DRIFT Travel Magazine Fall 2021

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

WINE MUSEUMS OF THE WORLD 

SPIRITED HISTORY ACROSS SEVEN COUNTRIES 

ANTIGUA + BARBUDA 

A DEEP BLUE TALE OF TWO CARIBBEAN ISLANDS 

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 

DISCOVER THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF PERU 

PRIMEVAL GLACIERS IN CHILE 

10 DAYS IN TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK 

FALL 2021 

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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 1

PUBLISHER 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

STEVE DRAKE 

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL 

JOCELYN BLACK, ALBA CACCAVALE, 

JUNE DAGNALL, MONISHA GOHIL, 

ANDREW MARSHALL, KAITLIN NARCISO, 

KIRA KANANI SEAMON, MICHAEL TREMBLAY 

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY 

STEVE DRAKE, JEAN FRANÇOIS GUGGENHEIM, 

ANDREW MARSHALL, KAITLIN NARCISO, 

KIRA KANANI SEAMON, TOM WHEATLEY, 

ELEANOR YE, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM 

AUTHORITY,TOURISM IRELAND, ADOBE STOCK 

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Published by: Glossy Media 

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GLOSSY MEDIA 

2015-2021

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06 cover story 

Wine Museums of the World 

BY MONISHA GOHIL 

A true story for those that love wine 

and are craving travel. From ultra 

contemporary to historical reverence, 

come with us to seven of the world’s 

best wine museums. 

10 

46 

22 

columns 

18 Travel Gear 

44 Hotel Spotlight 

64 #WhereToNext 

56 


10 Antigua & Barbuda 

BY MICHAEL TREMBLAY 

A Caribbean tale of two islands 

told from a local perspective. 

22 Chasing Glaciers in Chile 

BY ANDREW MARSHALL 

A 10-day trek across Torres del 

Paine National Park. 

28 A Photographic Journey 

BY KIRA KANANI SEAMON 

A unique look at the people and 

places of Peru. 

46 Northern Ireland 

BY JOCELYN BLACK 

Exploring Belfast and beyond with 

the help of a paddle. 

50 British Columbia 

BY KAITLIN NARCISO 

The surf, sand, sea and landscapes 

of Canada’s wild west coast. 

56 Siringit Safari Camp 

BY JUNE DAGNALL 

This luxury mobile camp embraces the roots of 

safari in renowned Serengeti National Park. 

6o Underwater Art 

BY ALBA CACCAVALE 

An artist reimagnes art that embodies 

water, the human form and adventure. 

Contents 

28 60 


Seven Wine Museums 

for the traveling wine enthusiast 

BY: MONISHA GOHIL 

As our long awaited travel plans cautiously begin to formulate, a definite travel bucket 

item to embrace are visits to fascinating wine museums. These museums are found all 

around the world, some with state of the art facilities, while others are abundant with 

charm; however all have magnificent stories and histories. 


La Cite du Vin 

Bordeaux, France 

Opened in 2016, La Cite du Vin is 

a prominent building designed to 

mimic both the swirl of wine in a 

glass and the curves of the nearby 

Garonne River. Within its ten floors, 

you will find interactive maps, stateof-the-art 

exhibition technology, 

tasting rooms and an assortment of 

restaurants, including Restaurant Le 

7, which offers outstanding panoramic 

views of Bordeaux. 

WiMu: The Wine Museum 

Barolo, Italy 

Located inside a castle with a rich 

1000 year old history, WiMu gives 

visitors a complete journey through 

the wines of Barolo. Start your 

expedition on the panoramic terrace 

with an exploration of the wine in 

history, myth and tradition, and descend 

to the cellar, where the region’s 

first Nebbiolo wines were made in 

the 19th century. Here you will see 

bottles and labels from all the towns 

that produce Barolo, as well as the 

opportunity to take some home with 

you. 


Vivanco Museum 

Rioja, Spain 

With 4,000 square meters of 

exhibition space, the Vivanco 

Museum dedicates its six large 

rooms to the fascinating relationship 

between man and wine over 8,000 

years. There are century’s old 

vessels and farming tools alongside 

great works of art and audio visual 

features. Outside you will discover 

the museum’s crowning glory which 

is the Garden of Bacchus, home to 

a vineyard featuring more than 220 

grape varieties from around the 

world. 

Port Wine Museum 

Porto, Portugal 

Dating back to the 17th century and 

located in the Cais Novo Warehouse 

is the Port Wine Museum which 

showcases the history of the Port 

wine industry and the impact its 

trade had on the development of 

Porto. You will find antiques, fine 

and rare bottles, enchanting stories 

of wine producers and plenty of 

opportunities for tastings. 

Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum 

Santorini, Greece 

The Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum 

is nestled in a cave 26 feet down. 

It is Greece’s only wine museum, and 

offers an in-depth look at the ancient 

history of Santorini’s wine industry. 

Explore rare wine artifacts, cultural 

items and innovations, and then 

visit the adjacent family winery for 

demonstrations and tastings. 


Pleven Wine Museum, 

Pleven, Bulgaria 

Founded in 2008 and hidden within 

in a cave in Kaylaka Park, the Pleven 

Wine Museum is home to the 

country’s first vocational viniculture 

school, which opened in 1890, and 

showcases everything Bulgarian wine 

has to offer. Visitors can learn about 

the history of Bulgarian wine, as well 

as where it stands today. Its cellars 

are home to more than 7,000 bottles 

from all of Bulgaria’s wine producing 

regions, many of which are available 

for tastings. 

1881 Museum 

Napa, California 

The 1881 Museum in California’s 

Napa Valley features possibly the 

most comprehensive exhibition 

of the valley’s early winemaking 

history. Visitors can learn the stories 

of Napa’s early pioneers, explore 

winemaking relics and immerse 

themselves in fascinating documents 

from the California Wine Trade 

Archive. There are more than 50 

wines by the glass available for 

tastings which can be enjoyed in 

the property’s 150 year old Victoria 

house. 


A Tale of Two Islands 

BY: MICHAEL TREMBLAY 

Even before we embarked on a tropical odyssey to Antigua and Barbuda, our 

considerable excitement was tempered by a touch of unfamiliarity. While we 

knew we could expect the warm sun, soft sands, and azure waters typical of every 

Caribbean haven, coming to terms with the true identity of the destination would 

have to come from our adventures on Antigua, the larger and more developed of 

the two islands, and our forays to Barbuda, its wilder, sparsely inhabited neighbor. 

What we found in Antigua and Barbuda was not one exceptional island, but two: 

each distinct in character but so alike in their magnetic charm and breadth of 

profoundly memorable experiences. At once both rustic and lavish, adventurous 

and tranquil, the eclectic range of the attractions, accommodations, and excursions 

available in Antigua and Barbuda stands out as this perfect pair’s greatest virtue. 

Offering something for travelers of all ages and inclinations, Antigua and Barbuda 

is a dynamic paradise with a novel allure that defies our endeavors to summarize 

and chronicle it, despite our best efforts to do so for you below. 


Lessons From The Locals 

From the moment we arrived at Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport, we were overwhelmed by the reception 

we received from the locals. Even beyond the taxi drivers and hotel staff, it seemed as if there was always a smiling 

face willing to guide us to our next stop or recommend an entirely new one. The genuine quality of our welcome 

speaks greatly to the pride the locals have for their idyllic home and to their resilience and optimism in the wake of 

economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It was from these organic interactions with the enthusiastic inhabitants of Antigua’s colorful capital of St. John’s 

that we gained an understanding and an appreciation for the country’s history. Antigua, the “older brother”, is a 

former British colony and sugar plantation of some 90,000 people originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawaks, 

bestowed its modern name by Christopher Columbus in the late 1400s. Antigua’s stunning coastline is rimmed 

with coral reefs brimming with endangered sea turtles and parrotfish; its tropical headlands punctuated by 

volcanic rock formations, breezy cliffside villages, and the (relative) cosmopolitan bustle of scenic St. John’s. 

Barbuda, the “younger sister” lies 40 km north of Antigua, its population of fewer than 2,000 mostly cloistered 

around the village of Codrington, a colonial residential center over three centuries old established on a lagoon. 

Unspoiled by modern development, Barbuda’s highlands feature coastal caves and compelling cliff-faces, its famous 

lagoon serving as the region’s largest colony of the beautiful and well-named Magnificent Frigatebird. Barbuda 

is regularly accessible by ferry boat or water taxi from Antigua, with local flights between the two islands also 

available. Expect a trip of roughly one and a half hours, if you opt to sail the cerulean waves. 


In the Lap of Luxury 

That Antigua and Barbuda’s fascinating history is less-known even to frequent visitors of the region is a shame, but 

also perhaps reflective of the overshadowing effect of the islands’ reputation for excellence in accommodations. As 

we traveled the breadth of Antigua, it seemed as if each perfect, white sand beach we passed was host to its own 

collection of oceanfront cabanas or overlooked by a smattering of hilltop hideaways. Larger resorts like Hermitage 

Bay, COCOs, and the Royalton constitute Antigua’s compelling portfolio of all-inclusive properties, impressing 

with prime beach access, extensive spa and dining amenities, and the impeccable blending of an authentic 

Caribbean design aesthetic with the latest in modern luxuries. 

For our part, we were hosted by the breathtaking Jumby Bay, a 300-acre private retreat on Long Island, two miles 

off the coast of Antigua proper. Swaying palm trees ushered us into the private world of Jumby Bay from the very 

first moment we stepped foot on the quaint wooden dock. A tour of the expansive grounds revealed the property’s 

full splendor: multiple infinity pools and restaurants, a massive fitness center and spa, and the pristine ivory 

beaches at Pasture Bay, ready to accommodate seekers of suntans and aquatic adventures alike. The striking White 

Egret we spied en-route to our lodgings was an arresting sight trumped only by the tasteful sophistication and 

elegant nautical stylings of our beach side suite, complete with plush white linens, a personal soaking tub, and an 

outdoor garden. 

We can only assume that the bliss we experienced at Jumby Bay can be matched during a stay at any of the other 

luxury resorts, boutique or otherwise, on the islands. Even Barbuda, in its wild and natural glory, can assert a claim 

to superlative pockets of luxury with properties like its Barbuda Belle: an incredibly exclusive getaway comprising 

six charming wooden bungalows within the sandy heart of Codrington Lagoon Park. Accessible only by boat, the 

Belle is a favorite of travelers who crave privacy without compromising on comfort, as well as proximity to the 

reptiles, birds, sea turtles, and lobsters who make Barbuda their home. 


Dining on the Dunes 

There is a staggering amount of gourmet dining options in Antigua and Barbuda, spoiling even the most frivolous 

foodie for choice. When we searched for the classic tropical fare that typifies Caribbean cuisine, we found it: 

delicious Johnnycakes, seafood chowder, fish cakes, and grilled spiny lobster, served up fresh and aromatic and 

brought directly to our beach loungers. There’s nothing quite like enjoying fresh seafood in direct proximity to 

its source, a local liquid favorite like English Harbour rum or Wadadli in hand, as you gaze contentedly into the 

endless blue. 

Rather recently, the gastronomy of Antigua and Barbuda has embraced a trend of incorporating global flavors. 

With historical influence from the British, French, Spanish, and indigenous Carib, it is perhaps natural that 

its cuisine would move to reflect its diverse origins. The aptly named Sheer Rocks, which sits atop a cliff at the 

Cocobay resort, is one of the restaurants leading this tantalizing renaissance. Led by award-winning Chef-de- 

Cuisine Simon Christey-French, Sheer Rocks serves up a locally sourced Mediterranean-style tasting menu 

complete with lamb shank, beetroot tartare, and seared yellowfin tuna. The Foie Gras Parfait was velvety and 

savory, melting on the tongue while stimulating the taste buds with spicy notes from the mustard seed. 

Elsewhere in Antigua, you’ll find palate-pleasing gourmet offerings at most of the restaurants that adjoin the major 

resorts. Carmichael’s at Sugar Ridge deserves special mention, boasting a ‘lavish cabana’ aesthetic and situated 

at the highest point of the resort, providing sweeping views of the hills and sea. Signature dishes like the Lobster 

medallions and bouillabaisse are cooked to perfection with herbs and spices that reflect Carib cooking traditions. 

If you’re famished from a day of fun on Barbuda, seek out Nobu, the Peruvian-Japanese sushi fusion restaurant 

realized through a partnership by Robert De Niro and Chef Nobuyuki Masuhisa. This internationally acclaimed 

eatery specializing in seafood is a natural fit for Barbuda, which boasts incredible seafood of its own, and elevates 

the dining experience even higher by consequence of its location on one of the island’s white powder beaches. 


What to see, what to do, and where to do... nothing 

While our time in Antigua and Barbuda has led us to conclude that it is a destination whose virtues must be 

experienced rather than relayed, we’ve shared a few of our highlights below, dividing them by island to make sure each 

receives their deserved due. 


Antigua 

Curious guests with an appreciation for history will want to first take time to embark on a walking tour of 

St. Johns, and then make a beeline for Nelson’s Dockyard. Named after Royal Navy Admiral Horatio Nelson, 

this UNESCO-recognized world heritage site has a storied history dating back to the 18th century. The hills 

surrounding this painstakingly restored site are full of pleasant hiking trails that wind around venerable colonial 

forts. The nearby lookout of Shirley Heights may be the best place to catch the sunrise (or sunset) on the island, 

stunning us with its sweeping, panoramic vantage over English Harbour. Devil’s Bridge National Park, just beyond 

the village of Willikies, is our pick for the most awe-inspiring natural site on Antigua, so-named for its limestone 

sea bridge carved over millions of years by geysers and blowholes. 

Standard Caribbean fare like cruising, kayaking, and duty-free shopping aside (all of which we heartily 

recommend, of course), Stingray City was the breakaway excursion of our trip. Traveling to the warm shallows of 

Seatons Village, we were ushered into the water with snorkel gear and encouraged to touch, feed, and swim with 

incredibly majestic stingrays. Our team was collectively astonished at the intrepid and friendly nature of these 

animals, who actively sought to interact with the humans visiting their colorful reef home. The fun didn’t end 

when we returned to dry land: we opted to book a combination tour and got up close with vivid parrots, giant 

(truly, giant!) tortoises, as well as a host of aquatic creatures on a mangrove snorkeling tour. 


Barbuda 

You can’t leave Barbuda without marveling at the Frigatebirds. The darlings of both ornithologists and more casual 

birdwatchers like ourselves, these sizable seabirds made an indelible impression with their inflatable crimson 

throat sacs. Perched on small sand rises, the males provided an intense visual contrast to the brackish waters of the 

lagoon, their mating coalescing into a frenzied, yet captivating orchestra of a thousand red balloons. Watching the 

lagoon’s inhabitants click, dance, and ‘drum’ (as our guide called it) their way through the ritual of mating was a 

spectacular natural drama that must be seen and heard to be believed. 

For something a little quieter but no less stimulating, we recommend a trip to the cliffside caves of Two Foot Bay 

National Park. While each cave here has an interesting story to tell, make Indian Cave your priority: as the only 

known cave on Barbuda with genuine Arawak petroglyphs, it’s one of the best ways to connect with the original 

inhabitants of the island on a visceral and visual level. 

Snorkel, dive, swim and sail, and hike. Barbuda is a natural wonderland that should be explored in all its 

forms through whichever physical manner you favor. That being said, we can’t in good faith publish a list of 

recommended Caribbean excursions without including horseback riding on the beach. Luckily, Barbuda excels in 

this regard as well: the luxe Lighthouse Bay Boutique Resort captured our hearts as on a cross-island gallop across 

the island’s beaches and through its shallows. Our spirited yet friendly steeds seemed to bear us with enthusiasm, 

making light work of Barbuda’s varied terrain and fearlessly wading into gentle, warm waters up to our waists. For 

making us feel like the cover models of our own romance novel, horseback riding comes highly recommended. 

A parting recommendation: as any veteran vacationer to the Caribbean would likely affirm, sometimes time spent 

on vacation is best spent doing nothing at all. The laid-back tempo of life in the region offers a much-needed 

escape from hectic schedules and urban staccato. With “a beach for every day of the year”, as the tagline goes, we 

recommend searching for a beach that best suits your personalized need for tranquil nothingness. For our money, 

the best beach to lose track of time and space on in Antigua is Rendezvous Bay, which is accessible only by off-road 

4x4 and bordered by a nature preserve, allowing you to reconnect with the primal beauty of nature. On the quieter 

Barbuda, just about any beach will provide the perfect venue for letting the gentle waves lap at your heels, but of 

particular note is Princess Diana Beach, a crescent-shaped slice of divine pink sand that we fell in love with as a 

tanning and snorkeling venue. 

We came to Antigua and Barbuda as neophytes, 

and left as evangelists: bringing the warm glow of 

the Caribbean back with us to our cubicles. 


To learn more about Antigua and Barbuda and plan your own journey to the perfect pair, 

visit visitantiguabarbuda.com 


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Torres del Paine National Park 

CHILE 

A10-day trek across primeval glaciers 


BY ANDREW MARSHALL 

High on the thermals the condor 

rides, etched black against an 

endless blue sky. With a wingspan of 

over two meters, its flight is one of 

effortless grace, eyes cast downward 

in an eternal search for carrion. 

The world below is one of harsh 

beauty. Jagged shards of solid rock 

thrust skywards by monumental 

forces forming a chain of snowcapped 

mountains. On the peaks, 

blizzards can occur at any time of 

the year, giving birth to glaciers; 

mammoth rivers of ice that scour 

deep valleys on their descent before 

calving giant icebergs into the 

numerous aquamarine lakes. 

At roughly 51 degrees south, Parque 

Nacional Torres del Paine (Torres 

del Paine National Park) is situated 

at the south-eastern end of the Hielo 

Sur, Patagonia’s massive southern 

continental icecap, which has, with 

the hand of thousands of years, 

landscaped this incredible region of 

southern Chile. 

For the condor we must have been 

easy targets to spot. In one powerful 

dive he sweeps down over our heads 

- two hikers alone in an immense 

wilderness, backpacks loaded with 

ten days’ worth of food and all the 

paraphernalia needed to hike the 

100-kilometer ‘Circuit Trail’ of the 

Torres del Paine National Park. 

Walking the Circuit Trail anticlockwise 

is definitely the way to go. 

In this direction the days unfold, 

each better than the previous one. 

Every scenic highlight is literally 

thrown at the walker at the turn of a 

corner, or the cresting of a ridge, and 

always without warning. 


Lake Dickson is the first big event. 

Leaving the boggy channels of Paine 

River on our second day, we climb a 

ridge. Pow! A view so perfect we are 

gasping with pleasure and surprise. 

Ahead, a glacier sparkles in the 

late afternoon light like a million 

candles. At its foot lies Lake Dickson 

and floating in this sky-blue sea of 

tranquil reflection among the mobile 

icebergs is a peninsula of grass and 

woodland, and our first Refugio 

(mountain refuge hut). 

Most of the refuge huts in the 

national park are run as going 

concerns in the summer months. A 

bed, hot showers and the use of the 

kitchen are all part of the package 

and sometimes there are meals 

available. Camping comes with 

outside toilets and cold showers. 

Some refugios however are simple 

huts that double as living quarters 

of shepherds living on the remote 

pastures of bordering estancias and 

offer only camping and cold showers. 

Day three and we climb at last into 

the mountains that we had been 

skirting until now, via ‘the valley of 

dogs’ through an impressive stand of 

Magellanic forest. Suddenly a strange 

‘whoosh’ sweeps through the trees. 

“What was that?” my partner Leanne 

exclaims leaping backwards. We both 

glance nervously about as though 

expecting an avalanche to come 

crashing through the trees. Crash! 

and even the ground seems to shake 

beneath our feet. 

Hurrying forward, we leave the forest 

and climb the morass of boulders 

that signify a glacier had once been 

this way and discover the answer. 

Glacier de los Perros had just calved 


a mammoth chunk of ice into an icy 

lake below. With beating hearts, we 

watch as, yet another great sliver of 

ice liberates itself to plunge into the 

frigid water. Grinning from ear to 

ear we feel incredibly privileged to be 

witnessing this awesome spectacle. 

“Oh no, I’ve lost a boot!” cries an 

Israeli girl ahead. It is day four, the 

toughest on the circuit with the 

ascent of the highest point of the 

walk ahead - ‘el paso de los perros’. 

We have caught up with another 

group of hikers and making slow 

progress, bogged down in a sea of 

knee-deep mud entwined in an ankle 

breaking mire of tree roots at the tree 

line. 

Finally, we leave the boot-sucking 

bogs behind and begin the ascent, 

the path winding tortuously over 

the rock-strewn moraine of another 

glacier. At last, the glaciated peaks of 

the opposing range appear above our 

rocky horizon. Another ten minutes 

of renewed hope and panting and we 

reach the pass. 

There is really no way to describe 

the effects of such a view as Glacier 

Grey seen from the pass. It enters 

one horizon and leaves on the other, 

filling everything in between with 

deep blue ravines and white crests, 

great frozen waves that fan out like 

the ripples on a sand dune, capturing 

all the shades of aqua trapped 

within their frozen world. We stand; 

shivering as the icy wind whips our 

breath away, silent, shocked and 

moved in some terrible way. 

That night we lie shivering in our 

four seasons down sleeping bags at 

Campamiento los Perros. Alongside, 


arely 100 meters or so is an 

immense river of ice. Sleeplessly I 

imagine I can hear it creaking, then 

in a moment of worry that my nose 

will freeze should I fall asleep, I 

hunker down into the claustrophobic 

confines of my bag and will myself to 

sleep. 

At Refugio Grey, situated at the foot 

of the glacier, walking tours on the 

ice, beds and hot showers, food and 

“no sorry, campers have cold water, 

and you may not light fires and 

yes we do sell meals” seems all too 

commercial after the wilderness we’d 

just left behind. 

We decide to push on, making the 27 

kilometer day walk to Lake Pehoe, 

Glacier Frances and on to the refugio 

on Lake Nordenskjold. Two days 

in one, but our glorious weather 

is looking doubtful as ominous 

clouds roll in, and we still have the 

Torres del Paine (towers of Paine) 

to see and clouds would spell a big 

disappointment. 

Most people usually make the day’s 

climb to view the towers on their first 

day out. If the weather is fine (which 

is rare up there) you’d be crazy not 

to. Ok, so we were crazy, we left it till 

last and now here we are almost at 

the end of our trek, gazing through 

the panoramic windows of Refugio 

Chile, trying to catch glimpses of the 

famous peaks through swirling mists 

that creep with icy fingers around 

the mountain’s flank obscuring 

everything. 

The pitter-patter of rain on the 

tent fly is my first indication of the 

weather the next morning. There’s 

a sinking sensation going on in my 


stomach as I scramble outside to 

view the damp mist steeling about 

the campground trees. I am hard 

pressed to see the refugio only 30 

meters away. 

The refugio cook is less than 

optimistic. “Not today,” he says 

eyeing the weather. But even so, we 

wait before giving the ‘OK’ to radio 

ahead and book our bus seat out of 

the park. I had resigned myself to 

missing ‘the towers’, had convinced 

myself that it isn’t always best to have 

a perfect ending when suddenly a 

fellow trekker Siegfried exclaims, 

“Hey wow, check out all that blue 

sky, I think it will clear!” 

We are all on the track within 

half an hour. The chance of seeing 

anything is still up for debate but I 

feel better for trying. “One hour, no 

five minutes, hell - even just a few 

moments,” I implore the clouds as we 

begin to climb. 

You’ve got to wonder if there’s some 

omnipotent power that ordains 

‘yes’ or ‘no’. For just as we reach the 

lookout, the sun breaks out through 

the clouds behind us, sending 

ribbons of light and shade racing 

across the ice strewn lake below, 

across the water-streaked cliffs above 

and there they are, the majestic 

peaks of Torres del Paine… 

There was hardly a moment to spare 

in wonder before the need to capture 

their beauty on film was paramount. 

Four shots and already the clouds 

begin to close in, are once again 

drawing the curtains on my few 

short moments, on the unforgettable 

highlight of Torres del Paine 

National Park. 


Machu Picchu is located in the Sacred Valley and is accessed 

by either train or the famous Inca Trail. It is located in a 

cloud forest at almost 8,000 ft above sea level. 


PERU 

A Photographic Journey 

Featured Artist: Kira Kanani Seamon 

Instagram: @authorkiraseamon 

Website: kiraseamonphotography.com 

Gear: iPad 

Kira Kanani Seamon is an award-winning photographer 

from Boston. She has had over fifty newspaper cover stories 

about her art and celebrated her debut solo museum exhibit 

recently. A national and two-time regional dance champ, she 

appeared in Dance Teacher and Dance Spirit Magazine as 

an editors’ choice for winning contests. She is a gold medal/ 

state winner in piano performance, a fourteen-time grant 

recipient from cultural councils and was the inaugural artistin-residence 

in Natick, Massachusetts. All of this culminated 

in her receiving the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis 

Lifetime Achievement Award, for which she appeared in the 

Wall Street Journal in 2020. 



Explorer Hiram Bingham III led a joint expedition with the Peruvian government, Yale 

University and National Geographic in 1911 and made this ancient site known to the 

world again. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 


Moss and lichen find comfortable homes on all the walls of the Citadel. These 

ancient ruins have seen innumerable rainstorms over the centuries and they also 

endure through a lengthy rainy season that spans from December to April. 


Imposing stone structures on Machu Picchu. A thunderstorm is close by and will 

last three hours with dramatic sonic booms of thunder and frequent lightning. 



The clouds rush up the side of Machu Picchu mountain enveloping everything 

in their midst. The Inca were renowned for their advances in agriculture. One 

of their most significant achievements was terrace farming. 


Catacombs far beneath the Monastery of San Francisco in Lima. This is a historic 

cemetery which served to bury 25,000 people. 



This stunning design features many faces and flower images. Some spanning 

the length of an entire building. 



26) Two ladies in traditional dress with a cuddly alpaca on the 

famous Inca Trail which leads directly from here in downtown Cuzco 

to the famous Machu Picchu Citadel ruins in the Sacred Valley. 


After a long day of sightseeing and wandering, a hearty greeting by 

the hotel doorman becomes a highlight of the day in itself in Cuzco. 


Flair and fun are the orders of the day in Urubamba on this family-owned farm. 

The Marinera dance is a treat for visitors as they get ready to savor a farm-to-table 

traditionally prepared meal. 


While it is fun to visit an alpaca farm in Peru, nothing beats seeing a small herd 

wandering around ancient ruins. This one is meandering around Sacsayhuaman 

in Cuzco, which was an important military base for the Inca Empire. 


potlight 

Fairmont Taghazout 

Bay, Morocco 

A luxury five-star wellness resort nestled at the heart of Taghazout 

Bay with exceptional leisure facilities, invites you to sit back and 

enjoy every moment in an idyllic piece of heaven. We offer a 

seductive blend of style and serenity, with a range of gourmet 

restaurants and bars, a rejuvenating Fairmont Spa, a fitness 

center, a kids club and a teens club, along with choices of rooms, 

suites and villas all with an ocean view. 


Fairmont Taghazout Bay offers 146 rooms, suites and 

villas with ocean views. A large selection of Deluxe 

and Fairmont Gold rooms and suites, in addition 

to four signature villas are available for memorable 

stays. 

Spa and wellness - Discover this wellness destination 

and indulge in a rejuvenating experience inspired by 

local tradition. Fairmont Spa promotes a healthier 

lifestyle through self-discovery and inner balance 

and offers a range of health benefits with its tailormade 

treatments. 

Golf - Taghazout is being praised as a first class golf 

destination, welcoming golfers to the unique 18- hole 

and 9-hole golf courses designed by world specialist 

Kyle Phillips spread over a 30 hectares ground. 

Dining - From seasonally inspired menus to dining 

experiences that will satisfy any craving, see what our 

chefs are preparing just for you. 

fairmont.com/taghazout 


Exploring Northern 

Ireland by Paddle 

For paddlers of all descriptions, the coastline, lakes and rivers of 

Northern Ireland provide the ultimate in fun and excitement, or 

the best in peace and tranquility. 


Flat-water kayaking, sea kayaking, river kayaking, white-water kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding 

and canoing are all easily at the paddler’s command in Northern Ireland. 

Everywhere you go, you’ll discover boatyards, marinas, jetties and a wealth of hire operators and 

tour specialists full of local pride and the giant spirit of Northern Ireland – all ready and willing to 

help you heighten the experience of taking to the water. 

The twisting Northern Ireland coastline, full of wide bays, secluded beaches, towering cliffs and a 

rich variety of habitats, is absolutely ideal sea kayaking territory, with County Down’s Strangford 

Lough high up on the must-try list. 

The largest sea inlet in Britain or Ireland, is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. It’s dotted with 

countless coves, harbors, quays and piers, and more than 70 islands. Discreet wild camping is 

allowed on some of the islands, so if you’re into a spot of kayak camping then you’ll love it here. 

Go it alone, or try the Strangford Lough Activity Center, which offers kayak and canoe hire, 

tuition and a range of cool tours. 


With world-famous sights such as the Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery, the 

Causeway Coast is another sea kayaking hot spot. Get the most out of your paddle with the likes 

of Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, who can guide you on kayak and food tours, moonlight 

kayaking, trips to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and more. 

If you prefer freshwater to saltwater a good idea would be to slip into Lough Erne and the peaceful 

lakelands of County Fermanagh. These vast lakes and network of waterways are perfect for 

tranquil kayaking and canoing and there are numerous places to hire from. Try the Water Activity 

Zone in Enniskillen or Castle Archdale Marina, which offers sit-on-top kayaks and Canadian 

canoes that are great fun for everyone. 

Once you have paddled a while you will find it easy to moor up and enjoy a picnic or a lakeside 

meal in one of the many pubs, restaurants, cafés and hotels that dot the shores of Upper and Lower 

Lough Erne. 


Canoe trails also abound in Northern Ireland, with the likes of Lough Neagh, the largest inland 

lake in the UK and Ireland, the River Bann and the River Blackwater all offering peaceful escapes, 

diverse wildlife and historical sites to explore. 

City-based experiences on the water include a two-hour stand-up paddle-board trip on the River 

Foyle, which flows through Derry~Londonderry. Far and Wild can provide all the gear and take 

you on a relaxing exploration that lets you see the famous Walled City from a whole new angle 

In Belfast you can take a kayak trip around the harbour and the River Lagan quays. Bryson 

Lagansports will provide a waterborne perspective on how the city has changed since the Titanic 

was launched there in 1911. 

For paddlers in search of white-knuckle thrills, head for the Mourne River running through the 

Mountains of Mourne. It’s probably the best white-water experience in Northern Ireland. 


A British Columbia 

Wilderness Adventure 

BY: KAITLIN NARCISO 

From rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, immense forests to sprawling plains, giant mountains to 

inland deserts, and crystal lakes to salty waters, the diverse landscape of British Columbia provides 

a pristine ecosystem and vast wilderness perfect for adventure. 

The outdoors have always been a kind of home to me—a city girl with a wild heart. When the 

opportunity arose to spend an extended period of time in British Columbia, I immediately knew I 

was in for the wildest adventure of my life. 

After months of exploring and getting lost, I’m sharing my favorite wilderness experiences in 

Canada’s backyard. 


Camper Van Camping 

Camp Junkie provided the wheels, Adrienne provided the tunes, and I provided 

the navigation—which explains why one wrong turn led to another, which ended 

up leading to many fun, unplanned adventures. 

Traveling in Betsy, our Camp Junkie camper van, was a wild ride—and honestly, 

a highlight in my life. There’s a certain romanticism to an old school refurbished 

Volkswagen Westfalia. Manual steering with automatic transmission. Retro 

interior with life luxuries like a stove and water. It’s the perfect camping setup. 

Getting acquainted with Betsy as we drove up to our first location in the Garibaldi 

Highlands was exhilarating. Let me tell you, 10 point turns with manual steering 

will keep you on your toes. Though, once we arrived at our destination for the 

night, it was all worth it. 

Overlooking the beautiful mountain scape, we popped up our tent roof, made 

a beautiful fire, cooked a pesto pasta dinner, and cracked open a Backcountry 

Brewing beer as the sun set. 

With the crickets chirping, the bushes rustling with wildlife, and the fire burning 

a beautiful ember glow, it was an idyllic night spent in the Squamish wilderness. 


White Water Rafting 

I grew up swimming in small rapids in the Kawarthas and hiking to waterfalls on 

nearly every vacation. There’s something about rushing water that feels so empowering 

and mesmerizing. 

Nestled away in Squamish, the Elaho River—surrounded by a backdrop of 

beautiful mountains, lush greenery, and rocky shores—is the source of one of my 

favorite wilderness experiences: white water rafting. 

Led by Canadian Outback Rafting Company, this adrenaline filled excursion is 

the perfect balance of exhilarating fun and wild adventure. 


As Marlie and I get situated, wetsuit, life jacket, and helmet all on and fastened, 

Graham—the rafting company’s owner and our guide for the day—walks us 

through the different rafting strokes. He instructs us on how to hold the paddle 

and brace for impact, leading us through several trials of the different safety 

maneuvers. Though his notes are filled with warnings and what if scenarios, his 

sturdy and confident tone is hallmarked by his experience. 

On the river, the rapids push and pull us through, guiding us through massive 

waves that splash into the boat. We paddle hard, brace for impact, then paddle 

again—all on the command of our expert guide. 

We’re drenched. Our smiles stretched from ear to ear the entire time. 


Hiking 

It’s no secret that British Columbia is equipped with stellar views at some of the 

most breathtaking summits in Canada. Breathtaking is the word of choice because 

quite literally, getting to these summits will take your breath away. They’re a trek 

and a half to get to, venturing through some grueling conditions, but that view at 

the top is not one you’ll want to miss. 

Half the fun of hiking is the journey to the destination, so don’t forget to enjoy the 

equally awe-inspiring views along the way—whether waterfalls, grassy plains, or 

dense forest. 


Surfing 

Waves I feel come hand in hand with rushing water—so it’s no surprise that 

catching a wave in Tofino makes the cut for my favorite wilderness experiences in 

British Columbia. 

Tofino is a surfer’s Disney World. With shallow waves closer to the beach at Cox 

Bay and bigger waves as you paddle away from shore, the bay is the perfect place 

for both beginners and experienced surfers. 

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of catching your first wave; though I should 

also note, there’s also nothing quite like getting rumbled and tumbled by massive 

waves and learning just how wild the water is! Scary—yes, though also worth it. 

If you’re just learning, remember to listen to your instructor, don’t be afraid to fall 

down, but also don’t be afraid to get back up and have fun! 


Siringit 

Migration 

Camp 

BY: JUNE DAGNALL 


Countless travelers have a safari is at 

the top of their bucket list. Whether 

it’s your first game drive or your 

tenth, each one is a unique journey; 

a true broadening of horizons; 

an education for the mind; and a 

rejuvenation of the soul. 

If your desire to travel has you 

dreaming of sighting countless 

bird species, herds of elephants, or 

thousands of wildebeest and zebra 

walking the plains to the river in 

search of a safe crossing point, then 

a visit to the Siringit Migration 

Camp by Mantis is a must. Mantis 

combines responsible tourism, 

conservation and adventure, which 

solidifies the most amazing one of a 

kind travel experiences sure to be on 

everyone’s bucket list. 

The Great Migration has been 

described as one of the greatest 

shows on earth, and the Serengeti 

National Park has the highest 

concentration of plains game in 

Africa. The Siringit Luxury Mobile 

Camp embraces the roots of safari 

and travels every few months in 

symbiosis with wildlife, to follow the 

wildebeest herds, zebra, Thomson 

gazelles, and all the other predators 

that the Great Migration attracts 

inside this renowned National Park. 

The best time to travel to the camp 

is during the crossing season which 

occurs between July and November; 

and the calving season which 

occurs between January and March. 

Wildlife is most active in the golden 

hours of the morning as well as in 

the evening. 


The Siringit Migration Camp opened 

in the Kogatende region (Northern 

Serengeti) where it will remain until 

November 2021. The camp will then 

move to the Ndutu region (Southern 

Serengeti) reopening on December 

15, 2021, where it will continue 

until the end of March 2022 when 

the herds once again begin their 

migration north. 

This Bedouin style camp has eight 

luxury guest tents, positioned on 

raised platforms to provide guests 

with unobstructed views across the 

Serengeti wilderness. The unique 

octagonal shape of the tents are 

designed to dissolve the division 

between indoors and outdoors 

ultimately allowing guests to be 

closer to the Serengeti wilderness. 

The tents accommodate up to two 

guests, however two tents can be 

linked together to form a family 

tent. All tents contain an ensuite 

bathroom. There is a separate dining 

tent which serves contemporary 

seasonal dishes with an African 

twist, and a separate lounge tent 

which offers a selection of books and 

board games. 


For the ultimate relaxation, Siringit 

has partnered with Healing Earth, a 

premium African spa brand that uses 

organic products made from natural 

active ingredients sourced from 

the continent’s powerful minerals, 

oceans, flowers, herbs, fruit, seeds 

and natural oils. There is a selection 

of massage therapies offered, all 

of which begin with a traditional 

African foot cleansing. Children 

can partake as well with a “Mini Me 

Treatment”. 

Mantis is a conservation focused 

hotel group and does a stellar job of 

using sustainable business practices, 

and develops tourism products that 

are respectful of the environment 

and communities in which they 

operate. The Siringit Migration 

Camp uses raised platforms for tents, 

rather than commonly used ground 

mats, and solar power is utilized for 

electricity and heating. 

As they say in Swahili, “safari njema” 

or “have a good trip”. Enjoy this 

amazing lifetime experience and 

travel with your sense of humor and 

passion for adventure. 


The Art of 

Anna Sweet 

BY: ALBA CACCAVALE 


Anna Sweet’s work marries a craftsman’s approach to material with an Art Nouveau influence. Known for her luminous 

underwater nudes, Sweet portrays the ethereal through harmonious modes of painting and photography. By employing 

radiant minerals and pigments, the artist reimagines familiar elements of nature and the female form, rendering them 

brilliantly new to the viewer’s eye. 

Revealing the sensuality and elegance of women throughout the most exotic waters of the world. Sweet engages 

minerals like mica, diamond dust, and glass on the image, Sweet’s mixed-medium approach offers an otherworldly 

experience. Sweet’s work mimics elements of her shooting environments and creates “effects like the glisten that occurs 

when the sun kisses the sea.” The photographic images and encased materials coalesce into a stunning, seemingly three 

dimensional representation of the subject. The subjects in this series are radiant displays of female beauty. 

annasweet.com 


62 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

“ART WASHES AWAY 

THE SOUL, THE DUST 

OF EVERYDAY LIFE” 

- PABLO PICASSO


#WHERETONEXT 

MOROCCO 

Feasting in Fes - A Gastronomic Journey

DRIFT Travel Magazine Fall 2021

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