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Few travel excursions are as special—and aspirational—as a private yacht charter. And as more travelers are searching for these types of exclusive experiences, their brands of choice are taking note. “Hotels are responding through exceptional experiences that not only keep their guests within the brand but also provide the notion of freedom,” says Rebecca Masri, founder of hotel app Little Emperors and luxury board advisor to Four Seasons, Hilton, and Accor. What else says freedom like a day on the water, with five-star services at your beck and call?
From sporty motor yachts in the Mediterranean to slow-paced sailboats in remote Indonesian archipelagos, hotels around the world have begun launching yachting experiences that combine their own brand of luxury with unparalleled adventures at sea, all exclusively for their guest’s use and enjoyment. Whether you're looking for day trips or a week-long cruise, here are five of our favorite charter yachts from five-star hotel brands.
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A sailing yacht with a glass-bottom bathtub in the Maldives
Captain Grant Ruffel’s favorite feature of Soneva in Aqua is the glass-bottomed bathtub in the primary cabin. “When the bathtub is open, you can see an entire underwater aquarium below,” he says. Ruffel’s crew onboard the 75-foot (23 meter) motorsailer includes a Barefoot Guardian, engineer, chef, and spa therapist; additionally, an expert dive master, surf instructor, astronomer, or ‘digital storyteller’ (photographer and videographer) can join a trip upon request. Both of the hotel brand's overwater-bungalow resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, are launchpads for day cruises or longer, multi-night sailings. Sites like Rose Garden reef and Corbin wreck site in the Goidhoo Atoll are classic underwater attractions, although Ruffel says each itinerary is fully tailored to guests’ desires, “whether they prefer to sail to remote islands and atolls, surf hidden breaks and dive secret sites, or simply relax with an on-deck massage under the stars.”
Cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs on a motor yacht in Cyprus
The newly opened Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort in Cyprus is all about experiential luxury travel, according to Panayiotis Markou, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. Margio, the resort’s sleek 55-foot (17-meter) motor yacht, is built for sporty speeds but turns the pace low for intimate day trips along the untamed coastline of the vast Akamas National Park, or into the cerulean depths of Blue Lagoon. Summer’s Michelin-starred chef residencies add a gastronomic twist to this yacht charter (for an extra fee), and with two cabins outfitted to match the on-land suites, overnight stays are available upon request. “A sense of luxury, freedom, and tailor-made experiences is what we find so many travelers require nowadays," Markou says. "A yacht adds an additional layer of experience to our guest’s time here."
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An traditional ship with superyacht amenities in Indonesia
“The only limit is the guest’s imagination,” says Dimitri Tran of the sailing possibilities onboard Vela, the 164-foot (50-meter) private yacht of luxury Balinese eco-hideaway Nirjhara. Custom-built in 2022 for multi-night charters sailing the vast Indonesian archipelago, the stunning vessel combines the traditional feel of a traditional Indonesian phinisi with the modern appeal of a superyacht—complete with an outdoor gym, masseuse, yoga instructor, and water toy collection. “While Vela’s design is distinctly contemporary, the boat remains inherently Indonesian, and we wanted to convey a different perspective on this beautiful country,” adds Tran, who is the co-founder of Nirjhara. That translates into ceramics produced in Ubud, custom-made fabrics handwoven in East Bali using plant-based dye, a craft-cocktail list that infuses exotic fruits and herbs from the region, and a bespoke collection of reef-friendly bath amenities inspired by the scents of the Indonesian Spice Islands, made using natural ingredients.
An ultra-luxe catamaran in Turks & Caicos
Sometimes two hulls are simply better than one, and the shallow draft of Lady Grace, the Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos’ 65-foot (20-meter) day-tripping catamaran, glides through Grace Bay with an ease that has bigger motor yachts looking on in envy. Plus, there’s no better spot than a net trampoline to lie back and watch the translucent Caribbean waters pass underneath. Sunset cruises, snorkeling sessions, or full-day sailings to nearby islands are signature all-inclusive excursions. Expect some VIP cameo appearances, too. “Guests love to relax at the stern of the boat to watch out for JoJo, the local dolphin that frequently comes out to play,” says Property Director Shona Perry.
An elegant river barge through the Champagne region of France
Foregoing shiny yachts on open seas for classic barges on scenic French waterways, Belmond’s fleet of luxury péniches will expand in May 2023 with the inaugural voyage of Coquelicot in Champagne. Slow, sophisticated travel is the objective; each sailing is a week long to allow guests the time to slip into the gentle rhythm of river cruising. As they do, they’ll breathe in the scents of local herbs and wildflowers that perfume the large top deck social area and lounge in artfully curated living spaces outfitted in the pastel shades of sparkling wine. A partnership with Maison Ruinart, the original Champagne house, uncorks exclusive tastings and lunches both onboard and in the vineyard. “We provide an exclusive home that moves while enjoying the most amazing meals with the best produce sourced from local markets and a dedicated team who is on hand for any requests," says Gary Franklin, vice president of Belmond Trains and Cruises. "This has never been more relevant or appealing to guests as it is today.”