PAID CONTENT FOR ST HELENA ISLAND


PAID CONTENT FOR ST HELENA ISLAND


St Helena Island SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN


One of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, St Helena offers a rare sense of discovery where dramatic landscapes, wildlife and layered history unfold without crowds. Until 2017, the island could only be reached by a five-day sea journey from Cape Town. Today, weekly flights connect travellers to a destination that feels wonderfully untouched, set in the South Atlantic between Namibia and Brazil. St Helena’s scenery is strikingly varied. Misty


cloud forests give way to rolling green pastures, desert-red volcanic ridges and sheer coastal cliffs shaped by centuries of Atlantic winds. At the island’s heart lies Jamestown, a narrow capital set within a deep volcanic valley that opens directly onto the sea. Pastel-fronted buildings, historic fortifications and a strong sense of community define daily life. Walking is one of the most rewarding ways to


explore. The island’s 25 Post Box Walks cross ridges, ravines and lava cliffs, each route ending with a stamp hidden in a metal box. Even short hikes deliver remarkable views, including Diana’s Peak, the island’s highest point, or via the steep ascent of Jacob’s Ladder, whose 699 steps rise dramatically


above Jamestown. Wildlife encounters are equally compelling. Birdlife includes the endemic wirebird, while offshore waters form a vast marine protected area where whale sharks arrive from December to April, humpback whales migrate past the coast and dolphins are present year-round. St Helena’s history is as compelling as its


landscapes. First sighted by the Portuguese and later shaped by the British and East India Company, the island is perhaps best known as Napoleon Bonaparte’s final place of exile. Longwood House, where he spent his last years, remains open to visitors. Local flavours also tell a story of global connections, from island dishes influenced by Africa and Asia to one of the world’s rarest coffees, green-tipped Bourbon Arabica, cultivated here since the 18th century. Mantis St Helena, the island’s only luxury hotel,


occupies the former East India Company barracks in Jamestown. With just 29 rooms, a restaurant and bar celebrating local ingredients, and a relaxed courtyard setting, it provides a comfortable base from which to experience this singular island.


DON’T MISS Walk a Post Box Trail and collect a stamp while exploring St Helena’s most dramatic landscapes


This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. 83 Need to know


KEY FEATURES • 29 guest rooms • Bar & restaurant • Terrace & outdoor courtyard • 24-hour concierge


KEY ACTIVITIES • Guided Post Box Walks & bespoke hiking itineraries


• Diving, snorkelling & marine wildlife encounters


• Cultural, historical & coffee tours


GET IN TOUCH mantiscollection.com +290 22808 traveldesk@mantiscollection.com instagram.com/mantiscollection


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