The People that Make the Place

From marine biologists to elephant vets and foodie whizzes, meet our top insider experts from around the globe who could play a starring role in your next adventure.

 

Dr. Nissa Mututanont

Head Elephant Veterinarian
Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Thailand

Best bit of the job?

My work blends veterinary care with conservation efforts, building the bond of trust that grows between elephants, mahouts and vets. Elephants are intelligent, sensitive beings; when one relaxes enough to let you examine them, it is incredibly rewarding.

What’s a typical day?

My day begins at sunrise, when the elephants are at their calmest. We carry out health checks, although emergencies can happen at any time, from injuries in the forest to difficult births. I also help guide mahouts in positive reinforcement training and safe welfare practices.

How do you get children and teens engaged?

With teenagers, I focus on the science, explaining how an elephant’s behaviour tells us about its health, or how protecting forests helps not just elephants but climate and communities. With younger children, I use storytelling and observation: asking them to watch an elephant and guess its mood. The goal is to spark empathy and curiosity that lasts beyond their visit.

Do you see a future when all elephants are wild?

Thailand’s elephants have lived alongside people for centuries and returning them all to the wild is a beautiful dream but a complex reality. I see a future where captive elephants live with dignity and freedom from harm while wild populations are fiercely protected, so all elephants can continue to inspire and thrive.

 

Paul Krug

Régisseur (Wine Manager)
Château la Commaraine, France

What does it mean to be a régisseur?

I oversee the wine-making, the vineyard and the cellar. The Domaine has strong historical roots in Pommard and now I am leading the estate’s conversion to biodynamic agriculture, which has taken seven years.

What’s your story?

I was always fascinated by the culture of wine and the complexity of Burgundy’s terroirs. After learning from some of the greatest vineyards, my respect and commitment to preserving traditional practices brought me to Domaine de la Commaraine.

Most memorable wine experience?

During a harvest in Burgundy, I felt the collective energy needed to bring in the fruit from sunrise to sunset. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of tradition, hard work and celebration. That moment showed me that wine is not only about terroir and technique, but about people and passion.

Favourite place for a glass of wine?

There is something magical about drinking a glass of wine in the vineyard while standing on the very soil that produced it. The connection between place, people and wine becomes tangible in a way that no cellar or dining room can replicate.

 

Irving Robert Salazar Letona

Tour guide
Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru

What’s your story?

I was raised in Cusco in a family full of tradition and culture. I have a degree in tourism from the University of Cusco and this job gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

What’s your guiding style?

I can show Peru through the eyes of someone who grew up here: hidden stories, local legends, family-run restaurants and introductions to Peruvians. Sharing the beauty and richness of the country makes me feel proud of our incredible landscapes, ancient history and vibrant culture.

Favourite foodie experience?

Limbus in Cusco offers the most amazing sunset of the city; Hacienda Huayoccari, an old hacienda in the Sacred Valley, has authentic Peruvian flavours Don’t miss empanadas in Pisac, where only local people go to enjoy Peruvian snacks.

 

Above: Dr. Nissa Mututanont, Paul Krug and Irving Robert Salazar Letona

 

Alex Baker

Director
Kiff & Culture Private Tours, Brisbane
Gold Coast and Byron Bay, Australia

What’s your story?

I was raised in this incredibly diverse pocket of Australia, but never imagined it would be something we’d create a business from. Now we offer the best experiences in the region: nature and wildlife, unique private dining and meeting local artisans.

Top must-do experience?

Our “Australia in a day” experience on Minjerribah, Brisbane’s secret jewel. Only 15 minutes by scenic helicopter flight, it includes indigenous culture through our co-host Elisha, a fresh seafood lunch on the beach, and the chance to see koalas, kangaroos and turtles.

Best bit of the job?

The insights of the Quandamooka people are incredibly enlightening. Hearing cultural stories, seeing the ancient middens (meeting places) and learning about their connection to the land always moves me.

Favourite foodie experience?

Rick Shores on the Gold Coast. Picture yourself by the shoreline, surfers riding waves, all while enjoying the cuisine at one of Australia’s best restaurants with an exquisite wine list. Try their famous Moreton Bay bug rolls. A local crustacean with the texture of lobster and the taste of crab – it’s iconic.

 

Ingrid Peens

Escape & Explore guide
Cape Town, South Africa

What are your passions?

I absolutely love mountain and adventure sports, having completed the Tour de Mont Blanc and Annapurna circuit in Nepal. I’ve road-tripped through Namibia, hiked in Turkey and explored Indonesia, but I still think Cape Town is the greatest city of them all.

Top must-do experience?

Hiking Table Mountain – earning the views and appreciating how special and diverse our city is. My guests feel a huge sense of accomplishment scaling the 1,000-metre mountain. They will never look at Table Mountain the same way again.

What’s your guiding style?

Sneaky backroads, off-the-beaten-track coffee shops and wineries, hiking trails and local hangouts – all with a personal story, of course. I tell my guests to be packed and ready for all sorts of adventures that may present themselves during their stay.

Best bit of the job?

I still can’t quite believe I get to have fun every day and that this is a real job!

 

Verena Dott

Marine biologist
COMO Maalifushi, Maldives

What’s your story?

During my Open Water Diver certification, I fell in love with the underwater world and have dived in incredible worldwide locations, fuelling my passion to become a marine biologist. My journey has taken me to 51 countries, shaping my understanding of the ocean and its ecosystems.

Best bit of the job?

There is nothing more fulfilling than introducing others to the wonders of the ocean, inspiring a deeper appreciation for marine life. It’s very calming, being completely immersed in its serenity and ever-changing wonders.

Tell us a foodie secret from COMO Maalifushi

Tai restaurant is absolutely amazing! The combination of fresh seafood, incredible flavours and the spectacular overwater setting makes it unforgettable. The must-try dish for me is the sashimi – it’s so fresh. Don’t miss a signature cocktail as the sun sets.

 

Above: Alex Baker, Ingrid Peens and Verena Dott

 

Vanarith Nop

Food tour guide
Good Morning Cambodia and Streetlight, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

What’s your story?

I was raised in the jungle of southwest Cambodia, surrounded by rivers, waters, trees, mountains and wild animals. I led a simple life, using the skills of fishing, hunting, gathering, survival skills and foraging plants. During the civil war with the Khmer Rouge, I moved into an orphanage in Phnom Penh, before finally reuniting with my parents after seven years.

What brought you back to Phnom Penh?

It was difficult to manage on a low income in my village, so I came back to the city. When I started working in tourism, I noticed how much I enjoyed being with people so I became a food tour guide in 2018, a dream fulfilled for me.

Best bit of the job?

I love to show the story behind every bite, combining history, tradition, culture and authenticity. When guests try Cambodian street food for the first time, I love seeing the look of curiosity, surprise and delight on their face. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and what I’ve learnt.

Top tip?

Don’t just see the regular places and must-see sites. Get out there and taste it! Go beyond the tourist spots and dive into the local markets, street stalls and back alley eateries where real life happens.

Natalia Renard

Tour guide
Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina

What’s your story?

I was born in Buenos Aires, but the highlight of every year was a trip to Patagonia, where I fell in love with its rugged vastness. After a degree in national tour guiding, I arrived in El Calafate when I was just 20 years old.

Top tip?

I always tell my guests: here, there’s no middle ground. You either fall in love with Patagonia or you don’t. But if you feel that deep connection with the place, you’ll want to stay, no matter what.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself

I discovered that Carlos María Moyano, who travelled with the famous explorer Francisco Pascasio Moreno, was actually my great-great-great uncle. That made me realise that my bond with this land is in my blood.

Best bit of the job?

I love the moment when it goes quiet – the deafening sound of silence is when you connect with the humbling, majestic environment. And at the end of each journey, the heartfelt farewell hugs remind me of what really matters: the bond created between hosts and guests.

Vusumuzi Ncube

Head guide
Camelthorn Lodge, Zimbabwe

What’s your story?

I grew up in a village by Hwange National Park, where my main responsibility was to herd cattle, goats and donkeys. After attaining a Diploma in Travel and Tourism, l trained at a new safari lodge, becoming a fully-qualified guide after ten years.

Best bit of the job?

I love to find a nice sunset spot near the water’s edge, pause and let the world fall silent around us. As the sun dips below the horizon, listen to the gentle lapping of the water, the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze and the distant calls of wildlife.

Have local attitudes to poaching changed?

There was hatred towards wild animals who killed livestock and raided our crops. Poaching was a sport, but park rangers made arrests of villagers caught with bush meat, causing friction. That changed when iMvelo Safari arrived, building a bridge between wildlife, communities and tourism.

 

Above: Vanarith Nop, Natalia Renard and Vusumuzi Ncube

 

Nidhi Bansal

CEO & Cultural Storyteller
India City Walks, India

What’s your story?

For over 18 years, I worked in the corporate world, yet I always felt something was missing. Now, my focus is reviving cultural storytelling and bringing dignity to professions overlooked in the heritage sector, giving visibility and respect to those who walk our cities and carry its stories.

Best bit of the job?

I get to co-create experiences that heal cultural memory, restore local pride and honour. I love nurturing living heritage, seeing it become a force for social inclusion. Witnessing a meaningful walk, or a story well told, can shift perspectives for both guest and guide.

Favourite walk?

One of my favourites is the early morning exploration of Old Delhi’s heritage quarters. At dawn, the city is more contemplative, you can almost hear the layers of time as you walk past shuttered shops, ancient havelis and places of worship.

How can visitors get the most out of India?

Go beyond monuments like the Taj Mahal and into the mood of a place. Spend time with custodians of heritage, walk with a storyteller, taste a treat from a street vendor or witness a craft in motion. Don’t just visit India; let her unfold for you, slowly and thoughtfully.

 

Shehan de Silva

Host and Plantation Estate Manager
Tea Country, Sri Lanka

What’s your story?

My passion is in sustainability. I’ve been working on people-friendly and environmentally-friendly projects all my life, connecting with different communities and hearing their stories of resilience and diversity.

Top must-do experience?

Some of the most scenic and unexplored sights are along the Pekoe Trail. You can meet the Malayalam Tamils who have lived in the tea country for hundreds of years and are renowned for having the most beautiful smiles in the country.

Tell us a foodie secret

It has to be the government-run Hela Bojun eatery. These cafes serve the most authentic, cheapest and healthiest food in the country. There should be more of these cafes everywhere. The king coconut and mangrove apple juice are two must-try drinks.

Best bit of the job?

I view myself as a facilitator who helps travellers meet the island’s most authentic locals and witness some of the most beautiful sights; this gives me great joy and pride. It never feels like a job.

 

Chef Paul Froggatt

Director of Culinary
ROKI Collection, Queenstown, New Zealand

What’s your story?

Some of my earliest memories are of being in the kitchen with my mother at our friends’ bed and breakfast, watching them cook with such care. That sense of tradition and creativity really stuck with me.

What’s new in your world?

I’m excited about the continued push towards local, sustainable ingredients. It’s not just a trend – it’s a return to respecting the whole product and being conscious of waste. I think chefs have a responsibility to innovate while honouring the past.

Best bit of the job?

Food is a language, and when you cook for someone, you’re telling a story. Whether it’s through texture, temperature, plating or provenance, it’s about engaging all the senses and leaving a lasting impression.

Favourite go-to dish at home?

It’s all about simplicity and comfort. I love cooking a good pasta – maybe a rich ragù like an Asian beef rendang. I also bake fresh sourdough, like all chefs, and love bread and French butter.

 

Above: Nidhi Bansal, Shehan de Silva and Chef Paul Froggatt