STORYTELLERS

ANDRES AMADOR

CALIFORNIAN BEACH ARTIST 

Andres was born in San Francisco to political activist parents. He attended University of Alaska at Fairbanks and graduated from University of California at Davis in Environmental Sciences. After 3 years of Peace Corps service in Ecuador developing conservation curriculum, Andres returned to San Francisco, soon becoming involved in the Burning Man and underground arts and music cultures. During this time, what started as decor for music festivals developed into his signature mixed-media light sculpture installation series. These evolved into the large-scale, site specific installations using locally sourced, biodegradeable materials, most often done on beaches. Creating artwork commissions has taken Andres all around the United States and the world. In his current project he is documenting other ephemeral artists. Andres lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada with his wife and young child.

Andres is waiting to create your very own work of art in the sand. We'll capture the entire process by aerial drone and create your very own time lapse sequence, giving you a memory that will endure long after the mighty Pacific has washed away your creation.

BRENDA NAVARRETE

CUBAN DANCER AND MUSICIAN

Brenda radiates uncompromising Artistic Beauty. With a solid foundation of Latin Jazz and Afro‐Cuban influences, Brenda has spread her wings into contemporary World Music. An uncompromising professional, she infuses passion, rare skills, musical originality and relentless energy into every project and performance. Brenda’s resume includes collaborations with Cuba’s music elite. She has played on the recordings of many notable Cuban artists, including guesting on Batá and vocals on Contumbao, the latest release from Cuban-Canadian pianist/composer Hilario Duran. Working with an array of renowned artists, including the Afro-Cuban percussion troupe, Obini Bata, Jazz musician Joaquin Betancourt, Alain Perez, Munir Hossn and as a singer with the internationally acclaimed band Interactivo, led by Roberto Carcasses, Brenda has made her mark as an accomplished singer, percussionist, composer and arranger.

We can think of nobody better to introduce you to the rhythms of Havana, helping to write a key chapter in your Cuban story.

RAJ JOSHI

   EXPEDITION LEADER

Raj has operated in some of the most inhospitable places imaginable - in both a civilian and military capacity – from mountain, desert, polar and jungle environments, right through to warzones..He uses his consummate experience in remote and hostile regions to help others achieve; safely guiding and inspiring those under his charge to fulfil their dreams and ambitions.. Raj is one of a select few individuals that has successfully climbed, unguided, the highest mountain on every continent in the world.

Trust in Raj, along with his leadership ability and expedition skills were recognised when he was asked to lead the Celebrity BBC Comic Relief climb on Mount Kilimanjaro. In this feature BBC1 documentary, he commendably led the likes of Cheryl Fernandez- Versini (formerly Cheryl Cole), Gary Barlow, Chris Moyles and a host of other celebrities to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.. In doing so, Raj helped the celebrity team raise £3.3 million pounds from this expedition alone to fight malaria in East Africa.

Due to his ongoing success in the field, Raj was the Expedition Leader for David Beckham and three of his friends through the Amazon Jungle. He helped successfully guide them, the BBC film crew and the production team safely through this challenging environment, reaching their end goal of visiting the secretive and normally forbidden Yanomami tribe; a special privilege and rare insight into the way of life of this remarkable tribe.. Raj’s aim is to provide people from all walks of life with unique, unparalleled adventures. The skills Raj has gained– either through expedition or military experiences – has provided him with the expertise to offer a variety of trips to suit all abilities.

SILENO CHELONI 

  TUSCAN MASTER PERFUMER

Sileno Cheloni is internationally renowned as Tuscan master perfumer, and “nose of truth”. He has crafted scents from scratch for an endless list of celebrities and international brands. Sileno and his expert team make perfume an art that “elevates to the divine”, putting us in touch with our spiritual side. Perfume has the ability to induce a wake of memories, gestures, fantasies, or can be a criterion of elective affinities.

In his OL’Factory, in the historic district of San Niccolò in the heart of Florence, Sileno creates bespoke perfumes for people and brands, and olfactory experiences through evocative journeys and veritable ceremonies of rediscovering one's self, through essences. The term OL’Factory derives from two Latin words: olere and facere, i.e. to smell and to do. This new space was created as a meeting point where one can come to appreciate perfumes and high-quality materials as well as live fascinating experiences of personal perfume creation.

A consultation with Sileno can be part of any Tuscan journey, and how better to capture the essence of a memorable adventure than through the sorcery of scent.

FERNANDO RIVERA

COLOMBIAN HISTORIAN

Fernando was born in Bogotá, but raised in Cartagena due to the troubles associated with the late 80's drug cartel wars. These formative years growing up in the Getsemaní district introduced Fernando to the warmest of people who took him under their wing, opening his eyes to a wonderful new world of gastronomy, culture, music and hospitality on Colombia's Caribbean coast - far from the turmoil unfolding in Colombia's interior. Fernando thus developed into one of the finest historians in the region, with a fascinating story to tell.

Wherever you go in the city, it is impossible not to be captivated by its the history. Among his many talents, Fernando has hosted a radio programme aimed at bringing the magic of Colombia to life. Journey to Cartagena where Fernando is waiting to evoke the Spanish colonial era. Stroll the cobbled streets flanked by colourful buildings, and be transformed to a time when the city was abuzz with traders and rocked by pirate raids...

 PORTEÑO MIXOLOGIST

From a very young age Sebastian stood out in the best bars of Buenos Aires, managing the bars at BA icons like Nicky Harrison and Frank´s. The dream of having his own bar came true when he opened Presidente Bar a sophisticated venue located in the refined neighborhood of Recoleta. His concept was to design a bar that, from the name to the ingredients, used 100% high quality Argentinian produce. His achievements here came very quickly, in 2019 Presidente was ranked 33 of the best 50 bars of the world.

His magnificent work allowed him to travel all around the world, meeting the most eccentric and powerful people, sharing experiences with politicians, artists and athletes - gaining the endorsement of such legends in their field as Lionel Messi and Coldplay. Although he is one of the most influential bartenders of the world, Seba never put his origins aside; he still loves sharing a traditional Asado with his friends in his old neighbourhood. To say he has single-handedly reimagined the night out in Buenos Aires would be no exaggeration.

If you want to enjoy the best drinks in town and meet one of the world's most innovative mixologists, Sebastian is your man!

CARLO MARENDA

TRUFFLE HUNTER IN PIEMONTE

Carlo is quite simply a truffle hunting legend. His treasure is the "Alba white truffle" – the tartufo bianco di Alba -  Piemonte, well known by all gourmets and gastronomy enthusiasts in the world.

Carlo hunts during the autumn season, when the foliage is stunningly beautiful, and the atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient world. Truffle-hunters (cercatori di tartufi in Italian, or trifolau in the Piedmontese dialect) move in the early mornings, hidden by the autumnal fogs, and always in the company of their faithful dogs.

To Carlo, looking for white truffles means isolating from the world and from normal life for about three months, from the end of September to Christmas time. In those months, his days starts at around 4am, and his only companions are his dogs, chance and the hope of finding the precious treasure.  Truffle hunters like him are the modern keepers of an ancient world. A world made of forests, long walks with dogs, patience and secrets; a world where knowledge related to truffle hunting is kept inside few local families with great attention and care. A little known world that you are invited to enter...

LEADERSHIP GURU AND ADVENTURER

Manley was schooled on leadership through a mix of practical and academic experiences: as an officer in the Royal Navy and the Royal Hong Kong Police, as a skipper in the BT Global Challenge round the world yacht race, winning the first skiing race to the Magnetic North Pole (The Polar Race) and as an 'inspiring leadership catalyst' to businesses and organisations worldwide including the ATLAS Consortium and HP Defence UK. Manley is also a professional speaker who has inspired audiences around the world with his tales of battling the high seas and high latitudes. Through these powerful stories he draws out the lessons on leadership, relationships and teamwork in a manner that has a direct impact on everyday life

TOM WILLIAMS

SURVIVAL SPECIALIST

Tom is  a desert island survival  specialist. When he is not scouting for new islands leads a share of the companies expeditions clocking up over 200 days marooned on tropic islands teaching bushcraft skills in Panama, Tonga and the Philippines. Though island life is his true passion, Tom gained his expedition stripes in colder climates walking to the North Pole in 2010.

Tom is obsessed with experience and really proud of the adventures he curates. Fuelled by sheer passion, every detail of your expedition is carefully considered. From the islands he selects to the instructors who teach you and the skills you develop.. All of this culminates in an unforgettable experience. 

Tom will  make sure you get close enough to the real experience of living on a desert island and reconnecting with that inner primal human.  Our expeditions walk the tight rope of challenge and fun leaving you with both the feeling that you had an amazing time but also achieved something incredible.

GRAEME GREEN 

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST

Graeme is a photographer and journalist, who’s been travelling the world for 15 years reporting stories and photographing wildlife, people and places for international publications including The Sunday Times, BBC, The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, National Geographic, Wanderlust, South China Morning Post and more. He has photographed wildlife in many of the world’s most incredible locations, including Antarctica, Tanzania, Mexico, Venezuela and Malaysia, his work covering diverse species, from lions, elephants and gorillas to lizards, frogs and birds. As well as wildlife and conservation, he has worked on stories ranging from human trafficking to indigenous land rights. Graeme is also founder of the New Big 5 project an international wildlife conservation initiative, supported by +150 photographers, conservationists and wildlife charities, including Dr Jane Goodaall, Ami Vitale, Art Wolfe, Steve Winter, Save The Elephants, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and more. The project is creating a New Big 5 of wildlife photography, rather than hunting. Shooting with a camera, not a gun. The aim of the project is to raise awareness about the threats to wildlife around the world and to help raise money to support the work of wildlife charities. He also occasionally leads photography workshops.

CRAIG WICKHAM

AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION LEADER

Craig founded Exceptional Kangaroo Island more than 30 years ago. He grew up on the island and along with his family and team, has worked tirelessly to put Kangaroo Island on the map in the best possible way. The company is family owned and long been recognised as one Australia’s leading eco-certified operators.  

Kangaroo Island lies off the coastline of South Australia and is often referred to as Australia’s ‘Galapagos’, this truly is a zoo without fences. The wildlife here is prolific, in some cases now endemic to the island and with over a third of the island protected, it remains one of the best places in Australia for unprecedented wildlife viewing.

Craig’s work is diverse from wildlife management to roles with South Australian National Parks and Wildlife as well as numerous community focused responsibilities. The passion Craig has for the island however is undimmed. He knows and understands Kangaroo Island like the back of his hand. This is his backyard and in our humble opinion there is no better person, or company for that matter, to uncover the treasures of this remarkable place with.

KLAUS OHLMANN

RECORD-BREAKING GLIDER PILOT

Klaus is a six-time world champion and, with over 60 world records, the most successful glider pilot of all time. He runs his own mountain flying school "Quo Vadis" in southern France. He has specialized in long range and high altitude flights and is holder of the FAI glider world record for the langest free distance of 3009 kms uninterrupted flight, and also is the first person to fly over Mount Everest in a glider. His world record for the fastest ever speed reached in a glider of 307 km/h remains unbroken in a decade.

He has perfected the art of 'wave riding' in a glider, a specific skill in catching updrafts in the jetstream in order to fly long distances. In 1998 he founded Mountain-Wave-Project, a research facility with the aim to make gliding more visible in an exciting contrast between science, adventure, spectacular landscapes and records.

He has also been involved as a pilot in electric airplanes and is an ambassador for renewable energies used in aircraft. In 2014 he was the chief pilot of a German Aerospace scientific mission to the Himalayas, taking high tech cameras to high altitude and obtaining spectacular high-resolution 3D images of Mount Everest.

Klaus is also an author, filmmaker and an inspiring professional speaker. His exciting lectures are presented in German, English, French or Spanish. He lives with his wife and two children in his home in the French Southern Alps