Monica Sotgiu – Sardinia Experiential 

Monica Sotgiu

In this interview, Monica Sotgiu, travel experience designer and founder of Sardinia Experiential, tells about her job and gives insight into her wonderful homeland of Sardinia.

What do you do?

I am a Travel Experience Designer, and I work on my island, Sardinia. I design tailor-made itineraries for people to live an authentic experience in this ancient land. I’m a Sardinian girl that accompanies people to discover the authentic Sardinian life. We see not only the emerald sea and golden beaches but also the Nuragic archaeology in the wild nature, the unique traditions, and typical food and wine experiences of small village life.

I also use the NatureTherapy methodology to guide people to reconnect with Nature Mother. I organise immersive walks into the Mediterranean maqui and its scents, colours and landscapes to discover the wild endemic plants and their use in the Sardinian ancient medicine tradition. I like to bring the culture in my walking, like live music, poetry, book presentations or Sardinian aperitifs.

How did you get into the tourism industry?

I have travelled all around the world, and I realised that I live on a wonderful, incredible island. I would like to enhance the uniqueness, values and beauties of Sardinia and guide people to discover them. The best way to visit a new place and live unforgettable experiences is to be guided by a native person, even more with a tailor-made vacation starting with your interests and passions.

What’s a memory from your childhood or travels that stands out?

I used to travel with my parents when I was a little girl. I still remember our summer vacations with a big group: my family, my uncles and cousins and friends. I visited most of Italy by car with them. My love for travel stems from there.

What’s the best/ worst part of your job?

I like being with people, especially if there are children. Usually, a group creates good vibes that enrich everyone. Sometimes, I don’t like having busy weekends most of the time, but being in nature pays for it all.

What’s one of Monica Sotgiu’s favourite food and beverage pairings?

I love the “Culurgionis d’Ogliastra”, a typical handmade dish of the Sardinian tradition. I like to taste them with a good red wine, like the Cannonau or Carignano. And, of course, I love all the traditional sweets! My favourite is the “Sebada “with honey.

What’s something unexpected that has happened behind the scenes?

 During the winter, I organised a meditative walk with a guitar solo concert in a wild, stunning place in the mountains. We were supposed to listen to the music around a big mushroom rock shape, but it was completely occupied by a couple that was cooking there, ready to eat in a big tent next to it with a table, chairs and even a bed for the dog. I had to change my plans, so we walked up to another big rock, a place with a magic landscape. Only when I saw the photos did I realise that we had chosen an incredible place! We were in a big teacup rock shape, and we had lunch in another one with a big mushroom rock shape turned upside down. It was a wonderful day!

The perfect day off would be…

In summer, sailing in the Marine Protected Area of Villasimius, snorkelling in the islands and having an aperitif at sunset in a beautiful bay with friends.

 A day in the life of a Travel Experience Designer is…

… a mix of many things. First, dream all the time of new projects! I look for magic locations in nature and experiential activities. I like to take some photos to share on my social media to inspire travellers for their next vacation. And, of course, I do all my best to communicate my passion.

What does Monica Sotgiu do for fun?

My job is my fun! Anyway, I also like to travel and taste new cuisines, discover new cultures and be captivated by adventurous unforeseen events.

What’s something you’d like guests to know about Sardinia Experiential?

I wanted to represent Sardinia Experiential with a double spiral and a red heart. This is an ancient symbol, painted in red, found inside a “Domus de Janas”. A carved rock room dating back to 3.000 BC, a place full of legendary and magic meaning. For me, it represents the soul of my island together with my passion.

How has the pandemic changed you, your perspective, or the way you operate?

I started to organise slow walking in nature to recover physical well-being after these two difficult years. I think it is fundamental to live thoughtless moments in company. Exposure to nature helps us to feel better emotionally and physically, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and stress. Outdoor activities are also safer, and people can relax and clear their minds.

What’s something you’d like people to know about being a Travel Experience Designer as a profession?

It is necessary to know very well the territory but also be born here. Only in this way can you convey the true essence of a land. You should also have organisational skills, creativity, and good human relationships, but above all, love this job.

What’s your view on the tourism scene in Sardinia?

I think that Sardinia is still little known and not properly exploited at the regional level. There are many young entrepreneurs coming back after international studies to invest in the island, and this is a good thing. I hope that its unspoiled nature will be preserved, and those who come to visit it do it with respect.

What practices do you currently implement or hope to implement in the future to work towards social responsibility and sustainability?

I am studying to improve my knowledge and will soon become an Environmental Hiking Guide. I also continue to explore the wild plants and their use in the Sardinian ancient tradition for health. With my conscious outdoor activities, I hope to be good enough to inspire people to love nature and understand its importance.

Check out one her curated itineraries here, read more interviews such as this one with Monica Sotgiu here, and stay up to date with our latest gourmet travel finds here and here.