With intentional travel heralded as the latest luxury travel trend, newcomer Pearl Expeditions looks set to hit the mark with its range of adventures that transform guests through deep connections with nature, culture and themselves.
The company’s Logistics & Operations Manager Jorge Villamarin has guided travellers through remote and pristine destinations like the Kimberley, Raja Ampat, and Papua New Guinea over the years for companies including PONANT. Now, in his new role for Pearl Expeditions, his focus is on crafting unique itineraries and seeking out new destinations that deliver life-changing experiences.
“One of the things is being able to get people passionate about destinations that they even didn’t know about by sharing knowledge and passion with them to the point that at the end of the trip they are different people,” he told LATTE aboard Paspaley Pearl last month.
Pearl Expeditions’ voyages explore some of the world’s most extraordinary and untouched regions such as the Kimberley where its itineraries, spanning a period of two months, immerse guests in a rugged landscape of unique geographical features.
“The Kimberley is absolutely amazing – the Aboriginal art, the history, the wildlife is unique,” Villamarin explained.
Meanwhile, the Raja Ampat journeys reveal marine biodiversity that is “unique in the world,” and Papua New Guinea offers “encounters with populations that have probably never seen a white man.”
The company’s 50 metre vessel, the Paspaley Pearl, allows access to secluded locations off-limits to larger ships, creating more intimate, authentic experiences. “The reduced number of guests puts us in a very good position to make a remarkable difference,” he said. “Also having the best of the best, creating that intimate experience between the expedition team and the passengers.”
Travellers vary in their mindset when it comes to such expeditions, according to Villamarin. Some arrive with definite expectations, others prefer to embrace the unknown. But the end result is generally the same. “There is no right or wrong approach,” he said. “But people always find more than they were expecting.”
This is achieved through a careful balancing act, with Pearl Expeditions delivering adventure with a generous dose of respect and safety. “We need to follow protocols established by the industry, by local authorities and by the traditional owners,” Villamarin explained. “The activities are designed to give guests the best possible experience, but under strict safety protocols. So we’re always assessing the risk.”
Even though he has already visited most of the destination’s on the Pearl Expeditions program, he is excited about the opportunity to return. For him, no destination’s appeal dwindles with time – repeated visits simply deepen appreciation. “Because the first time is about the discovery, then the second time is about that knowledge sinking into you,” he reflected. “And the third time you start appreciating even more.”
However, with his role now largely shore-based, Villamarin is mentoring newer team members to deliver these exceptional experience aboard Paspaley Pearl. “When I can use that experience after some time and add to the planning, contribute somehow to making the experience a bit better, that’s rewarding,” he said.
Ultimately, he believes that it’s the connection between the expedition team and guests that will fuel the company’s success – and this is where he is confident he can make a real difference. “Being able to pass on that knowledge, instill that passion in others – that is amazing,” he said.
