The frozen bookends of the Earth, Antarctica and the Arctic, are two of the most hypnotically beautiful destinations one can ever have the privilege of visiting. Despite their polarising locations, these destinations share an enigmatic wonder in their tranquil majesty, and expeditions here leave an indelible mark on the soul.
Those venturing north into the icy waters of the Arctic can find storied lands where polar bears roam beneath the emerald glow of the Northern Lights and Inuit communities live on the edge of civilisation following traditions unchanged for centuries. On the other side of the world, the waters of the Southern Ocean encircle a magical land where thousands of miles of Antarctic expanse are only occasionally broken by the cacophony of colossal penguin colonies, and where icebergs the size of cities calve into the waters of the Weddell Sea.
These days, one does not have to brave the conditions once endured by the great explorers to encounter the wonders of the Polar regions. A well-regulated number of supremely comfortable expedition cruise ships and luxury icebreakers offer comprehensive explorations of Polar waters, accessing areas of pristine wilderness simply impossible to reach by land. Those preferring an experience on dry land, however, are better catered for than ever before, with a plethora of stunning wilderness lodges to be found across the Arctic, as well as the advent of White Desert’s pioneering leave-no-trace luxury pods tempting those seeking the Antarctic adventure of a lifetime.
£££ | Great quality at competitive prices |
££££ | Excellent accommodation at a moderate to higher price level |
£££££ | The very best in class and priced accordingly |