Leave the city far behind this Summer and reconnect with loved ones and nature in wild, wondrous destinations only accessible on a luxury yacht charter. With social distancing travel, you will be able to go on a vacation of a lifetime and still visit amazing places.
There is a wide selection of vessels available to suit all interests and group sizes, from intimate catamarans for family holidays to enormous expedition yachts packed with a wide array of water toys and amenities to fill every hour. You don’t need to travel to the ends of the Earth either – you might find treasures you never knew existed on your own coastline or in a country just across the water.
Eastern Mediterranean
When it comes to summer, the Mediterranean is the most popular destination for local and international visitors, however you can avoid the crowds entirely and cruise past the cities on your very own luxury yacht, waking up to secluded candy coves that cannot be accessed via road or even coastal tracks.
The Eastern Mediterranean has a plethora of archipelagos to get lost in for an entire week – or longer if you desire – and the crystal clear shallow water is one of the reasons why so many families with younger children choose this cruising ground. It also doesn’t hurt that there are many more days of warmth and sunshine in the Eastern Mediterranean, making it just as viable to visit in the off-peak seasons of spring and autumn if you’re less interested in visiting the famous landmarks.
Luxury yacht ANNABEL II is a great example of the motor yachts available in the Croatian charter grounds, offering an abundance of sunbathing areas on board, a sundeck Jacuzzi, fantastic water toys and a professional crew to pamper you along the way. The accommodation sleeps up to 10 guests in four en-suite cabins, and her top speed of 20 knots will mean less time cruising between each amazing destination.
The Dodecanese Islands in Croatia have an abundance of dive sites perfect for beginners through to advanced levels, and the breath-taking locations will ensure a memorable experience. White sand beaches await once you’ve had your fill of water sports, and your professional chef and crew can prepare a sumptuous three-course meal to savour by candlelight.
Greece is well known for bustling destinations such as Santorini and Corfu, however there are sandy beaches and beautiful vistas aplenty among the sleepy Aeolian Islands to the north. The Saronic Gulf is just south west of Athens for making connections with international flights, and the strong, steady breezes in this region power sail boats between remote villages, beautiful sandy shores and coastal churches and ruins.
Northern Europe
While the Mediterranean steals the show every summer, Northern Europe has its own unique delights to entice luxury yacht charter groups: The Norwegian Fjords have impressive waterfalls, and the extensive hiking and biking trails along the coasts will impress all lovers of the outdoors – Germany alone has beautiful soft sand beaches that stretch for miles and coasts excellent for windsurfing and other sail-powered water sports. Antwerp is a luxury shoppers’ paradise, particularly in the famed diamond district that has produced bespoke jewellery for centuries. Belgium, meanwhile, is famous for its waffles and chocolates, and would make a worthy indulgent treat for any special occasion.
Even farther north, an explorer yacht will take you to visit the icy wonders of Greenland & Svalbard, where visitors can kayak past glaciers, head to the slopes for winter sports and dogsled through the wilds. Warm up in the natural hot springs or your on board Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room and then wrap up warm with a cup of hot chocolate to watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky.
The Americas
The Caribbean & Bahamas are easily accessed from Florida, and the numerous remote islands ensure that you can get away from everything and everyone even in this popular cruising ground. Luxury catamarans are popular in the Bahamas because their shallow draft allows access to the best anchorages. Aboard OCEAN VIEW, guests wake up to beautiful contemporary interiors each morning with a freshly prepared breakfast awaiting them. Then there are the plush sunbeds to relax in the morning sunshine with a good book, or a morning exercise session with the on board yoga instructor.
For something even more remote, try the beautiful shores of Bermuda, where there are pink sand beaches just like in the Bahamas and its turquoise seas are amazing for snorkelling, Scuba diving and for little hands and feet to go exploring through rock pools.
Artists flock to Maine to capture the iconic lighthouses, but there are art galleries, micro-breweries and luxury boutiques for groups looking for a memento of their travels. Alaska, meanwhile is a truly rugged landscape that will appeal to groups with an active lifestyle who want to photograph the majestic wildlife and landscapes, including the hot springs and lava floes of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and the Hubbard Glacier.
The Maldives & Seychelles
This classic destination has never lost its appeal and set the standard for luxury yacht charters: Days filled with sunshine, beautiful white sand beaches and colourful sea life among incredible coral reefs. Open yacht NAWAIMAA zips between the islands at a top speed of 30 knots, so the group can spend the day visiting multiple snorkelling and Scuba diving sites or simply for a change of location each day. While at anchor, guests can rest in the Jacuzzi, refresh with a cocktail or relax in the air conditioned interiors and spend quality time together as a family.
The South Pacific
Last but not least, French Polynesia is a tropical wonderland where verdant emerald islands rise out of the sapphire seas. There are animated bars and top quality restaurants in port, but it’ll be hard to tear yourselves away from the majesty of these volcanic and coral islands.
By Trina Howes