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We're Saranta Associates

When we launched Saranta Associates in 2018, we felt representation should, and could, be done differently. We were determined to bring back the personal touch and deliver our deep understanding of product in a fun and personable way that would speak to anyone selling or arranging luxury travel for High Net Worth clients.

Building on our existing knowledge and relationships we’ve steadily gathered a stable of fantastic, independently owned properties worldwide, often launching a new property or destination to market.

We genuinely love working together and feel our complementary skill sets and personalities have been the cornerstone to our success, especially through the Covid pandemic where, despite significant industry challenges, Saranta went from strength to strength. As a testament to this, in early 2022 we were over the moon to welcome David Bruce into the Saranta family as a Director. His experience, knowledge and charisma bringing even more diversity to our offering.

Sally Marchant

Pro networker   |   calm and convincing   |   poise personified.

One of luxury travel’s A-listers, Sally Marchant uniquely combines a contagious enthusiasm and positive energy with a calm focus, determination and sheer drive to achieve results for Saranta’s clients. She invented the term ‘going the extra mile’ and her exceptional industry relationships and reputation are second to none.

Sal’s worked in travel for over 20 years across both the industry and the globe bringing her cool as a cucumber professional know-how to sought-after resorts, private villas, and luxury hotel chains to name but a few.

Not only has she represented some of the world’s most prestigious travel brands in locations including Africa, Asia and the USA, Sally’s also a seasoned expert in successfully launching and establishing new luxury properties.

She thrives on a challenge and her wealth of hands-on industry experience gives her what we believe are super powers in understanding the unique challenges of the luxury travel sector, as well as an innate understanding of luxury product. Whether she’s managing a team, strategising to increase sales revenue or mingling at key industry events, Sally has an ability to know exactly what’s needed and makes it happen.

David Bruce

Encyclopaedic knowledge   |   inspiring communicator   |   pure irish charm.

Straight after University, David set off with a one-way ticket to Bangkok telling his family he would be home for Christmas – he just didn’t say which one! Two and a half years later he finally returned home after an unforgettable journey through South East Asia. Turning a passion into a career then seemed a natural progression.

Initially a senior member of the product team at one of the UK’s largest leading tour operators, David developed their bespoke touring programme, which remains industry-leading to this day​.

Subsequently, he has spent the last 8 years representing some of the most innovative luxury travel product in the world, launching them across the European market and firmly establishing their presence in the luxury travel sector.

A strategically driven salesperson with superb personal contacts across the industry, David’s reputation for detailed product and destination knowledge is exceptional. His experience and knowledge encompasses every continent and a huge variety of guest-experiences – from DMCs, boutique hotels and resorts, to wellness, luxury leisure and everything in between.

Mark Renshaw

Seasoned globetrotter   |   top-notch salesman   |   fabulously personable.

Mark has successfully turned his early passion for travel into a career now spanning over 20 years, living and working in both the UK and overseas. His first job saw him sailing the seven seas aboard the legendary QE2 (as a silver service waiter, not a guest) which gave him a considerable head start in the ‘who’s visited the most countries’ stakes.

Since then, Mark has enjoyed success in a number of key sales roles with some of the UK’s leading luxury tour operators, including managing a retail travel agency in a renowned London department store.

A natural communicator, Mark has a wealth of personal contacts across all sectors of the industry, and since moving into hotel representation, he has a proven track record of launching luxury hotel products around the world to the UK and European travel trade.

Having worked in both luxury tour operations and hotel sales and marketing, Mark has an in-depth understanding of the needs of partners on both sides of the business. A dedicated salesperson (one of the best, it has been said), he brings humour, charm and his A-game to seeking out the best opportunities for hotel clients.

And for the record, he’s been to 180 countries (and counting).

Diana Cherry

Communications & trade consultant, knows everybody   |   fuelled by green tea   |   can sell ice to eskimos.

The term ‘people person’ was invented for Di Cherry. Nobody is easier to talk to or work with …and we should know because we work (and speak) with her every day!

Her ever-cheery, relaxed demeanour, energy and sense of humour belies her seriously ambitious work ethic, strategic instinct and real commercial savvy.

Not only does Di have a background in marketing communications and branding, her 20 years’ experience working in the travel industry (more than half of them spent in the uber luxury sector) have been spent creating and building a market-leading Private Travel company, and then subsequently starting and currently running her own Private Travel consultancy, closely working with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands and high-profile clients. She therefore brings an ongoing, deep understanding of the needs of global high-end travel sales which fuels Saranta’s ‘hands-on’ and insightful approach today.

Her in-depth experience of luxury villas, high-end experiential travel and the premium wellness sector, as well as city hotels, resorts and private islands reinforce Saranta’s understanding of the ‘big picture’ global luxury travel industry.

In addition, Di also managed world-class luxury properties at a senior level, bringing a deep understanding of luxury travel operations to the Saranta stable.

Claire Griffiths

Associate director, determined   |  solution seeker   |   oozes positivity.

Claire has a wealth of luxury sales expertise, spanning over 20 years working for UK leading luxury tour operators and 5* hotels, and has an impressive track record for building strong partnerships across travel sector with her sunny disposition.

Claire is passionate about luxury travel and thrives on product knowledge and bringing a story to life. Having sold luxury holidays globally, Claire’s specialist area is Europe.

With over 10 years in sales and marketing for luxury hotels in Greece, along with successfully launching a new premium hotel brand into the UK market, Claire’s enthusiasm, drive and tenacity, ensure she always goes above and beyond to ensure a business has the opportunity to perform to their strengthens and she will be right by your side in any challenge.

Sally is an exceptionally well rounded, talented professional who maintained excellent client business relationships, grew business many fold, grasped the marketing of several product groups appealing to different segments of the travel trade, was diligent, transparent and above all a person of high integrity. I would recommend her very highly.

Subhash Thaker Former Vice President Sales and Marketing - UK & Europe Taj Hotels

Diana is one of the most liked and respected people in travel. I can happily vouch for her outstanding product knowledge and enviable network - her support has been vital to the development of my own business. If I could ask only one person in this industry for advice, Di would be that person.  

Rosamund King 360 Private Travel Partner

David is the best! I have been working with him for the last ten years and he has always been so supportive of my clients and my business. He goes above and beyond for every booking I send to one of his clients and I trust him implicitly. I don't know what I would do without him.

Katie Terrington 360 Private Travel Partner

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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• by Melissa Hammam
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Hands up if you’re ready to be dazzled! From a ceremony structure designed to float on water to a jaw-dropping reception room with flowers blooming from every service, we’re swooning over every bit of this wedding. If you can believe it, that’s just the beginning. Julia Kaptelova artfully shot every detail, like the ballet performance guests were treated to and snow falling from the ceiling for the first dance! Prepare to be amazed and take a visit to the full gallery .

From About You Decor … Our design is a symbol of dawn and a distant endless horizon. Ahead is a long, happy life without any borders. An international couple, Pavel and Cherry, met in London and have been walking together for many years.

From the Bride, Cherry… My husband and I we decided to have our summer wedding in Moscow because the city is where his roots are. As we knew we were going to have the other wedding ceremony in China, we wanted our Moscow one to be very personal and intimate. We’ve known each other since we were fourteen, together with many of our friends whom we’ve also known for a decade.

I didn’t want to walk down the aisle twice so the plausibility of my request quickly came into discussion. The open pontoon stage was constructed in order to facilitate the bridal entrance on water, although there were concerns about safety as the last thing we wanted was probably a drowned bride before she could get on stage, picture that! I have to say on that day it wasn’t easy to get on the pontoon stage from the boat, in my long gown and high heels. Luckily my bridesmaids still noticed even though they stood the furthest from me on the stage, and helped me out without prior rehearsal. My girls could just tell whenever I needed a hand or maybe they were just so used to my clumsiness. Who knows 😂

We all love our photographer Julia! She’s so talented and her style is so unique. Our beloved host Alex is exceptional who made everyone laugh and cry. It was truly a blessing to have so many kind and beautiful souls on our big day. Thank you all!

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Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Wedding Planner: Caramel | Cake: Any Cake | Invitations: Inviteria | Rings: Harry Winston | Band: Menhouzen | Grooms attire: Ermenegildo Zegna | Wedding Venue: Elizaveta Panichkina | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Marchesa | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alice McCall | Bride’s gown : Jaton Couture | Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Decor : About you decor | Earrings: Damiani | Muah: Khvanaco Studio | Video: Artem Korchagin

More Princess-Worthy Ballgowns

I’m still not convinced this Moscow wedding, captured to perfection by  Sonya Khegay , isn’t actually an inspiration session—it’s just  that breathtaking. From the beautiful Bride’s gorgeous lace wedding dress and flawless hair and makeup to the pretty pastel color palette and stunning ceremony and reception spaces, this wedding is almost too good to be true. Do yourself a favor and see it all in The Vault now!

From Sonya Khegay … It was the last day of April and still very cold in the morning. The weather forecast wasn’t pleasing and no one expected that the sun would come out, but miracles happen and light rain gave way to the warm rays.

I love how all the details went together, you could feel the harmony in everything throughout the entire wedding day from the morning until the fireworks.

A gentle look of the bride, elegant but so airy and unique decor, the fresh and light atmosphere of early spring and, of course, true happiness in the eyes. My heart becomes so warm from these memories, it is always a pleasure to see the birth of a new family of two loving hearts.

Photography: Sonya Khegay | Event Design: Latte Decor | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Floral Design: Blush Petals | Wedding Dress: La Sposa | Stationery: Special Invite | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Hair + Makeup: Natalie Yastrebova | Venue: Rodniki Hotel

• by Elizabeth Greene

You really can’t go wrong with simple: a beautiful Bride , perfectly pretty petals , loved ones all around. But add in an amazing firework show  to cap off the night and simple just became downright extraordinary. Captured by Lena Elisseva , with assistance by  Katya Butenko , this rustic Russian celebration is simply fantastic. See it all in the Vault right here !

From Lena Eliseeva Photo …  This cozy and warm summer wedding of gorgeous Natalia and Anton was in the middle of June. The young couple decided to organize their wedding themselves, and the day was very personal and touching. I am absolutely in love with rustic outdoor weddings, and this one is my favourite because of the free and easy atmosphere.

All the decor excluding the bride’s bouquet was made by a team of ten friends of the bride and groom. And it was charming – a light and beautiful arch, eco-style polygraphy and succulents, candy-bar with caramel apples and berries – sweet joys of summer.

At the end of ceremony the guests tossed up white handkerchiefs embroidered by Natalia’s own hands.

The most touching moment was the happy eyes of the groom’s grandmother, the most estimable person on the wedding. And the fireworks were a bright end to that beautiful day.

Photography: LENA ELISEEVA PHOTO | Floral Design: Katerina Kazakova | Hair And Makeup: Svetlana Fischeva | Photography - Assistance: Katya Butenko

These photos from Lena Kozhina are so stunningly beautiful – as in you can’t help but stop and stare – it’s hard to believe it’s real life. But these pics are proof of this gorgeous Bride and her handsome Groom’s celebration at Moscow’s Fox Lodge , surrounded by vibrant colors and breathtaking blooms . Oh, and the idea of prepping for your Big Day outside in the sun ? Brilliant. See more bright ideas right here !

From Lena Kozhina … When we met with the couple for the first time, we immediately paid attention to Dima’s behavior towards Julia. There was a feeling of tenderness and awe, and we immediately wanted to recreate this atmosphere of love, care and warmth on their Big Day.

Later, when we had chosen a green meadow and an uncovered pavilion overlooking a lake as the project site, it only highlighted a light summer mood with colorful florals and a great number of natural woods. The name of the site is Fox Lodge and peach-orange color, as one of the Bride’s favorites, set the tone for the whole design – from the invitations, in which we used images of fox cubs to elements of serving guest tables and other decorative elements with the corresponding bright accents.

Photography: Lena Kozhina | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Shoes: Marc Jacobs | Catering: Fox Lodge | Makeup Artist: Elena Otrembskaya | Wedding Venue: Fox Lodge | Cake and Desserts: Yumbaker | Decor: Latte Decor

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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