Travel has long been celebrated as one of life’s greatest pleasures and privileges. For many, traversing the globe in search for new terrain, breathtaking sights and novel experiences is the most gratifying way to spend our time on this planet. But what truly distinguishes meaningful travel from a fleeting holiday?
At Vogue Singapore, we believe that the new face of travel is slow and considered—rooted in depth, connection and purpose. This philosophy shapes the way we tell travel stories, but what better way to bring it to life than by whisking our community away with us? Enter Vogue En Route, a groundbreaking initiative designed to champion a new, more conscious approach to travel and exploration.
Through immersive, thoughtfully-curated itineraries, Vogue En Route transports readers to extraordinary destinations handpicked by the Vogue Singapore team and carefully selected partners. Offering encounters rooted in authenticity and connection, this programme empowers guests to gain fresh perspectives on culture, sustainability, wellness and craft.
“This trip is proof that travel can be more than just an escape, it can be connection—to nature, people, and ideas that shift the way you see the world.”
For its first ever edition, Vogue En Route brought a small group of travellers from our community to the &Beyond Bateleur Camp, a gorgeous safari lodge located in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Led by editor-in-chief Desmond Lim, the troupe embarked on a unparalleled safari experience over the course of a week.
Known for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking forested setting, the reserve allows guests to get up close and personal with elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions and cheetahs—alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. In short, it’s a one in a lifetime experience that would astound even the most well-travelled jet-setter.
As Vogue En Route’s first batch of guests discovered, a trip with &Beyond goes far beyond breathtaking sights and novel experiences. A hospitality company firmly committed to a philosophy of sustainable conservation through responsible tourism, &Beyond shapes each of its 29 luxury lodges (spread across 22 countries and four continents) through a thoughtful, multi-faceted impact model.
Animal conservation is at the very heart of &Beyond’s operations—from the protection of endangered animals to the reintroduction of vulnerable species to their natural habitats. The company also works to minimise its physical footprint in order to lower impact on natural land and ocean environments. Finally, &Beyond and its non-profit partner Wild Impact work hand-in-hand with the rural communities they operate next to, driving their socio-economic development through a range of initiatives.
For guests, this means a rare opportunity to engage in regenerative travel, playing a role in protecting and even developing the nurturing you have derived so much enrichment from. It may be one small contribution towards leaving our world a better place, but change happens in numbers—and every little bit counts.
Regenerative travel may have been at the heart of this trip, but let’s not forget the lighter joys of flying across the globe. To prime them for their week of exploration and enlightenment, Vogue En Route travellers were kitted out with the finest companions from luxury travel brand, Tumi.
From the Alpha Bravo Wheeled Expandable Packing Case—which editor-in-chief Desmond Lim found especially useful for its smooth fabric exterior (since hardshell suitcases are not recommended on the small seaplanes required to reach Masai Mara) and duffel-style opening for maximum packing—to the Celina Medium Backpack—which proved a hit with its striking but minimalist silhouette, suitable for taking out on safari drives—the accessories from Tumi were the perfect cross between utility and style.
Meanwhile, guests were also outfitted in safari-ready caps, tops, bottoms and even water bottles from local fashion label Dirty Manners. Co-founder Annelieke Dompeling, who was an invited guest on the trip, felt called to create these custom Vogue-emblazoned pieces for the troupe after learning the meaningful ethos behind the trip—which she found particularly resonant in her own journey as a brand owner.
Moments of magic like these are all what Vogue En Route is about: inspiring the next generation of local travellers and creatives alike. Curious about how the week-long trip unfolded? Watch our travel video capturing the entire here, and read the intimate reflections of our first group of travellers—straight from their travel journals all the way from the Masai Mara.
1 / 5
Annelieke Dompeling, co-founder, Dirty Manners
What motivated you to join the first edition of Vogue En Route?
The alignment felt perfectly natural. Dirty Manners started because we wanted to make clothing that lets you move between the city and the wild, pieces that are as functional as they are intentional, and made with low-impact materials. This trip was about the same ethos; being present in nature, moving through the world with awareness, and understanding our connection to the land.
What cultural insights about the Maasai community did you gain on this trip?
What struck me most was how deeply interconnected the Maasai community is. Decisions aren’t made in isolation—there’s a shared sense of responsibility, whether it’s for raising children, protecting wildlife, or preserving traditions. It made me reflect on how, in many ways, modern life can feel hyper-individualistic, and how much we lose when we forget the strength of community.
There’s no separation between the Maasai people and the land—they move with it, respect it, and understand that their survival is tied to it. It’s not about ‘conservation’ as a concept, it’s just how life is lived. Seeing that made me rethink how disconnected we can be from nature in everyday life and how much we take for granted.
“One of the things that stuck with me was how distance shapes education.”
One of the things that stuck with me was how distance shapes education. Kids who live farther from school just don’t go as often, and their grades suffer—not because of ability, but because getting there every day isn’t always possible. It made me think about privilege in a really practical way. Seeing how &Beyond and Wild Impact support boarding schools to change that felt like something that actually moves the needle.
After experiencing the first-ever edition of Vogue En Route, what meaning does this initiative hold for you, and how will it influence the way you explore the world in the future?
This trip is proof that travel can be more than just an escape, it can be a connection, to nature, people, and ideas that shift the way you see the world. There was something so intentional about this trip, it wasn’t about luxury for the sake of luxury, but about experiencing a place fully with curiosity and care. It made me want to travel slower. To go places that make me pay attention. To seek out experiences that remind me of how small I am, but also how deeply connected we all are to the land, to each other, to the future we’re shaping every time we step outside our own little worlds.
2 / 5
Christine Amour-Levar, founder, HER Planet Earth
As the trip unfolded, what were the biggest highlights?
One of the most unforgettable moments was how, at every turn, when we least expected it, we encountered the most breathtaking wildlife. The Big Five seemed to appear as if orchestrated by nature itself—leopards resting in the shade, a herd of elephants marching in quiet unison, a pride of lions lounging in the golden afternoon light. Each sighting was a reminder of the Mara’s wild magic, a place where every moment holds the potential for wonder.
Perhaps the most inspiring and impactful part of our journey was witnessing the incredible work of &Beyond’s Wild Impact Foundation. From conservation to community empowerment, their initiatives are driving real, tangible change. We started the day at a tree nursery, where local seeds and indigenous plants are grown to support reforestation while also providing sustainable livelihoods for the community. Seeing how this initiative restores the land while fostering environmental stewardship was truly heartening. We then visited a school funded by Wild Impact, where we met bright-eyed students eager to share their stories. We explored their classrooms and dormitories, planted trees together, and listened as they recited heartfelt poems about their hopes and dreams. Later, we spent time at a women’s cooperative, where talented Maasai artisans create breathtaking beadwork and crafts. Their artistry, strength, and resilience were deeply inspiring.
“This trip made me even more committed to advocating for responsible travel practices—ones that ensure tourism is a force for good rather than an extractive industry.”
Was ‘regenerative travel’ a term you were familiar with before this trip?
Yes, but this journey gave it new meaning. Regenerative travel is not just about minimising our impact—it’s about leaving a place better than we found it. Seeing how &Beyond integrates conservation, community upliftment, and cultural preservation into their operations was inspiring. It made me even more committed to advocating for responsible travel practices—ones that ensure tourism is a force for good rather than an extractive industry.
What did you learn about animal conservation in the Masai Mara?
I left with a deeper understanding of just how fragile the balance of conservation is. The people and the wildlife here are inextricably linked, and protecting one means protecting the other. The anti-poaching efforts, the collaborations between conservation groups and the Maasai, and the importance of sustainable tourism in funding these initiatives all stood out to me. It reinforced my belief that we are not owners of this planet—we are its custodians, and we have a responsibility to leave it better than we found it.
3 / 5
Rosalyn Lee, host and content creator
How would you describe yourself as a traveller, and what kind of experiences do you usually seek out?
I’m mostly a solo female traveller, especially when travelling to a country or city for the first time. I tend to favour off-the-beaten-path and locations less travelled to in the Arctic and Antarctic circles, the Middle East, and Latin America. This is partly because of a personal love for and curiosity towards those regions, but mostly to share first-hand stories about the people, food and culture.
What was it like arriving at the &Beyond Bateleur Camp for the first time?
Beyond the gorgeous lodge interiors and the heartwarming welcome song performed by the staff, all of us were squealing at the family of warthogs just casually hanging out near the pool. Then, as if in a choreographed performance, a group of mongooses entered the scene from stage right. As nature-starved Singaporeans, it was a delight seeing any animal in the wild.
“The most authentic experience for me was being amongst free-roaming animals, especially the large herds of elephants—I think we counted some herds to be as big as 100.”
As the trip unfolded, what were the biggest highlights?
The most authentic experience for me was being amongst free-roaming animals, especially the large herds of elephants—I think we counted some herds to be as big as 100. Elephants were easily one of the more common animal sightings, but each one felt more magical than the last. One morning, I decided to skip the hot air balloon tour with the group to go off on a solo sunrise drive. For a moment, it felt like I was back to solo travelling. A big highlight from that morning, besides capturing a stunning sunrise on cam, was being stuck in an elephant traffic jam. My guide had to reverse the jeep three times to avoid colliding with the herd. I lost my mind, in the best way. I also made new friends from the trip whom I’ll keep in touch with for a long time—super precious.
4 / 5
Alvin Chong, singer and content creator
As the trip unfolded, what were the biggest highlights?
Seeing lions up close was definitely the highlight for me. We also saw six rhinos together, and we were told by our guide that it’s super rare, because rhinos live solitarily. Waking up at 6 A.M. to see the sunrises from the lodge was also breathtaking.
What cultural insights about the Maasai community did you gain while on this trip, and what did you learn about animal conservation on the Masai Mara?
The Maasai community protect one another and coexist with the wild life. We witnessed how they start fire and their traditional dance which was fascinating. We also got to learn about how &Beyond is contributing to the reserve and the community, through their reforestation efforts and by providing access to education to the local community. On the Masai Mara, no hunting is allowed. Even the local Maasai are not allowed to kill any wild life.
“On the Masai Mara, no hunting is allowed. Even the local Maasai are not allowed to kill any wild life.”
After experiencing the first-ever edition of Vogue En Route, what meaning does this initiative hold for you, and how will it influence the way you explore the world in the future?
This is the first time I am hearing the term ‘regenerative travel’, which I find very interesting. It gives travel a good meaning. Besides enjoying a holiday, you can also help the local economy, to improve their lives and foster cultural exchange.
I learned that travel comes in many form—you can have a shopping trip, a party trip, or a mix of several things. But it’s always nice if you can find a way to incorporate and act of giving back to the planet and local community. When I next travel, I will definitely look up some regenerative travel destinations.
5 / 5
Vivian Twiss, founder, The Viva Group
As the trip unfolded, what were the biggest highlights?
On our arrival day, we kicked off with our first safari game drive, led by our fantastic guide Luke. We were completely awestruck when we caught our first glimpse of zebras, giraffes, and elephants up close. They were so near that we could actually see the impressive length of a giraffe’s eyelashes. As the evening approached, we were taken to a stunning spot in the Maasai Mara for sundowner cocktails by a crackling fire. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, a group of Maasai warriors surprised us with their traditional “Adamu” dance while we sipped our drinks. Before we knew it, we were all up, jumping and dancing along with them.
A major highlight for all of us was witnessing the rare sight of a hippopotamus strolling around the savanna—completely out of the water. A lovely white bird landed right on his back, and he clearly wasn’t keen on it, showing off his wide mouth and impressive teeth as he shooed the bird away. Just when we thought the excitement was over, our tracker Luke spotted a leopard lounging in a tree. A few minutes later, he found us a group of cheetahs resting in the shade.
“It’s vital to find a balance between indulgence and sustainability, ensuring that our travel leaves a purposeful impact and allows for genuine cultural immersion.”
On day three, we embarked on what was probably the most special adventure of the whole trip for me. We set off bright and early at 5:30 am for a hot air balloon ride. Experiencing that serene feeling of gliding over the vast lands of the Maasai Mara while spotting animals from the sky was genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we all cherished together.
What did you learn about &Beyond’s work with the Maasai community?
We had the privilege of visiting the Saparingo Comprehensive School, where we were greeted by the sweetest children. Here, we saw firsthand the impressive impact of &Beyond’s work in education. The school provides boarding and meals for kids who would otherwise have to trek six to eight kilometres through the forest just to get to school. We also visited a women’s cooperative centre, where we were welcomed with a lovely song by the Maasai women, who gather to create beautiful artisanal bead jewellery to sell. Naturally, we filled our Tumi backpacks with their lovely pieces. We were unusually quiet that night, taking time to process everything we’d seen that day and the impact it had on our newfound appreciation for purposeful travel—where our visit truly makes a positive difference for the land and its people.
After experiencing the first-ever edition of Vogue En Route, what meaning does this initiative hold for you, and how will it influence the way you explore the world in the future?
My Vogue En Route experience in Kenya taught me the importance of purposeful travel—it allowed us to connect deeply with local communities and their landscapes, making it a truly enriching journey. Creating meaningful connections with the places I visit will definitely be a key factor when choosing future destinations. It’s vital to find a balance between indulgence and sustainability, ensuring that our travel leaves a purposeful impact and allows for genuine cultural immersion. This trip has truly reshaped how I view travel. The lessons I’ve learned, the memories I’ve made, and the friendships I’ve formed are ones that I’ll cherish forever.
Vogue En Route is an exclusive experience that will made available to Club Vogue Premium members. More details to be announced in March 2025 about Vogue Singapore’s new premium membership tier.
