White Desert, Antarctica's only luxury expedition company, has upgraded its flagship Whichaway camp with ensuite showers and glass conservatories, bringing enhanced comfort to one of Earth's most extreme environments. Olivia Palamountain reports

White Desert's Whichaway camp, located in Antarctica's Schirmarcher Oasis, now offers private bathrooms in each of its six polar pods alongside glass-fronted conservatories that frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding ice landscape. The additions represent the most significant upgrade to the camp since its establishment.

The conservatories provide guests with a warm, protected setting to observe the panoramic lake and encircling ice fall from their accommodation, allowing them to experience Antarctica's dramatic scenery without exposure to the harsh conditions outside.

"These upgrades bring a new level of convenience to the Antarctic frontier without compromising on the camp's commitment to sustainability or design," the company says, highlighting the challenge of providing luxury amenities whilst maintaining environmental responsibility in such a remote location. The camp accommodates up to 12 guests and combines what the company describes as "old-world explorer charm with modern convenience". Facilities include a wellness dome housing a Finnish sauna, private chef services and expertly guided adventures including glacier hiking and ice climbing.

White Desert, founded by record-breaking polar explorer Patrick Woodhead, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The company has maintained carbon-neutral certification since 2007 and employs 150 people from 17 nationalities, making it one of the few tourism operators working extensively in Antarctica's interior.

The Whichaway upgrades follow the company's recent announcement of the Dr Jones Collection, a series of new itineraries launching in South America that expand White Desert's offerings beyond Antarctica.Stays at the upgraded Whichaway camp start at £57,000 per person for six days, including return flights and transfers from Cape Town to Antarctica, all accommodation, meals, beverages and activities. The pricing reflects both the logistical complexity of Antarctic operations and the exclusivity of accessing one of the world's most remote destinations.

White Desert operates the only privately-owned camp in Antarctica's interior, distinguishing it from cruise-based Antarctic tourism that typically remains coastal. The company's flights from Cape Town to Antarctica use a specially-prepared ice runway, allowing direct access to the continent's interior rather than approaching by sea.

The addition of ensuite facilities represents a significant infrastructure upgrade in an environment where all materials and equipment must be transported by air and where sustainable waste management presents unique challenges. The glass conservatories must withstand extreme weather conditions including temperatures that can drop below -40°C and powerful Antarctic winds.Antarctica tourism has grown significantly in recent decades, though it remains highly regulated to protect the continent's pristine environment. White Desert's operations require extensive environmental permits and adherence to the Antarctic Treaty System, which governs activities on the continent.

The company's carbon-neutral status involves offsetting emissions from flights and operations, whilst its camp design emphasises minimal environmental impact through renewable energy systems and sustainable waste management practices adapted for Antarctic conditions.

White Desert's clientele typically includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking unique travel experiences unavailable elsewhere, with many guests viewing Antarctic expeditions as once-in-a-lifetime adventures combining luxury with genuine exploration.