On the southern part of the Earth lies Antarctica, an area in the planet that typifies “off-the-grid.” Because of its distance and its remote icy landscapes, it might be rare to have it on the bucket lists of even the most devout travelers. But if you’re leaning towards a luxury escapade, don’t fret: Even Antarctica has a spot for that, by the name of the opulent and space-inspired Camp Echo.
What is White Desert’s Camp Echo?
Helmed by the British tour operator White Desert and launched in November 2022, Camp Echo is an exclusive haven nestled in the heart of Antarctica. The actual camp is situated at a spot that’s encircled by pitted rock formations, made to look “space age.”
What are the amenities?
Campers will stay at an “Echo Pod,” which is designed to look like “they’ve been beamed down from Mars.” Echo has six state-of-the-art bedrooms crafted from composite materials, complete with floor-to-ceiling domed windows that offer a panoramic view of the picturesque icy tundras.
Inside the pod is an art deco lounge, decorated with a sculpture from British-American artist Anthony James, who is best known for his experiential installations.
Bathrooms overlook an ancient glacier with a series of Antarctica’s nunataks.
The pods also hold a library, with a full glimpse of the snowy vistas.
Campers will also be treated to bespoke fine dining cooked by a personal chef.
What are the activities you can do around the camp?
The camp provides a range of activities around, including guided hikes that offer a chance to explore the glaciers. For the adventurous, ice climbing expeditions provide a different experience, allowing guests to scale frozen walls. Meanwhile, for more adrenaline enthusiasts, the camp also holds fat biking, skiing, skidooing, and four-by-four arctic truck driving.
In addition to these activities, expert guides offer insights into the region's ecology and share captivating stories of Antarctic exploration. Camp Echo also presents rare opportunities to see its wildlife, like visiting Emperor Penguin colonies or spending a night camping under the mesmerizing polar night sky.
How do you get there?
As part of the package, the starting point for travelers will be in Cape Town, South Africa, where they’ll have a safety briefing before flying to the South Pole. On the flight from Cape Town, they’ll pass into the Antarctic Circle in an Airbus A340 or similar. Passengers will also take a two-hour flight in a Basler BT-67, where they’ll be able to see the Emperor Penguin Colony with more than 14,000 penguins.
How much does a stay cost?
With this kind of unique experience, expect a hefty price tag attached. Categories are divided into two: the Early Emperors, a five-to-six-day stay, and the South Pole and Emperors, which covers a seven-to-eight-day stay.
The Early Emperors start at a price of $65,000, which is approximately P3.6 million. Meanwhile, the South Pole and Emperors start at $104,000, which is around P5.8 million. For people who own a private jet and opt to bring it to their trip, they can select The Owner’s Club category, with the price available upon request.
Interested? Check out the full information and available dates on White Desert’s website.
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