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What's included?

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Looking for something more flexible? Get in touch and we'll chat through options more suited to you.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Brought to life...

We recognise how important a creative and effective corporate social responsibility strategy is to your customers, employees, and shareholders - demonstrating your legal compliance and high ethical standards.

We also know how hard it is to find and coordinate meaningful and measurable external CSR projects, which is where the Leap step in. As an award-winning experiential travel business, we have a global reach of meaningful projects and trusted overseas teams to

deliver creative CSR solutions.

For example, we are arranging an offsite CSR conference for a dynamic Fintech company where 40 employees from around the world will assemble in Costa Rica to combine a week of company strategy meetings with hands on turtle conservation. With adventurous activities thrown in the mix, such as surfing, cycling and diving the team feel inspired and rejuvenated. The feel good factor crossing all spheres.

Alternatively - companies are sending their 'graduates of the year' or 'employees of the month' on a MidLife itinerary as part of their bonus scheme, knowing that adventure travel can have a profound and positive effect on an employee's well being and company commitment.

Just get in touch to start a conversation.

Be creative and combine your corporate social responsibility strategy with overseas volunteering and adventure - benefiting the world at large.

CSR Conference to Costa Rica

This is an example itinerary of a 5 day CSR conference to Costa Rica which combines company strategy with hands on beach and turtle conservation.

Overview

Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica

It may be small, but this peaceful, sun-drenched corner of Central America holds over 5% of the world’s biodiversity. It boasts more national parks than any other country in the world, scattered over the central highlands and trailing down to both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.

Conserving wildlife, flora and fauna is what the Costa Ricans do so well, especially when it comes to turtle conservation, as they have some of most important nesting sites for endangered turtles along their pacific coastline. It is for this reason we have decided to locate the conference on the coast, so we can see, learn and contribute to the turtle NGOs who make a difference.

Location

Playa Jago

Transfer to Playa Jago

Everyone will be picked at San Jose airport and transfered to Playa Jago, on the south west coast.

Playa Jago is how you imagine - white sand, tropical forest backdrop but best of all it is renowned for being one of the main turtle nesting sites in Costa Rica.

For a group of 40 the best place to stay with a local, pura vida vibe is a 4 star hotel called Croc's. It's all inclusive with four good restaurants, a few bars, pool, chill out areas and can access a number of adventure activities for the free time. For example - surfing, jungle hiking, kayaking, snorkelling and deep sea fishing.

Crocs Resort Hotel: http://www.crocscasinoresort.com/es/

Day 1

Conference + Blue Flag Beach Clean Up

Morning - CSR Strategy Conference.

Afternoon - Beach clean-up project. To support the community Blue Flag Initiative, including a briefing by community blue flag leaders to explain the concept.

Blue Fag Initiative – formed in response to the water and beach pollution, this government-backed initiative aims to reward communities that adhere to their guidelines on conservation. By awarding the Blue Flag, communities gain international recognition for their beach and can therefore attract more tourists and investment.

Although the Costa Ricans are very proud of their beaches, some are quite isolated and don't get much footfall so rubbish builds up due to tides and currents. Our plan is to select a beach that needs help and return it to its natural splendour.

Evening - Dinner in the hotel with salsa show and salsa dance class.

Day 2 - 5

Conference + Turtle Conservation

Morning - CSR Strategy Conference.

Afternoon – Turtle Conservation. We will help build a turtle hatchery at the nearby Playa Hermosa (approx. a 10 min drive from the hotel).

Here we have arranged for the whole team to help Raul (or Turtleman, as he is known as locally).He is delighted to hear that you wanted to come in July. At this time of year, the mothers are just starting to arrive for the nesting season, so there is a rush to get the new hatcheries built and ready. Turtleman will get the whole team involved in moving sand, setting up fencing etc to build a hatchery to accommodate over 100 nests, or 10,000 turtle eggs, in just two afternoons.

http://docelunas.com/en/costa-rica-wildlife/hermos...

Evening - Dinner in the hotel and optional late night activity / turtle patrol to find nesting mothers.

Trip Details & Costs

Cost Per Person : £2803pp based on high season rates for 30 to 40 people, in single standard en-suite rooms.

Know before you go...

Weather, travel times, visas, vaccinations - we're here to help.

Depart September 2019

Costs

5 days
Conference + Turtles
2019: £2600

Inspiring location.

Bliss. We will start our journey on one the worlds best surf beaches.

Turtle conservation

Be part of the worldwide push to protect the turtles of Costa Rica.

Adventure combined.

Leaving the staff rejvenated.

Corporate strategy.

Simply bought to life in a dynamic environment.

Time in, Time out

A daily schedule will be worked out for each company but will combine volunteering and adventure elements.

Jakera, Costa Rica

Our Costa Rican logistics are coordinated by the dynamic Chris Patterson, with his wife and on ground team.

Chris has run a travel company since the 1990s and has become increasingly passionate about the crisis of plastic waste in our waters and the damage it is doing. Seeing dolphins and turtles time and time again, washed up on the shoreline wrapped up in discarded fishing nets was enough for him to jump into action.

Chris now welcomes volunteers (gappers) into his home and MidLifers into the hotel next door, who will help him with his ongoing conservation and community projects.

He has set up village recycling stations and organises rubbish collections. He encourages supermarkets to stop using plastic bags and the local beach bars to not use plastic drinking straws. These simple initiatives will help enforce the message and give a practical meaning to the bigger picture. Community beach clean-ups are also now part of everyday life and blue flag awards are being handed out.

Chris has also built a great relationship with Cirenas – one of the leading NGO’s tackling the plight of the turtles on the Pacific coast. They now welcome our volunteers into their program as they consistently turn up and enthusiastically get stuck in.

Chris will deliver a brilliant off-grid trip, using his inside knowledge.

Leaper's Highlights

Have a read of what our Leapers have been getting up to...

Painting signs, recycling and turtles Lucy Dickens

Turtle hatcheries, surfing, yoga and more Emily Dinovo

Tyre garden, hot springs and reforestation Maya Sanden

"Never been away solo before so was very apprehensive but I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Wow what a fantastic trip I throughly enjoyed myself. The first thing i would like to comment is Milly she did a great job of caring for us and putting this amazing adventure together, we were never bored ! loved the volunteering part of this trip, very humbling and Tekanda Lodge was just beautiful a real paradise, delicious food, the staff couldn't have looked after us better.

All in all a truly memorable experience shared with a lovely bunch of ladies. Gilly .

- Gilly Corrie Hill

"The most rewarding and valuable trip of my life"

My trip to Namibia will be the platform for the rest of my life. It was vitally important for me to be challenged, tested and taken far away from home. The environment in Namibia is so far removed from the privileged life I lead in England and the enormous personal strain from family illnesses and teenage demands. Namibia was so utterly dramatic in its beauty and so humbling in its simplicity. To be ‘unplugged’ from my life was incredible. It made me ‘regroup’ amongst nature that is so pure - I felt honoured to be there.

Living in tents and being part of a group was fantastic fun. Getting to know myself in that environment was valuable and liberating. So many fears were dispelled by the whole experience.

Thank you for organising a fantastic trip with love and laughter! Thank you for letting me rest when I needed to and encouraging me to ‘push on’ when it mattered. Thank you for the most fabulous memories and happy times.

- Sara Koe

"It was freedom, stillness, exhilaration"

‘There were a thousand reasons why I absolutely couldn’t or shouldn’t take my ‘Leap' to Namibia. The most pressing and logistical reasons were my two boys at day school (one only 8) and my husband being half way across the world for work at the same time. However I just couldn’t let it go. There would always be reasons why not. I HAD to make it work. I had wanted to go to Namibia for years and was just really desperate for adventure. Needless to say it was worth every second of the UN-like logistics to get myself out of the door. It was a strike out of my comfort zone (in many layers not perhaps immediately obvious), it was switching off into proper wilderness (no phone reception or WIFI here, just miles and miles of echoing desert), it was back to brilliant basics in our sleeping bags and tents, it was physical work and walking and climbing and rafting, and it was with a group of people, some I knew, most I didn’t with whom we laughed and laughed, nattered and confided, supported and explored with.

It was freedom, stillness, exhilaration. What can I say? DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! Strike out, press your reset button, be BOLD. For all us it was life-affirming, for some a game changer.’

- Sacha Kent

"Extraordinary and inspiring"

On arrival the trepidation and pre-match nerves soon disappeared and I realised it was the best decision I had ever made. The photos are amazing, but to be there is even better. Having never had a gap year, been camping, been away without family, been to Africa or known anyone on the trip beforehand I was taking a big Leap into the unknown…..and I LOVED every minute. It was a wonderful and unique experience.

I now miss waking up in camp every morning, chatting and laughing with a very special group of now lifelong friends, being inspired by the amazing Dre and Red, looking at the beautiful stars, trekking to the top of mountains to admire the never ending breathtaking views.

The white water rafting and camping on the side of the Orange River towards the end of the 9 days enhanced what had already become the most phenomenal trip. I feel everyone should now make that Midlife Leap and then truly understand why it is so extraordinary and inspiring….

- Alice Fisher

"Meaningful adventure has been a wonderful experience"

Going on The Leap MidLife was a great decision for me: spending time with a very entertaining and engaging group of people in the amazing and ancient landscape of Namibia on a meaningful adventure has been a wonderful experience.

Oana is a very special conservation reserve, and the passion, vision and determination of the camp managers has inspired a long term make-a-difference approach in us all. Although I have left Namibia and am now back in England, the memories of a fantastic and happy community thrown together for a purpose under the African skies will stay with me for ever.

- Carrie Watson

"It turns out I can do more and be more than I had realised"

Five Stars to Milly and her team for organising a wholly wholesome and wonderfully colourful time on the paradise island of Sri Lanka for our mid-life trip. The well-managed blend of work and play suited me very well.

Each bit of volunteering taught me a great deal about myself and my own strengths: it turns out I can do more and be more than I had realised. Thank you.

- Emily Peart

"An extraordinary and memorable trip"

If you are feeling motivated to make a difference and looking for an off grid adventure, have a look at The Leap’s website.

If you enjoy a challenge and want to feel intrepid, you can join a group of like minded individuals for an extraordinary and memorable trip, organised for you by experts. I cannot recommend The Leap more highly.

- Penny Mountbatten

"Incredible camaraderie and kindness"

During our time we slept in dorms, washed out of a bucket, painted a school, planted shrubs and trees for nesting turtles, swam with whale sharks and manta ray. What struck me through all of our incredible experiences was the camaraderie and kindness of everyone. No-one thought of themselves first. Mosquito spray was given to your pal before you used it yourself. And we're tough old birds! No whingeing at all which was quite something for a bunch of mums who have got used to a comfortable way of live back at home.

The Leap's people on the ground are vital to the smooth-running of anything so off-grid and they found the dream team who were largely locals and knew exactly how the islands ticked and what would work. I think it's brilliant to 'take the leap', venturing outside your comfort zone and realising that at 40/50/60 you've still got what it takes.

- Emma Cripwell

"Bespoke but not pretentious"

I think both Tekanda and Alba made us feel special. So well treated and particularly by the Pembrokes. I loved the volunteering . I treasure my shirt. Again we were made to feel so welcome. Great to feel useful. I also loved the trip to the national park. All in all, I loved our trip. You managed to make it bespoke but not pretentious. We were spoiled but not spoilt so too speak!

- Susannah O'Brien

"Reflect and Reset"

Although I had been promised true wilderness, it wasn’t until we finally arrived in camp that I properly understood that this was exactly what we were getting. Completely off grid, in beautiful surroundings, we were made incredibly welcome by Red and Dre, who then proceeded to put us to work!

What was so extraordinary about the trip was that not only did we feel that what we were doing, along with all the other volunteers, really would make a difference in helping to transform and rewild the landscape in this remote corner of Namibia, but also that by being there as individuals, with no other halves or children to worry about or manage, it was a chance to reflect and to reset. I came home a changed person and cannot recommend the experience highly enough. If you can, just do it!

- Lucy Walsh-Waring

"Exceeded my expectations"

The accommodation at Tekanda Lodge was top notch as was the delicious food. The charity aspect was very rewarding and enjoyed the activities especially yoga before breakfast. Great to see the work assisting artisan tea plantations in the central highlands after jungle and beaches. Just fabulous!

- Marianne Vaern

"We took in the breathtaking sights of Petra arriving on horseback and foot"

We have wanted to visit Jordan for a long time, but weren’t quite sure how to go about organising the right type of trip. One taking into account the culture, the temperatures, terrain and distances between places. So when we came upon this trip we knew it covered all we needed and more. It had just the right mix of history, sightseeing, adventure, new experiences and rest and relaxation at the end.

We took in the breathtaking sights of Petra arriving on horseback and foot. Our group had split to take into account differing abilities, giving everyone in the group the support they needed. From walking in wadis to a night in the desert, the thrills and adventure continued. The Jordan based team that the Leap have, meant that we were supported at all times and given information that we would not have been party to had we been travelling alone. The trip was rounded off with some rest and relaxation in a Dead Sea resort. Time to reflect on what had been an amazing adventure. Memories made to last a lifetime.

We would highly recommend this trip and the services of Midlife Leap.

- Mark and Tina Foster

"Quality time with girlfriends, old and new. "

Having not been backpacking at the traditional backpacking age this MidLife Leapers' trip was an opportunity too good to pass up. It was a chance to leave the husband and kids behind, to experience a little bit of what kids do while travelling and to spend quality time with girlfriends, old and new.

I was initially attracted by the opportunity to help conserve the turtles and, despite being there in the turtle ‘low season’, we were exceptionally lucky to be involved in locating and moving a nest of recently laid eggs and to watch newly hatched turtles being released into the ocean. A totally unforgettable experience. At Cirenas we met some inspiring young Ticos and I would love to go back in a year or two to see where their vision and hard work has got them.

Thank you Milly, and Chris on the ground, for organising such a fabulous trip for us. We loved it all - the zip wire, the cloud forest, the baby sloths and the anteater, the turtles, the absolutely delicious food wherever we went, and the scary light aircraft to get us home. An amazing trip.

- LIza Curtis

"An unqualified success"

I booked the midlife trip to Peru to fulfil an ambition to see Machu Picchu, to set myself a physical challenge by completing a high altitude trek and to have fun with like-minded people. Well the trip was an unqualified success. Owing to The Leap's association with AASD, we learnt about sustainability and farming in Peru, we worked on their farms and visited indigenous communities that we would not otherwise have had access to. During the first week in Peru, we stayed with Peruvian families while acclimatising to the altitude. These families were incredibly hospitable and the food was delicious. Week 2 meant the high Andes trek - thank goodness I packed everything on the kit list as we certainly needed it - this was undoubtedly the toughest trek I have ever done but also the most rewarding - we did not see any other tourists, we were superbly looked after by our Guide, Ruben and chef, Edgar. We spend 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hostel and we thought that was it but the icing on the cake of our trip was the short Inca trail - another demanding hike but with the reward of the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu at the top - this was truly incredible and a momentous moment of my life. I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process.

At first I was so excited after I booked my mid-life trip to Peru with The Leap. Then the trepidation set in as the trip was so outside my normal comfort zone. Due to these nerves, I took all the preparatory advice offered by The Leap and got everything on the kit list.

- Annie Redmayne

"Jordan was more than I expected in so many ways"

The Jordanians we met were friendly, polite and cheerful and helped us at every stage of the journey. After a whistle stop tour of Amman where we visited roman temples and markets with a huge variety of spices and the largest radishes I have ever seen (the size of apples), we headed down to the desert and at one point below sea level.

This was our first encounter with the Bedouin tribe as we were led on a trek by a Bedouin tribesman who taught us how to make soap from a rubbing a natural plant with water on a rock. As we headed further to Wadi Rum we went past a re enactment of the famous railway attack from the Lawrence of Arabia film, complete with Bedouin horseman attacking the train.

After a night in Petra we left early and started our 15 kms trek from Little Petra to Petra through the desert and along the rock cliff tracks which were stunning due to the scenery and the peace of being alone with a small group and our lovely guide Annas. Petra and the various temples is incredible, justifying the 40 years it took for the workers to build it.

My favourite experience however was Wadi Rum, arriving in the back of a Toyota pick-up truck driven by a 13 year old Bedouin the scenery was like nowhere else I have ever been. Desert flanked by incredible huge rocks and cliffs .. camel trains, completely magical and I wish we could have stayed longer here.

Loved it - add it to your bucket list.

- Guy Whitehead

"Their passion and committment was infectious."

Being at Oana really was one of the happiest and best experiences of my life and I am going back in 2020.

The hands on conservation work included removing old fencing to enable wildlife migration, building a wildlife hide, putting out hay mangers and setting camera traps for wildlife monitoring - all of which was great fun. On our last day we visited the local village where we had a soup kitchen and had 90 children come along. The children were unforgettable, singing and dancing with huge smiles on their faces.

- Elaine Mackensie Yates

"The value for money was incredible and The Leap is plainly a great company – not only to deal with buy also to travel with."

Having just returned from the mid-lifer trip to Peru ( Nov 22) at the age of 55, I genuinely didn't think I would get the opportunity to backpack again and feel like an intrepid teenager. We were able to stay, visit and get involved with local NGO projects in areas not usually accessible to the average traveller. Meeting, walking and talking with the locals we met (using my basic O’level Spanish) gave me a deeper understanding of the history and beauty of Peru and just how fascinating a country it is. The trip was beautifully organised by the NGO team in Peru, the homestay experience although very basic was a delight with wonderful food at every meal. The value for money was incredible and The Leap is plainly a great company – not only to deal with buy also to travel with.

Thank you Milly and your team!

Sign me up for the next one....

- Lucy Schoonhoven

" I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process."

- Annie

"How we laughed .. I felt reinvigorated"

It was all I had hoped for and with much more. I felt I had a glimpse of a gap year which was exactly what I had wanted. I loved staying in the hostel at Monteverde, testing my nerve on the zip wires and finding I could do it. A great mix of fun and learning.

Throughout we were looked after with kindness and thought. Gently pushing us out of our comfort zones from where I feel we all flew away from our cosy safe nests! In all this I think the Midlife Leap is very clever. We were able to experience a country, get under the skin of it and see it properly, feel comfortable without it seeming we were on a ‘holiday’. Which we weren’t . Volunteering and meeting locals and having Chris guiding us through it all made the ordinary extraordinary . Milly you are brilliant and cajoled and encouraged us keeping up any flagging spirit.

- Nicola Hussey

"It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun."

Dear gorgeous Milly,

Just wanted to drop you a note and say from the bottom of my heart how fabulous our trip to Peru was. It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun, mixed together with a group of amazing women and life- affirming experiences. It was a privilege to be part of the group and I am so grateful that Claire asked me to join you all on the adventure, but more importantly the planning that you (very specifically) and your team put into the trip made it so special. Your dedication and hard work, together with your amazing team - Kerri, Reuben, Jo-Lyn (to name but a few) made the trip most memorable.

So grateful for all of it and still remembering the laughs….when’s the next adventure?

Lots of love

- Tash

" I would highy recommend this trip"

This was the first time either of us had been to a Middle Eastern and/or desert country. The Leap prepared us very well both culturally and practically - we were advised what kit we would need, what the temperatures and terrain would be like and consequently we had everything we needed.

From the moment we landed in Amman we were swept up in the special Leap cocoon - totally safe and supported but with a sense of adventure and wonder. We had the ease of being part of a group but the luxury of our individual needs being met - at one point, the group split due to fitness differences and both groups enjoyed and experienced the wonder of Petra. Owing to the Leap's Jordan-based contacts, we were able to change and adapt our itinerary on the go and never was this too much trouble. After Petra and Wadi Rum, we ended our trip in indulgence at the Dead Sea having had a fabulous adventure. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone.

- Charlie and Annie Redmayne

"A real sense of adventure but without any associated hassle"

I absolutely loved the Leap Mid-Life Sri Lanka Trip. It was such a tonic! There was a real sense of adventure but without any associated hassle. Milly and the Sri Lankan team couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating; nothing was a problem and they were also excellent company. Our mornings were spent volunteering at the inspiring Tekanda Foundation and afternoons offered further activities or an option to chill by the pool. The balance was perfect.

We were delighted to arrive at the Amba Tea Estate in the central highlands. It’s an incredibly special place with fabulous hiking and stunning views. Yet again, we were made to feel so welcome and treated to delicious food, memorable sundowners and a fascinating Tea Plantation Tour.

I felt bereft when the trip came to an end and I’m so delighted to have done it. I would definitely book with The Leap again.

- Emma Peart

"Soul and mind rebooted and the most amazing group of new friends"

I wasn’t sure how I was going to cope with the sleeping arrangements and roughing it, especially as I’m a contact user and need clean hands and a mirror to get them in, but it wasn’t a problem and all the things I worried about before I left were forgotten once I was there.

I had to pinch myself that we actually swam with manta rays and whale sharks and saw the most perfect beaches and yet balanced this with making other peoples lives better on ‘work days’, when we painted a school and health clinic and made bricks for a school build project.

- Emma O'Grady

"The trip exceeded my expectations."

When I signed up I was a little apprehensive as I only knew one person and wasn’t sure how the dynamics of the group would work. As it turned out the group could not have gelled better. The trip exceeded my expectations. I felt we had the chance to give something to the local communities as well as have some fun.

I would highly recommend doing a MidLife Leap – super-duper organised, with attention to detail which meant we were all able to relax and enjoy every minute as we had nothing to think or worry about. It was the most fantastic amazing opportunity that I feel blessed to have experienced.

- Nicci Caswell

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