In this episode of In Search of Flavor, Stephanie Bonham-Carter joins Liz Caskey to discuss the origins of Galapagos Safari Camp and the philosophy behind creating a land-based experience in the Galápagos Islands centred around nature, authenticity, and slower travel.
The conversation traces Stephanie’s upbringing between Ecuador and the UK, her early experiences with travel, and the journey that led her and her husband Michael Mesdag to build a tented safari camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The episode explores how an initial holiday to the Galapagos evolved into a long-term life project shaped by immersion in nature and a desire to create something distinct from the traditional cruise-based model.
Throughout the discussion, themes of sustainability, family travel, and meaningful connection to place are central. Stephanie reflects on how children respond differently when immersed in natural environments, the value of personalised travel experiences, and the role hospitality can play in helping guests reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.
The episode also touches on broader questions surrounding responsible tourism and the future of travel following the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly within sensitive destinations such as the Galápagos. Framed as a reflective and personal conversation, the podcast positions Galapagos Safari Camp within a broader dialogue around thoughtful, conservation-conscious travel and experiences designed around depth rather than scale.
Listen to the episode on Liz Caskey’s website
