Explora Journeys Luminary Annabel Croft on Travel, Wellness and the Luxury of Time

Throughout my childhood, travel was really my education. I didn't have what you'd call a normal education because from being a little girl I was always training, representing Great Britain and travelling to tournaments. Every weekend it felt like I was somewhere different, and if I wasn't competing, I was at training camps. Japan had a huge impact on me back then because it was completely different to anything I'd experienced before. I remember sitting on cushions around low tables, learning all the customs and traditions, and being introduced to karaoke before anyone in Britain had even heard of it. I must have been about 17 or 18, singing Hey Jude in Japan. It was bizarre, but wonderful. I was like, Ooh, wow, this is so different to anything I've seen before! I also remember Taiwan very vividly - I won't go into the detail of Snake Alley – but it was one of those moments where you realise just how big the world is. You see cultures, traditions and ways of life that are completely different to your own, and it makes you think differently. Travel really opened up my world. 

That there isn't just one way to live. When you're constantly travelling, especially when you're young, you realise that people do things very differently. In Sweden I'd be having bread, cheese and ham for breakfast. Somewhere else there'd be cake for breakfast. In Texas, where I lived whilst training aged around 15, I was living in a completely different culture again. I found that fascinating. The more I travelled, the more curious I became. It made me a much more critical thinker because I realised that what feels normal to you isn't necessarily normal to somebody else. 

I think the biggest thing I've learned is that you can do far more than you think you can. When I came off the tour, broadcasting wasn't an obvious route. There weren't all the opportunities there are now. I ended up saying yes to all sorts of things, television, theatre, presenting, things I'd never done before. The funny thing is that people see me interviewing players now and probably assume I've always been comfortable doing it, but I was terrified! If I had to stand up and speak in front of people, I would almost have a panic attack. What changed wasn't the fear. It was learning to do it anyway. I've always believed that when a door opens, you go and explore it. You might discover it's not for you, or you might discover a whole new chapter of your life. But you have to be willing to step into uncomfortable places.

Oh, they couldn't be more opposite ends of the spectrum. When I was playing tennis, it was all about the cheapest way to get from A to B, so that you could play the next tournament and save enough money to stay on tour. I was staying in digs and taking Greyhound buses across America at 3am. I often talk about 'the apprenticeship years'. People see Wimbledon and the glamour, but they don't see the years beforehand when you're staying in Travelodges and trying to make enough prize money just to get to the next tournament. Now I really appreciate nice things. I appreciate a nice hotel room, good service, a comfortable bed, good pillows, and beautiful linen. But I think the older you get, time and peace become the real luxury. Time to sit and read or listen to a podcast. Time to stare out at the sea with a cup of tea and just be still. The ocean is the perfect setting for this and is a very special place for me, and for my family. The older I get, the more valuable it feels to focus on these luxuries. 

It's actually the simple things and nature is a huge part of it. At home, I walk or run every single day. There isn't really a day that goes by without me heading into the park and getting what I call my "nature fix". I've become much more appreciative of walking. It's low impact, peaceful and gives you time to sort things out in your head. I also enjoy the occasional massage or facial. Whenever I do have them, I really appreciate them because I can stop, switch off, and relax. 

I rely on routines - and I am very particular. That goes back to my tennis days when precision, determination, and the focus on achieving excellence is paramount. This of course is something Jannik Sinner, as your Global Brand Ambassador knows all about. And I'm famously particular about my tea! My family would laugh about that. I travel with my own tea bags and I'm very particular about the water because it changes the taste of the tea. It sounds ridiculous, but I start every day with a cup of tea in bed, and I genuinely don't feel ready to face the world until I've had it. Those little rituals become really important when you're travelling constantly because they give you a sense of home wherever you are.

Well after starting with that essential cup of tea, I'd go for a long walk or a run somewhere beautiful, ideally by the sea or near water. I'd eat wonderful food made with really good ingredients. We're a very foodie family and quality and the provenance of ingredients matters enormously to us. I'd spend time reading, listening to podcasts, maybe sitting quietly just looking out at the ocean. And if I could choose one extra thing, it would be dancing. Competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 reminded me how much I love dancing. It was incredibly demanding, but I loved every second of learning. If I could, I'd find a dance studio somewhere and spend an afternoon learning a tango. That would be a pretty perfect day. 

Portugal comes very close. We've spent family holidays there for years. You can be active, you can enjoy wonderful food, beautiful beaches, and time outdoors. It has a lovely balance. That said, I think we're always searching for the perfect combination. I'm not sure anywhere has absolutely everything. That's probably why we're all still travelling.

It's the possibility of being surprised. I think that's what travel has always given me. It broadens your mind. It teaches you things you weren't expecting to learn. Whether it's a destination, a conversation, a culture, or simply a new perspective, there's always something to discover. That's what keeps it exciting for me, even now.

I've still got a long list – and it won't make geographical sense for an Explora Journeys voyage! But India is somewhere I've always wanted to explore properly. Patagonia fascinates me. I'd also love to spend more time in Norway, Greenland and those incredible, breathtaking northern landscapes. What appeals to me now is experiencing amazing places while still having comfort and tranquillity at the end of the day. Perhaps that's something that comes with age. I still want the adventure, but I really appreciate coming back to beautiful surroundings, a comfortable bed - and a good cup of tea, of course!