Since its founding in 2005, bespoke travel company Black Tomato has distinguished itself amongst a sea of competitors thanks to its knack for devising adventures that push the limits of travel for a discerning and sophisticated clientele. In 2015 alone, it sent clients—who range from young, in-the-know globetrotters to captains of industry—to 75 countries. Want to live for a while amidst the Hadza, Africa’s last remaining full-time hunter-gatherers, on the banks of Lake Eyasi in Tanzania? Or give heli-surfing in New Zealand a try? Perhaps learn how to hunt with golden eagles in Mongolia’s wild west? Black Tomato can make it happen.
Western Mongolia is one of many far-flung places where Black Tomato can expertly arrange a truly... [+]
If you’re looking for something even further off the not-so-beaten path, the web-based company’s expedition-led adventure arm, Epic Tomato, creates truly singular odysseys from scratch to some of the world’s most geographically challenging places. Its array of “World First” itineraries includes rappelling from the top of Kaieteur Falls to the jungle floor in the rainforest of western Guyana and snow-kiting in completely uncharted regions of Antarctica.
You can become the first human to venture behind Kaieteur Falls, thanks to Black Tomato's "World... [+]
Innovation is a defining theme at Black Tomato, and it's not limited to far-flung itineraries: Cofounder Tom Marchant and his team are determined to improve even the most painful, process-driven parts of travel. They're working on ideas like creating online games clients can play while they’re waiting to clear customs, with the winner receiving a day of adventure on their trip gratis from the company.
Over a recent lunch in New York, Marchant shared his personal list of destinations that intrepid travelers should consider in the coming year. As for where he’s headed in 2016, Marchant has his sights set on a rafting expedition down the May River in the Star Mountains of Papua New Guinea, which he describes as “one of the world’s genuine final frontiers” (complete with cannibal tribes)—a journey that no westerner has made in at least 100 years.
Here are his picks for the year ahead, an intriguing mix of less-visited places whose charms are steadily emerging and more established ones that are attracting visitors for new reasons.
Where to Go Now
Ethiopia offers travelers a range of unique experiences, according to Black Tomato cofounder Tom... [+]
Ethiopia: “Words fail me: it’s my current obsession in Africa,” says Marchant—which is saying something, given Black Tomato’s well-deserved reputation for planning extraordinary safari adventures across the continent, from Namibia to Tanzania (where this writer first traveled with the company) and everywhere in between. “It’s got everything: enormous mountains and lush valleys in the north, wild nights in underground jazz bars in Addis Ababa, great game and tribespeople in the south’s Omo Valley, and the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Langano." While its luxury lodges aren’t yet at the level of other accommodations in Africa, they’re getting there, he says.
Finland's Archipelago Trail presents an idyllic option for an off-the-beaten-path summer vacation.
Finland: Traditionally viewed as a cold-weather destination, this Scandinavian stunner shines in summer as a beautiful and alluring alternative to Europe’s tourist hordes, owing in part to its nearly 188,000 lakes, water that is “some of the purest you’ll find anywhere,” and its enchanting remoteness. To revel in all of its seasonal splendor (and gorgeous light), try boating or cycling along the archipelago that runs from Turku in the southeast all the way to Stockholm.
Iceland: Having weathered a debilitating financial crisis from 2008-2011, the stunningly picturesque country has “never been stronger,” according to Marchant. In the snowy wilderness of its Midgard plains, Black Tomato has launched Blink (as in “blink and you’ll miss it”): pop-up, pod-like lodgings aimed at travelers in search of something completely different. “Beyond price, luxury is also defined by the uniqueness of the journey,” Marchant says. “You choose the location and your accommodations are dismantled the day you leave, assuring that no one else will ever have that exact experience again.” (Black Tomato is also working on prefabricated modules in which everything, from linens to toiletries, will be totally personalized, and plans to expand Blink into other regions like Scotland, Africa and New Zealand.)
The island of Palawan in the Philippines is an emerging destination for a new wave of luxury... [+]
The Philippines: Often remembered for making headlines primarily for former first lady Imelda Marcos’ staggering shoe collection, this nation of over 7,100 islands on the western edge of the Pacific has come into its own as a “magnificent” vacation destination, according to Marchant, who first discovered it fifteen years ago when he spent two months hitching rides on fishing boats in the South China Sea. It’s a divers’ paradise, and home to a growing slew of luxury resorts, including Amanpulo on the southwest jungle island of Palawan. And it’s also a great value, at least for now.
Spain: Iberia’s allure is expanding well beyond the museums of Madrid, the bustle of Barcelona, and the sunny beaches of Mallorca and Menorca: the country’s bounty of gastronomic delights is attracting serious foodies, especially to San Sebastian and Bilbao in the north. “It’s really becoming a culinary powerhouse in Europe,” Marchant says.
Sri Lanka's newfound stability and wealth of natural wonders are attracting tourists from all over... [+]
Sri Lanka: Finally settled and stable following the end of its brutal civil war in 2009 and the election of a new president in early 2015, this former British colony is increasingly piquing the interest of travelers, especially Americans, looking for something different. Rich in what Marchant calls “a real purity of product,” the country offers verdant valleys (including Bogawantalawa Valley, known as the Golden Valley of Tea), elephants galore, and gorgeous lodges including two Aman resorts, along with idyllic beaches and a slew of terrific independent hotels.
Taiwan's strong manufacturing economy has informed a tourism industry that's drawing visitors to the... [+]
Taiwan: A long history as a manufacturing stronghold has created a rock-solid service economy that’s now informing its fledgling tourism industry, says Marchant, who describes his team as “massive fans” of the country. Thanks to great airlift from a range of Asian hubs including Hong Kong, many travelers are touching down in surprisingly jet-set Taipei and then heading south to its pristine beaches and islands, including Baisha Beach, a Black Tomato favorite.
