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Sojourn | Sovereign Magazine Spring 2021

Introducing the second edition of the Sovereign Luxury Travel magazine, SoJourn. Spring brings much-needed light after the long winter lockdown. With restrictions now beginning to ease, it’s time to start looking forward to a holiday cocktail by the pool! It’s time to start coming together and spending time with our loved ones. We can think of no better way to do this than 'Holidaying with Friends' in a villa in the Mediterranean (page 29), enjoying a 'Best of Both Worlds' winter escape with a holiday that pleases everyone (page 12), or enjoying family time and reconnecting with your Teens (page 32). This issue, we’ve also shone light on the Canary Islands, visiting César Manrique's Lanzarote (page 17) and the Traditions of Tenerife (page 38). Some of my most favourite destinations, such as The Maldives (page 8), truly rely on tourism to make ends meet, and we’d ask you to support the travel industry during this difficult time. If you’re happy armchair travelling for now, then the following pages provide plenty of inspiration. Let’s keep connected and travel together.

Introducing the second edition of the Sovereign Luxury Travel magazine, SoJourn.

Spring brings much-needed light after the long winter lockdown. With restrictions now beginning to ease, it’s time to start looking forward to a holiday cocktail by the pool!

It’s time to start coming together and spending time with our loved ones. We can think of no better
way to do this than 'Holidaying with Friends' in a villa in the Mediterranean (page 29), enjoying a 'Best of Both Worlds' winter escape with a holiday that pleases everyone (page 12), or enjoying family time and reconnecting with your Teens (page 32).

This issue, we’ve also shone light on the Canary Islands, visiting César Manrique's Lanzarote
(page 17) and the Traditions of Tenerife (page 38). Some of my most favourite destinations, such as
The Maldives (page 8), truly rely on tourism to make ends meet, and we’d ask you to support the travel industry during this difficult time.

If you’re happy armchair travelling for now, then the following pages provide plenty of inspiration.
Let’s keep connected and travel together.

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<strong>Sovereign</strong>.com<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong> issue<br />

<strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel's magazine<br />

More to the Maldives<br />

Travelling with Teens<br />

César Manrique’s Lanzarote<br />

Golf around the Globe<br />

Choose your own<br />

adventure<br />

Our top tips for<br />

post-lockdown travel<br />

The artist who shaped<br />

the Canary Islands<br />

From the Mediterranean<br />

to the Caribbean


BOOK WITH<br />

CONFIDENCE<br />

Travel between 1 October <strong>2021</strong> and 30 June 2022 and take advantage<br />

of our low deposits scheme, from as little as £150 per person!<br />

commitment<br />

Our<br />

BOOK WITH<br />

to you<br />

CONFIDENCE<br />

Many of us share a mixture of feelings surrounding the realities of going on holiday once again.<br />

At <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel, we are committed to working with trusted partners and making sure<br />

their hotels meet our standards to give you the peace of mind that you can holiday safely.<br />

£<br />

Free amendments<br />

Be able to change your holiday up to three<br />

times with no amendment fee (any extra<br />

holiday costs incurred are payable).<br />

Free cancellation<br />

If COVID-19 has affected your travel<br />

plans you can cancel your holiday up to<br />

three weeks before departure for free.<br />

Refund guarantee<br />

If we have to cancel your trip,<br />

we will refund you.<br />

Guaranteed.<br />

Curated by experts<br />

ABTA and ATOL bonded, we’ve been<br />

creating holidays for over 45 years, offering<br />

a 24/7 concierge service for peace of mind.<br />

Trusted partners only<br />

We make sure that our partners<br />

have your safety and wellbeing<br />

at their core.<br />

Privacy options<br />

Private accommodation and dining<br />

options are available. All holidays<br />

come with private transfers to resort.<br />

Destination knowledge<br />

We will only offer you destinations<br />

that we know are safe to travel to,<br />

underpinned by FCDO advice.<br />

Health and safety<br />

All of our partners must adhere to<br />

local health and safety standards,<br />

which we closely monitor.<br />

2 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


noun: a temporary stay<br />

verb (used without object ): to stay for a time in a place; live temporarily<br />

sow·Juhn<br />

Travel Together | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

Welcome again to the <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel magazine, SoJourn.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> brings much-needed light after the long<br />

winter lockdown.<br />

Like me, you’ve probably never been more in need<br />

of some rest and relaxation. With restrictions now<br />

beginning to ease, it’s time to start looking forward<br />

to a holiday cocktail by the pool!<br />

While we don’t have a crystal ball about what the<br />

next few months will hold for international travel,<br />

we can provide you with plenty of peace of mind.<br />

One thing we know for sure - the official travel<br />

traffic light system will create a surge in demand<br />

for specific destinations.<br />

With previous postponements filling up<br />

availability, and fewer operating airlines<br />

meaning reduced flight routes, we recommend<br />

you plan your next holiday now to avoid<br />

disappointment. Our Trusted Advisers are here<br />

to help you navigate the way.<br />

It’s time to start coming together and spending<br />

time with our loved ones. We can think of no better<br />

way to do this than Holidaying with Friends in a<br />

villa in the Mediterranean (page 29), enjoying a<br />

Best of Both Worlds winter escape with a holiday<br />

that pleases everyone (page 12), or enjoying family<br />

time and reconnecting with your Teens (page 32).<br />

This issue, we’ve also shone light on the Canary<br />

Islands, visiting César Manrique's Lanzarote<br />

(page 17) and the Traditions of Tenerife (page 38).<br />

Some of my most favourite destinations, such as<br />

The Maldives (page 8), truly rely on tourism to make<br />

ends meet, and we’d ask you to support the travel<br />

industry during this difficult time.<br />

Your safety is our priority and so we continue to work<br />

closely with all our local partners to ensure that<br />

the highest standards in health, safety, and social<br />

distancing are met, including private transfers<br />

and private dining experiences.<br />

We also offer plenty of guarantees, ensuring<br />

booking deposits are low and that cancellations,<br />

amendments, and refunds are really simple,<br />

should the need arise.<br />

If you’re happy armchair travelling for now, then<br />

the following pages provide plenty of inspiration.<br />

Let’s keep connected and travel together.<br />

I look forward to welcoming you on your <strong>Sovereign</strong><br />

Luxury Travel holiday soon.<br />

Helen Adamson<br />

Managing Director<br />

<strong>Sovereign</strong>.com<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


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Travel Together<br />

COVER FEATURE<br />

20<br />

8 Take<br />

More to the Maldives<br />

It’s not just blissful beaches and overwater villas.<br />

our quiz and to find your perfect Maldivian adventure<br />

INSIDE<br />

OUR SPRING<br />

<strong>2021</strong> EDITION<br />

6<br />

8<br />

Winter Sun:<br />

Destination Map<br />

More to the<br />

Maldives<br />

17<br />

20<br />

Cesar Manrique's<br />

Lanzarote<br />

Golf around<br />

the Globe<br />

10<br />

Guide to<br />

Watersports<br />

in the Maldives<br />

23<br />

Into Andalucia<br />

with Anantara<br />

Villa Padierna<br />

Palace Resort<br />

12<br />

Best of Both<br />

Worlds: Two in<br />

One Holidays<br />

24<br />

Where for<br />

Winter Sun <strong>2021</strong><br />

<strong>Sojourn</strong> is a publication of <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel | <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com<br />

Travel with Confidence | customer.relations@sovereign.com<br />

Managing Director: Helen Adamson<br />

ABTA No.V4068<br />

Publisher: Madhatter Creative Co. – Jen Marsden | Design: K8 Design & Marketing Ltd – James Palmer<br />

Front cover image: Silhouette of a couple, The Maldives (MN Studio, Shutterstock)<br />

Connect with us<br />

4 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


CONTENTS<br />

KEY FEATURES<br />

12<br />

Best of Both Worlds<br />

Keep everyone happy and<br />

add a touch of luxury with our<br />

tried and tested Two in One<br />

Holidays.<br />

32<br />

Travelling with Teens<br />

The key to a successful holiday<br />

with teenagers is planning.<br />

Discover our top tips for<br />

post-lockdown travel.<br />

17<br />

César Manrique's<br />

Lanzarote<br />

Meet leading luminary,<br />

César Manrique, the artist who<br />

shaped the Canary Islands.<br />

25<br />

In the Footsteps of<br />

Greek Mythology<br />

Go on the trail of immortal<br />

gods, heroes, and monsters<br />

with our ancient myths in<br />

Greece.<br />

36<br />

Golf around the Globe<br />

Elephant Love<br />

20<br />

From the Mediterranean to<br />

in Thailand<br />

the Caribbean, it’s time to tee<br />

Discover magical moments with<br />

off with our favourite golfing<br />

a unique glamping holiday in<br />

destinations.<br />

the tropical jungles of Thailand.<br />

25<br />

In the Footsteps of<br />

Greek Mythology<br />

36<br />

Elephant Love<br />

in Thailand<br />

46<br />

Drinks of the<br />

World<br />

29<br />

How to Holiday<br />

with Friends<br />

38<br />

Traditions of<br />

Tenerife<br />

48<br />

Gorgeous<br />

Gardens of<br />

Marrakech<br />

32<br />

Top Tips for<br />

Travelling with<br />

Teenagers<br />

41<br />

For the Love of<br />

Luxury Travel<br />

50<br />

Why <strong>Sovereign</strong><br />

Luxury Travel<br />

34<br />

Shine in Sardinia<br />

with Forte<br />

Village Resort<br />

Title goes here<br />

43<br />

Seek the Sparkle:<br />

Italy’s Great Lakes<br />

51<br />

2022: Book Now,<br />

Save Later<br />

Images courtesy of: Alexander The Great Beach Hotel, Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, Anantara Vila Padierna Palace Resort, Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Anassa Hotel, Atmosphere Kanifushi, Caitlin Keeping, Casale<br />

Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa, Colony Club, CV Villas, Domes Miramare Corfu, Domes of Corfu, Dubai, The Palm, Elephant Hills, Fairmont Royal Palm, Forte Village Resort, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Grand Hotel<br />

Tremezzo, Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua, H10 Ocean Suites, H10 Timanfaya, Heritage Awali Golf And Spa Resort, Heritage Le Telfair Golf And Wellness Resort, Heritage The Villas, Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, Hotel<br />

Bahía Del Duque, Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Garden Spa, Hotel Jardin Tecina, La Gomera, Hotel Los Fariones, Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jardin Bioaromatique Ourika, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa,<br />

LUX* South Ari Atoll, Marbella Corfu Hote,l Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Minos Beach Art Hotel, Mkyonos Blu, Grecotel Boutique Resort, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, OBLU Select at Sangeli,<br />

OZEN LIFE Maadhoo, OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi, Pine Cliffs Residence, Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Riad Kniaz, Ritz-Carlton Abama, Sani Resorts, Shutterstock, Sina Bernini Bristol, Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort, The Samaya<br />

Ubud, The Westin Resort, Turismo de Tenerife, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa.<br />

Prices are estimations based on <strong>2021</strong> travel and are correct at going to print but are subject to change. Please note that any flight or travel times included are approximations.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


HERE<br />

the<br />

COMES<br />

sun<br />

Escape away to warmer climes this winter<br />

<strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel’s Trusted Advisers are here to ensure you have<br />

a safe winter sun holiday this year, with our handpicked collection of<br />

luxurious hotels and destinations. Where will you go?<br />

Our Best Picks for Winter <strong>2021</strong><br />

GREAT FOR<br />

WINTER<br />

SUN<br />

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Mexico<br />

Do<br />

Dominican Republic<br />

St<br />

St Lucia<br />

Ja<br />

• Cancun<br />

• Playa Mujeres<br />

• Riviera Cancun<br />

• Riviera Maya<br />

Jamaica<br />

• Montego Bay<br />

• Punta Cana<br />

• Uvero Alto<br />

An Antigua<br />

• Jolly Harbour<br />

• St. John’s<br />

• St. Mary’s<br />

Bb<br />

• Labrelotte Bay<br />

• Soufrière<br />

• Eau Piquant<br />

Barbados<br />

• Christ Church<br />

• St. James<br />

6 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


DESTINATION MAP<br />

Cr<br />

Croatia<br />

Tu Turkey<br />

Po<br />

Portugal<br />

Cy<br />

It<br />

•0 Dubrovnik<br />

•0 Split<br />

•0 Hvar<br />

•0 Rovinj<br />

•0 Trogir<br />

Cyprus<br />

• Latchi<br />

• Limassol<br />

• Paphos<br />

• Pissouri<br />

• Troodos Mountains<br />

Italy<br />

• Florence<br />

• Rome<br />

• Venice<br />

Lakes:<br />

• Lake Como<br />

• Lake Garda<br />

• Lake Maggiore<br />

Regions:<br />

• Belek<br />

Mo Morocco<br />

• Atlas Mountains<br />

• Essaouira<br />

• Marrakech<br />

Gr Greece<br />

• Halkidiki<br />

• Athenian Riviera<br />

• Peloponnese<br />

• Skiathos<br />

Gi<br />

Greek Islands<br />

• Corfu<br />

• Crete<br />

• Kefalonia<br />

• Kos<br />

• Rhodes<br />

• Mykonos<br />

• Santorini<br />

• Zakynthos<br />

Pi<br />

Sp<br />

Ba<br />

Ci<br />

Ml<br />

•0 Algarve<br />

•0 Lisbon Coast<br />

Portuguese Islands<br />

• Madeira<br />

Spain & Spanish Islands<br />

Spain:<br />

• Costa Del Sol<br />

Balaeric Islands:<br />

• Menorca<br />

• Majorca<br />

• Ibiza<br />

Canary Islands<br />

• Fuerteventura<br />

• Gran Canaria<br />

• Lanzarote<br />

• Tenerife<br />

• La Gomera<br />

Maldives<br />

• Liguria<br />

• Neapolitan Riviera<br />

• Puglia<br />

• Sardinia<br />

• Sicily<br />

• Tuscany<br />

Ma<br />

Mn<br />

Malta<br />

•0 Gozo St Julians<br />

•0 Valetta<br />

Montenegro<br />

Mr<br />

Mauritius<br />

• Belle Mare<br />

• Bel Ombre<br />

• Flic En Flac<br />

• Trou d’Eau Douce<br />

Cr<br />

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United Arab Emirates<br />

• Abu Dhabi<br />

• Dubai<br />

• Ras Al Khaimah<br />

Thailand<br />

NEW<br />

Se<br />

Bl<br />

Seychelles<br />

• Félicité Island<br />

• Mahé<br />

• Praslin<br />

• Silhouette Island<br />

Bali<br />

Un<br />

• Bangkok<br />

• Chiang Mai<br />

• Khao Lak<br />

• Khao Sok<br />

• Koh Phangan<br />

• Koh Samui<br />

• Krabi<br />

• Phuket<br />

• Koh Yao Islands<br />

• Nusa Dua<br />

• Sunup<br />

• Seminyak<br />

• Ubud<br />

Th<br />

Se<br />

Ml<br />

Bl<br />

Mr<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


MORE<br />

TO THE<br />

Maldives<br />

There’s so much more to the Maldives than you may think. Every resort is different, offering a variety of<br />

accommodation styles, activities, and experiences. Our expertise will help you find your ideal Maldives stay.<br />

Water slides from your villa at<br />

OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi OBLU Helengeli Lux* South Ari Atoll<br />

Surprise me!<br />

Traditional<br />

Maldivian<br />

Ultra luxury &<br />

contemporary<br />

What style of accommodation<br />

do you want?<br />

I don’t mind!<br />

Large suites with private pools at Hurawalhi<br />

How do you want to<br />

spend your evenings?<br />

Daytime is more<br />

important to me!<br />

Relaxed & intimate Theme nights Fun<br />

Cinema evenings at LUX* South Ari Atoll Veligandu Speakeasy Bulleit Bar at Kuredu<br />

Water-based fun inc.<br />

complimentary watersports<br />

The best scuba diving in the Maldives <br />

at OBLU Helengeli<br />

Luxury yacht & dolphin rides <br />

at Anantara Dhigu<br />

Marine biology at Hurawalhi<br />

8 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


COVER STORY<br />

Who are you bringing with you?<br />

Partner and/or friends<br />

My family (inc. children)<br />

Do you want adults-only?<br />

Do you want a dedicated area away from your children?<br />

Yes! We recommend<br />

Anantara Veli<br />

I don’t mind!<br />

Is this a<br />

honeymoon?<br />

Are you looking for a kids /teen club?<br />

I don’t mind!<br />

Yes! We recommend<br />

Vilamendhoo<br />

No<br />

It’s not<br />

important<br />

Yes! We recommend<br />

Atmosphere Kanifushi, <br />

which also has great family villas<br />

Yes! We recommend Komandoo<br />

A good spa<br />

Anantara Veli<br />

Leisurely<br />

What’s more important?<br />

Good food & drink<br />

What kind of dining<br />

experiences do you want?<br />

How active do you want<br />

your holiday to be?<br />

As long as drinks are<br />

involved I don’t mind!<br />

More this way!<br />

Active!<br />

What type of activities?<br />

Favourite tipple?<br />

Champagne Pavillion<br />

at Hurawalhi<br />

All you can eat<br />

Atmosphere<br />

Kanifushi<br />

À la carte<br />

Anantara Veli<br />

Something unique I’m a gymaholic Golfing<br />

Ice rinks & sunset golf range <br />

at OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi<br />

OBLU Sangeli<br />

Meeru<br />

Or...<br />

I fancy a <strong>Sovereign</strong> gin<br />

cocktail at the Gin Bar<br />

in OZEN LIFE Maadhoo!<br />

Something truly special<br />

5.8 underwater restaurant at Hurawalhi<br />

Or...<br />

Gomafulhu yacht at Vilamendhoo<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


WATERSPORTS<br />

Maldives<br />

IN THE<br />

Do you know your paddle boarding from your kitesurfing?<br />

If not, it’s time to soak up our essential guide to watersports in the Maldives.<br />

Water has a truly soothing<br />

appeal and is a natural<br />

way to reduce your stress,<br />

improve your physical strength<br />

and keep joints agile. As every<br />

watersport is different, you’ll<br />

always find one to suit you.<br />

You don’t have to be a good<br />

swimmer, although the more<br />

confident you are in the water,<br />

the better.<br />

Some people take to watersports<br />

like a duck to water, mastering<br />

the basics in a couple of hours,<br />

whereas others may take a<br />

couple of days.<br />

Watersports, like windsurfing and<br />

kitesurfing, require good winds<br />

and big waves for optimum<br />

enjoyment, while others, such<br />

as SUPs and sailing, favour the<br />

calmer waters.<br />

Sailing<br />

Sailing is ideal for all the family. Both<br />

dinghy sailing (small boats with a<br />

sail) and yachting require only basic<br />

skills before you set sail. Even better,<br />

most resorts offer charter yachts<br />

so that you can sit back while the<br />

crew do the work for you. For a truly<br />

Maldivian experience, head out<br />

on a traditional dhoni boat, a sea<br />

vessel handcrafted from coconut<br />

palm timber. Some boats have been<br />

motorized, but truly traditional dhonis<br />

come with charming lateen sails.<br />

Canoeing<br />

Canoeing is sitting in or on a canoe<br />

and paddling with a single bladed<br />

paddle to propel the boat forward.<br />

It’s easy to learn the basics in just<br />

a few days. Canoeing is ideal for<br />

couples who each take charge of one<br />

side of the boat. Choose a leisurely<br />

pace or really go for it. Either way,<br />

it's way it’s a great workout for your<br />

upper body.<br />

Kayaking<br />

Kayaking is almost identical to<br />

canoeing. The only difference is<br />

that kayaking uses a double bladed<br />

paddle, so you alternate pulling the<br />

blade through the water on each side<br />

to move forward. Kayaks are great if<br />

you prefer solo adventures and want<br />

a total body workout - even your legs<br />

get toned.<br />

FITNESS LEVELS:<br />

Light<br />

Light / Moderate<br />

Moderate<br />

Moderate / Vigorous<br />

Surfing<br />

Surfing gives you a real kick of moodboosting<br />

endorphins as you balance<br />

on your surfboard and ride the<br />

waves towards the shore. It provides<br />

a total body workout, starting with<br />

the upper body strength needed to<br />

paddle out, to the agility, stamina<br />

and core strengthening needed to<br />

balance. Surfboards come in different<br />

shapes, sizes and materials. If you’re<br />

just starting out, foam boards are<br />

best. Accessible to both Anantara<br />

Dhigu and Anantara Veli guests, we<br />

recommend Tropicsurf, a fab surf<br />

school at Anantara Dhigu.<br />

Stand-Up<br />

Paddleboarding<br />

SUP, as paddleboarding is best<br />

known, is all the rage right now.<br />

Originating from Hawaii, it’s a<br />

relaxing variant of surfing, using an<br />

oversized surfboard. All you need<br />

is excellent balance to stand as<br />

you make careful, alternate-sided<br />

paddle strokes using a single blade<br />

paddle to propel yourself through the<br />

water. This is a low-impact full body<br />

workout that’s really easy for all ages<br />

and abilities.<br />

Bodyboarding<br />

Bodyboarding is where you lie on a<br />

foam board and launch yourself into<br />

the waves, optionally wearing fins on<br />

your feet to help propel you along.<br />

There are two positions - ‘prone’<br />

where you lie on your stomach, and<br />

‘drop knee’, where you have one<br />

leg on the board and one off. It’s<br />

easier and safer than surfing and<br />

less physically demanding, making<br />

it an activity all the family can enjoy.<br />

The slang word for bodyboarding is<br />

boogie boarding.<br />

10 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Caring for<br />

the waters<br />

Most resorts in the Maldives<br />

rightly focus on non-motorised<br />

watersports because they limit<br />

damage to the immaculate, but<br />

fragile ecosystem.<br />

The waters surrounding the<br />

Maldives are an integral part<br />

of this island nation, rich with<br />

schools of fish and rare, often<br />

endangered, species, such as<br />

majestic whale sharks (the largest<br />

fish in the world), pilot whales,<br />

manta rays, dolphins, crabs, fish,<br />

and sea turtles.<br />

The precious coral<br />

reefs are at the heart<br />

of marine life.<br />

Bodysurfing<br />

Bodysurfing is simply bodyboarding<br />

sans board! You ride the waves with<br />

your body, wearing short wide fins to<br />

move forward as you keep your body<br />

stiff with your arms out.<br />

Windsurfing<br />

Windsurfing is where you balance on<br />

a board attached to a sail that you<br />

then maneuver to navigate. Fun for<br />

all the family, it takes time to master.<br />

You might constantly fall in the water<br />

at first, but even that’s fun! It’s a great<br />

cardio workout and helps improve<br />

core and upper body strength.<br />

Kitesurfing<br />

If you’re an adrenaline-seeker and<br />

feel brave then kitesurfing is for you.<br />

Using a kitesurf board and a large<br />

kite, your goal is to fly the kite in such<br />

a way that you produce enough<br />

power from the wind to move through<br />

the water. If you’re already a solid<br />

kite flyer, then this is half the battle<br />

- 80% of kitesurfing is down to kite<br />

skills. It takes a few days to become<br />

proficient, but once you are, it’s an<br />

exhilarating sport.<br />

Motorized watersports, such as<br />

wakeboarding, kneeboarding,<br />

and water skiing where you’re<br />

towed by a motorboat, cause<br />

noise and water pollution,<br />

shoreline and floral degradation,<br />

and disturb both bird and<br />

marine life.<br />

The Maldives’ coral reefs have<br />

been bleached and damaged<br />

due to rising sea levels, increasing<br />

temperatures, plastic pollution,<br />

and natural storm.<br />

Much is being done to protect<br />

and conserve the underwater<br />

worldsincluding using artificial<br />

reefs to salvage damaged corals,<br />

and tracking and rehabilitating<br />

sick and injured marine life to help<br />

conserve them and their habitat.<br />

Snorkelling<br />

It may seem like a simple activity but<br />

don’t underrate snorkelling. With fins<br />

attached to your feet and a snorkel to<br />

help you breathe while your head is<br />

submerged, you’ll discover beautiful<br />

underwater worlds. Whether you<br />

want to splash around with your<br />

family or hold hands with your partner<br />

and make it romantic, snorkelling<br />

promises memories of a lifetime.<br />

Scuba diving<br />

According to girlsthatscuba.com,<br />

less than 0.05% of people in the<br />

world are certified to scuba dive.<br />

Scuba diving is an ideal skill to learn<br />

during your Maldives holiday as you<br />

can become a certified diver at a<br />

PADI diving centre. Don a scuba<br />

mask with an independent breathing<br />

apparatus and carry a tank of<br />

compressed air to allow you to dive<br />

deeper than snorkelling allows. Go<br />

at whatever pace you like. It can be<br />

a great workout with the equipment<br />

weighing up to 50lbs.<br />

Please pack<br />

carefully to<br />

avoid single-use<br />

plastics, and<br />

adopt a plasticfree<br />

lifestyle while<br />

you’re at your resort.<br />

If you’re keen to learn more about<br />

marine conservation efforts, we<br />

recommend you stay at either<br />

Vilamendhoo Island Resort &<br />

Spa or Hurawalhi Island Resort,<br />

as both house their own marine<br />

biology centres.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Best of<br />

Both Worlds<br />

Two in One Holidays<br />

Feeling tired of the same four walls? Now’s the time to plan your<br />

holiday experience. You might be struggling to decide what<br />

type of holiday you want. Perhaps your travel partner wants to<br />

stay by the beach but you’d rather venture into a new culture or go<br />

trekking in the mountains.<br />

Well, why not get the best of both worlds and keep everyone happy<br />

with one of our wonderful tried and tested combination holidays?<br />

From buzzing cities brimming with culture to isolated islands and<br />

sleepy mountain villages, <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel is here to add a<br />

touch of luxury.<br />

CITY & BEACH<br />

DUBAI & THE MALDIVES<br />

UAE & INDIAN OCEAN<br />

What’s not to love about a holiday that combines both the city and<br />

the beach?<br />

Dubai is the city of luxury that takes opulence to new heights - literally.<br />

You’ll find a dazzling skyline filled with cultural attractions including<br />

the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest building, spice-filled souks<br />

(local markets), and grand mosques. And that’s before we even<br />

mention the nightlife, enticing beach clubs, and international haute<br />

cuisine served up by Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs.<br />

Dubai is also a shopper’s paradise, especially thanks to its many malls,<br />

where you’ll find all the luxury designers at tax-free prices. Dubai Mall,<br />

the world’s largest shopping mall, is a mall like no other, featuring an<br />

aquarium, ice rink, a VR park, and even a house of horrors.<br />

When it comes to accommodation, you’re spoilt for choice. There’s<br />

iconic stays at luxurious downtown hotels like Jumeirah Beach, or a<br />

holiday resort style stay at Dubai, The Palm. You can even spend a<br />

night under the stars in the atmospheric Sahara Desert.<br />

“This is the ultimate <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel holiday as<br />

Dubai and the Maldives are so culturally different, which<br />

gives the best of both worlds. The Maldives are so peaceful<br />

and relaxing, and the sunsets are incredible. Plus, there are<br />

fantastic diving and snorkelling excursions or the chance to<br />

visit private islands for romantic dinners. Dubai has a real<br />

mix of experiences - one minute you can be in a high-energy<br />

nightclub or in a mammoth shopping mall, the next you’re<br />

tucking into dinner in the middle of the desert!”<br />

Caitlin Keeping, <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel Adviser<br />

The Maldives, on the other hand, is your paradise island<br />

escape. A chance to get away from the world with<br />

villa-style accommodation as you unwind in an all-inclusive,<br />

worry-free resort.<br />

From unique dining experiences such as underwater restaurants<br />

and private island picnics to an array of watersports, you’ll find it<br />

hard to leave The Maldives.<br />

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BEACH & CULTURE<br />

UBUD AND NUSA DUA<br />

BALI<br />

We simply love the variety that Bali brings,<br />

and recommend if you’re travelling that<br />

far that you make it count with a combined<br />

holiday to Ubud and Nusa Dua.<br />

With its high population of resident artists,<br />

Ubud is Bali’s spiritual and artistic centre.<br />

There are plenty of Balinese antiques and<br />

local handicrafts and textiles offered up in<br />

the town’s boutiques, and you’ll find wellness<br />

centres on every corner.<br />

You can experience close encounters<br />

with the wild macaque monkeys in<br />

Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, or walk<br />

among the rice terraces as you trek the<br />

Campuhan Ridge Walk.<br />

You’ll find Ubud has a constant culturally<br />

beating heart, whether you’re admiring the<br />

well-preserved architecture of the Royal<br />

Palace or visiting the mystical Elephant<br />

Caves and discovering how 11th century<br />

Hindu priests lived. Embrace Ubud with a<br />

luxurious villa stay at The Samaya Ubud.<br />

After all the culture, it’s obviously time to go to<br />

the beach and, for sublime luxury, Nusa Dua<br />

is the place for you, being the upscale area<br />

of Bali. You’ll find a pristine enclave of offthe-chart<br />

luxurious resorts situated on private<br />

beaches with jaw-dropping coastal views.<br />

Our favourite hotel here is the Grand Hyatt<br />

Nusa Dua. Situated on a long stretch of<br />

beach and boasting five swimming pools,<br />

we love that it’s always easy to find a quiet<br />

spot just for you.<br />

You probably won't, but if you ever<br />

do feel like leaving your retreat,<br />

then you can head to the 10th century<br />

Uluwatu Temple, which perches<br />

above the ocean in a stunning cliff<br />

top location, or visit the Water Blow,<br />

a natural blowhole where seawater<br />

dramatically erupts into the sky.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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BEACH & LANDSCAPES<br />

BEACH & MOUNTAINS<br />

FUERTEVENTURA AND LANZAROTE<br />

CANARY ISLANDS<br />

LATCHI AND TROODOS MOUNTAINS<br />

CYPRUS<br />

Each of the five islands that make up the Canary Islands are all so<br />

different, so why limit yourself to just one during your holiday?<br />

We recommend a combination Fuerteventura and Lanzarote holiday.<br />

There are plenty of regular ferry crossings that take just 30 minutes<br />

between the two islands, making it really easy for you.<br />

You’ll find similarities in the islands of course, from the volcanic<br />

landscapes and the fabulously fresh seafood to the aloe vera visitor<br />

centres where you can learn everything about this miracle plant.<br />

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura both offer amazing<br />

beaches and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean<br />

are ideal for sunbathing and water sports, but there’s a<br />

difference. Lanzarote has drama with its unique<br />

black sandy beaches, compared to Fuerteventura’s<br />

more-typical wide golden sands.<br />

We adore Cyprus because its varied natural landscapes make<br />

it a perfect location of compromise for couples and families with<br />

contrasting personalities.<br />

Situated on the northwest coast of Cyprus, you’ll find the laid-back,<br />

romantic resort town of Latchi, which is home to whitewashed streets<br />

and a bustling harbour. Sun worshippers will be very happy here<br />

with the soft golden sands. Temperatures can get very hot during<br />

the summer months, however you can always cool down enjoying<br />

watersports in the Mediterreanean Sea.<br />

You’ll find plenty of swanky accommodation, such as Anassa Hotel,<br />

which you might not want to venture out of. The fine dining options at<br />

Anassa are exemplary: literally everything - from cheese to bread to<br />

jam - is made from scratch, while the spa is world-class.<br />

You’ll feel spoiled in Fuerteventura as you take road trips around<br />

its wonderful landscapes, dotted with inviting pretty little villages.<br />

There are 12 specialist museums to visit too, from a salt museum<br />

and traditional fishing museum to an archaeological museum that<br />

showcases the island’s ancient inhabitants.<br />

If you’re feeling more adventurous, then there are extinct volcanoes<br />

to be climbed in Fuerteventura: Gairia Volcano, Volcán de la Arena,<br />

and the volcanoes of Corralejo.<br />

In Lanzarote, when you’re not admiring Cesar Manrique’s epic<br />

attractions (see page 29), you can explore the island’s many vineyards<br />

and taste the local wines, or visit Lago Verde, a green lagoon tucked<br />

behind El Golfo village.<br />

For accommodation, we recommend H10 Timanfaya, an amazing<br />

adults-only resort in Lanzarote’s Playa Blanca region, which is where<br />

the ferries depart from, followed by a stay at its sister hotel, H10 Ocean<br />

Suites in Fuerteventura.<br />

After the beach, it’s time to head to the cooling Troodos Mountains<br />

with a stay in one of our most unusual luxury properties: Casale<br />

Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa.<br />

This mountain hotel has such a village feel about it, as the<br />

rooms are literally scattered in and among the streets of this<br />

revived Cypriot village.<br />

It’s the perfect place to discover the old way of life, whether<br />

you’re learning to make halloumi and other traditional<br />

delicacies or how to keep bees from the local villagers.<br />

Troodos Mountains also offers a more active side to your two in one<br />

holiday, as there’s adventure to be found in the hills, from hiking and<br />

mountain biking to rock climbing and abseiling.<br />

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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS<br />

HERITAGE & COAST<br />

SANTORINI, MYKONOS AND CRETE<br />

GREEK ISLANDS<br />

When planning Greek Island holidays, it’s often impossible to choose<br />

between our favourites - Santorini, Mykonos and Crete - so why should<br />

we? That’s why we recommend an itinerary that features all three of<br />

Greece’s chicest islands, made possible with ferry crossings between<br />

the islands.<br />

We’re not going to mention the incredible beaches and amazing<br />

resorts found in each place - these are a given - what we will do is<br />

highlight the unique experiences found in each island.<br />

Mykonos has a reputation for being the glamorous party island, and<br />

if you do wish to take in this side then head to the open-air venue of<br />

Cavo Paradiso, which brings together every kind of party imaginable.<br />

Santorini is another photographer’s dream, where whitewashed<br />

houses and blue-domed churches spring out of its clifftop location. For<br />

that Instagram-worthy photo, head to the village of Oia to capture the<br />

sunset over the Aegean Sea.<br />

There are plenty of paths in Santorini’s cliffs and you can go hiking or<br />

take the cable car up to the island’s capital, Fira. Or, you can uncover<br />

history at the ancient archaeological site of Akrotiri. You can also visit<br />

some of the world’s oldest vineyards to taste the island wine.<br />

Crete has possibly the most historic attractions of these three islands,<br />

and your time spent here can be as lively or laid-back as you like.<br />

You can’t stay in Mykonos without visiting picture-perfect<br />

Mykonos Town, home to creaking windmills, and the world’s<br />

most photographed parish, Paraportiani Church.<br />

Unearth the so-called island of the living dead,<br />

Spinalonga Island, or tour the ancient<br />

Minoan Palace of Knossos.<br />

There’s joy in getting lost in Mykonos’s old town of narrow, winding<br />

boutique-lined lanes. With a little luck, you’ll reach Little Venice,<br />

where whitewashed buildings precariously dangle above the sea<br />

and are the perfect place to soak up the island’s magnificent sunsets.<br />

The old towns of Chania and Rethymnon provide relaxing streets to<br />

stroll in. Action can be found in the many hiking routes through the<br />

island’s spectacular gorges, while the hillside wineries are the perfect<br />

place to stop at during mountain walks.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS<br />

CITY & COAST<br />

ROME AND SORRENTO<br />

ITALY<br />

Italy is swathed in opportunity for a two in one holiday, but one of<br />

our classic combinations always has to be Italy’s capital with the<br />

Neapolitan Riviera. A train ride or private taxi easily connects these<br />

two very different destinations.<br />

Rome is brimming with history, whether it’s a centuries-old church,<br />

a Baroque fountain or a relic from Ancient Rome. You can easily<br />

navigate the centro storic (historic centre) by foot, as you come across<br />

great attractions from the Pantheon to the Spanish Steps.<br />

From the ancient greats of Vatican City, home of St. Peter’s Basilica<br />

and the Sistine Chapel, to the artist neighbourhood of Trastevere,<br />

Rome has so much to discover and enjoy.<br />

We’re confident you’ll want to return, and we can’t think of a<br />

better second home than Sina Bernini Bristol, a 19th century<br />

palace set in the heart of Piazza Barberini. Oh, and did we<br />

mention it has a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant?<br />

This joyous journey doesn’t stop there: you can go on and find a<br />

slower pace in Sorrento. Home to chic towns and historic architecture,<br />

Sorrento is ideally situated for visiting Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast<br />

and other famous places like Pompeii.<br />

The destination for Italy’s crème de la crème, Sorrento is perfectly<br />

packaged with a backdrop of spirit-lifting surroundings, from beaches<br />

and mighty mountains to colourful cliffside villages. As the epitome of<br />

opulence, the 19th century Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria really is the<br />

only place to end this perfect holiday.<br />

Looking for the best of both worlds or want to make the most of your next holiday by stretching it out?<br />

Our two in one holidays start from £1,049 per person. Speak to one of our Trusted Advisers on 01293 765004<br />

16 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


ONE STOP SPOTS<br />

“Lanzarote is like<br />

an unframed,<br />

unmounted work<br />

of art and I hung<br />

it and held it up<br />

for all to see.”<br />

César Manrique<br />

Lanzarote<br />

CÉSAR MANRIQUE'S<br />

Let us take you on a journey of Lanzarote’s leading luminary, César Manrique.<br />

Through art and architecture, sculpture<br />

and interior design, César Manrique<br />

has shaped Lanzarote. But who was he?<br />

César Manrique was born in Lanzarote<br />

and, after living in Madrid and New York for<br />

several decades, returned in his mid-sixties to<br />

leave a lasting legacy on the Canary Islands.<br />

If you see roundabouts regaled<br />

in bold and bright wind toys, or<br />

harmoniously painted houses<br />

of white walls and blue/green<br />

woodwork, that’s César’s aesthetic<br />

personality shining through.<br />

César is the reason you won’t find high-rise<br />

concrete buildings or massive billboards in<br />

Lanzarote. He and his cohort of like-minded<br />

co-conspirators promoted natural beauty,<br />

heightened with artistic works.<br />

Born in Arrecife in 1919, César was a<br />

pioneering environmentalist from a young<br />

age, appreciating the unique natural beauty<br />

of his birthplace, as he marvelled at rock<br />

pools, the ebbing tide, and cliff reflections.<br />

This was both his artistic inspiration and also<br />

the driving force behind his passion to work in<br />

harmony with nature.<br />

César died in 1992, but his efforts were<br />

awarded a year later when Lanzarote<br />

became the first island in the world to be<br />

designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.<br />

With their breathtaking mastery, you’ll easily<br />

be drawn in by César attractions. Most are<br />

located in the north of the island and easily<br />

accessible by car or with an organized day<br />

excursion from your hotel.<br />

“I believe that we are witnessing<br />

an historical moment where the<br />

huge danger to the environment<br />

is so evident that we must<br />

conceive a new responsibility<br />

with respect to the future.”<br />

César Manrique<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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“For me it was the most beautiful place on earth<br />

and I realised that if people could see it through<br />

my eyes, they'd think the same.”<br />

César Manrique<br />

Jameos del Agua<br />

Jameos del Agua was César’s first major contribution to Lanzarote<br />

in the mid-1960s, in which a natural auditorium was shaped out of<br />

a collapsed lava tube formed over 4,000 years ago. Complete with<br />

an artificial lake, palm gardens, pool, museum, and restaurant, it’s a<br />

lovely day out.<br />

Fundación César Manrique<br />

Located in the heart of Lanzarote, Fundación César Manrique was<br />

the artist’s former home and studio, known as Taro de Tahiche. Upon<br />

arrival you’re welcomed by two unique sculptures, which set the<br />

tone for this inspired space. Forged out of five volcanic bubbles, it’s<br />

a world of contrast, where palm trees stick out of black lava caves,<br />

and cacti and bougainvillea climb white walls. César supervised the<br />

house being converted into a museum just a few months before his<br />

death. His private contemporary art collection, swimming pool, and<br />

barbecue are all there for you to enjoy.<br />

Mirador del Rio<br />

You’ll find a most extraordinary panoramic viewpoint at Mirador del<br />

Rio. This former 19th century military fort was transformed by César<br />

in the 1970s. Whitewashed curved walls perfectly frame views of the<br />

Chinijo Archipelago, and the salt pans of Salinas del Rio below.<br />

Monumento Al Campesino<br />

A tribute to those who work the land, Al Campesino is a small<br />

village-cum-museum of traditional houses. At its centre is the striking<br />

tall and white Monumento a la Fecundidad, a fertility sculpture<br />

constructed out of disused water tanks.<br />

18 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


CÉSAR MANRIQUE'S LANZAROTE<br />

El Diablo<br />

Inside Parque Nacional Timanfaya, Spain’s only completely volcanic<br />

park, you’ll find just one single structure, El Diablo Restaurant. Singlestorey<br />

cylindrical structures are encased entirely of glass so you can<br />

look out and appreciate the extraordinary landscape. Dishes are<br />

prepared using ovens powered by the natural heat of the earth below.<br />

Museo Lag-O-Mar<br />

A spectacular private property that was imagined by César and<br />

enhanced over the decades, Lag-O-Mar was built in a quarry and is<br />

a labyrinth of exploration. Spend the day here taking in the museum,<br />

or spend a magical evening at the restaurant and bar.<br />

Cueva de los Verdes<br />

Stretching 3.7 miles, Cueva de los Verdes is one of the longest lava<br />

tubes in the world. Using natural light, this is a spectacular and<br />

thrilling underground walk with a wonderful surprise at the end.<br />

Jardin de Cactus<br />

César again shaped beauty in an unexpected place. This former<br />

abandoned quarry, complete with a lovingly restored windmill, was<br />

transformed into an unusually delightful botanical garden with over<br />

450 species of prickly cacti sourced from all over the world.<br />

Hotel Los Fariones<br />

WHERE TO STAY<br />

César Manrique collaborated in the interior decor<br />

of Hotel Los Fariones, and you’ll find his subtle<br />

sculpting touches around the property. Meanwhile,<br />

Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort showcases some of<br />

his striking abstract paintings.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Golf<br />

AROUND THE GLOBE<br />

Golf is a quintessentially British sport that we’ve all come to appreciate and is open to all.<br />

Whether you’re a golfing pro looking to improve your handicap, or wish to learn the basics in<br />

some of the world’s best courses, it’s time to tee off with our favourite golfing holiday destinations.<br />

It’s hard to imagine that the international game we’ve come to<br />

appreciate began so simply. A few players decided to hit a pebble<br />

with a bent stick over sand dunes on the east coast of Scotland back<br />

in the Middle Ages and the rest is in the proverbial.<br />

Today, you’ll find championship golf courses in the most tropical<br />

locations, ensuring you can play all year around and catch some<br />

much-needed winter sun rays.<br />

If you hate the thought of leaving your clubs behind, then bring them<br />

with you on our handpicked selection of golfing holidays. Meanwhile,<br />

each of our resorts provides plenty of other amenities to keep nongolfers<br />

entertained, from spa experiences and guided rum excursions<br />

to watersports and nature tours.<br />

20 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


THE MALDIVES<br />

It may seem unlikely that an island paradise offers golf, but there are a<br />

couple of luxury resorts to provide you with a tee time.<br />

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa was the first resort to bring golf to the<br />

Maldives. When you’re not enjoying the spa or feasting in the incredible<br />

5.8 Undersea Restaurant, you can enjoy the golf club, which includes<br />

a full size driving range and a large putting green. Enjoy a 19th hole<br />

drink at the Golf Bar to the sway of palm trees and the gentle hush of<br />

the Indian Ocean.<br />

Meeru Island Resort & Spa also lets you perfect your swing with its<br />

nine-hole pitch and putt artificial turf golf course and friendly weekly<br />

golf tournaments, which are ideal for beginners.<br />

PORTUGAL<br />

Golf in Portugal dates back longer than you’d imagine, having been<br />

brought over by British expatriates to the country in the late 19th<br />

century. The oldest links-course, Oporto Golf Club in Costa Verde,<br />

is the fifth oldest in continental Europe.<br />

The Algarve is a hotspot for championship golf courses. Anantara<br />

Vilamoura Algarve Resort sits right on the edge of the exquisite and<br />

picturesque Victoria Golf Course, where the Portugal Masters are<br />

held each year. Anantara’s own’ Golf Guru is on hand to offer you<br />

professional suggestions and advice.<br />

Pine Cliffs Residence offers a gorgeous nine-hole golf course within a<br />

natural pinewood setting, with tree-lined fairways perched 200 feet<br />

above golden sands and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.<br />

Hilton Vilamoura As Cascata Golf Resort & Spas has two 18-hole golf<br />

courses near to the hotel. You can hire golfing equipment from the golf<br />

shop and enjoy an afternoon strolling around the impressive courses.<br />

COSTA DEL SOL<br />

Enthusiasts will already know that the Costa Del Sol in southern Spain<br />

is one of the world’s premier golfing destinations. With over 70 courses<br />

across the region, it’s the legendary English–American golf architect<br />

Robert Trent Jones who designed most of them.<br />

Where better to enjoy the green than at Anantara Villa Padierna,<br />

which has three world-class golf courses, including Flamingos, which<br />

has hosted the European Senior Tour and Women’s Spanish Open,<br />

the truly technical Alferini course, and Tramores, a beginner-friendly<br />

course that features a Michael Campbell golf academy on site.<br />

THE UAE<br />

The UAE has become a key destination for the European Golf Tour, with<br />

Abu Dhabi Golf Course hosting the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship,<br />

and the coconut palm-lined Dubai Creek a frequent host of the Dubai<br />

Desert Classic.<br />

If you watch the tour, you’ll recognise the<br />

sails-shaped clubhouse of the Earth Course<br />

at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which hosts the<br />

final competition of the annual Race to Dubai.<br />

Yas Links in Dubai, designed by Kyle Phillips, is considered the UAE’s<br />

premier course, especially with its challenging 18th hole.<br />

Ras Al Khaimah, renowned for its pristine beaches, also has golf<br />

courses stretching across the Arabian Gulf.<br />

One of our favourite golfing holiday stops is The St. Regis Saadiyat<br />

Island Resort, northeast of Abu Dhabi and home to Saadiyat Beach<br />

Golf Course, with its abundant panoramic views.<br />

MOROCCO<br />

An unlikely option that’s an ideal destination for winter rounds,<br />

Morocco boasts 20 courses across the country, designed by<br />

some of the game’s greatest players, including ‘The Golden Bear’<br />

Jack Nicklaus, and previous European Ryder Cup team captain,<br />

Colin Montgomerie.<br />

Our favourite place to escape and tee off is the opulent Fairmont<br />

Royal Palm, where its Golf & Country Club offers you the chance to<br />

commune with nature in its remarkably designed 18 hole course.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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GOLF AROUND THE GLOBE<br />

MAURITIUS<br />

You might be surprised to learn that Mauritius was the fourth country<br />

in the world to play golf. This is due to the nation’s English colonial<br />

heritage. Today, this island nation is home to many championship golf<br />

courses, with those in the southwest receiving the most accolades.<br />

With each resort offering different accommodation styles, Heritage<br />

The Villas, Heritage Le Telfair Golf And Wellness Resort and Heritage<br />

Awali Golf And Spa Resort all provide full access to the multi-awardwinning<br />

Heritage Golf Club.<br />

Located within the vast Domaine de Bel Ombre estate, the club was<br />

designed by Zimbabwean golfer Peter Matkovich. Whatever your<br />

handicap, there’s something for you, from a basic pitch and putt to a<br />

certified PGA professional academy.<br />

BELEK<br />

While you might only think of Turkey for its classical history, Belek is an<br />

upcoming golf destination.<br />

With a stay at Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort, you have the chance<br />

to experience one of the Mediterranean coast’s most ambitious<br />

complexes, the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, designed by Colin<br />

Montgomerie. This is the course that hosts the annual Turkish Airlines<br />

Open, and the last nine holes are illuminated. Legends are just a<br />

swing away!<br />

BARBADOS<br />

The world’s most well-known golfer Tiger Woods helped put Barbados<br />

firmly on the golf map when he held his wedding ceremony at Sandy<br />

Lane Golf Resort back in 2004. The nation hosted the World Golf<br />

Championships World Cup in 2006. Today, year round sunny weather<br />

and world-class courses has made Barbados a golfing holiday haven.<br />

We recommend you stay at the iconic Colony Club, located on the<br />

famous west coast of Barbados. In November <strong>2021</strong> you can enjoy a<br />

day of friendly rivalry on the greens at the 6th Annual Elegant Hotels<br />

Golf Tournament, a complimentary guest event where you can win<br />

some fabulous prizes.<br />

THE SEYCHELLES<br />

Constance Lemuria on Praslin Island truly is paradise for golf lovers,<br />

with its 18-hole championship course, designed by Marc Antoine Farry<br />

and Rodney Wright.<br />

Lemuria Golf Course has often been dubbed the world’s most<br />

beautiful golf course, as it winds along the spellbinding coastline and<br />

is carved through groves of tropical woodland.<br />

The jaw-dropping 15th hole is considered<br />

an ultimate beautiful challenge.<br />

TENERIFE<br />

Fly into Tenerife and take a boat ride across to La Gomera, where you<br />

can enjoy a peaceful golfing holiday at Hotel Jardin Tecina.<br />

Tecina Golf has an academy where you can enjoy unlimited play<br />

whether you’re a beginner or advanced golfer. This is the place to stay<br />

when the club hosts the Canary Islands Senior Championship.<br />

22 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


ADVERTORIAL<br />

INTOANDALUCIA<br />

With Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort<br />

Wake up to views of the green and tee off at sunrise, or delve into<br />

picturesque Andalucia with Anantara’s signature experiences that<br />

showcase the local traditions. Your elegant sanctuary awaits.<br />

Embrace Costa del Sol<br />

with blissful days in the sun.<br />

Your beach days are enhanced<br />

at the By the Sea Beach Club,<br />

with fresh seafood, signature<br />

cocktails, and live DJs from<br />

evening to sunset.<br />

Ensconced in nature with three<br />

world-class golf courses, manicured<br />

gardens, a tranquil lake and a Roman<br />

amphitheatre, Anantara Villa Padierna<br />

Palace Resort is an opulent resort that<br />

will enchant you whether you’re a golfer<br />

or not.<br />

Situated between Marbella, Benahavís<br />

and Estepona in southern Spain, this<br />

palatial golfing retreat welcomes all the<br />

family - including your pets - with a range<br />

of top-notch experiences.<br />

While golfers are on the green or relaxing<br />

afterwards at the exclusive golf clubhouse,<br />

you could be playing tennis, squash or<br />

padel at the nearby Villa Padierna Racquet<br />

Club, or enjoying a round of croquet.<br />

LUXURY LIFESTYLE<br />

Inspired by the Old World, throughout the<br />

property you’ll find an incredible 1,200<br />

original works of art that will capture your<br />

imagination. Sleep in sophisticated spaces<br />

that have been tastefully embellished with<br />

luxuries and provide stunning views of the<br />

grounds below. Stay in a villa and you can<br />

enjoy your own private pool, an added<br />

bonus to the main outdoor pools.<br />

Spend a day at Anantara Spa, one of the<br />

largest and most luxurious spa retreats in<br />

Europe, which boast Roman baths and a<br />

hammam. It’s the ideal place to unwind<br />

with a signature spa treatment.<br />

Experience the Spice Spoons<br />

cooking class, which begins<br />

picking ingredients with your<br />

chef in the covered market<br />

of Old Town Marbella or<br />

at Estepona’s fishing port,<br />

before heading back to<br />

the kitchen to create your<br />

Spanish favourites.<br />

A LOCAL AFFAIR<br />

It wouldn’t be an Anantara holiday without<br />

the signature experiences that bring the<br />

local culture to you in a personalized,<br />

inspired way.<br />

Explore the traditional villages perched<br />

in the surrounding mountains and hike to<br />

Moorish castles, or taste your way through<br />

the region’s award-winning vineyards.<br />

Visit the iconic, historic town of Ronda,<br />

stopping for lunch at a local tapas,<br />

or hop aboard a private boat and cruise<br />

the coastline.<br />

The Authentic Flamenco Experience<br />

showcases Andalucia’s important musical<br />

dance traditions, while the Olive Oil<br />

Journey will guide you on an adventure<br />

of flavour with local olive oils, vinegars,<br />

and artisan bread.<br />

FLAVOURFUL FEASTS<br />

Cuisine plays a delicious role at the resort,<br />

whether that’s feasting on the tasting<br />

menu at ‘O’, a fine dining restaurant by<br />

two-star Michelin chef Paco Roncero,<br />

tucking into contemporary and classic<br />

sushi at the 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant,<br />

or devouring traditional Spanish and<br />

Mediterranean fayre.<br />

For a special treat, try Anantara’s signature<br />

Dining by Design concept, where you can<br />

enjoy a bespoke private dinner enriched by<br />

a personal butler and chef.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Wondering<br />

WHERE TO GO FOR WINTER?<br />

GREAT FOR<br />

WINTER<br />

SUN<br />

Wave goodbye to bad weather and escape to some soul-warming<br />

sunshine this winter - the world is waiting to be explored once more!<br />

If you’re not sure where to find the best places for winter sun, just take a glance<br />

at our dazzling destinations ready to welcome you back to travel.<br />

To make your money go further, we’ve got great offers across our most luxurious Winter Sun destinations.<br />

What’s more, if you’re planning to travel between 1 October <strong>2021</strong> and 30 June 2022<br />

then you can take advantage of our low deposits scheme as little as £150 per person!<br />

THE CANARIES ARE CALLING…<br />

CYPRUS DELIGHTS AWAIT...<br />

MADEIRA’S MADE FOR YOU…<br />

THE INDIAN OCEAN INVITES...<br />

THE CARIBBEAN BECKONS…<br />

24 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


IN THE<br />

Greek<br />

FOOTSTEPS OF<br />

Mythology<br />

Ancient Greek mythology is often dismissed as complex, not<br />

least because these rich stories date back over 2,700 years<br />

but also due to the numerous characters.<br />

Yet, what you’ll find in these tales of immortal gods and goddesses,<br />

heroes, and monsters, is that they were incredibly human. They fought,<br />

had love affairs, and stood up for ideals like justice and wisdom, the<br />

beauty of song, and the changing of seasons.<br />

You don’t need to read the epic poems of Homer to understand it all,<br />

you can simply follow in the footsteps of the great Greek myths during<br />

your next holiday with our pick of the best.<br />

A donkey on Mount Ida stands near<br />

the cave where Zeus was born!<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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CRETE<br />

As you venture across the island of Crete you’ll find many destinations<br />

shrouded in Greek myths. From Chania in the west, to Agios Nikolaos<br />

in the east where the goddesses Athena and Artemis allegedly bathed<br />

in the waters of Lake Voulismeni, there’s plenty to unearth.<br />

It may seem odd that Zeus, the ruler of all the Olympian gods and the<br />

god of the sky, thunder and lightning was born and raised in a cave,<br />

but there you have it.<br />

Between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, within the island’s highest<br />

peak of Mount Ida, lies Psychro Cave, the cave where Zeus was born!<br />

It’s been an important burial site and shrine since the Early Minoan<br />

period, around 1800 BC. The cave was rediscovered by shepherds<br />

in the early 19th century, who also pilfered the many clay figurines,<br />

weapons, and bronze statuettes that rested here.<br />

To reach the cave, take a 20 minute climb on a paved footpath. You’ll<br />

then descend down some stairs into the cave’s many cool chambers,<br />

which are filled with stalactites and stalagmites that are beautifully lit<br />

up for you to see, as well as a small pond.<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

MINOS BEACH ART HOTEL<br />

CRETE<br />

CORFU<br />

Located in Gastori, the grand, ornately-decorated Achilleion Palace<br />

is completely inspired by Greek mythology. You’ll find impressive<br />

sculptures both inside the palace and throughout its beautiful gardens.<br />

The centrepiece of Achilleion Gardens is the famous sculpture by Ernst<br />

Herter of Dying Achilles, the great Greek warrior, as he tries to remove<br />

the spear from his vulnerable heel.<br />

You’ll also find statues of Zeus, and Hera, the goddess of women, as<br />

well as a brass statue of Hermes, the god of trade and travellers. The<br />

palace may be familiar to James Bond fans, as the casino scene for the<br />

1981 film For Your Eyes Only was filmed here.<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

MARBELLA CORFU HOTEL<br />

CORFU<br />

26 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


GREEK MYTHOLOGY<br />

DELOS<br />

Close to Mykonos lies the deserted island of Delos. Within<br />

the myths Delos was once a floating invisible island that<br />

was anchored in the Aegean Sea by Poseidon, the god of<br />

the sea.<br />

It’s also the birthplace of Apollo, the god of the sun, light,<br />

healing and music, and his twin sister Artemis, the goddess<br />

of hunting and wild animals, making it the most sacred of<br />

all Greek islands.<br />

Easily seen from the shores of Mykonos and within easy<br />

reach by boat, due to its archeological riches, including<br />

ancient stone hut ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium<br />

BC, Delos today is a UNESCO World Heritage site.<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

MYKONOS BLU, GRECOTEL BOUTIQUE RESORT<br />

MYKONOS<br />

The Greek myths state that Mount Olympus was created after an epic battle<br />

between the old gods - the Titans - and the young gods - the Olympians.<br />

THESSALONIKI<br />

According to the myths, the wonderful port city of Thessaloniki was<br />

founded by Zeus’s son, the infamous hero Hercules, however it’s<br />

named in honour of Alexander the Great’s half-sister, Thessalonike.<br />

If the stories are to be believed, after her brother died, grief-stricken<br />

Thessalonike became a mermaid, who would ask sailors Is Alexander<br />

the king alive? If they replied, He lives and reigns and conquers the<br />

world, she would let them and their ships pass safely.<br />

You can also take an excursion to sacred Mount Olympus. Not only the<br />

highest mountain in Greece, it’s also considered the abode of the most<br />

important Greek gods and houses the throne of Zeus.<br />

Each year in late July to celebrate the Prometheus Festival, you’ll find a<br />

group, the Return of the Hellenes, gathering at the foot of the mountain<br />

wearing full ancient battle costumes as they revive the ancient myths.<br />

From Thessaloniki, why not take a day trip and cruise around the great<br />

Mount Athos? Legend has it that during an epic battle between gods<br />

and giants, a giant called Athos threw a huge rock on Poseidon, but<br />

it slipped from his fingers and landed in the Aegean Sea. This formed<br />

what we know today as Mount Athos.<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

MINOS BEACH ART HOTEL<br />

CRETE<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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GREEK MYTHOLOGY<br />

MYCENAE<br />

An hour’s drive along the coast from<br />

your resort in Peloponnese you’ll find<br />

the archaeological site of Mycenae, a<br />

fortified hilltop city dating back to the<br />

late Bronze Age.<br />

Mycenae is believed to have been founded<br />

by Zeus’s son, the legendary hero Perseus.<br />

Perseus allegedly employed giant<br />

one-eyed creatures, Cyclopes, to move<br />

the massive stones into the walls we<br />

see in ruins today.<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

THE WESTIN RESORT<br />

PELOPONNESE<br />

CYPRUS<br />

In Cyprus you'll find Paphos, an entire town steeped in legend.<br />

Discover the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and<br />

love, who emerged out of the sea foam. Marking the spot today lies<br />

a breathtaking sea stack called Aphrodite's Rock.<br />

The most popular myth is that a king called Pygmalion fell in love<br />

with a statue made out of ivory, which Aphrodite brought to life.<br />

The living statue and Pygmalion then bore a child, Paphos!<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

ALEXANDER THE GREAT BEACH HOTEL<br />

PAPHOS<br />

28 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


ADVERTORIAL<br />

How to Holiday<br />

with Friends<br />

If, like us, you’re gearing up to spend time with friends after months of absence,<br />

you might be considering the best way to safely meet up. Well, why not make<br />

the most of life and enjoy a villa holiday together? With our partner CV Villas,<br />

we share why a villa holiday with friends makes sense, and share our top picks for <strong>2021</strong>.<br />

“Growing up my family often chose villa holidays and much of the time we travelled with other<br />

family friends. Unlike hotel rooms, where sofa beds in the living areas are often set up as an<br />

extra room, villas benefit from individual bedrooms. These can be appealing to families<br />

and friends travelling together, who would prefer their own allocated bedrooms.”<br />

Ben Stratton, Regional Destination Manager at <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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ADVERTORIAL<br />

HANDPICKED LUXURY<br />

Since Ben’s childhood years, the villa<br />

experience has reached greater heights,<br />

where luxury, quality and personalised<br />

experiences combine to create a perfect villa<br />

holiday. Now, getting a villa together has<br />

become an habitual experience for him and<br />

his group of close friends.<br />

Started in 1972 by a passionate husband and<br />

wife team, CV Villas pioneered the concept<br />

of specialist villas. Now, almost 50 years<br />

on, the company continues to handpick<br />

properties across the Mediterranean that<br />

have a real wow factor - which includes the<br />

location, facilities, and tailored experiences.<br />

“The locations are absolutely<br />

breathtaking and positioned in<br />

unique spots, such as tucked in<br />

a hillside among olive groves,<br />

or overlooking the beautiful azure<br />

ocean and countryside below.”<br />

Your luxury villa experience is more<br />

accessible than you think, as by the time<br />

you divide the costs among your party it<br />

can cost less than £500 per person<br />

for seven days, which includes your return<br />

flights from London Gatwick.<br />

Ben explains, “When travelling with other<br />

friends, villas can be a very affordable holiday,<br />

without sacrificing the luxury touches.”<br />

If you’d prefer to bubble<br />

up together then your<br />

luxury villa is a safe,<br />

home from home space.<br />

There’s always a local<br />

representative on hand<br />

who speaks the language<br />

and understands local<br />

customs to ensure you<br />

have a seamless stay.<br />

FIND YOUR VILLA MATCH<br />

There are quite a few factors to consider<br />

when choosing the perfect villa for you and<br />

your friends.<br />

You want to find the right size of villa so that<br />

everyone has their own space and so no<br />

one feels on top of each other, particularly if<br />

you’re bringing children with you. You’ll want<br />

to consider the bedroom layouts so you have<br />

the right amount of rooms and bathrooms.<br />

You might be looking for loads of outdoor<br />

dining and entertainment areas, such as a<br />

large outdoor kitchen, a pizza oven and a<br />

covered seating area if you want to spend<br />

your days dining al fresco and making the<br />

most of the Mediterranean sunshine.<br />

Do you prefer to be within walking distance<br />

of local attractions to save on taxis or car<br />

rental? Or, perhaps you prefer privacy with<br />

a completely secluded location where there’s<br />

plenty of space to catch up face-to-face?<br />

You’ll want to think about what kind of<br />

activities are available nearby so that<br />

everyone in the party is kept entertained.<br />

In many Greek islands, boat hire can be<br />

organised so you can spend an enjoyable<br />

day on the waters together.<br />

“We decided to partner with CV Villas, as<br />

they offer a really exceptional collection<br />

of handpicked villas complimented with a<br />

trusted personal service”, explains Ben.<br />

From Greece to Italy, you’ll find fully<br />

furnished, considered amenities, with<br />

WIFI and air conditioning in most villas.<br />

A maid service is always included, so you<br />

can take a break.<br />

Most villas have incredible history,<br />

exceptional views, fabulous gardens, and<br />

awe-inspiring infinity pools to enjoy.<br />

FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY<br />

Your villa holiday will provide much flexibility,<br />

whether you opt for the service of a personal<br />

chef, or prefer to cook for one another<br />

throughout the week, keeping the cook<br />

service for a special occasion.<br />

“You can dine when you want and where<br />

you want, whether that’s a lazy brunch or<br />

a romantic picnic in the garden,” says Ben.<br />

“When I travel with friends we dine out some<br />

nights in the local restaurants and tavernas,<br />

or go for an early evening drink around the<br />

marina. It’s often easier to enjoy the local<br />

culture with a villa stay than in a resort.”<br />

HOW TO ORGANISE HOLIDAYS<br />

WITH FRIENDS<br />

Arranging a holiday with your group of friends<br />

may seem tricky, especially if everyone has<br />

their own priorities. With years of experience,<br />

our Trusted Advisers are here to help you with<br />

the logistics.<br />

The best method we’ve seen is if your group<br />

adopts an organiser who is the main point<br />

of contact for communication and helps keep<br />

everyone else on top of the plans. We can<br />

still accommodate individual payments<br />

if that’s preferable to your group.<br />

Hire a couple of cars so that individuals<br />

in your group have the option of doing their<br />

own thing each day, and which provides<br />

flexibility when you are out and about<br />

together - for example some of you may<br />

prefer to leave your day on the beach a<br />

little early to start preparing cocktails on<br />

the terrace!<br />

Some of the villas have fun added<br />

extras that will take that holiday with<br />

friends to the next level, whether<br />

that’s a silent disco, cinema or<br />

games room, wine tasting included<br />

as standard, a yoga shala in the<br />

villa’s grounds, direct sea access,<br />

or even your own private jetty.<br />

There are also breakfast services on offer,<br />

which is a wonderfully relaxed and indulgent<br />

way to start the day, and makes things<br />

particularly easy with larger groups.<br />

“We showcase a small selection of villas<br />

and destinations on our Villa Holidays<br />

webpage,” says Ben, “but villa holidays<br />

really are a personal experience and<br />

it’s important to consider what you’re<br />

looking for, which our Trusted Advisers can<br />

help you with.”<br />

“The more information you can provide,<br />

the more likely we are to find the villa that’s<br />

perfectly suited to you.”<br />

30 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Find Your Perfect Villa Holiday With Friends<br />

NERO BEACH HOUSE<br />

CORFU<br />

This six bedroom private beach villa is the perfect escape for families and<br />

groups, complete with a large infinity pool and jacuzzi, stunning views over<br />

the beach to the sea, and outdoor kitchen and wine fridge for al fresco dining.<br />

With two local tavernas within walking distance on the beach, no one has to<br />

be the designated driver.<br />

VILLA ALLEGRIA<br />

ANDALUCIA<br />

This chic five bedroom villa in the Costa del Sol is situated within easy reach of<br />

Puerto Banus with enticing sea views. Enjoy your furnished dining gazebo, set<br />

at the poolside and boasting a barbecue. You also have a dining room, very<br />

spacious sitting room, and a games room with a TV, pool table, and table football.<br />

VILLA RODI<br />

CORFU<br />

This newly refurbished, luxurious six bedroom villa overlooks St Stephano and<br />

has been designed with intricate attention to detail. The impressive outdoor area<br />

provides ample space for outdoor dining, relaxing, and al fresco entertaining.<br />

Plus, its unbeatable location only adds to its appeal.<br />

CA'N PIEDRA<br />

MALLORCA<br />

Enjoy idyllic views over Colonya Valley with this wonderfully classic stone-built<br />

villa with modern interiors and four bedrooms. Enjoy peaceful seclusion while<br />

being just a short drive away from Pollensa, which is full of shops, restaurants<br />

and other amenities. Great for families, you can enjoy a shaded pergola, gated<br />

swimming pool, and a hard-surfaced private tennis court.<br />

VILLA CHIARALUCE ITALY<br />

Experience contemporary elegance among ancient olive groves in Puglia<br />

with this three bedroom villa. Located near the seaside and inland villages,<br />

it’s within easy reach of inexpensive restaurants and sandy beaches with<br />

beach clubs. Experience an authentic location within the comfort of your chic<br />

and characteristic villa.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Travelling with<br />

TEENAGERS<br />

It seemed only yesterday that your children were easy to please. So how do you holiday<br />

with tormented teens? <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel is here to help with our top tips!<br />

When planned well, travelling with<br />

adolescents can actually be more<br />

rewarding than with younger children. The<br />

key is to plan well.<br />

You’re probably already aware that<br />

there’s no cookie cutter teenager. Every<br />

teen is different, and what interests a 13<br />

year old is going to be wildly different<br />

from an 18 year old. In this sense, teens<br />

have it hard.<br />

HOLIDAY PLANNING<br />

From the get-go, involve your teen in the<br />

holiday planning. They may not seem fussed,<br />

but encourage them to ask questions and<br />

listen as they share their dream holiday ideas.<br />

Even if ideas are wild and unrealistic, you<br />

can use this as an opportunity for them to<br />

learn about compromise as they share the<br />

responsibility of budgets and logistics.<br />

DESTINATION DECISIONS<br />

Do they have somewhere special they’d like<br />

to go? New destinations can be enticing for<br />

teenagers and make them more engaged.<br />

Perhaps there’s a specific destination<br />

connected to an interesting project they’re<br />

working on at school - whether it’s a<br />

particular artist, historic period, or culture.<br />

Why not visit a film destination like<br />

Croatia for the real Kings Landing in<br />

Game of Thrones, or somewhere with<br />

cool bragging rights. Perhaps their<br />

favourite celebrity has recently visited?<br />

Be aware that even if you plan the perfect<br />

holiday together, they still may blame you if<br />

it’s not what they expected. Share practical<br />

suggestions that they can read about the<br />

holiday, to help them build anticipation and<br />

manage expectations.<br />

The more information your teen receives, the<br />

more prepared they are, which will minimize<br />

complaints mid-holiday.<br />

TEEN CLUBS<br />

Do not, we repeat, do not send your teen to a<br />

kids' club if it’s called a kids' club. Teen clubs<br />

are much better suited and, while the idea<br />

of a teen club might sound uncool - trust us,<br />

these New Gen teen clubs are uber cool.<br />

Choose a resort where other teens or cool<br />

people will be, where they can engage and<br />

embrace their own identity. Accept they may<br />

prefer to interact with others their own age<br />

than hang out with you.<br />

We love the Sani Resorts for their specific<br />

Teen Zone and various academies where<br />

they can develop new skills. Look into resorts<br />

with teen-focused events such as Domes of<br />

Corfu, where they’re free and go off and do<br />

their own thing, such as camping under the<br />

stars or enjoying bonfire beach parties.<br />

ACCOMMODATION<br />

ARRANGEMENTS<br />

You’ll want more room with teens. You might<br />

want to consider a home-from-home villa so<br />

that you all feel completely comfortable. Or<br />

why not consider a resort with family suites<br />

featuring common living areas but separate<br />

rooms and bathrooms?<br />

For older teens, having their own room<br />

shows them that you trust them and they’ll<br />

really appreciate their independence.<br />

If you’re travelling with a couple of teens or<br />

a teen and an older child, then consider<br />

whether a twin room is a good idea,<br />

especially if they don’t see eye to eye.<br />

Consider holidaying with another<br />

family who have teens and<br />

parents that get along, as this<br />

can make holidays much more<br />

relaxed, and offer shared<br />

parenting responsibilities.<br />

If you feel comfortable doing so and it’s<br />

financially viable, suggest your teen invites<br />

their best friend along. This will ensure<br />

they have company of their own age<br />

and (hopefully), will bring out their best<br />

behaviour. All-inclusive resorts are great for<br />

doing this, as you don’t have to worry about<br />

unexpected final bills.<br />

Or, if you have a household of bickering teens<br />

and really struggling to find compromise,<br />

then why not split up holidays and take one<br />

child at a time? This quality time alone builds<br />

good rapport and long-term memories.<br />

PACKING FOR THE HOLIDAY<br />

Encourage your teens to take responsibility<br />

and pack for themselves. Even if something is<br />

forgotten, almost everything can be bought<br />

upon arrival - and it’s a great lesson in<br />

accountability. If they’re especially forgetful,<br />

help them draw up a list.<br />

If your teen wants to take everything including<br />

the kitchen sink, remind them that they’ll be<br />

carrying their bags, and warn them about<br />

airplane luggage restrictions. Help them<br />

consider what’s really needed and share tips<br />

on packing cubes and capsule wardrobes.<br />

32 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


If you don’t spend 24/7 together at home, don’t expect your teen to want to on holiday.<br />

ON HOLIDAY<br />

Encourage your teens to feel part of the<br />

experience by giving them ownership<br />

- whether it’s being the official holiday<br />

photographer, navigator, or keeping a travel<br />

journal. While they’ll likely deny it, keeping<br />

them creatively engaged will give them a<br />

sense of achievement.<br />

TO GADGET, OR NOT TO GADGET?<br />

‘This is a family holiday, and we’ll do things<br />

as a family.’ You might be tempted to ban all<br />

screen time, but remember, the desire to stay<br />

online is the lifeblood of this generation.<br />

Visiting somewhere new can be a sensory<br />

overload whatever your age, so think of your<br />

teen’s device like a comfort blanket.<br />

Feel free to impose rules and limits, such as<br />

no devices at dinner or at the beach, but it’s<br />

their holiday too and devices can come in<br />

handy at airports and on long journeys.<br />

Most accommodation offers unlimited,<br />

complimentary WIFI for multiple devices,<br />

just get your teens to download any music,<br />

podcasts, shows, and movies in advance to<br />

avoid disappointment.<br />

As the selfie generation, you won’t need<br />

any encouragement getting teens to share<br />

holiday photos with friends on Insta, but why<br />

not get them to use one of the many specialist<br />

travel journal apps now available, such as<br />

Polarsteps, Bonjournal or Travel Diaries?<br />

When you’re at a resort with loads of activities<br />

in and around you, you might want to make<br />

the most of it - but this desire can leave the<br />

entire family feeling frazzled.<br />

Teenagers sleep more than any other age,<br />

and on holiday will be no different. Don’t plan<br />

any early morning activities or go off and do<br />

your own thing so that they can have lie-ins.<br />

Don’t fill up each day - everyone needs<br />

downtime. Ensure there’s always something<br />

fun every few days, and embrace lazy days,<br />

poolside days and days of endless games of<br />

ping pong, especially after a late night.<br />

POST-HOLIDAY BLUES<br />

Most teens are happy to holiday with their<br />

parents, even if they don’t always act like it<br />

before or during their trip. It’s a break from<br />

school, studying, and daily social stresses for<br />

them. This is why you should expect the postholiday<br />

blues.<br />

Upon return, you might find your adolescent<br />

gets stroppy, disappears into their room, or<br />

abandons you to spend all their time with<br />

their friends. This is normal and nothing to<br />

worry about, so don’t take it personally. It’s all<br />

part of the process as they prepare to leave<br />

the family nest.<br />

We promise you, you’ll look back on your holiday with them as time well spent.<br />

ONE DAY AT A TIME<br />

Mix each day up to avoid boredom setting<br />

in. Encourage your teens to be part of the<br />

decision-making process, and compromise<br />

to find a balance of activities for adults<br />

and teens. You might want to split up your<br />

family to go off and do different activities so<br />

everyone’s happy.<br />

If older teens want to bow out of day trips, let<br />

them, as long as they know they’re expected<br />

the next day.<br />

Include activities with a bit of a challenge,<br />

something adrenaline-fuelled, or out-ofthe-ordinary,<br />

like scuba diving. Theme<br />

parks, especially water parks and adventure<br />

playgrounds, are an easy win.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


ADVERTORIAL<br />

Sardinia<br />

SHINE IN<br />

With Forte Village<br />

Are you wishing for a safe place for a family or couples holiday this year<br />

where you don’t need to step out of your resort and everything you could ever<br />

dream of is all in one place? Look no further. Sardinia’s Forte Village awaits!<br />

The Mediterranean island of Sardinia<br />

in Italy is a magical corner of the world<br />

with its glittering blue waters, edged by<br />

luscious green forests that wind up into<br />

the mountains.<br />

Sardinia is made all the more beguiling with<br />

a stay at Forte Village, a luxury resort that<br />

has been brilliantly imagined and executed.<br />

Situated next to an award-winning beach,<br />

Forte Village is expansive with a whopping<br />

55 acres of land to discover. There is literally<br />

something for everyone here.<br />

SWIM<br />

You’ll find a multitude of outdoor swimming<br />

options, including adults-only pools and a<br />

child-friendly aquapark. Indulge in a range<br />

of watersports, including snorkelling and<br />

diving, and explore underwater worlds of<br />

corals, fish, and caves.<br />

ACTIVE<br />

The range of sports facilities at Forte Village<br />

is unparalleled. Not only do you have ample,<br />

state-of-the-art facilities, such as 13 tennis<br />

courts, multiple football pitches, basketball<br />

courts and fit zones - there’s a strong focus<br />

on the experience, which brings an element<br />

of joy to all the activities.<br />

With the resort’s no-vehicle policy, hire a<br />

bike and cycle the panoramic paths of pine<br />

groves and blooming gardens without ever<br />

being disturbed.<br />

This holiday is the time your children can get<br />

their A-game on. Personalized training from<br />

enthusiastic professional trainers, including<br />

international champions, will keep your kids<br />

active and entertained all day long.<br />

With academies in fencing, boxing, table<br />

tennis, go karting, dance, swimming, and<br />

even magic, your kids have the chance to<br />

master anything they’d ever dreamed of.<br />

For example, there’s the Chelsea FC<br />

Foundation Soccer School, the Coastal<br />

Rowing Academy, the FV Tennis Academy<br />

and the unbeatable Ettore Messina<br />

Basketball Academy.<br />

SHOP<br />

Retail therapy is at its most fabulous within the<br />

heart of the resort, at Piazza Luisa, where you<br />

get to remake your look and your wardrobe.<br />

Expect designer labels from leading names<br />

in Italian and international fashion, including<br />

Brunello Cucinelli, E.Zegna, Versace,<br />

Balenciaga and Givenchy. If you’re unsure<br />

where to start, a style advisor is on hand.<br />

You’ll also find stores that showcase Sardinia’s<br />

rich heritage of craftsmanship, from ceramics<br />

and carpets, to fabrics and embroidery.<br />

PLAY<br />

This is the place for fun for all the family. In<br />

Leisureland, you’ll find bowling alleys and a<br />

go-karting track.<br />

Little ones are spoiled with their very own<br />

Wonderland, which includes a restaurant<br />

just for them, and daily arts and crafts.<br />

Unique to Forte Village is the magnificent<br />

Barbie House, where they’ll find a range of<br />

curated princess activities.<br />

For the adults, you’ll find your eyes sparkling.<br />

Whether it’s a low-key affair by winding down<br />

with a cocktail at one of the bars, or dancing<br />

the night away at the discotheque or taking<br />

in a special show, you won’t be disappointed.<br />

RELAX<br />

Inspired by ancient Rome’s bathing for wellness<br />

rituals, Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa is an<br />

incredible place to relax. Experience so much<br />

more than massages, with thalassotherapy,<br />

which uses seawater at different temperatures<br />

for detoxifying and rejuvenating therapies.<br />

This is the place for indulgence.<br />

FEAST<br />

Mealtimes at Forte Village are simply<br />

sublime. With 21 restaurants to choose from,<br />

you can enjoy sumptuous buffets, celebrity<br />

chef nights and fine dining that flaunt a feast<br />

of flavours, including traditional delicacies.<br />

Delight your palate with a collection of<br />

Michelin-starred chefs, includind the three<br />

star awarded Heinz Beck.<br />

The secret to all this incredible cuisine are the<br />

fresh, quality ingredients that are sourced<br />

from the resort’s own vegetable garden.<br />

34 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Where to stay<br />

The accommodation at Forte Village consist of several resorts, villas and suites<br />

that all offer something different. Discover our pick of the best.<br />

HOTEL PINETA<br />

Surrounded by a fragrant pine wood,<br />

recently refurbished Pineta is situated<br />

just a few minutes' walk from<br />

the beach.<br />

BEST FOR:<br />

Couples seeking tranquility<br />

and relaxation.<br />

A 7 NIGHT STAY STARTS FROM £2,299 PER PERSON<br />

MORE DETAILS<br />

HOTEL BOUGANVILLE<br />

Nestled among bougainvillea near the<br />

main piazza, restaurants and swimming pools,<br />

embrace the Mediterranean spirit in a light<br />

airy bungalow that features a private patio.<br />

BEST FOR:<br />

Families wanting to be<br />

near the action.<br />

A 7 NIGHT STAY STARTS FROM £1,549 PER PERSON<br />

MORE DETAILS<br />

HOTEL IL CASTELLO<br />

Situated in a secluded corner, experience a taste<br />

of Sardinian luxury in this traditional, top-class<br />

hotel, and get exclusive use of a heated infinity<br />

pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.<br />

BEST FOR:<br />

Couples seeking a romantic,<br />

traditional stay.<br />

A 7 NIGHT STAY STARTS FROM £2,199 PER PERSON<br />

MORE DETAILS<br />

HOTEL LE PALME<br />

In an oasis of calm, you’ll be surprised just<br />

how close you are to all the activity when you<br />

stay in these spacious luxurious bungalows<br />

and two-storey cottages.<br />

BEST FOR:<br />

Larger families not wishing to<br />

compromise on style.<br />

A 7 NIGHT STAY STARTS FROM £1,849 PER PERSON<br />

MORE DETAILS<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


ADVERTORIAL<br />

Elephant Love<br />

IN THAILAND<br />

Deep in Khao Sok National Park, the largest area of rainforest in<br />

Southern Thailand, you’ll find a most magical destination that promises<br />

you a treasure chest of memories. Discover a truly unique glamping<br />

holiday at the multi-award-winning winning Elephant Hills Jungle Safari Camp.<br />

36 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Home to Thailand's first luxury tented camp, Elephant Hills is a<br />

destination with a difference.<br />

Within this tropical wonderland, where mountains and limestone cliffs<br />

are covered in a flourishing rainforest, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique<br />

elephant encounter.<br />

The Asian elephants who reside in the camp have been rescued from<br />

logging and captive environments. You will have the chance to learn<br />

all about them and their culture from their mahouts (caretakers) within<br />

this safe and caring space. The camp has received many accolades<br />

in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.<br />

The elephant’s best interests are at the heart of your<br />

holiday, so you will find no chains, no performing, and<br />

no elephant riding at Elephant Hills. Yet, you will still<br />

have the opportunity to quietly observe and interact<br />

with these gentle giants, helping to prepare their food<br />

and feed them, and watch them bathe and play.<br />

Many lakes and rivers wind through the rainforest,<br />

so for an extra special experience, why not switch<br />

from exploring on foot to a guided canoe or kayak<br />

adventure? Cool off with a swim in the outdoor jungle<br />

pool or laze away in your own private hammock.<br />

As the sun goes down, you can witness a cultural dance performance,<br />

have a movie night, or enjoy a Thai cooking demonstration.<br />

Away from the main camp and deeper into the Khao Sok National Park<br />

you’ll find the Rainforest Floating Camp. This is a unique secondary<br />

camp where the luxury tents literally float on the vast Cheow Larn<br />

Lake. The inviting emerald clear waters are perfect for wild swimming.<br />

The Elephant Hills experience is perfect for anyone who wishes to<br />

combine luxury with a touch of adventure, whether you’re a family,<br />

friends travelling together, or a couple. Kindly note Elephant Hills is<br />

only available for guests aged seven and above.<br />

This is an extraordinary destination, designed in a highly responsible<br />

and sustainable way within Khao Sok National Park. Your entire jungle<br />

experience is inspired by an opulent African safari, with luxury tents<br />

that boast en suite bathrooms and gorgeous handmade furniture.<br />

Surrounding the camp is the rich flora and fauna of the jungle, which is<br />

home to many species including barking deer, banteng, Malayan tapir,<br />

Malaysian sun bear, wild boar, long-tailed macaque, and slow loris.<br />

You’ll also find an impressive array of bird<br />

species to witness in the tree canopies,<br />

including a variety of colourful hornbills.<br />

A guided wildlife hike through the rainforest<br />

is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the<br />

natural beauty, or you could visit a local market<br />

to experience Thailand’s rural way of life.<br />

A team of naturalists are always on hand to<br />

answer your questions.<br />

“Visiting Elephant Hills is amazing. Getting to<br />

hike and have a BBQ in the middle of the jungle<br />

and do a kayak trip around the lake is so much<br />

fun, and being able to feed the elephants is one<br />

of my most memorable travel experiences yet.<br />

Be sure to bring your camera as there are plenty<br />

of memories to capture!”<br />

Caitlin Keeping - Senior Trusted Adviser, <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


Tenerife<br />

Traditions of<br />

Tenerife is teeming with a wonderful array of religious and cultural rituals, some of which go back centuries.<br />

Why not explore some of our favourite traditions during your next <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel holiday?<br />

GOAT BATHING<br />

(EL BAÑO DE LAS CABRAS)<br />

Only in Tenerife will you find such a quirky<br />

ceremony: goat bathing. This unique summer<br />

solstice tradition goes back to ancient times<br />

but can still be found today as part of the<br />

celebrations of Fiesta de San Juan (St. John<br />

the Baptist Day). The event begins each year<br />

on the 24th June around 7am in the harbour<br />

town of Puerto de La Cruz.<br />

Shepherds from the mountains gather over<br />

2,000 goats and around 20 horses on the<br />

beach to give them a good old wash in<br />

the Atlantic Ocean. As you may imagine,<br />

some goats are a little reluctant - not<br />

least because they have an audience as<br />

the whole village comes out to watch. It<br />

sometimes becomes comical as farmers<br />

drag their prized animals into the water to<br />

a chorus of bleating. The noise is incredibly<br />

loud even though the goats are only in the<br />

water for about 30 seconds!<br />

The primary reason the goats are bathed<br />

in this way is that the sea water really helps<br />

clean their fur. But it’s also a fertility rite -<br />

signalling the livestock to start mating. This<br />

has been part of the Guanche people’s sun<br />

worshipping traditions for generations.<br />

When goats aren’t bathing,<br />

you’ll still find people splashing<br />

themselves and their houses with<br />

ocean water, which is believed by<br />

locals to have particularly potent<br />

powers at this time of year.<br />

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With its exceptionally clear skies,<br />

Tenerife has been awarded<br />

Starlight Certification since 2014.<br />

Within an hour after sunset the sky<br />

overhead glitters and sparkles.<br />

ALMOND HARVESTING<br />

(ALMENDRA APAÑADA)<br />

STAR GAZING<br />

(OBSERVACIÓN DE ESTRELLAS)<br />

Almonds are very much part of the culture and the landscape of<br />

southern Tenerife. During the winter you’ll get to witness the pretty<br />

pink and white blossom of their trees, while many sweet treats<br />

feature this dry, hard-shelled fruit, such as Turrón de Alicante (hard<br />

almond nougat), Almendras Garrapiñadas (candied almonds), and<br />

Bienmesabe Canario (almond cream).<br />

The importance of almonds are highlighted by key events during the<br />

harvest season.<br />

Each year on the last Sunday in September you’ll find a buzz of<br />

activity in the village of Vilaflor de Chasna, as residents gather for the<br />

Recogida de la Almendra - the great almond harvest.<br />

Like most traditions, this is ritualistic. Almonds are<br />

collected communally by farmers and volunteers alike<br />

along a three mile path, which is a fun activity you and<br />

your family can join.<br />

Later in the season, between October and November, Guía de Isora<br />

holds the Feria de la Almendra de Aripe - the Aripe Almond Fair,<br />

better known as La Gran Majada - the Great Almond Grind. All the<br />

almonds that were collected in Vilaflor de Chasna in September<br />

are sold for charity here, while bakers and confectioners gather<br />

to celebrate the year’s crop.<br />

Santiago del Teide also offers beautiful Rutas de Almendros en Flor<br />

- Almond Blossom Walks - from the end of January until March, with<br />

varying levels of length and difficulty to suit all the family.<br />

Star gazing has been a well-documented tradition since ancient times.<br />

There are an estimated 14 billion stars in our galaxy, but we rarely see<br />

them due to today’s pollution. Only a few places remain that provide<br />

this epic opportunity.<br />

Tenerife has been a centre for astronomical tradition<br />

since 1856 when a Scottish astronomer, Charles Piazzi,<br />

while on honeymoon in Tenerife, hiked up Mount Teide<br />

and was amazed by the sparkling stars.<br />

Mount Teide National Park is Spain’s largest national park and has<br />

status as a Starlight Reserve, which means it’s a protected natural<br />

area, defending the night sky from pollution.<br />

This is a unique location, with barren volcanic landscapes of craters<br />

and petrified lava, and a dry climate conducive to stargazing. The<br />

highest peak in the park, Montaña de Guajara, is a particularly<br />

fabulous place to witness the star-studded sky.<br />

From your luxury hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, enjoy an exclusive<br />

tour of the Teide Observatory, Izaña, which stands on a mountain<br />

platform at 7,800 feet. A professional guide will talk you through the<br />

night sky as you look through the world’s largest telescope, before<br />

tucking into a gourmet stargazing picnic.<br />

Hotel Bahía del Duque also has an in-house observatory that as a<br />

guest you’re welcome to use - just be sure to download the Star Walk 2<br />

app on your phone to guide you through.<br />

With your eye to the telescope you can identify constellations and<br />

planets, including the rings of Saturn and the craters of the Moon. If<br />

you’re lucky, you'll get to witness shooting stars whizzing through the<br />

sky, sparking brightly as they strike our atmosphere.<br />

For star-gazing, it’s best to plan your trip just before the New Moon, as<br />

this is when the sky is darkest.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


TRADITIONS OF TENERIFE<br />

THE MONTH OF THE CHESTNUT (MES DE LA CASTAÑA)<br />

Chestnut is a popular tree in Tenerife, having been introduced in the<br />

early 16th century. The wood of the tree is used for furniture while its<br />

shoots are often used for basket making. The actual chestnut fruit is<br />

used in soup, fish, and meat dishes, including in the local speciality<br />

of Morcilla Dulce - a sweet Canarian blood sausage.<br />

The towns of La Victoria and La Matanza celebrate chestnuts by<br />

dedicating the entire month of November to them with Mes de la<br />

Castaña. Rows of iron kettles line the cobbled streets, slowly roasting<br />

the chestnuts as smoke billows up.<br />

Local restaurants use chestnut in unimaginable ways, from chestnut<br />

bread and chestnut tempura to meats in rich chestnut sauces.<br />

Enjoy guided walks of chestnut forests,<br />

musical nights with chestnut-inspired tapas,<br />

and artisan fairs and workshops.<br />

Meanwhile, in Puerto de la Cruz - the same place known for its goat<br />

bathing - on the 29th November, there’s more quirky activity. As part<br />

of the festive celebrations dedicated to Scotland's patron saint,<br />

San Andrés, you’ll find Fiesta del Cacharro y la Castaña (a festival<br />

of clatter and chestnuts), which you’ll hear and smell before you see.<br />

Clattering cans and metal vessels are dragged through the streets<br />

before reaching the main square, Plaza del Charco. Here you’ll<br />

discover chestnuts roasting alongside other local delicacies, making<br />

it the ideal place to feast on Canarian cuisine.<br />

OUR HOTEL PICKS<br />

RITZ-CARLTON ABAMA<br />

GUIA DE ISORA<br />

Set in lush, botanical gardens, with<br />

seven naturally designed pools. Great<br />

for families, with specially designed<br />

programmes for children. There are 12<br />

bars and restaurants to choose from,<br />

including two Michelin-starred options.<br />

HOTEL BAHÍA DEL DUQUE<br />

COSTA ADEJE<br />

An inspiring five star hotel with stunning<br />

colonial architecture and easy access to<br />

Playa El Duque Beach and Costa Adeje’s<br />

promenade. Enjoy award-winning spa<br />

treatments, various dining options, and<br />

child-friendly facilities<br />

HOTEL BOTANICO & THE ORIENTAL<br />

SPA GARDEN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ<br />

A five star hotel with luxury facilities and<br />

beautiful décor. Wander through the<br />

gardens and take in the views of the<br />

Mediterranean. Yoga, golf and tennis<br />

are perfect for adults, while children<br />

enjoy the Mini Club.<br />

40 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


ADVERTORIAL<br />

For the love of<br />

LUXURY<br />

TRAVEL<br />

<strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel’s very own<br />

Senior Trusted Adviser Caitlin Keeping<br />

muses about what it means to travel -<br />

and gives her top tips on how to do it in style.<br />

wasn’t a born traveller. Travel has<br />

I always piqued my curiosity but it<br />

was only later in life when I was inspired<br />

by seeing luxury travel posts<br />

on social media that dreaming about<br />

visiting the places wasn’t enough -<br />

I had to go.<br />

Now I’m easily tempted by travel, especially<br />

as I’m immersed in images of chic resorts<br />

with inviting swimming pools on a daily<br />

basis because of my role.<br />

I’ve been working with <strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury<br />

Travel for over four years now, and I<br />

absolutely love exploring new destinations<br />

and expanding my knowledge, taking every<br />

travel opportunity I can.<br />

Everyone holidays differently. I mainly travel<br />

with my friends, so my travel style reflects<br />

that - I love hotels with private suites or villas.<br />

What’s great about my role is that I get to use<br />

all my experience to customise my guests’<br />

itineraries that I feel best suit their interests.<br />

Gone are the days when we ask our guests<br />

the standard questions of where you want to<br />

go and how long for. We genuinely want to<br />

get to know you - not only does this make our<br />

job more enjoyable but it ensures you have a<br />

much more personalised holiday.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


FOR THE LOVE OF LUXURY TRAVEL<br />

If I know you love sushi then I’ll find myself<br />

recommending Domes Miramare Corfu so<br />

you can tuck into The Raw Bar - a stylish<br />

lounge restaurant that’s all things sushi!<br />

I get a real kick out of hearing the excitement<br />

in my guests’ voices once their dream holiday<br />

has been finalized.<br />

The difference between travel and luxury<br />

travel are the finer details that are included<br />

so you don’t even need to worry about them -<br />

and you can be as specific you like. We want<br />

your holiday to be completely seamless,<br />

from the moment you enter the airport, to the<br />

point of touchdown back home.<br />

I think it’s that end-to-end service with just<br />

a single point of contact in the form of your<br />

own dedicated Trusted Adviser, that makes<br />

<strong>Sovereign</strong> Luxury Travel really stand out.<br />

We’re here for our guests before, during and<br />

after their holiday.<br />

I don’t think my guests realise just<br />

how personally invested I get in<br />

each of their trips. They might not<br />

realise it, but it’s like they’ve packed<br />

me in their suitcase and I’m right<br />

there, travelling vicariously. I love to<br />

hear all the ins and outs when they<br />

return home too!<br />

My ultimate number one holiday destination<br />

is the Maldives. I still remember my first time<br />

on the seaplane and speedboat transfers to<br />

my island resort - I actually pinched myself<br />

to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!<br />

The Maldivian people are so incredibly<br />

warm and welcoming - there’s an amazing,<br />

almost ingrained culture of hospitality in<br />

their spirit. They truly go above and beyond<br />

to satisfy your every need, often before you<br />

realise that need yourself!<br />

For me, the secret to a successful holiday is to<br />

get immersed in the local culture and make<br />

the most of being in the new destination.<br />

Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your resort<br />

to explore as much as you can. Eat local<br />

foods, try some local traditions and cultures,<br />

and just get stuck in!<br />

The more you do this, the more fond<br />

memories you’ll take home. You can still find<br />

a rhythm and enjoy your own comfortable<br />

holiday routine. For example, regardless<br />

of the location, I always enjoy a quiet<br />

G&T on each night of my holiday, adding<br />

predictability to the day. That’s why I now<br />

know the word for cheers in many different<br />

languages. Yamas! (Greek).<br />

While it’s great to visit the most popular<br />

spots, I also advise you to get to know more<br />

hidden regions.<br />

My personal recommendation is to go indepth<br />

and explore Croatia. Both major<br />

cities, Split and Dubrovnik offer many historic<br />

and cultural things to do, whereas Trogir, a<br />

small medieval town, oozes sophistication.<br />

Then you’ve got Hvar, an island just a short<br />

boat ride away from the mainland that<br />

provides a relaxing vibe with its gorgeous<br />

karst landscapes, pebble beaches, pine<br />

trees and olive groves.<br />

Croatia’s cuisine is amazing - it’s typically<br />

Mediterranean and big on seafood, from<br />

lobster to langoustines. It’s literally no more<br />

than a couple of hours drive between each<br />

destination, so we can plan a holiday for<br />

you that includes all these destinations in<br />

just one itinerary.<br />

Travel really is my way to escape<br />

reality and relax without the<br />

pressures of the daily routine.<br />

My advice is to start dreaming and planning<br />

your trip now, even if you are thinking of<br />

going in a couple of years’ time, as you’d<br />

be amazed by how far in advance our best<br />

accommodation gets booked, especially<br />

if you have a particular requirement like a<br />

family room.<br />

We can have a conversation and a holiday<br />

booked and in the diary so that you have<br />

something - and somewhere new - to look<br />

forward to. We’re now navigating the world<br />

differently due to COVID-19, but we’re here to<br />

advise you on all the protocols now in place,<br />

from PCR testing to resort-specific policies,<br />

so that you can travel with confidence.<br />

42 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Seek the Sparkle<br />

Italy’s Great Lakes<br />

Grand, elegant and utterly beautiful, Italy’s lakes are a popular holiday destination<br />

for the rich and famous, and unlike private islands, they are accessible to all.<br />

For a VIP luxury lakefront holiday in Italy, we’ve got you covered.<br />

Lake Como, Lake Garda and<br />

Lake Maggiore: each one will<br />

leave an impression of you. More<br />

than just their vast mass of crystal<br />

clear waters, they each have their own<br />

special magic.<br />

Richard Branson, Sylvester Stallone,<br />

George Clooney and<br />

Donatella Versace all own<br />

lakefront properties.<br />

You’ll find them edged with delightful little<br />

towns and villages filled with history and<br />

culture that you can explore independently.<br />

Local ferry points make it easy to crisscross<br />

the lakes and take in all the local attractions.<br />

Whether you feel like going horse riding or<br />

mountain biking, partaking in watersports,<br />

or discovering more about the local cuisine<br />

with an Italian cookery class, Italy’s lakes<br />

will spoil you.<br />

Serene and romantic, Lake Como and Lake<br />

Maggiore are an ideal location for couples,<br />

while Lake Garda is family-friendly with<br />

plenty of activities to enjoy.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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ITALY'S GREAT LAKES<br />

Lake Maggiore<br />

For a more cultural lakefront holiday, we recommend Lake<br />

Maggiore, as its surroundings are brimming with historic palaces<br />

and islands for you to discover.<br />

Nestled on the border of Italy and Switzerland in the Southern<br />

Alps, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake and has a<br />

gorgeous Mediterranean climate with a breathtaking backdrop<br />

of alpine mountains.<br />

Lake Maggiore’s shores are peppered with quaint fishing villages,<br />

each with a distinct character. You’ll find colourful harbours and<br />

cobbled streets filled with local candlelit trattorie (restaurants).<br />

Just over an hour’s drive from Lake Maggiore is the<br />

world’s fashion capital of Milan, so why not take a day<br />

trip and delight in Italy’s legendary fashion houses?<br />

There are many historical residences dating back to the 19th<br />

century that you can visit. Roam the botanical gardens at Villa<br />

Taranto, or picnic in Park Villa Pallavicino.<br />

From the main resort of Stresa, located on the lake’s western<br />

shore, take a boat to the Borromean Islands, a group of three<br />

small islands. Here you’ll discover awe-inspiring, ornate botanical<br />

gardens and Baroque palaces.<br />

Spend the day sailing around nearby Lake Orta. Or, you might like<br />

to take the Mottarone cable car up the mountains to experience<br />

amazing aerial views.<br />

If you love Italian cuisine then don’t miss the famous market of<br />

Luino, which takes place on Wednesdays, where you can tuck<br />

into local delicacies.<br />

Lake Garda<br />

Framed by the mighty Dolomite Mountains, Lake Garda is the<br />

largest of Italy’s lakes. You’ll find several thriving and rustic harbour<br />

towns on its shores.<br />

On the northern shore of Lake Garda, there’s a slightly breezy<br />

climate, and her waters are beautifully ruffled by the wind,<br />

making it an ideal location for watersports, including windsurfing<br />

and sailing. It’s also where you’ll find the architectural wonders of<br />

Riva del Garda.<br />

On the southern shore, you’ll find slightly warmer temperatures<br />

enhanced by breathtaking scenery, such as pebble beaches and<br />

sweeping vineyards. Visit wineries and taste world-class wine<br />

from crisp chardonnays and sauvignons to full-bodied merlots.<br />

Lake Garda is the home of the ancient spa town of<br />

Sirmione. Its healing thermal waters have been drawing<br />

crowds for centuries and it’s an ideal place for you to<br />

relax and unwind with extensive natural treatments.<br />

Stroll lakeside promenades or discover medieval castles, from the<br />

13th century fortress of Castello di Sirmione to Malcesine Castle,<br />

which houses a natural history museum.<br />

If you’d prefer to venture further afield then there’s plenty of<br />

opportunity. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle bus to the town of<br />

Desenzano, where you’ll find an archaeological museum, Roman<br />

villa, and ancient fortress.<br />

Lake Garda is also an ideal launchpad destination if you wish to<br />

take day trips to the cities of Milan, Verona, and Venice. Imagine,<br />

you could spend the day by the lake followed with a night of<br />

delightful opera at the impressive Arena di Verona!<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

HOTEL VILLA E PALAZZO AMINTA<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

SPLENDIDO BAY LUXURY SPA RESORT<br />

A family-owned hotel located on the shores of Lake<br />

Maggiore and overlooking the stunning Borromean Gulf.<br />

Filled with grandeur, this classic Venetian-style property<br />

includes hand-painted frescoes, marble columns, and<br />

classical gardens. Unwind with spa treatments or a<br />

Turkish bath at the hotel spa.<br />

A luxurious resort on the southern shores of sparkling Lake<br />

Garda that boasts its own private beach. As its name<br />

suggests, the property’s main feature is its delightful spa,<br />

where you can experience a range of wellness treatments.<br />

Immerse yourself in more natural tranquility exploring the<br />

many trails of the hotel’s surrounding mountains by foot or<br />

mountain bike.<br />

A 7 night holiday in Lake Maggiore<br />

starts from £1,285 per person.<br />

A 7 night holiday in Lake Garda<br />

starts from £945 per person.<br />

44 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Lake Como<br />

Glittering Lake Como is Italy’s celebrity hotspot with lakefront mansions<br />

and opulent towns filled with glamorous boutiques at every turn.<br />

Variety is what makes Lake Como so fabulous. You’ll find both<br />

internationally renowned Michelin-starred establishments and<br />

traditional Italian eateries, and there are plenty of tranquil mountains<br />

that you can hike, horse ride, and cycle through.<br />

We strongly recommend a visit to Villa del Balbianello,<br />

a gorgeous 18th century villa that has been the backdrop of<br />

several Hollywood blockbusters, including Casino Royale<br />

and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.<br />

Spend the day at leisure on the lake, whether you choose sailing in<br />

a luxury yacht, kayaking, or water-skiing.<br />

You’ll find art galleries and museums and an array of architectural<br />

delights around Lake Como. Tour the stunning gardens of<br />

Villa Melzi, a palatial waterside mansion, or visit 18th century<br />

Villa Carlotta.<br />

SUGGESTED STAY:<br />

GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO<br />

A family-owned historical hotel tucked away in luscious<br />

tropical gardens. With its own slice of private beach on Lake<br />

Como’s golden shore, you can experience unrivalled views<br />

of the Bellagio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como, and the<br />

glorious Grigne Mountains. Delight in haute cuisine at the<br />

property’s delicious dining venues.<br />

A 7 night holiday in Lake Como<br />

starts from £1,795 per person<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Drinks<br />

OF THE WORLD<br />

Whether you want to travel to the source of your favourite tipple, or wish to identify your next travel<br />

destination by your drink personality, we’ve opened up the cabinet on our best drinks of the world.<br />

Every drink has a destination that<br />

defines it, shaped by their place of<br />

origin. In turn, these drinks become<br />

the local pride and develop their own<br />

distinctive personality. They’re even<br />

awarded protections so that they can’t be<br />

made outside of their country or without<br />

following a particular method.<br />

THE YOUNG AT HEART ONE<br />

LICOR BEIRÃO<br />

Portugal’s national drink, Licor Beirão is a<br />

smooth and sweet herbal liqueur that is<br />

usually drunk neat but can be enjoyed on<br />

the rocks too. Similar to English Pimms, Licor<br />

Beirão is flavoured with all kinds of botanicals,<br />

herbs and spices, including eucalyptus,<br />

cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, aniseed, and<br />

mint. Originally produced in the 1880s as a<br />

health tonic to aid stomach conditions, it was<br />

kept in production after alcoholic beverages<br />

were no longer considered medicinal in the<br />

late 19th century and regained notoriety in its<br />

own right in the 1930s. Today, across Portugal,<br />

you’ll find Beirão chocolates, icecream, and<br />

even cocktails.<br />

THE GOOD TIMES ONE<br />

RUM<br />

The saying goes that time flies when you’re<br />

having rum! Rum is a popular national<br />

drink across the Caribbean and the<br />

Canary Islands, which is understandable<br />

considering it’s such a smooth, fine drink<br />

that works in so many cocktails. Even<br />

Thailand celebrates rum with its own<br />

award-winning sang som rum.<br />

Barbados is rum’s birthplace, as it was<br />

a delicious byproduct of the island’s first<br />

commercial sugarcane plantations. We<br />

highly recommend you enjoy a rum tour<br />

of Barbados, visiting Mount Gay distillery,<br />

which produces the world’s oldest rum, and<br />

the sugar plantation at St Nicholas Abbey.<br />

Sugar and rum-making began in St Lucia in<br />

the 1700s. You can take a guided tour of the<br />

island’s main producer, St Lucia Distillers,<br />

which makes over 25 varieties of rum,<br />

including the popular brand Bounty.<br />

Meanwhile, over in the Dominican Republic<br />

you’ll find mamajuana, which is often drunk<br />

as a shot. Mamajuana is made with rum, red<br />

wine, and honey that’s then left to soak in a<br />

bottle with a mixture of bark and herbs, and<br />

was inspired by the native Taíno people’s<br />

herbal tea.<br />

The Canary Islands have their own favourite:<br />

ron miel (honey rum), which you might be<br />

offered as a post-dinner chupito (shot)<br />

during your holiday.<br />

THE SUPER SOCIAL ONE<br />

GAHWA<br />

Centuries ago, the shepherds of Arabia<br />

noticed their goats became very active after<br />

chewing coffee berries, and so made their<br />

own energy drink out of it, and thus gahwa<br />

- Arabic coffee - and the world’s first coffee<br />

culture was born. When you’re in the UAE<br />

you’ll notice how important gahwa is for<br />

socialising, as it’s served at family gatherings,<br />

business meetings and even at majlises<br />

(parliament). Gahwa has its own unique<br />

serving ritual, which features a special host<br />

called a muqahwi.<br />

THE SOPHISTICATED ONE<br />

GRAPPA<br />

Grappa is so sophisticated that there’s<br />

a way to check it's been well-made - by<br />

rubbing some on the back of your hand and<br />

sniffing to ensure the aroma is pleasant.<br />

Grappa is Italy’s official national drink<br />

and is the ideal after-dinner digestive.<br />

Made in Northern Italy out of the pomace<br />

- the leftover skins, pulp, seeds and stems<br />

from - from the winemaking process, in some<br />

parts grappa is added to espresso coffee,<br />

called caffè corretto (corrected coffee).<br />

THE BOLD ONE<br />

OUZO<br />

You either love it or you hate it, but there’s<br />

no escaping the national liquor of ouzo<br />

when you’re on holiday in Greece or Cyprus.<br />

Produced out of the remnants of winemaking,<br />

ouzo makes no apologies for being<br />

potent with its intense anise (black liquorice)<br />

flavour. That’s because it's inspired by<br />

tsipouro, a medicinal tonic made by monks<br />

on Mount Athos in the 14th century. Drunk<br />

as a shot, ouzo is always accompanied<br />

with a mezze including fresh fish, olives,<br />

feta cheese, and fries. Take caution when<br />

you drink ouzo, as there’s always a delayed<br />

release to its potency.<br />

46 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


THE CONFIDENT ONE<br />

RAKIJA<br />

THE FREE-SPIRITED ONE<br />

RAA<br />

In the Balkans the locals begin their meals - and sometimes even their<br />

day - with a glass of the highly potent rakija, which is confidence if<br />

ever we’ve seen it. Produced using primarily honey or mistletoe,<br />

rakija is both the national drink of Croatia and Montenegro, and is<br />

usually homemade. Rakija was traditionally used as a medicinal tonic,<br />

considered an aqua vitae against an array of ailments.<br />

You’ll find huge glass jars of rakija sitting on balconies and, as you<br />

travel around, you’ll discover how every place has its own style. For<br />

example, in Hvar, you’ll find rakija made with myrtle, in Dubrovnik<br />

the signature ingredient is anise, in Trogir it’s made with walnuts, in<br />

Istia it’s made with mistletoe, and in the countryside you’ll find versions<br />

made from plums, pear, sour cherry, and even quince.<br />

The Maldives is a dry nation, but worry not, your resort is exempt<br />

and will serve an assortment of alcoholic beverages. For the locals<br />

however, the closest they have to alcohol is raa, a traditional toddy<br />

that is tapped out of the crown of palm trees, just where the coconuts<br />

grow. After it’s tapped, the raa is left to ferment and become a<br />

little alcoholic. While the smell is pungent, the taste is sweet and<br />

surprisingly refreshing. You can watch the toddy tappers climb palm<br />

trees and enjoy this refreshment right from the comfort of your resort.<br />

THE SWEET ONE<br />

MINT TEA<br />

You won’t escape being offered a small piping glass of mint tea<br />

during your holiday in Morocco, as this is an important Islamic<br />

etiquette tradition.<br />

It’s considered impolite to say no, which is why you might find yourself<br />

sipping it in a tiny shop in the souk (local market). Most Moroccan<br />

families have an additional fine tea service solely for special occasions<br />

and visiting guests. Mint tea is simply hot water with dried peppermint<br />

or fresh pennyroyal, and a heap of sugar. Be warned: sometimes the<br />

tea is so sweet it can make your cheeks hurt - yet you’ll find that it’s<br />

strangely moreish and incredibly energising against the heat of the day.<br />

THE ADVENTUROUS ONE<br />

TEQUILA<br />

Mexico’s hero drink tequila has its roots in adventure, made from the<br />

hardy blue agave plant that grows in the red volcanic soils in the<br />

region of Tequila, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you<br />

find a worm or moth larvae in your bottle, be sure to send it back, as<br />

it’s likely not tequila but its low quality, inferior cousin, mezcal. During<br />

your holiday in Mexico, you'll be able to enjoy 100% agave tequila,<br />

the mark of quality tequila.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Gorgeous Gardens of<br />

Away from the bustling souks of Marrakech, find your oasis.<br />

These spellbinding gardens are a world of contrast,<br />

where bold and bright façades fuse with prickly cacti and<br />

bountiful bougainvillea, and flowers bloom below tile mosaics.<br />

Jardin Marjorelle<br />

You can tell Jardin Marjorelle<br />

was designed by a painter,<br />

as its composition is much<br />

like a painting: where dark<br />

blue buildings and fountains,<br />

marble pools, and raised red<br />

pathways are the colourful<br />

backdrop to bamboo groves,<br />

coconut palms and tall<br />

cacti. In the 1980s, Yves Saint<br />

Laurent and Pierre Bergé<br />

rediscovered and restored<br />

Jacque Marjorelle’s art deco<br />

oasis back to its former glory.<br />

Bahia<br />

Palace<br />

In among the courtyards of Bahia Palace, an amazing feat of Moorish<br />

and Andalusian architecture, discover exquisitely lush and perfectly<br />

manicured gardens. These offer a welcome and cooling respite from<br />

the beating sun.<br />

48 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


Anima Gardens<br />

Take a free shuttle service to the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains for an imaginative day<br />

at Anima Gardens, designed by André Heller. With shady pathways through fragrant African<br />

wildflowers, you’ll find quirky sculptures and installations, water features, and peaceful pavilions.<br />

Ourika Organic Aromatic Garden<br />

On the outskirts of Marrakech with the backdrop of the High<br />

Atlas Mountains, you’ll find a socially responsible medicinal<br />

garden, which is teeming with healing herbs used by natural<br />

beauty brand Nectarome. There’s always a delightful bouquet<br />

of aromas as you wander around.<br />

Le Jardin Secret<br />

Located on Rue Mouassine, this privately-owned garden dates<br />

back four hundred years but has only recently been opened to<br />

the public. Its name rings true - this is a paradise you wouldn’t<br />

want to share. Strict Islamic design principles have shaped both<br />

the garden’s formation, as well as the surrounding architecture.<br />

WHERE TO STAY<br />

RIAD KNIZA, a lovingly-restored 18th century riad, for a<br />

traditional Moroccan experience and truly welcoming stay.<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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Why<br />

SOVEREIGN LUXURY TRAVEL<br />

EXPERT<br />

You’ll have a single point of contact<br />

with your own assigned Trusted Adviser.<br />

Benefit from our destination expertise, 24/7<br />

support, and up-to-the-minute travel advice.<br />

TRUSTED<br />

Book with confidence with our high<br />

guest satisfaction rates.<br />

Your safety is our priority. We use tried and tested<br />

accommodation, and provide full flexibility.<br />

TAILORED<br />

Your luxury holiday is crafted just for you,<br />

based on your interests and needs.<br />

Expect personalised service as standard,<br />

for a smooth and hassle-free holiday.<br />

EXCLUSIVE<br />

You’ll always benefit from exclusive offers and<br />

upgrades thanks to our great, long-term partnerships.<br />

Enjoy various perks, including<br />

complimentary airport lounge access.<br />

GREAT VALUE<br />

We stand for affordable luxury. You’ll always receive<br />

exceptional experiences at competitive prices.<br />

Book your luxury holiday with us today<br />

with a deposit as low as £150 per person.<br />

EXPERIENCED<br />

We’ve been crafting luxury holidays for our guests<br />

for over 45 years and know the industry.<br />

We are fully ATOL and ABTA bonded and strictly<br />

managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).<br />

50 <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com


EYEBROW<br />

Save<br />

2022: BOOK<br />

Later<br />

NOW,<br />

Browse our new collection of luxury hotels and villas with our 2020-<strong>2021</strong> brochures<br />

Order your complimentary printed copy today<br />

Call our Trusted Advisers on 01293 765004<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

so J ourn


EYEBROW<br />

To book or find out more, visit <strong>Sovereign</strong>.com<br />

or speak to one of our Trusted Advisers on 01293 765004<br />

WINNER

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