In our five ‘calculated moves‘ for travel in 2021, we recommended planning and making your next journey with an expert travel advisor. Beyond getting you out of a jam with cancellations because of the pandemic and navigating you through these complicated and uncertain times, they can give you insider access to some sublime experiences that you might struggle to piece together on your own. Take this amazing journey to Croatia aboard an RW Wakeley yacht, for example…
We’ve always said that outside of the relationships you hold with your close friends and family, the next strong bond (after your accountant and doctor, perhaps) should be with your travel advisor. Working with experts can maximise your upcoming holiday with unique experiences that only insiders in the industry have access to. We recently shared news of the launch Scott Dunn Private and how they can help arrange some elite experiences, but even if you’re not a member of the by-invitation-only platform (yet), the advisors there who pride themselves on ‘exceptional travel’ can help put together a mindblowing trip.
We just had to tell you about a special experience they can offer groups of varying sizes in Croatia, a collaboration between yachting specialist RW Wakeley Yachts – whose owner Rupert Wakeley has personally sailed through every inch of the Croatian coastline – and LOPUD 1483, the 15th-century monastic private-island and Renaissance and Thyssen-Bornemisza art-filled retreat.
The RW Wakeley Adriatic journey takes in lesser-known islands and natural beauty spots, dropping anchor in secluded lagoons, as well as exploring small medieval towns inland. The journey starts in Split before sailing to laid-back Trogir, party-hearty Hvar and must-stop Korcula, with some pit stops at more off-the-beaten-track outposts.
The highlights of the ten-day journey include Viz, one of Croatia’s hidden gems, a once private island that has only been open to the public since the nineties and home to secrets so fantastic, that the occupying British were so keen to protect during the 18th century, that they built a fort there. We were also interested to hear of Lastovo, one of the country’s most remote islands; Mljet, with its secluded, crystal-clear waters; and Polace, with its old Roman palace and 12th Century Benedictine monastery.
Saving the best until last, already spellbound travellers will pull into Lopud, in the very heart of the Elaphiti Islands, stopping right in front of the fabled LOPUD 1483 and the now experienced sea-dogs will find their land-legs. You’ll spend your days enjoying the medicinal and sacred gardens, marvelling at one of the world’s greatest art collections, getting your chakras realigned with wellness and yoga treatments onsite and tasting fresh, home-grown produce. If you want to stay active, there are plenty of stunning hikes through citrus orchards and olive groves. We’d also recommend snorkelling in the Blue Caves of Kolcep, or enjoy the naturist beaches of the Elaphiti to top-up your all-over tans.
www.scottdunn.com / www.rwwakeley.com / www.lopud1483.com
Photography courtesy of LOPUD 1483
