Our family was deeply moved by a recent visit to Elephant Havens, Botswana’s only elephant orphanage, tucked along the Gomoti River just outside the Okavango Delta. Founded by the remarkable Shirley Zinn, the sanctuary rescues orphaned and abandoned elephant calves—often left behind after drought, human-wildlife conflict, or poaching—and offers them safety, healing, and a path back to the wild. These young elephants are lovingly bottle-fed every three hours, sleep in thatched enclosures, and are cared for around the clock by a dedicated team. When they are ready, they transition to a larger protected area for “soft release,” where they can begin to rejoin the wild on their own terms. Shirley generously gave us a behind-the-scenes look at daily life at the sanctuary, introducing us to each elephant and sharing their individual stories of resilience.

 

In addition to wildlife conservation projects, we aim to expose Charlie and Soren to efforts based upon social upliftment, such as the Chigamane Primary School in Mozambique, which serves over 500 students in grades 1-7. Travel Sommelier is proud to be part of the effort to provide daily meals, school supplies, and ongoing support for the school's garden and operations in partnership with ParCo. Many of these children walk two to five miles each day for the opportunity to learn—and for a warm meal lovingly prepared by local mothers. The school curriculum includes Portuguese, English, agriculture, arts, science, and social studies. Students grow food in the garden, pump water from the well, and even sell their harvest to help classmates afford uniforms and supplies. 

 

We loved sharing a map of Mozambique with the students—Darren and the boys pointed out where they live compared to the U.S., creating a simple but powerful moment of connection and curiosity. These children dream big—from becoming farmers and doctors to teachers and community leaders—and it gives us great joy to watch them on this journey. 

Travel Sommelier’s Hilary is back from the Côte d’Azur with stories to tell and French inspiration to share. From the sun-drenched shores of Saint-Tropez to the lively heartbeat of Nice, her favorite trip moments included a bespoke fragrance-making class at the iconic Molinard Maison in Grasse, leisurely afternoons at chic beach clubs along Pampelonne Beach, and wandering through art galleries tucked into the cobbled, pedestrian-only streets of Mougins—where every turn in the village felt like a painting come to life.

The adventure continued overlooking the Mediterranean at Château Chèvre d’Or in Èze, exploring the colorful food and textile markets of Antibes, and a wellness immersion at Lily of the Valley, where the spa treatments were rituals of recalibration that felt both earthy and elevated. The French Riviera is a distinctive blend of indulgence and artistry - a foundation on which to soak in the fleeting moments of summer.

Guatemala makes a modest first impression—but scratch beneath the surface, and a vibrant, storied country comes into view. From the colonial beauty of Antigua—a food-centric town surrounded by volcanoes—to the 'Lost World' of newly excavated Mayan civilization in the remote northern reaches of the country, Guatemala reveals its soul in layers: through ancient ruins, spirited markets, and landscapes that feel untouched by time.

 

Colorful, hospitable, and home to some of the best coffee and gastronomy in the region, I was thrilled to discover one of the finest boutique hotels in all of Central and Latin America. Guatemalans love to have fun and embrace the outdoors with open arms. In just one trip, you can engage in sacred shamanic rituals, explore volcanic lakes, join archaeologists as they unearth vast jungle-covered Mayan compounds, and feast on rich chocolate and world-renowned coffee.

 

Guatemala speaks to our greatest loves—its warmth toward newcomers, its balance of tradition and cosmopolitan energy, and landscapes where jagged volcanoes loom above quiet villages. Take that leap of faith...we’re happy to be your guiding hand.