Why St Helena should be on clients’ island destination bucket lists
When it comes to off-the-beaten-track holiday destinations, few are more isolated – and more enchanting – than St Helena
One of the most remote islands on Earth, complete with volcanic mountains, acres of lush forests and dramatic sea cliffs, St Helena is a breath of fresh air. Its isolated location in the heart of the South Atlantic Ocean means this British Overseas Territory hasn’t had any cases of coronavirus in the local community. With welcoming residents, an agreeable climate and a fascinating history, it’ll be the latest island destination your client adds to their bucket list.
RICH TAPESTRY
For an island that’s only 10 miles in length and six miles wide, St Helena’s heritage packs a punch. Perhaps best known for being the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death, St Helena is home to The Valley of the Tomb, where the French military leader’s remains once lay. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the island here, as well as at High Knoll Fort and at many additional military fortifications across the island. There are buildings showcasing impressive Georgian architecture, chequered stories of slaves and their traders, and a raft of Boer history for visitors to discover too.
The Museum of St Helena is also a history hotspot, containing an extensive archive of photos, videos and documents describing the island’s more than 500 years of history. The museum is located at the base of the Grade I-listed staircase Jacob’s Ladder, which has 699 steps and leads down 924ft from Ladder Hill Fort to the capital of Jamestown.
There are plenty of parades and events to tie into itineraries throughout the year. St Helena’s Day, which takes place every 21 May, sees the friendly residents and inquisitive tourists alike celebrate the day the island was discovered in 1502 with fancy dress, live music and games. Colourful outfits and flamboyant floats return in October every other year for Carnival, and come December Christmas celebrations take over the island.
Visitors might like to explore St Helena’s culinary scene while on holiday, in which case cooking classes are a great way to discover the island’s flavours. Plo is St Helena’s bread and butter – a delectable blend of curry and paella cooked in a single pot – while fish cakes and coconut fingers are thought of as local delicacies too. Meanwhile, the St Helena Distillery is known as “the most remote distillery in the world”, producing Cactus Pear Spirit Tungi as well as an eclectic mix of rum, gin and coffee liqueurs (the island is famed for its coffee production).
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
St Helena has a rich selection of foodie experiences on land, but for a little extra excitement visitors can take a fishing excursion with local fishermen to sustainably source the likes of wahoo, tuna, eel, mackerel and rock fish. Or, they can embark on excursions to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
Getting into the water with the sea life is also an option, with swimming and snorkelling alongside endemic fish and whale sharks, and scuba diving to see ancient shipwrecks, all top adventure activities. Visitors travelling with romance in mind can even take a sunset cruise.
Active types will love St Helena thanks to its world-renowned hiking trails. There are 21 Post Box walks of varying difficulty that traverse diverse landscapes, with the Heart-Shaped Waterfall route being one of the most iconic. Walkers must keep an eagle eye out for the island’s 500 endemic species of plants and animals, including an intriguing assortment of birdlife such as the wirebird, which is also known as the St Helena plover.
The Peaks national park, home to Diana’s Peak, Cuckold’s Point and Mount Actaeon, is a great spot for wildlife lovers to explore on foot, and don’t forget to recommend clients stop off and see giant tortoise Jonathan. He holds a Guinness World Record for being the world’s oldest living land animal and will celebrate his 190th birthday this year!
Find out more about St Helena and how to sell the destination at sthelenatourism.com
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