Africa in High Style: Why We Choose Micato Safaris for the Ultimate Luxury Safari ExperienceWhen you dream of Africa, you imagine vast savannas, stunning wildlife, warm people, and nights under a wide, glittering sky. But experiencing Africa the right way—comfortably, privately, elegantly—requires a partner who understands not just the destination, but the soul of travel itself. For us at Tight Loop Travel, that partner is Micato Safaris. Micato isn’t simply “the best safari operator.” They are the definition of uncompromising excellence in Africa. Their trips combine five-star comfort, expert guiding, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and service so personal it feels like traveling with family. This is Africa done beautifully, thoughtfully, and joyfully.
What Makes Micato Safaris Different?1. The Best Guides in AfricaMicato guides aren’t just knowledgeable—they’re master naturalists, storytellers, and travel companions. They know the land intimately, anticipate your needs, and tailor each day to your curiosity and comfort. 2. The Luxury Safari Lifestyle Picture yourself returning from a game drive to chilled champagne, warm smiles, and a candlelit dinner in the bush. Micato’s lodges and camps are among Africa’s finest—boutique, atmospheric, elegant, and always in the heart of wildlife country. 3. Private Airtime, Seamless Transport No long bumpy transfers. No waiting. With private flights and exclusive access, your safari is smooth, comfortable, and efficient—maximizing your time where it matters: in nature. 4. Personalized, Not Packaged Every day is built around your interests. Photography? Birding? Big cats? Quiet mornings? Walking safaris? Private dinners? Every experience is shaped to match your pace and personality. 5. Micato-AmericaShare: Travel with Purpose Every safari supports the education of African children through Micato’s award-winning AmericaShare foundation. Luxury with genuine meaning.
Where to Safari First? Our Top PicksKenya — The Iconic SafariHome of the Maasai Mara, big cats, and classic African drama. Perfect for first-time safari guests who want the “wow” from day one. Tanzania — The Great Migration The Serengeti. Ngorongoro Crater. Endless plains full of wildlife. A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. South Africa — Big Five + Wine Country + Cape Town Safari + luxury lifestyle. Exceptional food, culture, and landscapes. Botswana — The Private, Exclusive Safari The Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful ecosystems on earth. Quiet, wild, pristine.
Let Us Design Your African JourneyFor two decades we’ve crafted beautiful journeys around the world—but Africa is different. It transforms you. It stays with you. It’s one of the greatest gifts in travel. If Africa has been calling your name, this is the time. Let us build your private safari with Micato or andBeyond—crafted around your dreams, comfort, and sense of adventure. Beyond Micato: andBeyond Safaris
Alongside Micato, we also partner with andBeyond, another leader in high-end African travel. Their lodges blend luxury with conservation, offering extraordinary experiences across Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. andBeyond’s wildlife guides, lodge design, and sustainability ethos make them a perfect complement to Micato depending on your style. Contact us today to begin planning your trip!
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French Polynesia's islands have long inspired dreams of turquoise lagoons, dramatic peaks and overwater escapes. Those visions take shape aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises, with ships designed specifically for these waters. The recently renovated m/s Paul Gauguin was purpose-built for the South Pacific, offering an all-inclusive experience where every detail reflects the region's natural beauty and culture. Guests are welcomed with French-inspired cuisine, attentive service and the warmth of Les Gauguines—the ship's Tahitian hosts who share traditions through song, dance and storytelling. With a variety of itineraries, Paul Gauguin Cruises opens the door to secluded beaches, vibrant culture and destinations unreachable by larger ships. It's an invitation to experience the islands with unmatched authenticity and ease. Get in touch and let's begin planning your voyage to paradise. Best regards, Stephen and Kim Vletas  Paul Gauguin Cruises: The Art of South Pacific Living
More than just a way to see the islands, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an immersion in their rhythm and beauty. Designed for year-round sailing in French Polynesia, the m/s Paul Gauguin combines spacious accommodations with sweeping views and a casual elegance that feels distinctly of the region. ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE With journeys ranging from 7 to 20 nights, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers more unique itineraries than any other luxury line in the region. Guests can explore the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Bali and beyond. The ship also features more private balconies than any other vessel in French Polynesia, ensuring uninterrupted views of lagoons, peaks and sunsets. AN AUTHENTIC CONNECTION For over 25 years, Paul Gauguin Cruises has been the region’s expert, delivering experiences that balance luxury with cultural depth. Onboard, Les Gauguines bring the islands to life, while French-inspired cuisine and a refined art de vivre connect guests to the South Pacific in ways few others can match. EXCLUSIVE ACCESS Smaller in size, The Gauguin sails where larger ships cannot, delivering guests to secluded beaches and pristine lagoons. On Motu Mahana, the line’s private islet in the Taha’a lagoon, days unfold with Polynesian barbecues, chilled coconut cocktails and even a floating swim-up bar. Kayaking, beach volleyball or cultural encounters like pareo tying make every stop its own discovery. READY TO SET SAIL?Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an inspiring way to deliver French Polynesian experiences with ease—an all-inclusive voyage where the journey feels as seamless as the destination. With fares inclusive of up to 30% Bonus Savings, this is a great time to plan your South Pacific escape. Explore with Paul Gauguin Cruises ⟶ Stephen & Kim Vletas Protravel Luxury Travel Advisors [email protected] Stephen: 307.690.7472 Kim: 307.690.2839 tightlooptravel.com When fly fishing is on your mind, the Bahamas should be at the top of your dream list. Endless white-sand flats, schools of bonefish flashing silver in the sun, and guides with stories as big as the fish. We’ve been fishing here for decades, and we can tell you — whether it’s stalking giant bones on Andros, sipping a rum punch at sunset on the veranda at Delphi Club in Abaco, or swapping swapping fishing tales after dinner at Soul Fly Lodge in the Berry Islands, the Bahamas delivers.
Andros Island is the heartbeat of Bahamian fly fishing (Think Broad Shad Cay Lodge or Big Charlie's Lodge) — the flats seem to go on forever, and it’s here you’ll find some of the biggest bonefish on earth. In Abaco, Delphi Club offers a luxury retreat perched above a dazzling beach, blending first-class accommodations with easy access to productive flats in The Marls, making it ideal for couples. Meanwhile, the Berry Islands give you something different: Soul Fly Lodge is perfect for adventurous anglers, totally focused on fishing — with innovative guides, great food, and a fun, social vibe. But that’s just the start. Want to wade the wild flats of Long Island? Explore the remote waters around Crooked Island? Or mix fishing with beaches, culture, and relaxation on Exuma or Harbour Island? Or how about a private island like Fowl Cay to spoil you? Let's talk and we'll have you on your way to your dream vacation in no time.
The Bahamas is more than just a fly fishing trip — it’s an experience that stays with us all...until the next time. And with Tight Loop Travel, you’ll get the right lodge and the right guides at the best times, and the right balance of fly fishing and relaxing fun. Let’s plan your next adventure now! Related Trips
Argentina Patagonia Fly Fishing – Dream Waters & SET Fly Fishing
Patagonia is one of the world’s most inspiring places to cast a fly. Vast valleys, snow-capped peaks, turquoise rivers, and wild trout that thrive in unpressured waters. Here, every cast carries the thrill of discovery — whether you’re drifting a freestone river, stalking a spring creek for trophy browns and rainbows, or casting a popper to Golden Dorado. And this is not just about fishing. It’s about wild spaces, tranquility, and immersion in Argentina’s wild landscapes, paired with legendary hospitality — from asados to Malbec to evenings around the table with family and friends. Why Fish Patagonia with Dream Waters Angling
Dream Waters Angling connects anglers with some of Patagonia’s most exclusive remote lodges and the only river-based mothership in Argentina. Whether you’re wading pristine mountain streams, sight-casting to monster rainbows on Lago Strobel (AKA Jurassic Lake), or casting surface poppers to voracious golden Dorado on the Rio Parana, you’ll experience it all with expert guides while enjoying true Argentine hospitality.
Why Fish Patagonia with SET Fly Fishing
SET Fly Fishing is about true adventure. Their lodges and programs provide access to remote rivers and private waters that very few anglers will ever experience. Expect jet boats, overnight camps under southern stars, and rivers that feel untouched. Float trips, walk-and-wade, big rivers and springs creeks, each trip is designed just for you. From rainbows and browns in Patagonia, to super-charged golden Dorado on the mighty Parana, a variety of angling challenges awaits you.
Planning Your Patagonia Fly Fishing TripAt Tight Loop Travel, we’ve been designing Argentina fly fishing adventures for over 30 years. Whether you want a luxury couples getaway, a hardcore angling mission, or a blend of both, we’ll build a trip tailored just for you.
Ready to Cast in Patagonia?Plan your Patagonia adventure with Tight Loop Travel today. There is still plenty of time to book your vacation for the November 2025 through April 2026 season. We’ll handle every detail — from lodge availability to custom itineraries that include seamless air and ground transportation — so you can relax and focus on the fishing and the splendor that is Argentina.
We enjoyed many memorable destinations and special moments and so did our many traveling clients. Thanks to all of our partners, colleagues, and friends who made 2024 such a wonderful year in travel. Let's make 2025 even better!
We've been in love with Spain and Portugal for years, but 2024 was the year that cemented our relationship with both countries for a lifetime. We spent a month in Portugal first, renting villas in Vilamoura and Lagos, with a short break for a Bachata Festival in Seville, Spain with our favorite superstar Bachata couple, Daniel and Desiree, at their D&D BeUnlike Festival. Our focus, aside from enjoying the people and culture, was on relaxing on the best beaches (plus surfing), and reveling in the amazing food and wine scene. In Spain, the suckling pig and Iberian pork was a favorite, and in Portugal, hard to beat the fresh grilled octopus. And then we finally made our decision - after 10 years of looking around the globe for "our place" in the world to settle in (aside from Jackson Hole), we chose Lagos, the perfect combination for us (Old Town, marina, beaches, amazing restaurants, laid-back lifestyle, and not expensive)....and now we have our own villa near the ocean. Looking forward to spending many months there in 2025!
OK, another dream we've had for many years - attending the D&D Be Unlike Bachata Festival in Seville, Spain - came true this past September. Organized by Daniel and Desiree (champions of Spain, runners-up in Europe, two consecutive years world champions), Sergio and Marichu (Daniel's brother, Desiree's sister!), and Desiree's father, Jesus Guidonet, this is a world-class family affair, with world-class dancers and teaches, workshops, pool parties, stage shows, and rocking all-night social dances. Plus amazing to see and learn from other favorite instructors including Dario and Sara, Belen and Antoni, and Ronald and Alba. The even was even better than we imagined, and we're going back in September 2025 for D&D Be Unlike....and this will be an annual event for us as long as we can still move. If you want to join us, email Stephen for details.
Madrid, Spain - our favorite capital city in Europe...so we rented an apartment in our favorite neighborhood, Salamanca, for a month! Whether you're a history buff, art connoisseur, museum aficionado, food and wine lover, passionate explorer, or a Bachata fanatic, Madrid is your place to embark on an unforgettable journey that promises to tantalize all your sense. We enjoyed so many simple, yet special experiences, just walking out of our apartment onto Calle Serrano and joining the local scene - restaurants and bars, shops, galleries, wine stores, fresh markets, visiting our hotel partners properties, and of course, taking Bachata classes every night followed by social dancing. And in the process we learned the art of the long after lunch, two or three hours of fine dining (suckling pig, roasted lamb, paella were favorites), a bottle or so of wine, followed by a long walk and then a nap. The perfect set-up for a night of dancing. And while we loved renting an apartment, we also enjoy staying in our partner hotels (our friends and clients agree) including: Four Seasons, Rosewood Villa Magna, Mandarin Oriental, The Madrid Edition, and Totem Boutique Hotel are our top recommendations. Get in touch to begin booking your trip.
It's been a while, so we decided to head back to Mexico's Caribbean Coast - Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, the land of the mystic Mayas, sensational beaches, and fabulous resort hotels. Best of all is the Mayakoba Resort, and exclusive private enclave that includes four world-class hotels - Rosewood, Fairmont, Andaz, and Banyon Tree. Hard to choose between these four...so we stayed at all four so we could give you the inside story on the best place for you. Get in touch to begin booking your trip. P.S. And if you enjoy fly-fishing like we do, our guide team will pick you up at your resort and take you for an amazing day of flats fishing in Ascension Bay.
Greece 2024 - From ancient times to modern luxury - We custom-design every trip just for you.4/18/2024 When it comes to the discovery of intriguing places and new experiences, Greece is the ultimate destination combining fascinating locations, luxury accommodations and exclusive adventures to satisfy all expectations. The weather is a dream. Beautiful sandy beaches are everywhere. The history and culture are marvels - from ancient mythology to the Roman Empire. And the Greek people are among the warmest and most welcoming on earth. Plus it's all affordable, and the food and wine are a cultural treat.
We invite you to discover the unparalleled allure of Greece, a destination that transcends the ordinary and offers an immersion into luxury and history. Each Greek island promises a unique journey, and with our expertly crafted itineraries, you can explore the majestic beauty of places like Mykonos, Crete, and Paros - each a jewel in the Aegean Sea. Santorini, with its world-renowned sunsets and breathtaking cliffside views, has long been the epitome of romantic escapism. Contrary to the fleeting nature of digital snapshots, our travel experiences in Santorini are designed to foster lasting memories, allowing you to live in the moment and indulge in the luxury of timeless beauty. Then on Crete, we take you beyond the well-known sites and scenes to an island so vast and rich in culture it feels like a country unto itself. From the vibrant streets of Heraklion to the enchanting allure of Chania and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos, Crete offers an escape not solely dependent on tourism but alive with authentic Greek heritage. And of course our travel services extend beyond the islands. In the historic heart of Greece, the Peloponnese awaits with its dramatic coastlines and ancient treasures in Sparta, Olympia, Nafplio, and Costa Navarino. And we can't forget the capital city of Athens, where history and culture blend in a unique way not to be missed. Our dedicated team of travel designers are committed to creating high-end, tailor-made experiences that blend luxury accommodations with exclusive adventures, ensuring every moment of your Greek holiday is nothing short of sublime. From nonstop international flights to luxurious inter-island ferry rides, your journey to and within Greece is seamless and filled with comfort.
THIS SEASON IS GOING GREAT! Most of our preferred lodges and guides are booked into June, but there are a few spots here and there still available. See Soul Fly Lodge dates and info below. And so now we are looking ahead to two of our favorite months - OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2024. This is prime time, the flats have been rested and the bones and their friends are on the prowl. And it's not too early for booking Winter and Spring 2025 either! To fish with the top guides at the best lodges you need to book well in advance. Let's start organizing your trip now! EMAIL STEPHEN.
Plus many more idyllic locations and incredible fishing opportunities including: Bair's Lodge, South Andros....Kamalame Cay Resort, North Andros/Joulters Cays.....Staniel and Fowl Cays, Exuma Cays...Stella Maris Resort, Long Island.....Coral Sands, Harbour Island........And much much more! Email Stephen to get started planning your ideal trip.
Or visit our Tight Loop Travel website for the Best of Worldwide Fly-Fishing Destinations, including Argentina/Patagonia, Chile/Patagonia, Iceland, Mexico, Seychelles/Maldives, Jackson Hole Wyoming and the U.S. West, and more. We enjoyed many memorable destinations and special moments and so did our many traveling clients. Thanks to all of our partners, colleagues, and friends who made 2023 such a wonderful year in travel. Let's make 2024 even better!
How about a floating breakfast in your villa's private pool in the Maldives? Thanks to our friends at Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island, we enjoyed this special treat. Next, thanks to our friends at COMO Maalifushi Maldives for any amazing stay, wonderful food and service, sensational spa treatments, and of course fly fishing the remote flats around the atoll with new guide friends. And a special thanks to JOALI Being Maldives, such a wonderful and welcoming staff, and our pick as the best wellness resort in the world. And our first trip to Dubai, what a fun and unique city - thanks to our Jumeirah friends for all the hospitality, and to the sensational Atlantis The Royal, for a memorable stay in one of the most luxurious resorts we've ever visited. Happy New Year to everyone, and wishing you all a tremendous 2024 wherever your travels may take you!
Magnificent Italy, Spain, Portugal - Sun and Sand, Food and Wine, Culture and History - Want an unforgettable experience on Capri, that's easy, stay at Jumeirah Capri Palace and treat yourself to dinner in their fabulous two Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Olivio, simply sublime.
And as long as you are in the Naples area, why not visit the Ruins of Pompeii, the vibrant city of Sorrento, and of course, the Amalfi Coast. We loved it all, but a special lunch at the The Caruso grill in the Belmond Hotel in Ravello was our favorite stop.
Sticking with sand and sea fun, we loved our week-long stay on Spain's gorgeous island of Majorca, especially our time at the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel. Stunning cliffside location overlooking the Balearic Sea, and the charming town of the same name. Our favorite moment, close, but we go with our romantic sunset dinner at Jumeirah's signature seafood grill restaurant. And second favorite, lunch at another Belmond Hotel, La Residencia, great food and tasty craft cocktails.
We also enjoyed our time in Majorca's main city, Palma, cool culture, some salsa dancing, fine dining, lots of street art and fun shopping. Then on to our favorite European country, Portugal. It's always good, and easy traveling, to stop in Lisbon first, to enjoy the local vibe and culture, luxury hotels, fine restaurants, shopping, and of course Latin Dancing - Cuban Salsa and Sensual Bachata. We love staying at the Corinthia and the Four Seasons, but for this trip we chose our favorite boutique spot; Valverde Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux property, so if you don't feel like going out, the food here is spectacular, casual (not really) for lunch, fine dining for dinner, with a sensational wine list. And don't forget to ask them about their extensive selection of Ports. And for this trip, our favorite dining experience was at Davvero, in the Sublime Hotel.
And we'll wrap this up with our overall favorite place in the world, the Atlantic coast of Portugal south of Lisbon, and the Algarve, maybe our next home - what's not to love - warm sunshine, gorgeous beaches, charming seaside villages, casual tapas bars, restaurants on the beach where you have your toes in the sand, lights out fine dining, villas with private pools, small boutique hotels, and world-class resorts with golf, tennis, and more. On the way driving from Lisbon to the Algarve, Comporta is the new hot stop, and staying at Sublime Comporta is wonderful. But even more, we especially love staying in Palmares Beachouse Hotel, on Praia Meia beach adjacent to Lagos and across the lagoon from Alvor. And here, our favorite Michelin-star dining experience at Al Sud.
Well, while we enjoy a little skiing here at home (and praying for more snow), we are still dreaming of those beaches in Portugal and Spain. Hasta pronto......and Happy New Year to all.
Want to visit any of our favorite places, and enjoy your own unique experiences? We here to help, and to plan you customized dream vacation.The Micato Classic Safari Collection abounds with incomparable luxury Safari options for solo travelers, groups, couples, and families. Whether you want to explore a specific country, celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or graduation, or indulge a particular interest, we offer fabulous choices. And please note that any of the Classic Safaris can easily be converted into a Private Classic safari exclusively for your family or friends.
Some of our favorite safari itineraries include: The Micato Grand Safari (15 days door-to-door service) - The grand, glamourous, unabashedly luxurious safaris are central to East Africa’s heritage as one of the world’s most desired destinations. This Grand Safari is Micato’s homage to those old and romantic days, to their indulgent and exquisite grace. The Hemingway Wing Safari (14 days door-to-door service). - The unforgettable highlights of Kenya and Tanzania. The Tanzania Spectacular (10 days door-to-door service). - Ok, we know many of you are busy in your work and family lives, and time is precious. And so we offer this safari to three major contributors to the East African mystique: the classic game lands of Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the fabled Serengeti - all in a mere but marvelous 10 days. OK, yes, this is just the tip of the African iceberg, yet each of these adventures will deliver unforgettable experiences and life-long memories. Get in touch with us today to choose the African adventure of your dreams.
We're just back from a month long trip to Europe. Our first stop was in southern Italy, arriving in Naples, visiting the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, enjoying the luxury of Capri, the lively city of Sorrento, and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. This renowned region of Italy offers something for everyone; from ultraluxury hotels, dining, and yachting, to laid back resorts and beaches, wine tasting, and strolling ancient streets to take in the art and shops. Want the details so we can begin planning your trip? September and October are prime months. Let's get started.
After a smooth fifty minute ferry ride from Naples, we arrived on the renowned island of Capri, where our Jumeirah partners met us, and drove us up the mountain to the spectacular Capri Palace. Class and luxurious the Capri Palace is much more than just a hotel, it is an experience within a special destination. Surrounded by pristine beauty, it feels like an oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean, nested in Anacapri, the highest location of the Island, and just ten minutes from the super chic town of Capri. Beautiful suites with balconies present a stunning ocean over the inviting swimming pool. The Two MIchelin-starred restaurant, L'Olivio, is an unforgettable experience all it's own with impeccable service, food that combines unique flavors and art, and a wine list you could read for days. Then you have the glamorous 'll Riccio Restaurant and Beach Club where you need to keep an eye out for the rich and famous in for lunch off their yachts. Amazing seafood here, and one of the most incredible dessert parlors on earth. And of course, a fabulous wellness spa and gym to balance out the irresistible food and wine.
We decided to make a day of our transfer from Capri to Sorrento. First the ferry, then our private driver met us (driving in this area is crazy, best to have a driver) and gave us an orientation of the the large bay that stretches from Naples, past Pompeii and a section of the wine country before curving around toward Sorrento. Our first stop was a wonderful local winery for lunch accompanied by a splendid wine pairing. Then off to Pompeii, where we met our private guide, and spent two hours in the ancient city, destroyed by the eruption, then found and painstakingly resorted. Also incredible to see how the eruption filled in the land and pushed the sea back from the city for miles. And fascinating to see the private homes filled with art, bakeries, shops, restaurants, and streets so perfectly laid-out, which made it possible to imagine the life the people lived at the time.
We really enjoyed the lively vibe of Sorrento and staying at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a pure pleasurer. Depending on your suite location you can overlook the beautiful orange groves, or enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Vesuvius. Large pool and pool bar, Michelin-starred restaurant, soothing spa, and an elevator to take you down to the hotel's private beach. Walk out the front door and you're in Sorrento's main square, and from there you can walk in any direction for find local artisan shops, name brand shopping, casual restaurants and pizzerias, or fine dining options galore. And if you like gelato, you'll be in heaven each evening strolling along and trying to decide which enticing shop to order from. The answer is Raki. You'll have to wait in line but it's worth it. Sorrento is also the perfect place to stay to explore the entire Amalfi coast by boat, preferably, or if you want to stay on the coast, our recommendation is the Caruso, Belmond Amalfi Coast in Ravello. The sea views are ridiculous, and your out of the fray during the day, then at night you can head down to Amalfi and Positano for more leisurely shopping and fine dining with the best Italian wines.
OK, Italy was fantastic, but next up is Mallorca, Spain. Stay tuned. And get in touch soon so we can start planning your trip.
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