Frances’ FAM trip to St Helena Island
When we touched down, I instantly felt the charm of the island. We checked into Mantis St Helena, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Jamestown. With just 30 rooms, it’s intimate, welcoming, and perfectly positioned to explore the cobbled streets, historic architecture, and waterfront charm of the town.
From the very first evening, we were swept up in the island’s rhythm. A walking tour introduced us to its rich history, followed by a golden sunset and warm hospitality over dinner with Jacobs Ladder mesmerizing oneself with its 699 steps all lit up like a staircase to Heaven.
The next few days were packed – but in the best way. We explored the Napoleonic sites with Michel, the French Ambassador, whose passion and storytelling brought the past to life. We stood in places that shaped history, including Longwood House and Plantation House, the home of Jonathan, the 191-year-old tortoise who holds the title of the oldest living land animal. That evening, we gathered at the local yacht club for a traditional fish fry – just visitors and locals chatting side by side over deep-fried tuna and eel and laughter by the harbour.
One of my favourite moments came with Aaron’s Adventure Tours. Driving across the island in 4x4s with Aaron and Julie, locals who know every inch of the terrain and every story passed down through generations, was something truly special. The landscape shifted dramatically at every turn – one moment lush and green, the next rugged and otherworldly. That evening, we dined at a hidden pop-up spot called The Deck, where Chef Roy, formal head chef from the Royal Mail Ship, wowed us with a fine dining experience we all enjoyed – and possibly a little too much red wine!
The marine safari the following day was simply breathtaking. We were surrounded by hundreds of dolphins – according to our guide it could have been 600 at one point – dancing through the water as we watched in awe and totally showing off for us. No footage can do it justice.. We snorkelled over the wreck of the Papanui, which sank in 1898, in waters so clear it magnified the wreck even more so.
Later that day, we took a tiny local ferry boat to Rupert’s Valley, where we heard the moving story of St Helena’s slave heritage. The island is undertaking a powerful project to honour and preserve the memory of thousands of liberated Africans who were brought to the Island in the 1800s. It was an emotional, humbling experience and left a deep impression on all of us.tle too much red wine!
Our final full day was for the explorers at heart. A few brave souls (including myself!) tackled the infamous Jacob’s Ladder – 699 steep steps that challenge both your legs and your vertigo!
One of my ‘travel buddies’ and I decided on the last morning that the best way to say goodbye was with a few childish sunrise bomb drops off the harbour! Calm seas, clear, warm water, and a true sense of ‘loving what we do – exploring the World’.
St Helena is not just a destination – it’s a story waiting to be told. It’s history and wilderness, it’s community and culture, and it’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been. Huge thanks to St Helena Tourism, Mantis, and Big Ambitions for hosting such a beautifully curated and deeply immersive trip.
If you ever get the chance to go – take it.
1. This South Atlantic Island offers good diving experiences, whether snorkeling with Whale Sharks or scuba diving to see one of the islands shipwrecks.
2. St Helena offers diverse hikes:- through forests, valleys or mountains.
3. The island has a fascinating history, it was discovered by the Portugues in 1502 but later was part of the British Empire and played a strategic role before the opening of the Suez Canal. Also, the island played an essential role in the abolition of slavery.
4. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to this island and this was where he died, visitors can see where he lived at Longwood House.
5. The most popular local celebrity is Jonathan, which is 191 years old tortoise. Possibly older if he could tell us! Jonathan is believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal!
