Meet the crew behind our awesome Destination MAXIM tours. From early morning starts and long, hot nights to capturing and creating incredible images and footage of stunning ladies at lavish locations – this is the legendary team running the show…
Welcome to Destination MAXIM – where adventure meets luxury and exploration knows no bounds. Magical destinations, once-in-a-lifetime activities, international cuisines… and, of course, beautiful women and world-leading content creation. In 2018, Destination MAXIM launched as a brand extension of MAXIM Australia/New Zealand and held five tours to Bali, Thailand, Mozambique and Samoa, taking models on once-in-a-lifetime adventures and building life-long friendships along the way.
Then COVID hit, and Destination MAXIM stalled. That is until 2022 when MAXIM’s new tour leader, Paris Raine, brought it back to life – in partnership with 19zero3 media – with renewed vigour, elevated luxury properties and a passion second to none. The new Destination MAXIM was born with a first-up tour to Acro Suites in Crete, Greece, which still stands alone as the jewel in the Destination MAXIM crown. Over 2022 and through 2023, Destination MAXIM continued to new destinations across the globe, with two original crew – Rocky and Alex – joined by new addition, Corrina. Along with Paris, they’ve been creating word-leading content for almost 18 months over 10 incredible tours.
Destination MAXIM specialises in crafting bespoke travel experiences, adrenaline-pumping adventures and tranquil retreats. With destinations spanning the globe, from the vibrant cenotes of Tulum to the sun-soaked sands of the Caribbean, Destination MAXIM ensures that every journey is as unique and diverse as the incredible models who attend. What sets Destination MAXIM apart is the crew. A close-knit loyal family who will stop at nothing to bring our readers the best content in international men’s publishing.
Usually behind the lens (not so much Paris!) here they are in front of the lens for a rare photo shoot that they, of course, still managed to shoot themselves, thanks to the wonders of modern technology. We present to you – Team Destination MAXIM…
PARIS RAINE
Tour Leader
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a professional model, actor and TV host who has produced, directed and featured in multiple destination-focused campaigns, both nationally and internationally, for leading brands and media outlets. I’ve also starred in various Australian TV shows and ads. I’m so lucky to be the tour leader for Destination MAXIM and run these trips around the globe.
How did you get involved with it?
I was aware MAXIM had done these tours in the past and I saw a lot of potential in revitalising the existing business model. It’s funny because I found myself in a conversation about the tours and was invited to join them. Little did they know my mission was to bring the idea back to life after COVID. I believed in Destination MAXIM so much that I did exactly that. MAXIM brought me on and the rest is history! Expanding this business has been very fulfilling and a beautiful ecosystem for all involved.
Why are these tours so special to you?
Besides Destination MAXIM being my baby, it’s the growth, level of awareness and experience I gain from travelling to all these different countries and cultures that’s invaluable to me. It’s allowed me the opportunity to lead, manage, learn and grow at every turn. I’m going to look back on these years as some of my favourites. Bringing together and meeting beautiful ladies from all walks of life, contributing to their goals, dreams and ambitions is quite special, too. I feel very blessed, but also acknowledge how many early mornings and very late nights it took to get where I am today.
What has been your favourite Destination MAXIM tour so far?
That is such a tough question. They all hold such special places in my heart for different reasons. Crete, Greece was a huge milestone, being the first tour back in 2022. It was a back-to-back tour, shooting the most girls we had ever shot – 20 models in 20 days! Sri Lanka would also be up there – being up-close and personal with animals in their natural habitat – followed by Antigua. What’s not to love about being on an exclusive, all-inclusive island resort for two weeks?
What would you tell someone wanting to sign up for a Destination MAXIM tour in 2024?
The work we produce for all our clients speaks for itself. But, if anyone is on the fence, my best advice to them, in any circumstance, is to jump and take a leap of faith. There’s no time better than the present. You have a whole team ready and waiting to welcome you onboard, who are dedicated to seeing you walking away feeling proud of what you have accomplished with us.
What makes this crew so special?
Haha, I’m already laughing! The team and I have inside jokes from every tour – we have a language and an ever evolving, very mixed accent that we have cultivated along the way, that only this crew understands. I have never laughed and enjoyed myself like I do with this team. When you travel with people as much as we do, you get to know each other inside and out pretty damn quickly. Lucky for us, we still love each other… I think – haha! I’m very grateful for every person who has contributed to the success of this business, it’s been a pleasure to lead and run as much as it’s been watching everyone flourish and rise to every occasion effortlessly.
Lastly, we believe you’d like to thank a few people, right?
Yes! Nobody ever understands the hours we all put in to ensure every experience and expectation is exceeded and I couldn’t be prouder. I must say a special thank you to 19zero3, without whom, we would not have had these extraordinary places in the world to stay and feature. A very big thanks to Santi and Luke for editing and designing the magazine content every month and to Michael for letting me run wild with this business, and trusting me with every decision. To Alex, Corrina and Rocky for being my backbone, pouring their hearts and souls into every project. Thank you to all the incredible hair and make-up artists and brands, from all around the world, that have come on board making each girl feel confident, beautiful and empowered for when they shoot with us. Lastly, a massive heartfelt thank you to my beautiful assistant Nix without whom I don’t know where I would be. Probably a freaking mess! She takes care of everything behind the scenes, allowing me to focus on work – THANK YOU!
ROCKY BATCHELOR
Photographer
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born in New Zealand, and now based Australia, I have been a commercial creative for over a decade, now delivering projects in 25 countries, including 50 magazine covers. I’m well-versed from fashion to swim, right through to tourism and aviation. I’ve spent a lot of years working alongside MAXIM, grateful for the people we’ve met and worked with and friendships that have formed.
How does it feel being part of the team that brought Destination MAXIM to life?
To think this all began way back in 2018 and here we are, six years later! It’s been a heck of a ride, filled with lots of laughs and memories that will last a lifetime. Very grateful to have captured what we have all around the world, bringing visions to life together as a team.
What’s your fondest or funniest memory from these tours?
Gosh, there’s been so many. One of the fondest I have is visiting the Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, where I experienced a private ceremony. This was exactly what I needed at that time in my life and the breakthroughs have stuck with me ever since. It was very special.
What has been your favourite Destination MAXIM tour so far?
Mozambique. There is something very special about that place, the people and culture. I’d love to visit again.
What would you tell someone wanting to sign up for a Destination MAXIM tour in 2024?
It’s a great investment for anyone wanting to build their portfolio and experience a new part of the world while aligning themselves with an international magazine.
Where do you hope to see Destination MAXIM take you this year?
The Maldives. We’ve been working very hard on some very special locations this year.
What makes this crew so special?
I love how close we are. We can always bounce ideas off each other, ensuring we deliver the very best every time, and everyone has their own quirky travelling habits which makes every trip quite the laugh.
CORRINA LOUISE
Photographer
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born in Bournemouth, England and now based in Brisbane, Australia, I bring over a decade of experience in commercial, fashion and editorial photography. My journey with MAXIM Australia has taken me across the globe, creating content in Crete, Greece, Bangkok and Koh Samui in Thailand and Mirissa, Sri Lanka!
How does it feel being part of the team that brought Destination MAXIM to life?
Fifteen-year-old me would be screaming right now! Being part of this team is something I’ll always be extremely grateful for. It’s been a journey filled with hard work, creative energy and lifelong friendships. Seeing our projects come to life is incredibly rewarding.
What’s your fondest or funniest memory from these tours?
The Triple O Six team took us up-close and personal to the wild elephants in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka and it was literally one of the most memorable days of my life so far. Watching the videos from this day still give me goosebumps!
What has been your favourite tour so far?
Picture this – 20 incredible models over 20 days in Crete, Greece. Two luxury seaside resorts and buggy boys that really became our island besties. After sunset, and the (occasional) lunch break, we swapped our cameras for cocktails by the private beach… need I say more?
What would you tell someone wanting to sign up for a Destination MAXIM tour?
Seatbelts on, it’s a wild ride! But a ride you won’t want to get off by the end of it!
Where do you hope to see Destination MAXIM take you this year?
The Maldives! It’s been a dream destination on my bucket list for years.
What makes this crew so special?
When you spend so much time travelling and away from your family back home, the crew becomes more than just colleagues. We really become our own little family. We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together and moments where we’ve literally cried-laughing together – HA!
ALEX SCAPENS
Cinematographer
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a passionate full-time filmmaker working professionally for the past six years, creating lifestyle content for brands around Australia and the world. I love capturing details and things you wouldn’t usually see in your hometown. Travel is always a warm part in my heart, and it’s been a blessing to incorporate this in my career and work. I also have a passion for keeping fit, as I used to be a swimmer and race ironman.
How does it feel being part of the team that brought Destination MAXIM to life?
It’s a pretty incredible feeling being part of the Destination MAXIM crew. Helping showcase so many beautiful resorts and destinations around the world and working with so many talented people is incredible and a dream. It’s pretty special.
What’s your fondest or funniest memory from these tours?
When we spotted a tornado out to sea across the coast of Crete in Greece. It went from nice, perfect lighting to grey and dark clouds in a matter of minutes, forming a twister as we were capturing one of the individual portfolio shots. I’ve always wanted to go storm chasing in the USA, so what are the odds I spotted my first one while in Greece? We all threw our cameras down and started going crazy not knowing what to do. As I was doing video I didn’t have a stills camera on me, but fortunately Corrina captured an amazing image which I’m still saving to post on my socials.
What has been your favourite Destination MAXIM tour so far?
Greece. There’s just something about being on the island of Crete, it feels earthy and atmospheric. All you see is cliffs and blue ocean to the horizon. I witnessed some of the best sunsets, especially when staying at Seaside and Acro Suites Resorts. Acro Suites is next level, offering a world class luxury resort on the edge of a cliff with the ocean below your balcony.
What would you tell someone wanting to sign up for a Destination MAXIM tour?
I’d suggest for anyone looking to expand their portfolio with world class content, to come on a Destination MAXIM tour and experience a very cool opportunity. Having stills and video content showcased at very unique locations around the world is something you don’t usually get back home.
Where do you hope to see Destination MAXIM take you this year?
It would be pretty special to go back to Greece this year – it’s definitely got me good, and I’d go back in a heartbeat. The vibe and atmosphere are incredible, and the content always looks clean with whites and blues. Keen to see what this year offers!
For the full article grab the March 2024 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
