We have a place for you. have you heard of Saint Helena? Likely not, since it’s not really bubbled up into most of the world’s radar. In sort, it is an incredibly intriguing place to visit precisely because of its extreme isolation, dramatic natural beauty, and pivotal role in world history. It offers a unique “off-the-beaten-track” experience unlike anywhere else.
Dig this: the island’s most famous historical claim is that it was the final place of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Going one step further, you can literally visit the house where Napoleon lived and died from 1815 until 1821. It is now a museum under French ownership. There’s even more. Napoleon’s Tomb: You can visit the peaceful Sane Valley where Napoleon was originally buried. The tomb is now empty, as his remains were returned to France in 1840, but the tranquil setting is a must-see.
St Helena is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 1,200 miles from the African coast. This isolation has created a truly special environment. The mountainous, volcanic terrain creates unique microclimates, offering a stunning diversity of landscapes, from barren coastal deserts to lush, foggy central highlands. If the outdoors is your thing, You can explore Britain’s last natural cloud forest, home to hundreds of rare species, including endemic flora like the St. Helena redwood.
Want to get there? We do. Here’s some options: ou can get to St. Helena by air or sea. The most common way is via a weekly Airlink flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, to St. Helena Airport (HLE). Alternatively, you can travel by sea via yacht, cruise ship, or by a cargo ship, though this is a much longer journey.
There are hotels on Saint Helena Island, though the journey from Cape Town is long, and you must book in advance. You can fly to Saint Helena Airport from Cape Town via Walvis Bay and then transfer to your accommodation. Options include the Mantis St Helena and the Consulate Hotel in the capital, Jamestown, or other guest houses and self-catering properties on the island. As ever, our affiliate partners, Expedia can get you there. To look and book, click here