The stunning beauty of the Hudson Valley in New York State was the perfect playground for Destination Defender at Destination Defender at Cedar Lake Estate, Port Jervis, New York.

Defender, the original British adventure brand built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world leading off road capability, recently celebrated the Defender lifestyle through Destination Defender.

Destination Defender was an impressive, immersive, three‑day music and adventure festival at the 500-plus acre Cedar Lakes Estate where the estate’s rugged terrain offered guests the opportunity to participate in myriad curated onsite activities and offerings authentic to the Defender brand lifestyle including:

• Instructional off-roading in Defender 110 models on rocky/muddy trails
• Defender store offering the latest Defender gear
• Mountain top yoga sessions, and pop-up yoga
• Gourmet outdoor cooking demonstrations and tastings with Chef Kevin O’Connor, an avid outdoorsman and adventurist who prefers an open fire to a traditional kitchen

• Guided trail hikes, led by trail experts behind the Hikerkind apparel brand
• A slacklining demonstration, by highliner world record holder Ryan Robinson

• Kayaking, fishing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and other outdoor activities

• Outdoor cooking demos and tastings
• Scenic beer and cider garden
• Sports drills
• Local artisans including a sketch artist, guitar crafter, blacksmith, and woodworker

There was also a plethora of “inside” activities, including informative Speaker Forums, culinary and spirits tastings, and much more.

And for those in the true spirit of the Defender brand who preferred sleeping under the stars, glamping and camping sites were available.

Defender Service Tradition

In keeping with its service tradition, Destination Defender featured vintage Land Rover/Defender rescue and recovery vehicles; while the Defender Owner’s Showcase displayed original, restored, and custom Series and Defender vehicles, including Series and Defender models that were deployed as ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and other local needs of communities around the world.

The Defender brand continues this tradition by supporting Red Cross /Red Crescent efforts worldwide.

Defender Service Awards

During our first evening at Destination Defender, we were present at the 2025 Defender Service Awards, presented by CHASE, where nonprofit organizations were recognized for giving back to their communities.

Since its inception in 2021, Defender has awarded over $1 million and 24 custom Defender models to Defender Service awardees.

From organizations that provide service dogs, to another that helps save marine life among other Awardees, the ceremony was uplifting to experience and shows that there are many people who sacrifice time and money to help better our world; and the awards celebrate the Defender brand’s legacy of enabling humanitarian efforts in the world’s most challenging environments. This year represented the fifth year this special celebration kicked-off Destination Defender weekend.

During the program, Event Chair Carla Hassan, Global Chief Marketing Officer of JP Morgan Chase, and  Olympic Champion Lindsey Vonn were among those dedicated to the wide-ranging mission of this special weekend event that honors the perseverance of Defender Service Awards nonprofit winners. Six customized Defender 130 vehicles were awarded to six charitable organizations across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada who are supporting their communities every day.

“Defender has always been more than a vehicle, it’s a tool that enables extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. Through Destination Defender, we’re fostering a community of those who embody the true spirit of the brand and gather together for a weekend of adventure and celebration”- said Sam Allen, Defender Brand Director, U.S.

Getting Defender Muddy!

Also present at the Awards and events during the weekend was Sara Price, former Motocross Racer who switched to Rally Racing and was recently selected to pilot a Defender 110 in the historic 2026 Dakar Rally.

The Dakar Rally, formerly known as the Paris-Dakar Rally, is a grueling off-road endurance event covers about 5,000 miles in 14 days – and is a true testament to the skills of the drivers, and the stout capabilities of off-road kings like models in the Defender lineup.

In 2024, Sara made history as the first American woman and third overall female driver to win a stage in the prestigious Dakar Rally.

So it was an absolute treat to have Sara onboard during our off-road Defender Experience at a specially designed course set up by Defender at the Cedar Lakes estate.

The course was rugged and thanks to wet weather, a bit sloppy. Have no fear, as our Defender was up to the task, as all Defender vehicles feature modern day technologies and all‑terrain capabilities including Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control, and Electronic Air Suspension, among many others.

Defender Models

New for the 2025 model year, the Defender family expands with the Defender OCTA, the most powerful Defender ever produced. Featuring 626-horsepower, 6D Dynamics suspension and unique features such as Body and Soul Seats and OCTA Mode, Defender calls the OCTA the most capable Defender ever.

Other Defender models on display for guests to explore included the Defender 130, now available with 2nd row Captain’s Chairs and the premier of the Defender Beach Break II.  The special edition Beach Break appeals to those who celebrate the Beach Lifestyle and is equipped with exclusive Defender accessories to make the most oceanfront adventure.

In addition to 110 models, Defenders are also available in 90 and 130 body styles, each with their own unique Defender DNA.

We had an amazing time at Destination Defender, and look forward to attending the 2026 gathering.

And while experiencing the history and off-road prowess of Land Rover and Defender models, it was heartwarming to see how the iconic brand affects the lives of so many people and animals worldwide.

Well done Defender!