Yes, You Can Go Off-the-Grid and Try Glamping in Antarctica
Here's how you can book the luxury experience.
On the southern part of the Earth lies Antarctica, an area in the planet that's the exact definition of "off-the-grid." Because of its distance and its remote icy landscapes, it might be rare to tick off a visit to the icy continent even on the bucket lists of the most devout travelers. But if you’ve got extra cash lying around and a taste for an exciting one-of-a-kind luxury escapade, then this one's for you. You can experience all that Antarctica has to offer and then some at the opulent and space-inspired Camp Echo.
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Here's what you should know about 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 camp is situated at a spot encircled by pitted rock formations, made to look right out of any sci-fi movie's definition of "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 pods 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, a.k.a. icy mountain tops.
The pods also hold a library with a panoramic view of the snowy vistas.
Campers will also be treated to bespoke fine-dining meals cooked by an on-site personal chef.
What are the activities you can do around the camp?
The camp provides a range of activities. These include guided hikes that allow adventurous travelers to explore the glaciers and ice-climbing expeditions that allow guests to scale frozen walls. Meanwhile, those looking for more adrenaline-pumping action can go biking, skiing, Ski-Dooing, and four-by-four arctic truck driving.
In addition to these activities, expert guides also offer insights into the region's ecology and share captivating stories about the Antarctic exploration. Camp Echo also presents rare opportunities to see Antarctica's 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 aircraft. After that, 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?
Expect a hefty price tag attached to an experience as unique as this. Stay 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 U.S. $65,000, which is approximately P3.6 million. Meanwhile, the South Pole and Emperors start at U.S. $104,000, which is around P5.8 million. Alternatively, if you happen to have your own or know someone with a private jet and opt to use it for the trip, you can select The Owner’s Club category, with the price available upon request.
Echo, White Desert Antarctica is in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. Rates start at U.S. $65,000 (roughly P3,623,750). For more information, visit White Desert Antarctica's website.