~ Sponsors, Partners, Collaborations ~
Write yourself a page in the diary of an aesthete…
Since the launch of dairyofanaesthete a couple of years ago this family has grown daily. Thousands of people from all corners of the world have connected over the medium of this site and I couldn’t be happier or more inspired by this incredible movement.
Is your unique, personal enterprise in need of a global audience, a full set of quality, professional photos and video, a thoughtful and soulful review finished to a standard only an Aesthete knows how? Diary of an Aesthete is always on the lookout for Unique Accommodation, Nature and Wildlife Safaris, Eco Lodges, NGOs, Artists and Photographers with whom to collaborate.
With over 9000 subscribers, current articles have reached a readership in 164/195 countries worldwide (so far) without the help of paid advertising. Commercial advertising has been kept off this site entirely. I’m only interested in working with people/companies that suit my site, ethics and artistic instincts. I’m not trying to make a dirty fortune or become famous through this site. I want to work on projects that excite and inspire me, highlight important causes, and inform and inspire others after me.
My creative life has been centred around the bespoke, chance happenings and the meeting of like-minds. I adore any opportunity to get creative, to connect or collaborate, to share and inspire. There’s nothing better than a close community, a family business, any sort of collective celebration of life ~ Collaboration.
I have adopted the ideals of ‘Slow Travel’ – therefore prefer to spend more time in each place/take multiple trips to any given country to facilitate more complete and natural submersion into new cultures, thus a more mindful, aware and sustainable travel ethic. I do not support traditional ‘fast’ tourism or tour companies that promote it. I prefer to stay with local people, work with independent businesses, and, where possible, stay on ecotourist sites. I always use public transport when travelling in foreign countries, employ local tourguides and do as much as possible to see any money I spend go into the pockets of local people and families.
Darker areas signify greater views.
If you have a project you’d like to collaborate on then please get in contact. All ideas and budgets and locations considered.
~ Past Projects ~
Click on blue links for featured reviews.
Built in 1886 this historic hotel has been a favourite among royals and nobility since opening, and continues to inspire guests with its old world charm. Situated on the banks of the Nile opposite the West Bank necropolis amidst an oasis of palm trees and well-tended gardens, it is a paradise. Howard Carter stayed here during the discovery of King Tutankamun’s tomb. This hotel became my home and safe-place during the global pandemic. (official site)
Buffalo Adventures – Tanzania – private solo adventure tours with a local guide suited to your budget and style, from grassroots projects with local transport and accommodation, walking safaris, living in Maasai villages, to 4×4 safaris and luxury accommodation. Buffalo Adventures creates tours orientated around sustainability goals to always benefit local communities directly. (details and review coming soon)
Fathala Wildlife Reserve, Lion Walks and Luxury Lodges – Senegal – one of the most incredible, earthy experiences of my life. Not only was my time in the forests of Fathala an education in the beauty of the wild, but also an education in the importance of conserving the African Bush, the regeneration of earth’s remaining wild places, and the perils of canned hunting… – Official Site
Bedouin Hospitality – Negev Desert, Israel – take an authentic journey deep into the most fascinating and diverse desert landscape in the world, eat, sleep and live alongside the true Negev Bedouins and experience a culture that goes back almost 7000 years – Official Site
Aire de Sevilla Arabic Baths – Seville, Spain – feel the passion, intensity and rich colour of the Spanish soul – Official Site. With photography by artist Pavel Colón
Florence Classical Arts Academy – Florence, Italy – study classical and fine art in the beautiful and inspiring city of Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, under expert tuition – Official Site
The Gerry Martin Project – Hunsur, India – I spent nearly a whole month working with TGMP in July of 2015. I learnt first-hand how to handle wild venomous snakes under the close guidance of herpetology expert Gerry Martin himself. The Project helped me to organise bespoke excursions into the deepest jungles on the sub-continent, and work on some fantastic projects in rural communities across Karnataka – Official Site
Jungle Retreat, Masinagudi – India – unique, family-run safari lodges with campus in the middle of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. I had the unique experience of bathing elephants in the wild, tracking wild peacocks and sleeping alongside leopards and bears… – Official Site
Sahara Moon Excursions – Morocco – ever dreamed of living like a true nomad? Crossing the tallest dunes of earth’s most enchanting landscape with the people who have lived there for millennia… the Saharan Berbers. Eating, sleeping, dreaming in a way of life hardly changed since ancient times. – Official Site
I stayed with Noureddine and his family for 10 days in May 2017 and became honourary ‘brother’ – totally sharing in their way of life. Sahara Moon Excursions can organise any trip based around your needs, offering you an authentic, bespoke experience, anything from 1 night to a month… or more.
Begue Pokai – Senegal – unique, family-run guesthouse, on Senegal’s beautiful western coastline. Skip noisy Dakar and find tranquility at this welcoming beach-side paradise. The perfect place to rest your weary traveller’s feet and meet like-minded people from across the globe… – Official Site
Ecolodge de Lompoul – Senegal – sleep in a luxury tent on the edge of the beautiful and tranquil Lompoul Desert. Dance with bedouin bands, organise camel rides and watch the sun setting across golden sands… – Official Site
Volta Children’s Fund – Ghana – Living in an orphanage in Africa is truly an unforgettable experience. The Missahoe Children’s Home has been such a fantastic base to explore Ghana, and Mawusi, the founder and ‘Mother’ of the orphanage, is an incredible host. A life-changing experience. So far we have raised over £4000 for the orphanage, working together. Visit our site to sponsor a child and get involved- Official Site
Europass Language School – Florence, Italy – I featured in one of Cem Bilen’s videographies about student life in the school… even though it’s been said that I’m the Worst Student Ever… – Official Site
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Sacred Grove – Ghana – enter the sacred forest, protected for hundreds of years by the Bagbor Tribe, and feed their most precious hosts, Mona Monkeys, by hand. My No.1 recommendation for Ghana. No official site. Find booking information within.
I want to take this chance to thank anyone who has emailed, commented or otherwise got in contact with me through this site. I always appreciate hearing from people and will always make effort to reply to every email/comment. Creating this ‘family’ has been a lot of hard work and soul, and I feel we are just getting started here, with whatever this eventually turns out to be. I hope, together, we can continue to shed the light of Truth in this world, make lasting connections, and create a legacy for our future. Please, reader, never hesitate to get in contact, if you feel the urge – whether it is to discuss a project, an idea, or to just share thoughts.
It is a blessing to know you all.
I hope I can continue to create and share beautiful things with the help and collaboration of
like-minded people for many years to come.
May God bless you always… – JDC x
All enquiries, business or personal, to diary.aesthete@yahoo.co.uk
or visit the Contact Page on the top menu
