Experiential travel specialist Satopia has announced the 2026 edition of Elkemist, an annual gathering that connects philanthropists with charitable foundations over five days of deep and meaningful travel experiences. Olivia Palamountain reports

In June 2026, philanthropists and charitable foundations will gather at an exclusive South of France retreat for Elkemist, an annual community event care of luxury travel company Satopia.

The five-day gathering will bring together 28 philanthropists and 10 charitable foundations through what Satopia describes as an immersive experience combining cultural activities, private dinners, wellness practices and one-on-one funding discussions.

The programme includes exceptional culinary journeys reflecting regional cultural richness, restorative practices led by expert practitioners, small-group conversations where foundation founders share their work directly with guests, coaching workshops designed for identity-level transformation and informal evening gatherings fostering connections between donors and organisations.

The event provides full scholarships to participating foundations covering all expenses, whilst philanthropists commit to contributing financially, through resources or future collaboration.

Satopia has worked with more than 25 foundations including Richard Branson's Virgin Unite across areas including wildlife conservation, women's empowerment, human rights and education. The company's partnerships span organisations supporting more than 150,000 people across 14 rural communities in South Africa, rewilding initiatives planting over one million native trees in the Scottish Highlands and Africa's first community-owned elephant sanctuary.

Emma Ponsonby, co-founder & chief executive of Satopia, says: "Today's philanthropists seek authentic connections to causes and measurable impact, not just transactional giving. Over the years, we've witnessed how much our guests value these connections and how committed they are to giving back. Elkemist 2026 represents a significant evolution in how donors can engage with foundations - bringing together committed philanthropists with visionary organisations in an environment designed for deep conversation, shared learning, and lasting collaboration."

The 2025 gathering took place at Passalacqua in Lake Como, named "World's Best Hotel 2023" by The World's 50 Best Hotels list, featuring a private dinner at Villa del Balbianello once owned by explorer Guido Monzino, a classic boat tour and an exclusive performance at the historic Teatro Sociale with dinner served on stage. Guests participated in private discussions with leading voices in global justice whilst connecting directly with foundation representatives.

Ponsonby continues: "Our role is to seek out organisations that are truly serving their communities - those making a tangible, positive difference and achieving remarkable successes, often against extraordinary challenges. Elkemist gives them a platform to be seen, heard, and supported as people with real stories, real needs, and real vision for the future. This annual gathering provides philanthropists with the opportunity to build sustainable support networks essential for creating long-term impact."

Satopia's model demonstrates how luxury travel companies are expanding beyond traditional tourism into impact-focused programming. The approach targets high-net-worth individuals seeking meaningful engagement with charitable causes through experiences that combine cultural immersion with purposeful contribution.