Fraser Yachts, Magic
The top five most in-demand yacht destinations and how to charter this summertime.
Chartering, yachting and megayachts are on the rise in popularity, and only growing this summertime. According to Debra Blackburn, charter broker for Fraser Yachts, there was an 86 percent increase of days booked in US destinations when comparing 2021 to 2019.
With once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the flexibility of a custom itinerary, privacy and luxury, it’s no wonder that chartering has become such a sought-after method of traveling. We reached out to Fraser Yachts and Exclusive Resorts, an elite vacation club that offers members the opportunity to book private charters, to find the best destinations and ways to charter this summertime, plus wear to stay after your yacht experience is complete.
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- THE BAHAMAS
Exclusive Resorts
This is the first year The Bahamas has made its way up to a top-five chartering destination, likely because it was one of the first locations to reopen for travel after the pandemic. As Fraser Yachts says, it “allowed those that hadn’t previously been to discover its beauty.” It’s also just a short flight from the East Coast, and the Bahamas offers stunning natural scenery and great water sports.
YACHTS AVAILABLE TO CHARTER
● Clarity
A beautifully renovated, vintage yacht that “showcases the stunning lines of a 1920s classic gentlemen’s yacht while offering the utmost comfort and five-star amenities.”
● Corazon
One of the most versatile yachts, featuring a standout sundeck that offers a “large seating area with tables that raise and lower to transition from suntanning time to cocktail hour, plus an outdoor dining area complete with wet bar, grill and wine fridge.” The Corazon is also capable of carrying up to six crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
WHERE TO STAY
While these yachts are jam-packed with luxury and activities that can make it hard to leave, here are some places to stay and things to do while at your destination.
● The Abaco Club at Winding Bay
Just steps away from a private beach, enjoy luxury in a members-only, rustic-chic enclave at The Club. It also offers a spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, infinity pool, tennis courts and golf course.
● Bahama Mar
With access to private beaches, multiple pools, wellness spas and a grand casino, the private and intimate Rosewood Baha Mar is a popular destination for a luxury getaway.
THINGS TO DO
● Try a Conch Dish
While in the Bahamas, be sure to try their speciality dish, the conch. It’s similar to calamari and can be enjoyed steamed, deep-fried or even raw.
● Go underwater motorbiking in Nassau
You could snorkel along the world’s third largest reef barrier, but if you’re looking for more adventure, explore in a self-contained underwater motorcycle.
● Swim with the pigs of Big Major Cay Island
It’s exactly what it sounds like. Nobody really knows how the pigs came to be on the island, but they are there, ready to swim with you.
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2. THE MEDITERRANEAN: GREECE, ITALY AND CROATIA
Fraser Yachts, WHEELS
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With what seems to be endless secret coves and beaches accessible only by boat, The Mediterranean remains a popular chartering destination. Not only is it rich in ancient history, these countries offer beautiful, continuous sunshine, stunningly blue seas, fantastic eats and awe-inspiring breathtaking beaches and popular landmarks.
YACHTS AVAILABLE TO CHARTER
● WHEELS
A chief stewardess is ready to prepare the yacht’s signature Hotweels cocktail. Equipped with exceptional water toys and a salon that converts to a disco area, there’s a lot to love about this top-rated yacht.
● Kamalaya
Kamalya offers a “great selection of toys and tenders including two jet-skis with instructors, two seabobs, an e-foil, diving equipment and more. Get the full benefit of your journey with the onboard gym instructor and personal trainer, ready to exceed your limits.”
WHERE TO STAY
● Villa Livka on the Island of Brac, Croatia
In this private residence, you can dip in your private pool or enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop deck. You may find yourself never wanting to leave your luxury four-bedroom villa, but when you do, you can scuba in the clear water or taste pure olive oil crafted from the island’s numerous trees.
● Villa Bella on the Amalfi Coast of Italy
Clinging to the cliffside, This villa boasts breathtaking sea views. Take in the scenery with a private pool and spacious outdoor terrace or explore with hikes from village to village.
THINGS TO DO
● Horseback Riding in Santorini
Tour along the volcanic beaches of Santorini on horseback. The tour includes an on-hand guide and takes around one and a half hours.
● Visit Positano Island
One of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean, Positano Island is filled with luxurious shopping and eating.
● Book a Food & Wine Tour in Croatia
Experience Croatia with all five senses as you tour through the historic, unique country and get the best of food and wines available.
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3. WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN: FRANCE
Fraser Yachts, Formosa
The thought of France may bring images of designer brands or romantic restaurants, but it offers much more than museums and Eiffel Tower trips. For example, the French Riviera is arguably the world’s most luxurious sailing destination, with glamorous sailing resorts and breathtaking views of western Europe.
YACHTS AVAILABLE TO CHARTER
● Formosa
Located in French Polynesia in the summertime and Costa Rica for the winters, the Formosa is a proven, seasoned world charter. It features one of the largest jacuzzis on a yacht, two VIP staterooms, a jetski training center and a long-standing captain and crew with an unrivaled experience.
● Unexpected
Built with charter in mind, Unexpected is the ultimate family-fun yacht. It boasts a superb sundeck and hot tub with a refreshed interior that accommodates up to 10 guests.
WHERE TO STAY
● La Retraite & Villa La Colline
Your private, luxury villa is awaiting, situated near the charming villages of Cote D’azur, France. Respite lies in the expansive outdoor spaces and a private pool overlooking the countryside.
● Chalet Valentine
A five-bedroom chalet situated on the famous Kandahar Ski Piste. During your stay, a host assists with planning, and a driver will whisk you away to explore the scenery.
THINGS TO DO
● Explore the history and fine dining of Avignon
This city of Provence is not only abundant in history, but some of the world’s finest cuisine, such as the Christian Étienne. Tour the Palace of the Popes and head to a Michelin-star restaurant afterward.
● Shop at Le Bon Marché and other famous high-end boutiques of Paris
It wouldn’t be a France trip without shopping in Paris. Head to Avenue des Champs-Élysées for the world’s most high-end fashion.
● Escape in the picturesque town of Annecy
This alpine town located at the bottom of the French Alps is known for its old, luxury buildings, posh ski resort and its jaw-dropping, crystal clear lake that runs through the middle of the town.
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4. NEW ENGLAND
Fraser Yachts, Big Eagle
Easy accessibility makes it hard to pass up an opportunity to explore the beauty of America’s East Coast islands. With luxury shopping, endless bike paths and delicious lobster everywhere, New England is a great spot for chartering a yacht.
YACHTS AVAILABLE TO CHARTER
● Big Eagle
This yacht is made for entertaining, thanks to its large deck and access to several different water toys. There are also bikes on board to comfortably explore the islands around you.
● Magic
With possibly the largest interior space a yacht can offer, Magic is made for luxury and relaxation. Watch a movie with your family in the outdoor theater, relax in the jacuzzi or separate his/her bathtubs in the master suite, and enjoy alfresco dining for parties of up to 10.
WHERE TO STAY
● Nantucket, Massachusetts
Walking distance to town (and lobster rolls), these charming cottages are a beautiful getaway to enjoy biking, boutiques and sightseeing. Each luxury home has 5 – 6 bedrooms so there’s room for the entire family to spread out.
● Park Avenue Place in New York City
Chartering a private yacht doesn’t mean you have to be completely secluded from all the activity New England has to offer. New York City is the cultural capital of the world, and now you can vacation in private luxury. According to the site, “These two-bedroom residences are outfitted in chic metropolitan flair with cityscape views. See Broadway shows, dine Michelin-star style, privately tour museums, or simply enjoy the lights in The City That Never Sleeps.”
THINGS TO DO
● Race or rent an exotic car
Head to Boston’s famous Palmer Motorsports Park to test your racing skills, or be sure to travel in luxury by renting an exotic car through Gotham Dream Cars.
● Schedule a Shopping Spree at Bergdorf Goodman
Reservations aren’t required, but to experience an exclusive shopping spree, be sure to schedule yours with Bergdorf Goodman where you’ll enjoy your own private dressing room and an assistant who can pre-select items based on your requests.
● Watch a baseball game with a Yankees’ legend
When you rent the party suite at a Yankees’ game, you can also enjoy it with one of many former legends of the team. Bring memorabilia you want signed and enjoy a buffet of baseball-favorite foods.
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5. BRITISH COLUMBIA & ALASKA
Fraser Yachts, All Inn
It might be mostly known for its winter skiing, but British Columbia and Alaska are top destinations for summertime yacht chartering, thanks to some of the most exquisite and serene hidden islands and coastal forests.
YACHTS AVAILABLE TO CHARTER
● All Inn
Your vacation will be nothing short of exceptional with this yacht. With a spacious and luxurious master suite, a fly deck with a barbecue grilling area and all the water toys you can imagine, All Inn is more than just a fancy name, it’s how you’ll be living this summertime.
● Komokwa
This yacht offers a private deck with 360 degree views, hot tub, fully equipped gym and more to explore western Canada from a perspective you’ve likely never seen.
WHERE TO STAY
● Kadenwood Estates
Exclusive Resorts so far only offers this stay in Whistler, British Columbia, but with the right charter and customized itinerary, you should be able to make your way over to the beautiful lands of Alaska while there. Adventures await from hiking to canoeing. Relax in the private hot tub, steam room or ride the gondola to Creekside Village.
THINGS TO DO
● Book a private wildlife “meet and greet” tour
Alaska is known for its abundant wildlife, and there are several different luxury, private tours you can book so meet the wildlife up close and personal.
● Race on an authentic dogsled tour
You’ll likely need to book a helicopter, and you need to book far in advance, but once you make your way through the Troublesome Glacier, a team of 40 sled dogs await to transport you across the glaciers where you might even spot other wildlife, like moose or mountain goats.
● Head to the gorgeous Butchart Gardens
British Columbia is filled with beautiful islands and exotic, breathtaking gardens, such as the Butchart Garden, where you can enjoy private transportation and an exclusive tour of this amazing landmark and the nearby cities.
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ABOUT MEMBERSHIPS WITH EXCLUSIVE RESORTS
Exclusive Resorts provides access to 400 residences and experiences in over 75 of the world’s most coveted destinations. As CEO James Henderson said, “We’re seeing a strong desire among our members to connect with loved ones and a renewed interest in events that bring people together. Our members are investing in these big-ticket trips—around the world by private jet, safaris, and our private yacht trips are a natural extension of those offerings—because they want to get out there.”
One of the wonderful things about a private yacht experience with a membership is that you have a safe, unique opportunity to curate your itineraries while exploring incredible locations that are only accessible by boat. For membership info, head here.
Fraser Yachts
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HOW TO BOOK YOUR YACHT TO CHARTER
Fraser is a great resource being the world’s leading full-service yachting company. The company offers charter, but also yacht sales, management, construction and marketing. According to Blackburn, “The increase in demand and shift in consumer travel preferences due to the pandemic has put yacht charter booking at a historically high rate. We’re even beginning to see clients book more than a year in advance, which we’ve never experienced before.”
There is a limited number of yachts on the market to charter, so be sure to give plenty of time when booking your trip. For more information, head here.
