White Desert 2019/2020 season
Cover White Desert 2019/2020 season

Martinis shaken with 10,000-year-old ice, dramatic views and once in a lifetime experiences—Echo by White Desert in Antarctica just made it to the top of our bucket list

Travel's back open but most of us aren't rushing back to crowded hotspots—more travellers are in search of remote destinations than ever, and we can't think of anywhere more remote than Antarctica. 

White Desert, the pioneers of luxury travel in Antarctica, have shared the the details of their new camp, Echo, which will open in November 2022.

Inspired by the seminal age of Space exploration—each pod features retro space-age interiors, think 2001: A Space Odyssey—Echo will provide exclusive access to the rarely seen interior of the Continent.

See also: Tatler's Guide to Going to Outer Space

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The stylish eco-camp will feature six sky pods complete with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the dramatic landscape of snow and ice. Made from composite fibreglass, each sky pod will be designed for two guests, with luxurious furnishings, and heating of course. 

Further adding to the space theme, original photos taken from the International Space Station (ISS) by retired astronaut, Terry Virts, adorn the pod walls. Says Virts of the Echo landscape, “The mountains are the most beautiful I have seen across Earth, Venus and Mars.”

Ensuring no harm is done to this vast yet vulnerable continent, White Desert has designed Echo to be dismantled without a trace. White Desert Antarctica have also pledged to use US$1,000 per person per trip on their conservation, community and sustainability initiatives.

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Echo will offer guests an ultra-luxury stay as they experience a once in lifetime adventure, with a dedicated team that includes an experienced team of chefs, hosts and expert guides.

On arrival, guests of Echo will be greeted in a private lounge where a martini, shaken with 10,000 year old ice, will be waiting.

Guests will have access to all White Desert activities, which include fat biking, skiing, skidooing and 4x4 Arctic Truck driving as well as expertly guided hiking, ice-climbing and mountaineering. Antarctic interior highlights such as visiting Atka Bay to see the 28,000 strong Emperor Penguin colony, or a journey to the South Pole, are also on offer.

Prices for a stay at Echo start from US$780,000 for an exclusive group of 12 pax or US$65,000pp for a five-day tour. Prices include return flights and transfers from Cape Town to Antarctica, all accommodation, food & beverage, and activities around camp. 

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