Secluded Beach- Rhodes. Greece
Greece boasts a number of islands worth visiting on a private yacht charter, and Rhodes is one that has a lot to offer just about every traveler. From food to water sports to history, Rhodes has plenty to see and do—it’s no wonder vacationers have been coming here for decades.
Beautiful White Sand Caribbean Beach
In the market to plan a remote getaway with tropical vibes that include white sandy beaches, pristine waters, and gorgeous greenery? Look no further than the Caribbean islands. There is an abundance of remote islands that make up the Carribean—many of which are hidden gems and absolutely perfect for a private yacht charter vacation. Start planning now for a remote winter getaway on a private yacht charter; the winter weather in the Caribbean is always spectacular.
Prime vacationing season for cruising in the Caribbean usually starts in December. Many private yachts are available for Thanksgiving though, which also happens to be a great week for a yachting charter vacation. We recommend visiting some of the hidden islands that are fairly remote and will allow for maximum privacy and relaxation on a luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean.
Eze, France
Eze, France is a quaint little town seated on a hilltop in the middle of Nice and Monaco—perfect for a day trip on your next Mediterranean private yacht charter. Eze offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, lined by walled fortifications that are part of the ruins of a 12th century castle. The castle, originally built by the Romans and Moors, was used as a lookout for marauding pirates stealing inland from ships sailing along the coast. What’s left of the castle are beautiful cobblestone streets, weaving throughout the village, perfect for wandering by foot.
Village of Eze and Ochre Church French Riviera
Anchoring near Villefranche, Beaulieu ul Mer, or Cap Ferrat will allow the captain to arrange a van and private guide to the village of Eze inland. There’s a little perfume factory that offers free tours as well, of perfumes hand made in nearby Grasse.
Walking Streets of Eze French Riviera
Wander through Eze on the cobblestone streets at your leisure—you won’t get lost. The village is small enough to walk through in an afternoon. Hike a little further up to the Exotic Garden for beautiful views of the French Riviera and a great photo opportunity of the Cote d’Azur. Enjoy the handful of cute little shops, hidden courtyards, boutiques, and art galleries while spending a glorious day in Eze. Perhaps have lunch or dinner at the two star Michelin Restaurant La Chevre d”Or with Chef Arnaud Faye (reservations required). Visiting Eze should not be missed on a Mediterranean private yacht charter vacation.
Eze Narrow Alleyways
Great Exuma Island Coral Reef
Great Exuma, Bahamas offers vacationers terrific and unique experiences when vacationing on a Bahamas private yacht charter. Spend the day scuba diving in the crystal clear waters with a PADI-certified scuba diving instructor and visit Angelfish Blue Hole. Located in an enclosed bay off Stocking Island, the waters around Angelfish Blue Hole are home to an abundance of eagle rays and sea turtles. Diving into the “Hole” requires scuba diving to a depth of 92 feet, with flashlights needed for visibility.
Great Exuma Island Beach
After spending the day scuba diving, working up an appetite, head ashore to try the local cuisine. Visitors delight in the “no hurries, no worries” signs that are found throughout the island’s Fish Fry—a selection of food vendors that serve local specialities such as snapper, fries, peas and rice, and lobster. Enjoy casual eating, drinking, and relaxing. Along the marina in Georgetown is Choppy Waters. The seating at Choppy Waters overlooks the marina and the food selection is local cuisine at its finest including plantains, BBQ chicken, fresh caught snapper, and fries. Make Great Exuma, Bahamas your next Bahamas private yacht charter vacation for fun, food, and relaxation.
Las Salinas. Salt lake of Torrevieja
Tucked away in Valencia, Spain is the natural park of Las Salinas de Torrevieja—a gorgeous pink-water lake-one of the most impressive natural parks of Valencia, and not to be missed on a private yacht charter along the Spanish Costa del Azahar. The natural phenomenon of rose-tinted water is possible thanks to the archaeas (a micro-organism) and dunaliellas (micro-seaweeds) found in the lake giving the entire lake its pink-colored hue and the pink to the color of the feathers of the local lamingos that dine on these micro-organisms.. Adding to the “wow” factor are the huge mountains of salt piled high along the shore line gathered from the lake that has been sold for centuries. Be sure to pick up some natural Torrevieja salt for yourself.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Mount Desert Island is Maine’s largest island and home to Acadia National Park, one of the most treasured national parks in the United States. Take a week away from the busyness of everyday life to enjoy nature, freshly caught seafood, and luxury for a Mount Desert Island private yacht charter. There are a selection of quaint restaurants and pubs to choose from on Mount Desert Island if you want to try a meal or drink ashore, especially in Bar Harbor, as well as adorable shops, including wine shops where you can sample wines and gourmet cheeses.
Written By Missy Johnston
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece is a beautiful place to visit during the summer especially on a Santorini private yacht charter. The views from Santorini are absolutely breathtaking—perhaps one of the main reasons to put Santorini on your bucket list. If you’re looking to visit Santorini privately with your friends or family, we highly recommend including Santorini on a Greek private yacht charter. Vacationers arriving by charter yacht can visit Santorini in the best manner possible, in luxury and privacy. And there is nothing to compare to sailing into the Caldera on Santorini by private yacht surrounded by the extraordinary striated multicolored cliff sides.
Sunsets are a main attraction and are easily viewed from aboard when on a Greek private yacht charter—but also from the small village of Oia, where sunset viewing is an art form. Enjoy a dinner of freshly caught seafood, delicious mezzes, and Greek olives and olive oil while sipping on a delectable glass of Greek wine, all with the Santorini sunset in the background at one of the many terrific tavernas. If you’d like to enjoy more wine—which is made the same way it was by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago—book a private wine tasting or stop by Boutari Winery on the island to sample some of Greece’s finest.
Santorini, Greece at Sunset
Don’t miss the ongoing archeological dig in Akrotiri, uncovering the remains of a once wealthy Minoan trading city, whose inhabitants fled just before the infamous volcanic eruption in 1646 BC. Ash and debris covered the village, which was buried for centuries until discovered in the 1800’s. Today, visiting the site—which is said to be an excavation of only 5 percent of the actual buried trading city—is fascinating. Be sure to visit the museum in Fira, housing artifacts found in the excavations including fabulous wall murals.
Some of the quieter parts of the island, such as Southern Santorini and the black beaches on the outside of the island, are excellent for getting away from it all. Enjoy the magic and wonder of Santorini while relaxing in luxury, peace, and quiet aboard your Greek private yacht charter.
Santorini Greece, the Caldera
Luxury Yachts in Secluded Harbor
Vacationing has changed this year due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic. Luxury travel during COVID-19, however, is still possible by private yacht charter, where you decide who to vacation with and you decide on the itinerary. Whether you stay remote, spend time ashore, or a combination of both is up to your discretion. A yacht charter vacation is a terrific trip to take for privacy, luxury, and fun. While private yacht charters have adopted all of the changes needed for COVID-19 including cleaning and operating protocols, the crew can also usually be COVID-19 tested before any charter, if requested. One thing remains constant about private yacht charter vacations—the opportunity to vacation in whatever manner you would like, all designed around your choices within your comfort zone.
A private yacht charter is the perfect vacation to remain socially distant. Enjoy new scenery daily, while onboard your own private floating full service “hotel and restaurant.” The private crew is there to help make each charter a special experience. Enjoy water fun, drinks, excellent cuisine, stateroom service, and anything else needed so you don’t have to lift a finger. It is, after all, your vacation. Below we share three reasons why taking a private yacht charter vacation could just be the best way to vacation during the coronavirus.
Juneau, Alaska Entrance by Sea
The Alaskan Panhandle is an isolated part of the state, making it an excellent private getaway—and an even more private way to see it is via a private yacht charter. During the summer months, temperatures are milder than the frigid winter months, which makes it an optimal time to visit. It is best visited onboard a private yacht, in order to visit areas not easily accessible by the larger mega cruise ships. WiFi is very limited when sailing throughout the remote parts of Alaska, so this will give you a chance to truly disconnect from the world and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a magically nautical place to visit in the summer, with July and August being the peak of the season. Everything from the beaches, history and landmarks, mansions, seafood, and cultural life make it a wonderful destination to visit via a private yacht charter.
Newport is relatively small in terms of geographical area—entirely walkable, in fact—but it certainly packs a punch. Some of America’s grandest houses—“summer cottages” of the Gilded Age—were built right by the spectacular New England coastline of Newport. It’s also not uncommon to see visitors dress up in the evening for an enchanting dinner by the sea. There’s a reason why people continue to make Newport their summer vacation destination—the charm, luxury, and scenery remain constant, making Newport Rhode Island a wonderful private yacht charter destination.
Newport Harbor Bannisters Wharf Photo Credit Missy Johnston
Newport, known as a colonial harbor town, sprang up between the 17th and 18th centuries as an important trading city and one of the first sailing cities in the states. It was blockaded by the British during the American Revolutionary War in 1776, at which point life in Newport came to a screeching halt. But as always, the spirit of Newport was not diminished.
Initially, Newport rivaled the likes of New York and Boston in colonial days. Because the British blockaded the harbor in 1776, today, Newport has the largest stand of colonial buildings in America, most of which are still in active use today. Just wandering the streets of Newport is a step back in time. The main graveyard is a fascinating glimpse into history, containing the graves of many important Newporters from the 1600’s on, including the grave of one of Rhode Island’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Newport is also home to many “firsts” in America, including the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America; the Old Colony House, one of the first state houses where dignitaries met together as local leaders; and the Artillery Company of Newport, the oldest operating Artillery Company in the United States with cannons still used today that were cast in Paul Revere’s Foundry.
Touro Synagogue Newport, Rhode Island
Today, Newport is known as one of the most important sailing harbor towns in the United States. In Newport, the sailing museum, and soon the Sailing Hall of Fame, which is being moved to Newport, anchor the town as a sailing center. For decades, Newport was the scene of many America’s Cup Races between defenders and challengers, until in 1983, the Cup was lost to a challenge from Australia.
In addition to being home to many “firsts” in America, Newport is also home to many of the Gilded Age “cottages,” which can be found along Cliff Walk—a beautiful 3.5-mile walk along the coastline. Almost every afternoon from spring to fall, a cooling southwest thermal wind fills in Narragansett Bay, which made Newport a cool summer destination in the 19th and 20th centuries for the wealthy, and today makes Newport a sailor’s paradise. Many noteworthy families such as the Vanderbilt’s, Astors, and Morgans made Newport their summer vacation destination, building their summer cottages here during the Gilded Age, a period from around the 1880’s to 1929.
Newport Shoreline-Americas Cup Race Course
America’s cup is one of the oldest and best-known international yacht sailing competitions. Traditionally, the race is between the defending vessel and a challenging vessel, which are determined separately through a series of elimination races. Each vessel is built in the country it represents, and built to win. In 1983, Australia II defeated the United States in a stunning victory which took place in Newport. This was the first time the United States was beaten and lost the America’s Cup after a consecutive 24 wins—1870 was the last time they were defeated. Since that defeat, the race has not returned to Newport, but many hope that one day Newport will host the America’s Cup races once again.
Newport – The Breakers
One of the top attractions in Newport are the gorgeous 19th century Gilded Age mansions of Bellevue Avenue. These exquisitely designed “summer cottages” were built for the wealthy in order to “summer” in Newport to escape the season’s heat. The wealthy who summered here for six to eight weeks during July and August made Newport their playground. Yachting was an important gentleman’s sport, and many wealthy summer visitors brought their large luxury yachts to Newport. Sailing regattas were popular in Newport, given the constant thermal winds, which eventually helped Newport become the sailing capital of the world.
Taking a private specialized tour with your very own private guide is an excellent way to see the mansions up close and personal. There are a variety of immaculate mansions to choose from, including The Breakers, perhaps the grandest of them all. This Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion is filled with 70 rooms and was built for the famous Cornelius Vanderbilt II. After a private tour, head over a few steps to the Cliff Walk for a stroll, with the Atlantic on one side and the mansions on the other.
Ocean Drive, Newport, RI
Newport’s famous “Ten Mile Drive” is a fun way to experience Newport’s coastline. This scenic ocean drive is best spent in a convertible, allowing you to feel the cool, salty breeze of Newport’s seaside air with the wind in your hair while cruising by the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and immaculate summer cottages of the Gilded Age. There are miles of beautiful Newport shoreline, so perhaps bring along a basket for a picnic of fresh seafood.
“Ten Mile Drive” has four routes—Brenton Cove Shore, East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Ocean Drive, and Bellevue Avenue. Our recommendation is to start at Thames St. and make your way around to Bellevue Avenue. No matter which route you choose, it will be a relaxing drive full of scenery and adventure.
Newport is the “sailing capital of the world,” and as such, home to many wonderful yacht clubs. Newport Yacht Club is one of the top yachting facilities in New England, and is located in the northeast corner of Newport Harbor. However, the star of the show is The New York Yacht Club, which has a station in Newport at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court and has had a connection to Newport since 1844 when the founding members departed on a yachting cruise from New York Harbor to Newport.
Clarke’s Cook House, Newport, RI
Newport has a wonderful selection of restaurants available, ranging from those with laid-back atmospheres to those serving elegant suit-and-tie dinners. Enjoy a delicious casual lunch at Mission—a local comfort food burger joint. Their signature chile-cheese-dog is Instagram-worthy and a perfect bite to grab and go. For a delicious scoop of heaven, check out Sticks and Cones, possibly the best ice cream shop in town. Here, find an array of gelatos, soft serves, vegan ice cream, and warm waffles-on-a-stick to munch on. Flavors range from classic chocolate and vanilla to cotton candy, tiramisu, or s’mores.
For dinner, stop by Black Pearl for their world famous creamy clam chowder—a classic staple and cultural dish in Newport. Black Pearl is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Newport, having been founded in the early 1920’s. Dinner can be served either in the nearly unchanged dining room or on the patio overlooking the gorgeous Newport Harbor. If a newer vibe interests you, check out Thames Street Kitchen’s Revolving Door. This elegant restaurant featuring guest top chefs is filled with inspiring dishes, one of the best cocktails in town, and was named the best new restaurant by Towne & Country.
For a late night bite and cocktail, check out Clarke Cooke House—where the see-and-be-seen crowds gather on a Saturday night. Crowds are usually dressed to the nines, with men in blazers and women in eye-catching summer dresses. Guests can usually be found on the dance floor of the Sky Bar, in one of the other three floors of the restaurant, or down for disco in the Boom Boom Room. The cuisine here is world-renowned; Clarke Cooke House has a reputation as the heartbeat of Newport.
Bowen’s Wharf
There are a plethora of quaint boutiques and shops in Newport to browse. Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf are known as the Anchors of the Newport Waterfront. They offer a wonderful selection of shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. Shops are filled with art, jewelry, hats, and accessories. There is also a handful of marine-themed shops, as well as classic clothing boutiques. More shops are sprinkled throughout Newport, including Lower Thames Street for interesting boutiques, Spring Street for antique-hunters, and Bellevue Avenue for high-end shopping.
Newport is undoubtedly a wonderful ocean-side destination for a private yacht charter vacation. With its rich history, excellent sailing, wonderful eating, and shopping, you will, without a doubt, have a relaxing and unforgettable experience in Newport this summer. If staying away from the crowds sounds appealing, don’t forget, you can always stay aboard your private charter yacht for the duration of your trip, complete with your own personal chef and crew to make your vacation perfect and enjoy shoreside life from the decks of your private charter yacht. No matter the choice, Newport will be sure to “wow” you this summer on your private yacht charter.