OT: How did it all start?
Ratti Dhodapkar: The company was started by our chair­man, Geoffrey Kent, and his parents in 1962, offering safaris in Africa, which they led themselves. Today, with a net­work of 50 offices in six continents and over 2,200 employees, we offer a seam­less, hassle-free experience to our guests.

OT: What sets you apart from others?
Ratti Dhodapkar: Of course, our tailor-made tours allow guests to experience any destination in the best way possible. But what makes us special is the fact that we don’t out­source our tours or services to third par­ties. Throughout your trip you only deal with us. The lodges we use in Africa, under the Sanctuary brand, are run by us. So we offer a very personalised level of service as well as high customisability. Because of our commanding position in the experiential luxury holiday space, we can negotiate the best rates from hotels. Our reputation allows A&K travellers private, sometimes exclusive, access to attractions. Should you need to, you can call me in the middle of the night and I’ll be there to sort things out for you. If our clients wish to speak with Mr Kent, they can. That’s how accessible we are. A lot of our customers keep coming back.

OT: Which are your key destinations?
Ratti Dhodapkar: We can take you absolutely anywhere in the world, but we have a strong presence in Africa, Europe and South America.

OT: Some of your outbound offerings?
Ratti Dhodapkar: African safaris are big, of course. Then we have luxury small group journeys, with departures throughout the year, all over the world. It’s an intimate group size of 12-18. In fact, the group size of none of our tours exceeds 24. Should you so wish, you can book the same departure and do the tour privately. Then there are luxury expedition cruises, rail journeys, journeys just for families and more. We also have co-branded journeys with Land Rover. Our Connections journeys with lo­cal experts offer a deeper immersion. The more adventurous of our guests can sign up for mobile camping journeys. We also do weddings and MICE.

OT: What’s your most exclusive offering?
Ratti Dhodapkar: It’s difficult to choose just one, but possi­bly our Private Jet Journeys. The jets have a maximum capacity of 50, with an all-first class configuration and lie-flat beds. The journeys come with privileged access at destinations and even a travelling bellboy. Some private jet journeys are led by Geof­frey Kent himself. These are so popular, they sell out within days of launching.

OT: Current holiday trends?
Ratti Dhodapkar: I’ve been seeing (and organising) a lot of extended-family get-togethers, globally dispersed families coming together for an intimate celebration or to just chill out.

OT: Is A&K forbiddingly exclusive?
Ratti Dhodapkar: Certainly not. We are extremely ap­proachable. I think we offer great value for the price our customers pay. And there’s something for everyone. For ev­erything else, there’s customisation!

OT: How do you unwind?
Ratti Dhodapkar: I’m a Parsi and cooking is my passion. Need I say more?

Stand out trip: Sanctuary Ananda Cruise, Myanmar
Named after the Ananda Temple in Bagan, the Sanc­tuary Ananda cruise trans­ports you through one of the most untouched countries in the world, while keep­ing you cocooned in luxury. Custom-built in Myanmar for local waterways, the ship can navigate both the Up­per and Lower Ayeyarwady and Chindwin rivers. There are 21 beautiful suites, each with a private balcony, and a stunning Aloungpayah suite. The serene itinerary com­bines must-see sights with smaller villages. This is the real Myanmar.

Contact Abercrombie & Kent Vacations India, Suite #1226, DLF Tower B, Jasola District Centre, New Delhi 110025, 011-46001720, [email protected], abercrombiekent.co.in