Elegant Strokes, Exquisite Art – Celebrating Women & Art

Audrey Zhang, Prestige Art Gallery Owner.

March is always the time we celebrate amazing women in our lives. Those who do great work, those who inspire others to live better, those who do the dare… it’s all about inspirational females. As part of International Women’s Day, our Little Red Dot is proud to host “Elegant Strokes, Exquisite Art” — the 6th International Women Artists Exhibition 2023. The Guest of Honour is Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of Sate, Ministry of Home Affairs and Social and Family Development. The event which is supported by the National Arts Council, backed by Federation of Art Societies (Singapore) will take place on 10 March 2023 at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Multi-Purpose Hall, Level 7.

Leading this artistic expression is Audrey Zhang, owner of Prestige Art Gallery. This affable gallery owner is also a filmmaker and holds a Bachelor’s degree in media arts from Royal Holloway. She got her filmmaking credo by getting a Master’s Degree from the University of Westminster. She worked for BBC and CCTV documentary channels as a documentary director.

• READ MORE: 10 Creative Ground Breakers of Asia

Zhang always had a deep love for art. She’s attuned to the trends in the art market, and has had the opportunity to meet some of the movers and shakers. Since 2017, her affinity in collecting artworks from Southeast Asian Artists in Singapore began. By 2022, she set up Prestige Art Gallery and snagged an IAP-accredited art gallery owner certificate. This new journey has changed her perspective in life and presented an alternative lifestyle. Her penchant for art did not stop there. She desired to enhance the public’s awareness of art and to invite different industry experts to interpret the impact of art on human society and life. She believes art is everywhere, embedded into what we see and feel everyday; in social spaces and many community areas. Thus, Zhang came up with the idea of “Art — Women — Life”. The focus is to enhance the public’s knowledge of Fine Art and Art. Complementing the event, she invited different industry experts to interpret the impact of art on human society and life.

In addition to this exhibition, do look out for these lectures where special guests in specific fields of expertise and profession will be invited to share their opinions related to the art world.

Tjin Weiming, Citibank Singapore Citi Wealth Management Investment Advisor

Tjin Weiming, Citibank Singapore Citi Wealth Management Investment Advisor, will present Outlook for Wealth Strategies in 2023 and how to capture turnaround opportunities. Mr Tjin who has 18 years of experience in implementing asset allocation strategies and structuring portfolio solutions will share more insights. With equities and bonds witnessing the largest simultaneous decline in 2022 with overall losses of up to 20 per cent while cash outperformed almost all asset classes, Tjin will dispense information on how to look ahead in 2023 and be prepared for the economic recovery in 2024.

Allison Liu, Founder of Song Art Foundation Singapore.

Thinking of purchasing art works for investment? Let Allison Liu, an expert in high-value, discretionary acquisitions lead the way. She’s also the founder of Song Art Foundation Singapore and Provincial Master of Ceramic Arts China. As Singapore encourages cultural and artistic undertakings in recent times, more and more individuals in society have come to appreciate and support art. In fact, the trend is picking up worldwide as art works become high transactional items.

Liu will share her knowledge and professional issues that need to be understood when purchasing art work. Her theme “Collections and Assets” will help you discern the right way to start an art collection, right down to art categories worth collecting. As her collector base is widespread across Great China, Europe, North America, Middle East and ASEAN countries, she’s undoubtedly recognised among art connoisseurs. Liu will also highlight the differences between consumable and collectible grades of arts, not forgetting, authenticating art works. Lastly, Liu will also delve into proper curation and selection that constitutes into discriminating art assets.

Panel of experts from left to right: Mr Liu Hui, aesthetic educator; Ms Kavita Issar Batra, UK-based painter and artist; Mr Zhao Hong, art columnist; Ms Sun Kuan, oil painter and writer; Mr Yun Long Zi, International Fengshui Master.

There is also a sharing session with several experts in their fields. These include Mr Liu Hui, aesthetic educator; Ms Kavita Issar Batra, UK-based painter and artist; Mr Zhao Hong, art columnist; Ms Sun Kuan, oil painter and writer; Mr Yun Long Zi, International Fengshui Master. These experts will delve into topics such as vocational education, aesthetic enlightenment, social humanities, fengshui beliefs and aesthetics of life.

Liu Daisong (2022)

Tan Hongjing (2014)

Teresa Rao (2022)

Don’t forget to check out the art exhibition where you can appreciate the works of female artists in Singapore. These include artists such as Tan Hongjing, Teresa Roa, and Dai Ruixue. These art works will be in ink and colour on paper, or on silk. So come, open your eyes and mind to the fantastic art works done by incredible women of today!

To find out more information of the event, visit their website: https://so.sg/product/international-women-artists-exhibition-2023/

For more art reads, click here.

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Prestige M8 to Debut at Cannes Yachting Festival

Prestige is scheduled to stage the world premiere of its M8 powercat at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival from September 7-12. The unveiling will come a year after the French builder debuted its M-Line of multihull motor yachts at the same show with the M48, a model set to arrive in this region this year through Asia Yachting.

Designed by Italy’s Garroni Design with naval architecture by Frenchman Marc Lombard and interior decoration by Italian Valentina Militerno De Romedis, the new 65ft flagship of the M-line has a 64ft 6in hull and a beam of 29ft, offering over 2,900sqft of living space across its three levels. 

The mobile platform and toy garage

• READ MORE: Prestige’s Asymmetrical X60 Is Surprisingly Different to Her Big Sister

Fitted with two 600hp Volvo Penta D8 V-drives, the yacht is expected to reach 20 knots and is particularly economical from eight to 18 knots, consuming just 20 litres/hour at eight knots. As an option, the Silent Boat Pack integrates a large surface area of solar panels on the hard top, flybridge forward overhang and foredeck, as well as a lithium battery bank.

Rosalie Le Gall, Product Manager at Prestige, said: “The M8 offers the space and luxury equivalent to that of an 85ft monohull motor yacht, with much greater comfort and connection with the sea, plus half the fuel consumption due to her lighter, less-powerful engines.

The mobile platform can raise to extend the cockpit

“The systems on board have also been optimised to reduce energy consumption by 50 per cent. With this, we can operate the yacht at night and several hours during the day, using only the batteries, affording a gentler lifestyle for all on board.”

The model, which is being built at the Groupe Beneteau Italia shipyard in Monfalcone, was designed as a motor yacht and, like the M48, is taller and thinner than sailing cats of a similar length, with a 5ft 5in draft. 

The infinity cockpit features modular furniture

• READ MORE: Prestige refreshes F-Line flagship with X-Line flair

Exterior features include a 4.2m-wide mobile central platform than can descend under the water to facilitate launching a tender, be level with the transoms to form a full-beam beach club, or rise to the same level as the aft cockpit.

Between the hulls, steps deploy automatically to facilitate access to the water and boarding, while a vast storage locker enables the storage of equipment and water toys. 

The flybridge features loose furniture

The 345sqft cockpit is dressed in modular furniture, while there are two sliding doors to the saloon, either side of a central bar.

The port side of the cockpit has external ‘floating stairs’ to the 540sqft flybridge, which has a central twin-seat helm station, an eight-seat dining table to port, a large sunpad to starboard, and loose furniture aft. The foredeck has fitted sunpads and a sunken area forward surrounded by seating on all four sides. 

Forward view of the saloon

Inside, the main-deck interior is laid out on a single level and starts with a lounge area and flybridge stairs to starboard, while both sides feature lower-deck stairs as well as sliding doors providing a connection to the outside and side decks.

Forward is the dining area to port, while the starboard area has the option of a helm and a U-shaped galley, although the space can otherwise be used as a coffee corner. 

Forward steps lead down to the 320sqft master suite, which is full beam and split into four zones. To starboard is a lounge with sofa, coffee table, chairs and TV. The central area is dedicated to the bedroom, which has a starboard-facing bed. Beside the bedhead is a dressing area, storage and cupboards, while further to port is the en-suite bathroom.

There are three lower-deck layouts including a five-cabin version with four similar-sized guest cabins, three with window-facing double beds and the forward starboard room containing a forward-facing double and a Pullman bed.

• READ MORE: Prestige X70: Game Changer

A VIP suite can occupy the two rooms in the port hull in the four-cabin, galley-up layout, while the four-cabin galley-down layout has the galley aft in the starboard hull. The two forepeaks can be configured as en-suite single crew cabins.

The M8 offers a variety of decors with new materials and colours, while free-standing furniture offers possibilities for personalisation. 

Port view of the full-beam master suite

Camillo Garroni of Garroni Design, who also designed the M48, said: “The new M8 represents a concentration of innovation. Her contemporary lines, high-performance hull design, and innovative layouts place this new model at the top of the multihull motor yacht category.”

This article first appeared on Yacht Style.

For more yacht reads, click here.

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Shopping Center Tycoon Dai Yongge Sells Rose Bay Mansion For $25M

The three-story Rose Bay mansion boasts five bedrooms, a swimming pool, an internal lift, and iconic views of Australia's harbor.

from Men's Gear

Sleeping on Cloud Nine: The Luxurious World of Mattresses

Image: Adam Winger | Unsplash

Sleeping is one of the best parts of life and having a comfortable, cozy mattress to sleep on can make all the difference. Because we spend at least eight hours (and sometimes more) every single day sleeping, it’s worth investing in a good quality mattress that offers superior comfort and support. But with so many options out there, where do you begin? Today we’ll explore all the luxurious options available in mattresses today and provide you with helpful guidance on picking one ideal for your needs. Join us as we take an indulgent look through “Sleeping on Cloud Nine: The Luxurious World of Mattresses”!

1. What goes into a quality mattress and why it matters

A good standard mattress can make all the difference in giving you a pleasant sleep at night. To ensure that your mattress will provide you with optimal comfort and support, it must be composed of the best materials that have been appropriately engineered. Typically, the components of an ideal mattress include a combination of cotton padding, latex foam or memory foam for contouring, springs or coils for support and flexibility, and breathable fabrics to draw away heat. All these elements work together to create a sleeping surface that is neither too stiff nor too soft, accommodating your individual body shape without leading to pressure points or joint pain. Investing in a well-designed mattress is worth every penny as it can provide added protection against spine alignment problems and other sleep-related issues.

Image: Filmreal Studio | Unsplash

2. How to choose the right mattress for you

Choosing the right mattress can be a tough task when there are so many options out there. Before purchasing, consider your lifestyle and needs. Are you a side or back sleeper? Do you prefer something plush or firm? When was the last time you switched up your sleeping surface? Having an idea of what your preferences are will help narrow down available choices to find the perfect fit. Find one that meets all of your criteria and be sure to read reviews! Doing research beforehand is a smart decision and will help ensure you get good value for your money with a quality product that lasts.

3. The benefits of sleeping on a cloud-like mattress

People who suffer from sleepless nights or pain caused by their mattress should look into investing in a cloud-like mattress. These mattresses are designed to offer an unparalleled level of comfort, support and cushioning so people can sleep more soundly. Its innovative design provides consistent pressure along the body’s curves for maximum comfort and helps spread weight evenly throughout the mattress for proper support. Sleepers can have peace of mind knowing that it can give them the restful night’s sleep that they deserve. Plus, one of these mattresses would be perfect for anyone who has trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in – its famous hug feel is something truly special!

• READ MORE: 10 Trendy Men’s Bedroom Ideas for 2023

4. A look at some of the most luxurious mattresses on the market today

Although it may not seem like an important purchase decision, the truth is that a mattress can make or break a good night’s sleep. For anyone in search of the best of the best when it comes to getting their forty winks, there are some luxurious mattresses on the market that promise to bring dreams of serenity and comfort. Combining high quality materials with advanced construction techniques, these mattresses strive to provide plush padding and breathable surfaces so users can sleep soundly without feeling weighed down or overheating. From memory foam toppings to sophisticated firmness levels, they offer something for everyone’s tastes and needs – making them worth every penny for those in pursuit of true luxury slumber.

Image: Andrea Davis | Unsplash

5. How to care for your new mattress so that it lasts for years to come

To ensure your mattress will last for years to come, regular maintenance is key. Start by vacuuming it at least once a month, making sure to thoroughly clean all crevices and folds. Rotate the mattress every few months as this will help maintain its shape and resiliency. Most mattresses should be changed or flipped once a year and since mattresses generally come with care instructions, use them as guidelines. If at any time you notice an exaggeration in sagging or significant changes in comfort level, it may be time to replace the mattress. Taking good care of your mattress doesn’t only guarantee a longer life but can also add to your overall sleeping comfort.

6. Fun facts about mattresses

Slept on a mattress lately? Mattresses have more secrets than you’d think! It might surprise you to learn that mattresses can last as long as 10 years, though 8 years is a more standard lifespan. Mattresses range in size from the single width of twin beds all the way up to California king widths that offer plenty of room for couples who need their space. Temperature is also considered when it comes to mattresses; models with gel and foam are designed to help keep users nice and cool throughout the night. As an added bonus, some even come with warranties that cover sagging or lumpy surfaces – whatever your sleep needs may be, it seems like there’s a specialized mattress just waiting for you!

The world of mattresses is vast and varied, offering endless options for those seeking a comfortable and luxurious sleeping experience. From memory foam to innerspring latex, there are many different materials and designs to choose from, each with their own unique benefits. And for those who crave even more customization and control over their sleeping environment, an adjustable firmness mattress can offer a range of support options that can be tailored to your specific needs. Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect mattress is to take the time to explore your options and determine what feels most comfortable and supportive for your individual body type and sleep preferences. With so many incredible mattress options available today, there’s never been a better time to invest in a truly restful night’s sleep.

For more décor reads, click here.

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Introducing A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk

There is a new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk in town, and it looks almost like the original from way back in 2009. In fact, if you look at this watch, which we featured in the Festive issue of WOW but did not dive into, you might not even notice anything different. Of course, this is A. Lange & Söhne so the new watch comes with a new movement, which is part of the ethos of the Glashütte manufacture. Think of it this way: there is no such thing as an update without a new movement. In fact, the new calibre L043.6 somehow finds space for 63 new components, yet the watch continues to be the good old jumping digital hour and minute watch, with small seconds.  The new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk comes in two versions, in platinum or pink gold.

No doubt you already know that the pusher at 4 o’clock reveals part of what is new here, and so does the power reserve display at 12 o’clock. The pusher now allows for fast forward adjustment of the hour indication, which will be useful for travellers and could not have come at a better time now that travel without restriction is once more on the cards (the watch debuted in October last year). As for the power reserve, it has been boosted to 72 hours, up from 36, thanks to the inclusion of twin mainspring barrels (the previous calibre L043.1 had just the one overworked barrel; it takes a lot of power to jump and brake the oversized displays). The constant force mechanism, that provided a steadying hand in controlling torque, remains in place but has been reworked for greater efficiency.

• READ MORE: Finishing Point: Everything You Need to Know About Watch Crafting

The new manual-winding calibre L043.6 has 451 exquisitely finished components, and that is one of the highest counts we know of for what amounts to a time-only watch. To be fair, calling the Zeitwerk a time-only watch is like calling a Bugatti Veyron a car… Excessive engineering and a ridiculous attention to detail is exactly what everyone has come to expect from A. Lange & Sohne, and it delivers with Zeitwerk. Now, you can be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu here, especially when it comes to that pusher and the improved power reserve. Rest easy because your mind is not playing tricks on you.  

In 2019, A. Lange & Söhne debuted the Zeitwerk Date, it had the same quickset feature for the hours, and the improved power reserve. Absolutely everyone knew that the original Zeitwerk would receive these upgrades too – it was just a question of when. The case size of 41.9mm is unchanged, but the watch is somehow slimmer, coming in at 12.2mm (04mm thinner than the original Zeitwerk). The watch already wore reasonably well so we expect no changes in that aspect. Now, we have only an inferred idea about how A. Lange & Söhne managed to slim things down, even with increased parts, and the reason for our ignorance is that we have not seen this watch in the metal. The presentation in Singapore happened when this specialist was abroad, and he remains the only watch specialist on staff.  Nevertheless, he did see the original Zeitwerk and had an extensive feel (literally) of the calibre L043.8 that powers the Zeitwerk Date, so we are reasonably confident in our expectations.

For more watch reads, click here.

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The Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco is a Destination in Itself

Image: Virgin Limited Edition

Travel is often boxed in familiarities: Popular destinations are bequeathed as though religion, while itineraries function like biblical scriptures. Oftentimes, the hotels on such trips offer no more than a roof over one’s head while on holiday and hardly leave an impression. 

Image: Virgin Limited Edition

But none of these qualms exists at the Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco. Located just an hour’s drive from Marrakech, the Virgin Limited Edition property is a sanctuary within the famed Atlas Mountains. With no more than 28 rooms and suites in a building camouflaged by mud-brick that blends it seamlessly into the mountain plains, the hotel renders privacy in its most luxurious. 

• READ MORE: Defying Wonder By Discovering The Garden Of Eden In The Galapagos Islands

Kasbah Tamadot was discovered and purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 1998 when he visited Morocco with the goal of circumnavigating the globe in a hot air balloon. As the former home of renowned antique dealer and interior designer, Luciano Tempo, Branson also inherited a 1,000 square metre warehouse filled to the brim with tables, sculptors and ornaments collected from India, Indonesia and North Africa — which now decorate the property. 

Image: Virgin Limited Edition

No two rooms are alike, as each room at the Kasbah Tamadot has a uniquely descriptive Berber name which has its own story to tell. Some rooms come in pastels; others with dark green or blue walls, with large round mirrors or deep velvet reliefs as their upholstery. They are individually decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques, as well as items from the vast collection of previous owner Luciano Tempo. 

Image: Virgin Limited Edition

Its selling point lies in its ideal location for thrill seekers and slow-paced travellers alike, as it offers wide-ranging activities that are simply unique to the property. During the Summer season, these activities include cooking courses with traditional Moroccan Kanouns (wood ovens), a day excursion around the hills, mule trekking through eucalyptus and olive groves, and a golfing masterclass at the Royal Golf Course — the private property of King Mohamed VI. 

READ MORE: LUXUO Travelogue: Monte-Carlo, Where Money and Magic Collide

Image: Virgin Limited Edition

Still, the atmosphere at Kasbah Tamadot is relaxed and informal. One can simply pack their suitcase for the season and the types of activities they plan on doing during their stay. The hotel also emphasises wellness and charity, where free English classes have been set up for the local population, as well as the presence of the Eve Branson Foundation and Virgin Unite in the vicinity. 

Image: Virgin Limited Edition

Although the hotel only opened its doors to its first guest in 2005, the years since have made it a landmark in Morocco. It provides a packaged vacation that is distinct from its name, as no other hotel can provide the same. With countless decorated awards and achievements, Kasbah Tamadot proves that a hotel is more than just a place to stay.

This article first appeared on Men’s Folio Singapore.

For more travel reads, click here.

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Manteiro Leather Cases For iPhone 14 Pro Review: Premium And Elegant Protection

Before cellphone manufacturers started using high-end materials for their devices, protective accessories were just an afterthought. Shortly after the iPhone debuted, glass and metal became mainstream. As such, people began…

from Men's Gear

Upgrade To The ASUS ROG Destrier Ergo For Superior Comfort And Style

The ROG Destrier Ergo is nothing short of remarkable as it provides support in all the right places with a wide range of adjustments.

from Men's Gear

The Yield House Offers Scenic Views From Its Glazed Corners

The Yield House boasts 5,700-sq. ft. of living space and sits elevated on the sidewalk with its glazed windows that offer uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean and city.

from Men's Gear

A Ma Maniére Revamps The Air Jordan XII With Its Distinct Luxe Style

A Ma Maniére is launching the Air Jordan XII sneakers together with a stylish capsule collection for buyers who want to match it up with other apparel.

from Men's Gear

Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste Offers Luxurious Oceanview Estates In Costa Rica

Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste will have 19 condo residences boasting 1,509 to 2,209 sq. ft. and 22 estate homes with four or five-bedroom layouts and option for two or three stories.

from Men's Gear

Defying Wonder By Discovering The Garden Of Eden In The Galapagos Islands

[Words & Photos, Melanie Jai, Who Visited Abroad A 50M Super-yacht] The seductive lure of the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, about 400 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Eternally disconnected from mainland, the islands seem extremely inhospitable to life, and yet life found a way. Over thousands of years plants and animals inexplicably migrated from over the sea. They adapted and evolved to the unique conditions, morphing into species vastly different to their continental ancestors. Now, half of the plant life and almost all of the reptiles in the Galapagos are endemic to the islands. A living laboratory of creatures and plants still in an evolutionary phase, only existing in this space.

Seductive Lures Amid The Galapagos Islands Landscape

Iguana soaking up the sun

 

Lying on the equator, the Galapagos is an archipelago of 14 volcanic islands and over 40 small islets. These islands are in their infancy in geological terms, the oldest around 5 million years old, with the youngest islands still in the process of being formed through volcanic activity.

Each island has developed its own unique ecosystem from lush, green forests, powdery beaches and rocky islands, to stark, volcanic or desert landscapes. Unparalleled diversity, this Garden of Eden attracted the attention of Charles Darwin, and became the birth place of his theory of evolution.

 

Galapagos Island map

 

It was here in the 1800s that Darwin noticed animal species specific to each of the islands that had undergone adaptations to better suit the particular conditions. This was most famously focused on the finches, as he observed they had different types of beaks depending on their food sources. Today, about 13 different species call the islands home. Darwin’s theory extended to countless species now endemic to each separate island. This makes the Galapagos the holy grail for scientists and conservationists alike.

This magical land was intriguingly featured in the novel Moby Dick. The story was famously based on the voyage of a ship called Essex that was sunk by a sperm whale, but its origins began in the Galapagos. The crew, having captured around 360 tortoises, managed to then set re to Floreana Island. They exited after complete destruction, wiping out the island and its animal inhabitants. Gratefully, Moby Dick remains a fictional story, and Floreana Island lives magnificently on. The true history of the Galapagos is no less destructive, and is also reminiscent of scary bedtime reading.

While today, the Galapagos attracts luxury cruises and mundane eco-conservationists, the islands possess a colourful history, beginning as a hideout for pirates in between all their pillaging escapades, and progressed to the delightful whalers and seal-fur hunters, who slaughtered several species, including the giant tortoise, close to extinction.

 

Galapagos Islands tortoises win battles with one another by competing to who can extent their neck the furthest

 

Fast forward through violent convict uprisings and settler assassinations to perhaps the most perplexing episode, where prisoners were forced to construct a massive wall in inhumane conditions, aptly named the “Wall of Tears’’, for no other purpose but to make them suffer. Remnants of this charming wall still remain.

 

Vegetation in the vicinity of Iguana Beach had many different features

 

The outbreak of World War II saw the location of the islands take on strategic military significance for protecting the Panama Canal. Santa Cruz and Baltra were used as a minor military base for the US to support their efforts in the Pacific theatre. Since then, they have been the tranquil site of some of the world’s foremost conservation efforts and marine and terrestrial research, as well as an epicentre of tourism in South America.

It was millions of years after life first appeared on these volcanic islands, after it was discovered by the western world, that humans came to populate the land. When travelling, often the strongest connections to a new land are formed through its people. One of our many misconceptions was that the archipelago would be home to a traditional native tribe, rich in culture and history. Thus began the slow realignment of expectations versus reality.

 

Ubiquitous red crabs, reminiscent of those on Australia’s Christmas Island south of Jakarta

 

Just 25 years ago the islands were home to 3,000 inhabitants who migrated primarily, but not exclusively, from Ecuador. Now it is a mix of various ethnicities, customs, and traditions and has cultural influences from Europe, America, as well as Ecuador.

This number has increased tenfold to 30,000 as migrants arrived to take advantage of growing economic opportunities geared around tourism and conservation. This is a slightly bumpy but well-oiled machine, and around 180,000 visitors each year flock here. The growing human population is threatening the health of the ecosystems and species tourism depends on, from the introduction of invasive species to rapid, largely unregulated construction in the towns.

It seems to be simultaneously supporting more scientific and conservation efforts and destroying the things that need to be studied and conserved. All of this results in more taxis, buses, boats, ferries, construction, garbage, sewage, and people.

 

Iguana in the water

 

There are so many people, it’s breathtaking, but more in a hyperventilating, did I get this all wrong, kind of way. Surely this isn’t the same place that complies with the countless glossy pictures of Garden of Eden-type environments, a showcase of evolution, a wonder of the world? It dawns with a thud that these “pure and untouched” islands are clearly not as pure and untouched as perceived. The disappointment is crushing.

Until it isn’t. The cacophony of barking sea lions that appear to populate every surface on land and sea in the bustling ports definitely have their charm. As does tip-toeing around baby sea wolves, gazing up at you with their deep soulful eyes, seemingly without the slightest concern about the presence of people. Watching on as these cheeky creatures jostle noisily for scraps amongst the fishermen in the fish markets like oversized puppies looking for treats.

Currently, only four of the 18 islands are inhabited by people – Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, and San Cristobal. The rest of the islands are in pristine condition and carefully managed and maintained by the Galapagos National Park.

 

Two blue-footed boogie birds

 

Our adventure begins with a wet landing by boat in Punta Pitt, San Cristobal Island. We traverse a steep gully path, up a rocky cliff face, to a vast plateau surface. Contours of barren, wind-eroded peaks surround us, a volcanic wasteland sparsely inhabited by saltbush and spiny shrubs. This predominantly black surface is pierced by the presence of lush carpets of Vesuvius in a startling re engine red hue.

Otherworldly, yet strikingly beautiful, this landscape is harsh. So it is unexpected to and it heavily populated by the world renowned Blue Footed Booby Birds. Few sights match seeing this strange bird for the first time. They nest on the ground within a ring of their own sprayed poo, so comfort isn’t high on their agenda.

Their fluffy little babies with white webbed feet grow to awkward, tufted adolescents with aqua coloured feet so bright it is as if they have been dipped in paint. The adults’ webbed feet are a deep, rich blue, their ungainly foot-slapping waddle and piercing eyes make for an entertaining sight. Seeing these iconic webbed creatures was definitely a bucket-list worthy highlight, though I discover that each new experience in this natural nirvana threatens to trump the last.”

We enter the water for our drift snorkel, traveling with the current off the coast of San Cristobal, along a small volcanic rock islet. Gently floating along the shore, we lock eyes with a giant bull sea wolf, or Lobos Marinos.

He does not back off, but dives under and around us, playfully yet territorially marking out his space. Galapagos and white-tipped sharks lurk in the depths below, rays majestically glide past. A colorful array of tropical shell the water as a puffer fish floats too close for his comfort and pops his little body out.

These sights feel precious, intimate, without the presence of crowds or other boats. Rather indulgently, the tender stands by in the lee of the islet where the currents ease, and we literally float to our pick up point.

Stepping from our boat onto the black rock shelf of Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, is somewhat like stepping onto another planet. The sharp surface is furnished by the odd, paddle-like Opuntia Cactus. A key species in the ecology of the Galapagos Islands, the pads form a major food source for tortoises and iguanas.

Walking gingerly along this prickly, strange trail, we are led to a completely contrasting landscape. Powder-soft white sand, silky soft underfoot, this surf beach is bizarrely populate with hundreds of prehistoric looking marine iguana, which Charles Darwin named, “imps of darkness”

 

Galapagos Island herbivore iguana feeds underwater

 

Like all the creatures in this equatorial archipelago, they gaze at us unperturbed by our presence. These herbivores are the only iguanas in the world that feed entirely underwater. Their attended tail allows them to glide, crocodile style, below the water’s surface. Physically imposing, with their shedding skins and long spikes, they also appear to regularly and unpleasantly spit.

To be more precise, they filter out the excess salt from the sea water by sneezing it out through their blunt, spiny snouts. It’s not pretty. Though all signs point to a creature best avoided, it is their very weirdness that makes them completely enthralling.

 

Lava flows still dominate parts of the ancient landscape

 

Uneroded pahoehoe lava, hardened bubbles, and tree-trunk moulds texture the surface. Stretching as far as the eye can see, this century- old lava flow has solidified into a sheet that runs to the edge of the sea. Standing here, you can imagine how it would have once bubbled and flowed toward the water, engulfing everything in its path. The flat, long lava shorelines erodes into lava pools, caves and inlets to be explored. Santiago is one of the most volcanically active islands in the archipelago, and Sullivan Bay’s rough terrain of flowing lava fields was unsurprisingly an intriguing stop to Darwin’s itinerary. Off to the northwest of the island, James Bay holds a unique pahoehoe flow.

 

Galapagos iguana underwater

 

During his stop on the island, Charles Darwin found pieces of glass embedded in the flow. They were found to be from quince marmalade jars, and the year of their manufacture, 1684, was moulded in their base. The volcanic flow had permanently embedded a marmalade stash left by buccaneers. This ow, now referred to as the “Marmalade Pot Flow”, therefore must have erupted between the jars manufacturing in 1684 and Darwin’s arrival in 1835. Today the “Marmalade Pot Flow” remains frozen in time within a black shiny veneer of basaltic glass.

In the cool and misty highlands of Santa Cruz , surrounded by otherworldly cactus and scalesia forests, lie one of the oldest creatures in the world, the iconic Galapagos Tortoise. No visit to the islands are complete without seeing these giant lumbering creatures, and after hiking for over five hours in the searing heat to see only two small tortoises we decide to drive to Reserva El Chato.

 

 

Once farmland, the rangers have preserved the region by hunting predators and creating a safe space to prevent the further destruction of the tortoise population. As they are slow and meaty, they were almost hunted to extinction by humans, and are now very heavily protected in grounds such as this.

Here you can see huge, mature wild tortoises in their natural habitat. These primordial creatures grow up to five feet long, weigh over 500 pounds, and have been known to live over 150 years, making them the largest turtles on earth, and the world’s longest living vertebrates.

 

Galapagos Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizi) underwater

Roam through the damp grounds, best done in enclosed wet weather shoe, around muddy ponds lined with their huge domes shapes, their heads buried under the mud. It is believed that they enjoy their pond baths as a thermoregulation mechanism for heating or cooling, depending on the temperature. They could be riddled themselves of ticks and mosquitoes, or it may just feel really good.

Most of these wild tortoises migrate to the lowlands for the wet season where they mate and nest before returning to the highlands for the dry season. It is said that the only way to be bitten by this creature is to place your hand within its open jaws and wait patiently. Though terribly unlikely, the tortoises jaws are strong and lined with sharp ridges, and could easily bite off a human finger if mistaken for food.

We are reminded to respect these docile, gentle animals with the two metre rule, which applies to most creatures within the Galapagos. Sudden movements or getting too close causes these sensitive beings to withdraw within their carapaces and make a hissing sound as air is being expelled from their lungs.

Sit patiently and quietly, and they may decide to take a closer look at you. I gently shift my position as one meanders past, almost nudging into me to get access to the rough pathway.

These gentle creatures have even come up with a passive aggressive means of fighting each other, where they face each other with their most ferocious glares, open their mouths and stretch their heads up as high as they can. The winner is the one whose head reaches the highest, while the loser pulls his head into his shell as a sign the battle is over.

 

 

In between the excitement of island visits, there’s plenty of time for reflection while travelling by boat. Some spend it looking over photographs from their last adventure, some disconnect completely from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and lose themselves in the moment, while others struggle with the motion of the waves and nausea. I was all of these people, at different times.

Speaking of people, this is a problem that continues to be an issue for the growing Galapagos. There are so many recommendations and treaties in place from various levels of government and not-for-profit organisations that it is impossible to tell what is current and binding.

 

 

Since 2009, in an attempt to limit population growth, the government kicked out thousands of Ecuadorians from their residences in Puerto Ayora, the main economic hub. It is now impossible to apply for permanent residency within the islands. This has left the islands with an unsettling ethical dilemma, as many residents now feel that they are less important than the animals they protect for the benefit of a booming tourism market.

It is equally hard to argue with the government’s stance that without the wildlife there wouldn’t be a booming economy for the Ecuadoreans to benefit from. Regardless of the politics involved, the local population continue to dedicate their lives to not only protect and preserve, but also to provide access of this UNESCO awarded world heritage site.

Our guides were so informative and enthusiastic that by the end of the trip we felt like wildlife experts. Their local knowledge gave a deeper understanding to the history and nature of the archipelago, and enriched our experience.

 

Due to the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos archipelago and its priceless natural resources, the Ecuadorian government heavily regulates the tourist industry on the islands. As much of the islands are National Parks, there are only one or two boats in a particular port or point of disembarkation at a time, and strict guidelines apply for the ship routes and island visits.

Permits to access the different islands and waterways are a premium cost, and no tenders are permitted to run to shore. Therefore, having arrived by superyacht presented many challenges for us. To set foot off the yacht requires a taxi boat, to access the islands takes planning, a registered local guide and heavily restricted boat hire. To expect the usual autonomy provided by travelling in your own vessel is to be gravely disappointed. It’s hard not to notice the many ways that the Galapagos Islands have been tainted by the immense growth in tourism over the years, to doubt that it can live up to its immense hype.

Documentaries play spectacular footage of the archipelago, capturing seemingly impossible angles of the countless endemic species. Fuelled by these images, I believed this famous archipelago to be a secret garden, a remote tropical paradise lled with indescribable wildlife, untamed yet unafraid.

I imagined perfectly. It was all of this and so much more. Some of these added extras may not have been what I expected or wanted, but they became a piece of the puzzle. The Galapagos lls the senses with the stuff of legend. The geography of the islands and variety of landscapes saw us peering over the rim of enormous crates, standing on rivers of lava ow, traversing salt water lagoons lled with amingos. And the wildlife. Nothing will prepare you for such close encounters with nature. Those impossible angles that the documentaries managed to capture? I caught them too.

Yes, there are a lot more people than you might expect.

Yes, it is expensive. You pay for the privilege of visiting one of the most remote and highly protected places in existence.

Will you regret it? Not for a second.

Book a cruise to the Galapagos Islands

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