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Rare is the opportunity to combine a great vacation with a meaningful life experience. But this is precisely the combination offered by The Cliffs International, in places that boast unsurpassed natural beauty and through programs that are as much about sustaining these environments as they are about enjoying them. In both Chile and British Columbia, The Cliffs International offers visitors one-of-a-kind vacation experiences by partnering with the local people, not only to preserve their culture and their natural environment but to enrich their lives, as well. What’s more, there is a very clear focus on immersing visiting children in the process of partnering with the locals in conservation efforts.

This distinctive vision, which is now being played out on both ends of the western hemisphere, represents another dream-come-true for The Cliffs Founder and CEO, Jim Anthony.

To appreciate Anthony’s vision, one must begin by understanding how deeply he was moved in his early visits to both Chile and British Columbia. After being wowed by the natural beauty of these locales, he spent time getting to know the locals. Through this interaction, he realized the great need to preserve their environment and ecosystems, while also contributing to their economic prosperity. “These are warm, humble and friendly people, who are eager for opportunities to preserve the beauty of their country,” Anthony recalls of his initial visits to Chile, in particular. “With the work of the Chilean people and the help of The Cliffs and its members, I knew we could preserve the environment and dramatically improve their quality of life, all at the same time.”

It was at that point that Anthony says his vision began to take shape: “With the opportunity for enjoyment comes the responsibility to protect.”

The marriage of these concepts is no doubt perpetuated by his love of nature, formed at a very early age while gardening alongside his mother. This passion — to both create and sustain beauty — is a lesson he now hopes to impart to future generations of parents and children. “I wanted to present an opportunity for grandparents and parents to not only immerse themselves in the learning process, but to involve their children and grandchildren in those experiences, as well, all while making a positive impression upon the Earth.”

The Cliffs International reflects Anthony’s admiration for the people he has met along the way to his dream of creating an international resort destination — from members of The Cliffs Communities to the Heiltsuk Indians of Calvert Island, British Columbia, to the capable and caring Chileans that inhabit Patagonia. It is this abiding admiration that drives Anthony, as well as his deep determination to forge enduring partnerships to protect some of nature’s most revered places.

In essence, Anthony set out to create resorts where folks would go home not only saying, “Wow, we had an amazing time in this incredibly beautiful, luxurious, natural setting,” but adding, “and what really made it memorable is that our family was able to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute to the Earth’s protection.”

Reflections like these have now become reality because of the stunning natural beauty, ready-made adventure, enriching educational and preservation components and the top-notch facilities and service found at The Cliffs International.

As Anthony puts it, “These properties provide a wonderful balance of what folks want to do on a trip, while inspiring the deeper meaning that motivates them. It couples success with significance; and that’s something we all want.”