Category: Bedford

Such an experience seems a million miles away for us mere mortals, but now you could realistically be the “other half” for a week.

We jumped at the chance to embark on a chartered cruise around some of the beautiful islands of the Dalmatian coast on the incredible superyacht Freedom, courtesy of Goolets, one of the leading luxury crewed yacht companies in Croatia.

The company started around 17 years ago, quickly carving out a niche as a supplier of luxury wooden motor sailers known as gulets, but quickly recognized the growing trends in luxury yachting, particularly around of Croatia, and so rode this rapidly developing wave crest, polishing their name to be arguably the region’s premier luxury yachting company.

So let’s see what guests can expect during a week on Freedom. This 50m superyacht received a million euro refit during lockdown and had its 20 cabins reduced to just 11 to incorporate even more for up to 24 guests. As such, it is a unique boat in the world in terms of size, composition, construction and level of luxury according to Goolets.

As you wander the yacht’s four guest-accessible decks, you’re assailed by gleaming stainless steel, bespoke deck and interior furnishings, and high-end fittings around every corner. The opulent and spacious en-suite staterooms are to die for with every detail considered and elegantly finished, with air conditioning, flat screen TV and Bluetooth ceiling speaker system to connect music from your phone.

There’s a cinema/console games room, sauna, gym, massage area, pool and Jacuzzi on the spa deck, with built-in blue night lights and the ubiquitous Bluetooth speakers to listen to your favorite Spotify tracks while you relax in the bubbles with a cocktail.

But the crown jewel is the crew itself. We were placed in the capable hands of Captain Ivan and his crew of three sailors, and all of our needs – and I mean all of them – were taken care of by our Head Hostess Martina, her assistant Dina and the Head Bartender of the Zoran cocktail, all of whom had a smile, flawless efficiency and professionalism from start to finish. Housekeeping staff and a masseuse were also on board.

Immaculately adorned table settings were entirely justified to advertise the incredible international dishes using fresh local produce prepared by the talented chef and assistant chefs, complemented by robust red, delicious white and fragrant Croatian wines.

Now let’s move on to the country itself. We enjoyed a smooth and relaxing flight from Manchester to Split thanks to Jet2.com airways, and the stunning 360 degree views of the Dalmatian mountains welcoming us as we stepped onto the tarmac was a fitting start to what was a unforgettable experience.

Having never been to Croatia before, I found this country to be a hidden gem, possibly the cleanest country I have traveled to. The landscape is dotted with verdant greenery only interrupted by magnificent Roman and Venetian architecture and traditional Croatian buildings with cream walls and red tiles, all bathed in 30 degree temperatures and surrounded by azure skies and clear turquoise waters, making every stop a scenic paradise.

Liberty was moored in the Port of Split so we were able to first soak up the rich history of this important walled city, the former palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian which is not only still standing but also inhabited , despite its construction at the end of the 3rd century. For me the town has one of the most beautiful promenades of bars and restaurants near the harbor that I have seen, where Croatians and visitors alike join to make it a lively place to visit, especially in the evening.

Our journey then saw us sailing to beautiful places and islands, including the island of Brac and its ever-changing beautiful beach, the Golden Horn, the town of Jelsa on Hvar, famous for its vineyards and wines, and the highlight for me being the capital of Hvar, a climb to the fortress on the hill offering incredible views and photo opportunities. We enjoyed stops in secluded and quiet bays to take advantage of the ship’s water toys, including jet skis, SeaBobs, paddle boards, an electric hydrofoil and a waterslide. Some of them are extras – but later.

To give you an idea of ​​the prices, 100 Croatian kuna at the time of writing was worth just over £11 (nine kuna to a pound), and so a meal in a cheap restaurant in Split would cost between 50 and 80 kuna, a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant around 250-300kn, half a liter (pint) of domestic beer around 18kn and a Coke 15kn in bars in Split, but expect to pay a little more about the island stops.

So back to my earlier claim to live like the other half – still not convinced? Well, chartering something similar to Freedom in Italy or France for a week would cost between 500-600,000 Euros (£425,000-£510,000) which would be too much for many of us, but Goolets can you provide the same luxury. level aboard Freedom around Croatia for a fifth of that price. You heard me right, a FIFTH.

So your party of 24, whether it’s a wedding party, an extended family cruise, a group of friends, a corporate trip, could all contribute for a starting price and approximate charter (boat, crew, four hour cruise, linen, wifi) 100,000 euros (£85,000 at time of writing).

So that’s around £3,500 per person, a similar price to a regular premium cruise, for – and let me remind you – a SUPERYACHT! And it travels, unlike a regular cruise ship, where YOU want, with the people YOU know and with whatever YOU want to do, everything is pre-arranged for you.

Indeed, the price also includes a Goolets Concierge Assistant who will guide you through your bespoke food and beverage package and all other elements of your trip from start to finish so all you have to do is show up. , sit down and leave you. in the professional hands of Goolets to enjoy freedom and Croatia – two incredible and unforgettable gems of the Adriatic.

Leading leisure airline Jet2.com offers affordable fares, great flight times and a generous 22kg baggage allowance to Split, Croatia from Manchester Airport. Flights start from £49 one way including tax. For more information, visit www.jet2.com or call 0800 408 5599.

Our flight departing early in the morning, we got our holiday off to a good start with overnight and duration parking at the Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport, arranged by Holiday Extras, market leaders in parking, hotels and airport lounges in the UK. , and transfers. Last year, customers who pre-booked their car park with Holiday Extras saved an average of £100 each compared to the price they would have paid on the day.

Booking an airport hotel with parking means you can enjoy more of a hassle-free vacation. Plus, always flexible and easy to change, with Flextras, if you need to cancel, you can – at no cost.

A night’s accommodation at The Clayton with seven nights of secure parking is available from £153. To book, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678. Price sought May 19, 2022 for arrival August 23, 2022.

Manchester Airport’s Escape Lounge is available in all three terminals and offers passengers the opportunity to relax, catch up on last minute business or simply enjoy some peace and quiet whilst enjoying food and free drinks offered. The lounge welcomes passengers of all ages and offers fast and unlimited Wi-Fi, flight information boards, bar service for free alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and buffet service for guests. seasonal meals and snacks.