and an enormous amount of towable and inflatable toys you will not get bored, and we are able to plan very exciting ways to explore the unknown. With a striking exterior, four decks and long-distance cruising capabilities she comfortably accommodates 12 guests in six stylish cabins comprising of one master, two VIPs, two doubles with Pullmans that can be converted to twins, as well as having an additional flexible convertible double cabin suitable for two extra guests. The master suite is forward on the main deck and comprises a large office, huge ensuite with bath and steam shower and a large walk-in closet and dressing area. The lower deck accommodates all other cabins which are fitted in luxurious materials and with beautiful ensuites. The upper deck hosts a stunning sky lounge with large wine coolers, back-lit onyx bar, 85” cinema TV and relaxed comfortable seating. The sun deck is the main external space, offering a large jacuzzi, bar with integrated appliances including BBQ and grill, relaxed and formal seating options, with an outside cinema for enjoying movies or watching sports, as well as gym and exercise equipment. The outside deck has a large dining table and sun loungers which can be repositioned once the yacht’s tenders have been launched offering a very large open deck and spa area, an impressive collection of gym equipment and more. Her expansive main saloon is the perfect place for gathering with family and friends and also doubles down as a formal dining area for mealtimes, with a second dining area located on the upper deck, in the sky lounge. Al fresco dining can be experienced in three different areas, on the main, upper or sun decks. Down aft there is a 40 square-meter beach club with large opening sea terrace door and access to the stern platform which incorporates a high/low swimming ladder. The beach club has a Hammam for guest use as well as relaxed informal seating. Highlights The beach club Her 40 square meter beach club provides the perfect hideaway to enjoy the views to the fullest and to let your thoughts float away Tenders & Toys Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. We will update you on the latest information. Beach setup equipment Masks, snorkles, flippers 6 x full sets Bauchart SCUBA gear Various fishing equipment 1 x Standup Jet Ski Various towable toys 2 x Waverunner 2 x Jobe inflatable paddle boards (3m) 3 x Seabob F5 2 x Inflatable kayaks Gala 4.6m aluminium hull 70hp Inflatable trampoline Gala 6.5m aluminium hull 175hp Inflatable slide Welcraft 9.2m Fiberglass Centerconsole Gallery < Previous Yacht Next Yacht >

Als travel curatoren stellen zij zorgvuldig op maat gemaakte reizen samen voor uiteenlopende cliënten.- Marina de Massiac - Home - V&J in Press - Talkies Man Magazine Talkies Man Magazine April-2023 Als travel curatoren stellen zij zorgvuldig op maat gemaakte reizen samen voor uiteenlopende cliënten. - Marina de Massiac - Portugese duo Jasper Sigon en Vanessa Mestre richtte een aantal jaar geleden het exclusieve reisbureau Voyages & Journeys op. Als travel curatoren stellen zij vanuit hun hoofdkantoor in Lissabon zorgvuldig op maat gemaakte reizen samen voor uiteenlopende cliënten. Of een klant nu vijfduizend euro betaalt of honderd keer meer, het einddoel blijft hetzelfde voor het avontuurlijke duo: 'cliënten moeten thuiskomen met een hoofd vol onuitwisbare indrukken en mooie verhalen’ , aldus Jasper Sigon. Waarom zijn jullie een reisbureau begonnen? ‘We hebben allebei een achtergrond in de energiesector. Onze banen brachten ons op de meest afgelegen en hardcore locaties ter wereld. In 2015 ben ik van functie gewisseld, hiervoor werd ik permanent in Nederland gestationeerd, dit bracht logistieke moeilijkheden met zich mee: Vanessa werkte in Portugal en het land waarin haar project zich bevond, terwijl ik in Nederland zat. In onze vrije tijd spraken we af in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt of Parijs om elkaar te kunnen zien. Tijdens een mooie wandeling in het Portugese Serra da Estrela besloot ik dat ik niet verder wilde met mijn baan. We zijn toen gaan reizen door Zuidoost-Azië en het Midden-Oosten. Eenmaal terug sloeg de realiteit toe: ik moest geld gaan verdienen.’ Het fundament voor jullie bedrijf werd gelegd. ‘Niet direct. Ik ben Uber-chauffeur in Lissabon geworden om rond te komen. Ik reed een jong stel rond dat meer van Portugal wilde zien gedurende een aantal dagen. Ik stelde een reis voor ze samen waarin ze mooie bezienswaardigheden bezochten, culinaire hoogtepunten beleefden en wijn proefden. Een aantal maanden later kwamen ze terug met de hele familie om twee weken lang door Portugal te toeren. Ik vond dit zo leuk dat we op een gegeven moment meer dan driehonderd reizen per jaar binnen Portugal organiseerden. Op dat moment werd het fundament van ons bedrijf gelegd. Later volgden er mooie reizen in Marrakesh, de Sahara en Schotland.’ Waar streven jullie naar met jullie bureau? ‘Waar het ons om gaat is dat onze cliënten hun perspectief op reizen veranderen. We zijn geen reisadviseurs die reispakketten samenstellen waarin de cliënt van a naar b reist. We kleuren ver buiten het hokje. Cliënten moeten thuiskomen met een hoofd vol onuitwisbare indrukken en mooie verhalen.’ Niks is dus te gek? ‘In feite zijn out of the box aanvragen onze specialiteit. We organiseren veel jachtexpedities. Natuurlijk kun je dan op de Mediterraanse zee of het Caribische gebied varen, maar wij denken graag out of the box. Zo nemen we onze cliënten graag mee naar de Noordwestelijke doorgang, de verborgen marinebasis in Kroatië, de witte woestijn of Antarctica. De jachten die we charteren zijn van alle luxe voorzien, zo komt het weleens voor dat er een helikopter aan boord is of een onderzeeër waarmee we een remote destination kunnen bezoeken. Volgend jaar zullen we met onze exclusieve partner Ocean Sky Cruises op een milieubewuste manier reizen organiseren naar de Noordpool.' Milieuvriendelijk reizen lijkt haast de nieuwe norm te zijn. Houden jullie daar rekening mee? ‘Het conserveren van ecosystemen staat voorop en is een van onze kernwaarden. We geloven erin dat je milieubewust de wereld kunt ontdekken. Over de jaren heen hebben we een netwerk opgebouwd waarin we met veertig conserveringsprojecten in contact zijn gekomen. We koppelen onze cliënten op drie verschillende manieren aan de instanties. Door middel van een donatie in de vorm van tijd of geld kunnen ze bijdragen aan een mooiere toekomst. De verbinding tussen mens en natuur is zó belangrijk. Neem nu het volgende voorbeeld: gedurende een verblijf op het Filipijnse eiland Palawan planden we een excursie naar Bacuit Bay. We bevonden ons twintig meter onder water. Dichtbij zwommen er vijf walvishaaien met ons mee. Toen we eenmaal boven water waren moesten we een uur bijkomen, zó mooi en onwerkelijk was het moment onder water geweest.’ Tot slot: gaan jullie over tien jaar de ruimte in? ‘Ik had niet verwacht dat het daadwerkelijk plaats zou gaan vinden, maar in 2025 gaan we in samenwerking met onze exclusieve partner Space Perspective de ruimte in. De oprichters van het bedrijf, Jane Poynter en Taber MacCallum hebben een project op poten weten te krijgen dat de hele wereld zal verrassen. Op een hele comfortabele manier passagiers de ruimte in krijgen is iets wat tot de verbeelding spreekt. Op dertig kilometer afstand van de aarde zal men gedurende zes uur in de Spaceship Neptune van een panoramisch uitzicht kunnen genieten in een zeer ruime, comfortabele cabine. De in Miami gevestigde horecaondernemer David Grutman zal passagiers voorzien van een trendy F&B ervaring.’ We leren Jasper en Vanessa kennen tijdens een reis naar Portugal. Het duo koos voor het interview een bijzondere plek uit bij een van hun zorgvuldig geselecteerde partners: het Herdade de Malhadinha Nova hotel. Gelegen in de vrij onbekende Portugese Alentejostreek. Vanessa komt van origine uit Portugal, maar laat zich ondanks het feit dat ze half Portugees is onverminderd aangenaam verrassen door de originaliteit en het ronduit rustgevende landschap van het hotel. Het duo selecteert voor haar cliënten een select aantal accommodaties waar oog voor detail een prominente plek in beslag neemt omdat het naar eigen zeggen een reflectie van hun geboden service moet zijn. Het gros van de accommodaties wordt in eerste instantie bezocht en getest op kwaliteit om zo cliënten van een premium ervaring te voorzien.' < Previous Article Next Article >

We wish to collect incomparable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime and to develop a better understanding about the natural world. Home - About Us - Our Promise Our Promise As we look ahead to future travel plans, we all know that so much has changed. At V&J, we want you to feel confident when deciding whether to book a vacation with us. Now more than ever, flexibility receives the importance it deserves. You want guarantees that any travel plans you make will be flexible, secure, and fully supported. Working with a travel organisation like V&J means that you will have at your disposal all the required support and assurance that every detail is carefully planned, once that we design our journeys on such a way that it gives you and your travel companions total peace of mind to relax and enjoy your well-deserved and well-overdue time away. Plan with reliability When we start creating your bespoke voyage, we take every tiny detail in consideration with absolute precision. Because of our experience working in the most remote and harsh environments around the globe, we are used to anticipate, adapt, update and execute. Due to our amazing partners that are truly pioneers in their profession, we are continuously updated about the travel regulations and restrictions. We wish nothing else but to deliver unforgettable moments that turn into stories for years to come. Travel insurance As a safe travel partner from Global Rescue, we are delighted to say that we can take you to the most remote places on earth safely, secured, and with medical evacuation coverage for the harshest environments. We can offer travel insurance guidance and together with your designated travel specialist you can go over the details to seek advice, to have all the necessary arrangements in place – for example, if you have tested positive for Covid-19 you have to go into quarantine and are denied travelling and professional help can help you to navigate through the bureaucracy. Speak to your travel specialist, and we will guide you through the procedures and actions to be taken. Digital Security While Traveling Both your safety and your vital digital information can be compromised when you travel. As a responsible tour operator, it is important to explain and let you understand the risks and learn how to protect yourself when you’re in a foreign country with unknown digital threats. Together with your travel specialist you will perform, (like we use to say) a “digital diligence”, that when done in advance can save you from some major headaches, including compromised private data, theft of personal information and even stolen identities. Venture with Confidence We take pride in our approach and work ethics to secure client safety. Especially now, it is crucial to ensure safe and worry-free travel for everyone. We work with trusted suppliers globally, wherever you plan to spend your vacation, we will be on hand 24/7 should any support be needed. Our objective is to ensure your time away should be all about enjoying yourselves. Leaving us to take care of everything to help you explore safely.

Kinfish is equipped with specialist zodiacs that you will use to make incursions among the imposing ice floes and have closer contact with the polar fauna. Home - Yacht Expeditions - Yachts - Kinfish Kinfish Guests: 12 Year: 1958 Refit: 2017 Length: 37m Cabins: 6 Crew: 7 Price: From €45.000/week Kinfish was built for the Norwegian Sea Rescue Society and served as a sea rescuer between 1958 and 1985. After various refits and upgrades, with recent work being done in 2017, she became a small, exclusive expedition vessel, ready to sail the exciting icy waters of the Arctic. Over the last years, Kinfish has completed amazing wildlife discovery expeditions around the Svalbard Islands, the closest piece of land to the North Pole. There are six guest cabins on board, including five twin cabins and one quad cabin, all with ensuite bathrooms that create an informal atmosphere as well as offering 360-degree views from all deck levels, perfect for observing and photographing wildlife and scenery from varying perspectives. The "arctic" atmosphere inside takes us back to the nostalgia of ancient polar expeditions creating a once in a lifetime experience. Her small size and manoeuvrability make Kinfish perfect to access small fjords, and to get up close with polar wildlife, which can be frequently observed on drift ice floes, icebergs, and glaciers. Kinfish design provides a room primarily used for presentations or briefings, perfect to add a research element to your charter, with this space you can learn more about the environment you are sailing through. Her state-of-the-art bridge equipment also allows passengers to view 3D images of the seabed below. Her superior stabilization system makes for comfortable cruising, while her minimal-vibration engine allows photography lovers to put their tripods to good use. Kinfish deck space is laid out at multiple levels, which allows travellers to fully enjoy the scenery and wildlife from every corner of the ship. Highlights Tenders Kinfish is equipped with specialist zodiacs that you will use to make incursions among the imposing ice floes and have closer contact with the polar fauna. Tenders & Toys Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. We will update you on the latest information. 2x Zodiac Tender 2x Watski Foldable Bicycles 4x SUP Boards Ocean Fishing Gear Gallery < Previous Yacht Next Yacht >

To create even a better connection with your surroundings, she is fitted with a drop-down balcony that provides a ceiling to floor view. Home - Yacht Expeditions - Yachts - Stardust of Mary Stardust of Mary Guests: 8 Year: 2015 Length: 26.3m Cabins: 4 Crew: 4 Price: From €55.000/week Looking for a unique destination to explore? Portugal, a relatively unknown charter destination, attractions reaching beyond the exquisite coastlines and prestigious region of the Algarve. Be the first to discover the western coastlines and the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse yourself in the richness of colourful culture and outstanding adventures that awaits outside the capital. Designed and built by Sunseeker, Stardust of Mary is a dynamic 26m superyacht from the British shipyard’s popular 86 series. A sleek sports yacht with a top speed of 28 knots, she is the perfect combination of performance and style. She is also fitted with stabilizers for a smooth ride by counteracting roll caused by waves or wind, it truly offers an extraordinary Mediterranean cruising experience. Delivered in 2015, she was beautifully refitted in 2020 and features a spacious open-plan interior with four luxurious ensuite staterooms finished in glossy wood panelling with cream leather accents. Her expansive outdoor living areas include an alfresco dining area on the main deck aft, a triple sun pad in the bow plus a fabulous lounge and bar up on the flybridge. She features full wrap-around windows allowing for plenty of natural light to illuminate the same fabulous panoramic views as of you were standing on the exterior deck areas. She also has a drop-down balcony to create an even better connection with the surroundings. Some of the main stand-out features include a centre rise and a TV that separate the elegantly decorated saloon from the formal dining area. Forward, on the observation area there is a breakfast bar. She is truly the perfect yacht to explore and experience the beautiful coastlines of Portugal with the family and friends. Highlights Lavish design With the generous interior volume of a much larger yacht, she really provides spacious areas that are beautiful decorated, together with her big windows she really creates a perfect blend of her surroundings. Tenders & Toys Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. We will update you on the latest information. 1x 2016 Williams Turbojet 385 1x Diesel Fuelling Station 3x Paddle Boards 1x Sea Bob 1x Radinn Electric 1x Large Banana Surfboard Water Skiing Gear Towable Discs Inflatables Snorkelling Gear Gallery < Previous Yacht Next Yacht >