If luxury accommodation with a guaranteed sea view sounds like your cup of tea, then chartering a superyacht might be the perfect choice for your next vacation. With so many destinations to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice, so we’ve put together a roundup of our top five destinations for the first-time sailor.
Phuket, Thailand
Home to white sand beaches and crystal clear seas, there’s no questioning the beauty of Thailand. Phuket has become the yachting central of South-East Asia, with the calm waters being ideal for sailing all year-round. Discover the natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay and be sure to snap a picture of those famous limestone cliffs that float along the horizon. For a little adventure, you can practice your swan dives into the warmth of the Indian Ocean and explore the tropical sea life by snorkelling through the reefs. Take prime position on the yacht’s deck and watch in awe as the sun-sets, then head to Ko Phi Phi where you can immerse yourself in the colourful nightlife that this bustling island has to offer.
Hvar, Croatia
You can’t go wrong when it comes to the Mediterranean – it’s a sailor’s dream with hundreds of islands to travel and different cultures to immerse yourself in. As one of Europe’s sunniest destinations, Croatia is a must do on your Mediterranean adventure, with the appeal of relaxed beaches, spectacular national parks, and a rich history. Dubbed the new St Tropez, Hvar is an essential docking point for ‘yachties’, especially those who lap up glitz and glamour. For panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops head to the Spanish Fortress – it’s picture perfect. Wind down at the end of the day with a bottle of the finest local wine and indulge in traditional Croatian cuisine.
Marmaris, Turkey
Turkey is another renowned yachting hotspot in the East Mediterranean Sea, its classic ruins, remote bays and striking coastlines are best showcased from the water. Marmaris is a perfect choice for your first yachting holiday, as Its idyllic location between Bodrum and Kas lends itself to a countless amount of sailing itineraries. If the versatile location and natural beauty of Turkey aren’t enough to tempt you, Marmaris is also a stamping ground for water sports, on-trend shopping, and exquisite food and as an added bonus the cost of living is very low, making it a great choice for families, or young yacht enthusiasts.
The French Riviera
Perhaps the most famous destination for superyacht exhibitions, The French Riviera is right of passage in the yachting community! The harbours of Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez are a sailor’s playground, with some of the largest and most expensive superyachts flocking there for the summer season. There are miles of coastline to explore in the South East and if you visit in the summer months you’ll benefit from the beautiful weather. If you get the chance, take a trip to the Mercantour National Park where you can submerge yourself in the wilderness and enjoy the breath-taking views – it’s a refreshing escape from the glitz and glamour of the harbours.
Cancun, Mexico
Known for accommodating American students for a boozy spring break, Cancun is not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a luxury yacht charter, but there’s no better way to see the Mexican coastline than via the water. Yachting through Mexico is the perfect opportunity to get away from the hectic city and experience some of the more remote locations, like the tranquil island of Isla Mujeres, otherwise known as paradise. Here, you can swim in turquoise waters and enjoy the friendly atmosphere embraced by locals and many expats. With temperatures reaching a pleasant 26 degrees, Mexico is the ideal destination for a luxury Christmas getaway.