For travellers looking to turn a work trip into something extraordinary, St Helena one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth and offers an experience that feels almost otherworldly.
Its annual St Helena Marathon, set in the middle of the South Atlantic between Africa and South America, is billed as the world’s most remote marathon. But the event is far more than a race: it’s the centrepiece of an island‑wide Adventure Week that invites visitors to slow down, explore and reconnect with nature in a place few people ever reach.
Far removed from the noise and spectacle of big‑city races, the marathon unfolds across dramatic volcanic landscapes, subtropical valleys, lush highlands and sweeping ocean views. Runners can choose from a full marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km route, all beginning in the grounds of Plantation House – the residence of the island’s Governor – before winding through forested trails, mountain paths and coastal cliffs, finishing in the historic capital, Jamestown.
At just 47 square miles, St Helena offers a rare sense of tranquillity. With its small population, unspoilt terrain and deep sense of heritage, the island feels like a step back in time. It has been a British territory since 1659, and its East India Company legacy is still visible in Jamestown’s architecture and narrow, winding streets.
For those extending a business trip, Adventure Week adds a layer of discovery beyond the race itself. Travellers can tackle the iconic Jacob’s Ladder climb, join guided hikes across wildly varied terrain, swim in open water, or explore the island’s rich marine life — including the chance to spot whale sharks in season. History lovers can delve into centuries‑old forts, Napoleonic sites and the island’s maritime past.
St Helena is accessed via Airlink flights from South Africa, with additional services from Cape Town scheduled around the event in February and March 2027. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels to guesthouses, offering a warm, community‑driven welcome that mirrors the island’s pace of life.
For business travellers seeking a bleisure experience that feels genuinely restorative and genuinely different St Helena delivers something rare: the chance to combine a challenging physical achievement with a deep sense of place, serenity and adventure.