91³Ô¹Ï

Since travelling to some of the most remote parts of the world as Photographer-in-Residence to the Royal Geographical Society, Chris Caldicott has continued his globetrotting lifestyle as a freelance photographer, writer and lecturer specialising in food and travel. He has had several books published about food, travel and the spice trade and visited 118 countries on assignments to capture evocative images and write about memorable experiences for publications such as Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, The Sunday Times, Harpers Bazaar, Tatler, House and Garden and The Telegraph.

Madeline Lu is a self-taught freelance photographer and social media creative. Her work has been featured in Condé Nast Traveller, Vogue Paris, Die Zeit Magazin, and other publications, while her social media collaborations span luxury lifestyle, hospitality, and travel brands. A global adventurer, she has explored destinations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia – including some of the world’s most exclusive experiences curated by 91³Ô¹Ï

Raised in Northumberland, in the 1970s Nick spent five years as a professional guide in Botswana and southern Africa. He then joined the Tiger Mountain group, pioneering cultural, trekking and wildlife holidays throughout the Indian subcontinent. He founded Worldwide Journeys and Expeditions in 1991, from which 91³Ô¹Ï emerged in 1998.

It was my first hot air balloon flight, and what a place to experience it. As we soared over the Sossusvlei dunes, the rising sun painted the landscape in shades of gold and orange. The sight of the vast desert below, dotted with other balloons floating alongside, was nothing short of surreal. It felt like I was suspended in time, taking in the beauty of one of the world’s most iconic landscapes from a completely new perspective.

We’d been following this little group for a while when they finally drifted off slowly, purposefully, into the open. I took this just before they disappeared into the long grass. There was something grounding about the way they moved together, completely in sync. It reminded me that some of the most powerful travel moments are the ones where you simply observe, and let the wild set the pace.

I stood at the edge of the Drino River, gazing at the Ali Pasha Bridge in Gjirokastër. The stone arch, weathered yet steadfast, spanned the river, its presence commanding respect. Built centuries ago during the Ottoman era, the bridge seemed to quietly carry the weight of history.

As I took in the scene, I was struck by how naturally the bridge blended with its surroundings. The hills rose gently on either side, the river meandered calmly below, and the bridge stood at the intersection of nature and heritage.

Living in Bhutan for a few months was truly the experience of a lifetime. As a newcomer to this remote and mystical land, often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” I was immediately drawn to its people, culture, and way of life. The moment I arrived, I felt an irresistible pull to understand the profound, quiet beauty that defines Bhutan. Before long, it felt like I had found a second home.

One of the most impactful moments of my time here was visiting a revered monastery in Punakha. The stillness of the place was overwhelming. It was here I learned about a remarkable project led by Six Senses Bhutan, in partnership with their guests, to build a library within the monastery grounds. This initiative, dedicated to sharing knowledge, preserving history, and connecting to the future, spoke to Bhutan’s deeper commitment to nurturing its cultural heritage while embracing progress.

While at the monastery, I had the privilege of meeting two monks who shared a deep passion for English literature. Their faces lit up as they spoke about their love for books, a love that transcended their remote and spiritual setting. It was a humbling reminder that learning, culture, and community can thrive in the most unexpected places and that education has the power to shape the future, no matter the environment.

Taken at Cristalino Lodge in the Brazilian Amazon, this photograph captures a moment before dawn, from a 30-meter viewing tower.

As the first light touched the horizon, I watched the dense humidity rise, forming a mist that shrouded the rainforest canopy. The eerie screeches of howler monkeys echoed through the trees, filling the air with an unsettling energy. It was a hauntingly beautiful moment, where the jungle seemed to come alive in a way that felt both ancient and primal.

I’ll never forget the time I witnessed a ceremony in Bali, where the spirit truly had to prevail. The rain was relentless, yet the ritual unfolded as if nothing had changed. Standing there, soaked to the bone, I watched as the chants echoed through the air, blending with the sound of the downpour. The incense wafted through the mist, and despite the storm, there was an unmistakable sense of reverence in the air. The Balinese continued without hesitation, their resilience turning the heavy rain into something that only added to the power of the ceremony. It was a raw, atmospheric moment that left me with a deep sense of respect for their spiritual strength.

This image was taken during a hike to the viewpoint in Danum Valley Conservation Area, Borneo, which overlooks one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most well-preserved rainforests.

The scale of the environment was striking. From the immense Alocasia leaves to the Menara trees towering over 100 meters in the canopy, everything felt vast and untouched. Equally notable were the creatures that inhabit this space: the tarantulas, the size of dinner plates, the proboscis monkeys, and the Bornean orangutans. Each encounter was a reminder of the raw, unspoiled nature of this remarkable place.

I stood by Laguna Azul in El Chaltén, Argentine Patagonia, taking in the view. The water was a striking blue, reflecting the surrounding peaks perfectly. It was one of those rare moments where everything felt still and in place, a reminder of Patagonia’s rugged, untouched beauty.

Had to share this moment. We took this from our house, which overlooks the fields — and somehow, this little guy turned golden just as the sun dipped. No title needed really… it says everything on its own.