MEDITERRANEAN F


rom its mooring in the harbour, Emerald Azzurra positively sparkles. Passersby whisper about the yacht in hushed, excited tones; others stop to stare, slack-jawed at its pearly white exterior and gleaming, polished hull. The vessel wouldn’t look out of place in > >mià on` wlm° čn` Ìh>̽à Ühin iÌ Ãinkà in\ mÕÃÌ be one of the luckiest people in the world, because Ìhià ÃÌ>Ìi-ov-Ìhi->ÀÌ Þ>VhÌ] miÀ>l` ÀÕiÃiý wÀÃÌ ocean ship, is my home for the next week. We gather for a welcoming meet-and-greet before being shown to our cabin – one of 50 on board (Emerald Azzurra carries just 100 guests). Once inside, I immediately feel a sense of comfort thanks to the enormous king-sized bed dressed in luxury Egyptian cotton. It feels like the room is whispering for us to relax. A cosy seating area with a sleek desk and oversized mirror seems ready to accommodate our needs, whether we’re winding down or preparing for the day ahead, while ample cupboard space makes unpacking feel effortless, helping us settle in comfortably and truly creating a home away from home. The stylish L>ÌhÀoom] wniÃhi` in ÜhiÌi >n` }ÀiÞ m>ÀLli] vi>ÌÕÀià a spacious rainforest shower as well as Missoni towels and Espa amenities, all designed to refresh and pamper us. Outside, a balcony awaits with two comfy chairs and a table – a secluded spot that quickly becomes one of our favourite places to relax.


Mediterranean charm


Aptly named Mediterranean Enchantment, our sailing is nothing short of magical, whisking us from Dubrovnik in southern Croatia to the Greek capital of Athens, with stops in Kotor, Montenegro; Saranda,


Albania; Corfu; and Kefalonia in between. This eight-day voyage was catapulted into the spotlight l>ÃÌ oÛimLiÀ ÜiÌh Ìhi >iÀin} ov /6£½Ã wÛi-«>ÀÌ food and travel series Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise, which showcased life on board Emerald Azzurra as Üill >à wÛi `iÃÌin>Ìionà vÀom Ìhi


i`iÌiÀÀ>ni>n


Enchantment itinerary. It’s certainly a sailing made for TV, I think, as we wander the historic heart of Dubrovnik, ambling through cobble-stoned alleyways and stopping for coffee to soak in the stunning architecture and watch fellow tourists pass by.


It’s certainly a sailing `


made for TV, I think, as we wander the historic heart of Dubrovnik, ambling through cobble-stoned alleyways


The following morning, after crossing into Montenegro overnight, we sail into the harbour of Kotor, the lights of the town twinkling as the sun begins to rise. The tour for the day is to bravely tackle the formidable city walls, which wind for three miles with a staggering 1,700 steps (they’re worth every minute for the breathtaking views). With the sun shining down on us every step of the way, and under the direction of our knowledgeable guide, we reach the


top to be rewarded with spectacular vistas of the surrounding fjord, before making the steep journey down to catch the coach back to the yacht. The weather is kind to us in Saranda, the seaside town on the Albanian Riviera, where a horseshoe-shaped bay gives way to sandy beaches and a wide promenade. Tirana residents relocate here in the summer, but our experience – including an issue with entry at a national park – suggests it isn’t quite as well set up for international tourism as our other ports of call. In Corfu, we get lost in the charming Old Town and indulge in the most delicious Greek meze while


ª


OPPOSITE: FIRST ROW: Dubrovnik’s historic Stradun street; Sky Deck Spa Pool SECOND ROW: Kotor Old Town, Montenegro; writer Flora Ioannou; the yacht’s Observation Lounge THIRD ROW: Emerald Azzurra, Rovinj, Croatia FOURTH ROW: La Cucina Dining & Terrace; Yacht Suite PREVIOUS PAGE: Emerald Azzurra, Corsica Credits: Shutterstock/Rudy Balasko, kds006; Pompei Luca


50 ASPIRE MARCH 2025


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