‘The world around us has become more crowded and chaotic than ever.
We crave boundary-pushing escapes with thought and meaning behind them.’
London, 22nd October 2019 – Thanks to a whole host of global events and new flight route and new experiences, 2020 is shaping up to be more exciting than ever for travellers. Globe-trotting next year should enable you to see a destination in a different light – through the Black Tomato lens – and discover things you won’t find out about any other way. Getting off the beaten track has never been so easy with Black Tomato continually creating and updating itineraries, from Europe’s ‘edgy’ destinations such as Armenia to cater for the current appetite and interest in the Silk Road, to going beyond your usual cruising in Antarctica with ice kayaking, snow-shoeing and the polar plunge.
Below you will find our cherry-picked predictions for the year ahead. Some that are brand new, and some old familiars that have been relaunched with voguish new openings and new experiences…
Dolomites, Italy
We recommend twinning with Lake Garda for an off the Italian radar summer because we have seen a growing appetite for rural, ‘pure’ destinations. The Lefay Resort opened August 19 triggering an added wellness dimension to the destination as well as reinforcing an eco-conscience. The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were also this year declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They sit on the (equally UNESCO) Dolomite foothills and make for a great combination before continuing onto Venice or Lake Garda. Excitingly Black Tomato will be developing new experiences here next year where we can arrange star gazing, heli hiking and stays in remote, private mountain huts. Safaris here are also given another meaning as guests can opt to ski between lodges in the winter, or hike them in the summer, whilst staff are left to handle the luggage.
Black Tomato top tip: March 2020 will also see a wine safari hit the Dolomite slopes as skiers travel between four ski huts for a tasting of South Tyrolean red, white wines and sparkling wines at each.
Antarctica
Black Tomato offer bigger and better itineraries for 2020. Twinning the frozen continent with Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia in an epic two-week adventure. Beyond your usual cruising, we are also offering ice kayaking, snow-shoeing and the polar plunge. The launch of Magellan Explorer late 2019 offering guests a new level of luxury in which to explore the destination.
Black Tomato top tip: Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the remote South Georgia Islands where they can visit Ernest Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken before walking in his footsteps at Fortuna Bay and seeing the 150,000 strong penguin colony at St. Andrew’s Bay.
Yerevan, Armenia
A brand-new Black Tomato offering, this is with recognition of current appetite and interest in the Silk Road. Armenia is a country rich with culture, located in the highlands surrounding the mountains of Ararat in the South Caucasus, with strong ties to the Christian religion, ancient churches and monasteries. Many of the country’s museums are found in Central Armenia, a flat and dry region in the Ararat valley, stop at the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, both dating from the tenth century and inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For 300 years Sanahin was an important centre of learning, where humanitarian sciences and medicine were taught. Stay in medieval castles as well as the newly opened ‘The Alexander’ in Yerevan with a private tour and degustation at the Ararat Brandy Company in Yerevan.
Black Tomato top tip: Armenia gives more character and authenticity than others. Pair with Georgia to lengthen your trip.
Israel
New Black Tomato activities including a special expert-led briefing with Amos Harel; one of Israel’s leading media experts on military and defence issues. He has been the military correspondent and defence analyst for Ha’aretz, one of Israel’s most respected newspapers for the last fifteen years. Over discussions, Amos will lend his experience and knowledge and you will discuss the geopolitical tensions in which Israel is enmeshed; precise topics will depend upon your interests. Black Tomato also offer a curator-led tour of the Israel Museum focusing on your choice of archaeology, fine art, or Judaica, providing a depth and richness of insight not obtainable on other tours.
Black Tomato top tip: Six Senses Shaharut opens in the Negev Desert April 2020
Semuc Champey, Central Guatemala
Semuc Champey, Guatemala is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, atop a limestone bridge, this is one of Guatemala’s most strikingly beautiful areas, but has remained relatively unexplored until recently due to a lack of accommodation options. For 2020, Black Tomato will be offering new experiences which enable guests to explore this untapped region, through luxury mobile safari-style camps.
Black Tomato top tip: The camps are designed specifically to explore these new unexplored areas
Queensland, Australia
Queensland is emerging out of the shadow of NSW and Victoria. We recently saw the opening of Mt Mulligan, the latest in the Luxury Lodges Collection, offering an authentic yet luxurious backcountry experience. There is now greater access to Heart Reef courtesy of Hamilton Island – Heart Island. Travel is by helicopter, with an exclusive pontoon catering for a maximum of just 6 people, moored a short distance from Heart Reef. The three-hour experience includes a scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach before landing on top of the man-made ‘island’ to enjoy snorkelling the surrounding reefs and a private glass-bottom boat cruise to see Heart Reef. A light lunch is served in the pontoon lounge before the return scenic flight to Hamilton Island.
Black Tomato top tip: Snorkelling and a private glass-bottom boat cruise to Heart Reef
Sichuan, China
In an effort to combat pollution and improve its conservation efforts China is bringing a new National Parks initiative for 2020, which they historically haven’t had. The first opening is planned for 2020 in Sanjiangyuan (Tibetan Plateau – home to snow leopards) followed by the Giant Panda National Park which covers areas in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. When it opens, Giant Panda National Park will connect 67 giant panda reserves spread across the southwestern province of Sichuan, which is home to over 80% of all wild pandas. It will be three times the size of Yellowstone.
Black Tomato top tip: Escape the growing crowds of Japan and head to China instead.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Black Tomato is launching a new itinerary offering guests the opportunity to tick off Kilimanjaro off your bucket list. This opportunity ties in with an increasing number of clients seeking ‘earned experiences’ or personal challenges – then complemented by an indulgent experience. Black Tomato are offering fully guided, supported treks of Kilimanjaro where guests will culminate their experience by spending a few days on the beach. There is also the opportunity to contribute to a number of community projects in Arusha pre- and post trek.
Black Tomato top tip: This trip is through a lesser-known route offering a break from the crowds and a more deluxe experience.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Rascal x Conservation International series continues in the lesser travelled Raja Ampat islands. As Komodo National Park becomes more well-known and the numbers increase, this offers a more off the beaten track experience – perfect for discovery and realising the potential of conservation initiatives with personalities such as David de Rothschild and Emily Pering. This is available on a cabin-by-cabin basis with set departures or as a private charter. As part of initial coral reef biodiversity surveys, Rascal x CI have discovered two new species of fish and a thriving manta ray population, beyond what has become so well known in Komodo. Where Komodo National Park is considered one of the top ten destinations for diving in the world, Raja Ampat is considered number one.
Black Tomato top tip: Rascal Voyages will launch two new boats in 2020 exploring both Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park as well as the Malaysian, Thai and Myanmar coastlines.
Westman Islands, Iceland
Westman Islands (otherwise known as Vestmannaeyjar) is a very remote islands replete with wildlife including puffins, whales and a new colony of belugas. Accommodation is basic but can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik with a number of great restaurants. On the uninhabited Westman Islands, enjoy a private tour of the remote Æðasandur cave (where it’s possible to dine) before returning to deserted traditional hunting houses on the island (sort of Fortitude-esque in style) for a private dinner overlooking the cliffs. Falling in line with the mainland’s gourmet offerings, the Westman Islands are home to a number of innovative eateries such as SLIPPURINN, a family-run restaurant in an old shipyard serving seasonal dishes which rely on forages herbs and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Black Tomato top tip: Guests can get involved in a tree-planting initiative throughout the country which is seeking to restore forests that were deforested centuries ago and protect against erosion
Hydra, Greece
Every summer, this lesser visited Greek island is transformed into a hive of creativity and a magnet to the art world as the legendary art-world figures of Dakis Joannou and Dimitrios Antonitsis transform spaces that include the old slaughterhouse and the local school into cutting-edge exhibition spaces. Guests can also embrace their artistic side with stays in an exclusive local artist’s villa. Whilst islands such as Mykonos and Santorini have continued to expand over recent years, car-free and touting a protected status, Hydra remains untouched by the sands of time – and will continue to do so. As bigger islands, become increasingly overrun, make the switch to Hydra now and discover an authentic side of Greece before everyone else does.
Black Tomato top tip: Embrace the artistic side with stays in an exclusive local artist’s villa.