Kevin McCloud's Escape to the Wild

Episode 1

Tonga

46 mins

Kevin McCloud travels to a paradise desert island on the other side of the world to meet a British family who've quit the city rat race to live a simpler life in the South Pacific. Karyn, Boris and their three children appear to be living everyone's fantasy life - but Kevin wants to uncover the reality behind the dream. Could a simpler life really make you happier? To get to the island (nestled in archipelago of Tonga) Kevin undertakes an epic 5 day journey, travelling as far from the UK as it's possible to go and running the gauntlet of an ash spewing volcano en route. When Kevin finally arrives at the breath taking island he is awe struck by its incredible beauty; azure waters lapping white sandy beaches. It's the stuff of fantasy, but Kevin wants to know how on earth anyone can live so far from civilization and how it's possible to raise children in such isolation. Kevin discovers the family have built an extraordinary off-grid home using natural materials from the island. The island has no fresh water, no electricity, debilitating tropical heat, and is under real threat of tsunamis. Combined with these physical threats are the psychological trials of living in such isolation. Kevin is amazed at what the family have endured and achieved; not only have they survived, they're thriving on their beautiful wild island - and what's even more remarkable... they've done it in style.