Maria Sharapova: 8 Tried And True Travel Tidbits

Photo Credit: John Russo Photography

After years spent on the road playing tennis, travel has played an integral part of my life as it has enriched my soul and helped fuel my passions for architecture, art and has even shaped my culinary palate.

Given the constant demands of careers and life, carving out time to unplug and fully embrace a new city and discover hidden gems of a city is true nourishment for my soul. Getting lost in the backstreets of a tiny European village, losing track of time enjoying the complexities of modern art or catching the latest exhibit of an up-and-coming artist at a small gallery keeps my off-the-court time very fulfilling and centering.

Travel has penetrated all facets of my life, as I incorporated my love for travel into my business life as one of the personal motivations in creating my candy company, Sugarpova. I wanted to provide high-quality and premium candy to travelers who are looking to grab a treat before boarding their plane, or who are craving a midnight snack nibble from the coziness of their hotel room. It’s been an amazing journey so far!

Photo Credit: Instagram: @mariasharapova

MY 8 TRIED & TRUE TRAVEL TIDBITS

1. FAVORITE HOTELS
a) Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro
b) Villa Treville in Positano, Italy
c) Little Green Bay in Hvar, Croatia

2. FAVORITE HOTEL BAR
Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris

3. BEST COUNTRY TO EAT
Italy! Positano and Ischia for the fresh vegetables, fried scampi and amazing pastas

4. FAVORITE HOTEL TOILETRY
Le Labo bath salts

5. COUNTRY I VISIT WHENEVER I CAN
Japan. It is magical and always a new experience any time I am there. I want to get back there in the spring for the cherry blossoms.

6. WHAT I WEAR WHEN I TRAVEL
A pair of comfortable Raquel Allegra pants with a black blazer and Nike Cortez sneakers, as well as a Rick Owens cashmere scarf, as I’m always really cold while traveling no matter what city I’m headed to.

7. THE STAMP ON MY PASSPORT I’M PROUDEST OF
While I’m probably most proud of the stamps that I’ve received from my trips to the Olympics, I’m truly proud of all my stamps. Each journey has a story and something meaningful behind it.

8. TOP 3 PLACES ON MY MUST-VISIT LIST
Cuba, a hot spring Onsen journey in Japan and a trip on the Orient Express throughout Europe.

Photo Credit: Instagram: @mariasharapova