It’s not too late to surprise your partner and organise a last minute charter for Valentine’s Day aboard one of these fantastic yachts under 40m/131ft. These cosy yachts are anything but cramped and offer the same great variety in modern and classic interiors and features as some of their larger counterparts, with some open yachts capable of twice their speed.

From cruising the Caribbean to exploring the wonders of Australia, the southern hemisphere is the perfect place to chase the summer sun, or instead discover the beauty of Europe ahead of the crowds with some of the charter options below.

1. Simple Pleasure – Stately interiors and a leisurely lifestyle

Sunseeker’s 30m/98ft luxury yacht SIMPLE PLEASURE has striking contrast interiors that separate each area according to function.

Motor yacht SIMPLE PLEASURE. Photo credit: Sunseeker Yachts

The forward formal dining area is well suited to any occasion; the dark earthy colours create a sensual atmosphere ideal for romantic breaks and the main salon to the aft is a perfect place to gather for drinks after the main meal, ready to receive visitors.

SIMPLE PLEASURE – Main salon. Photo credit: Sunseeker Yachts

Sliding doors open out onto a sheltered aft main deck where guests will find sheltered seating and optional alfresco dining. Up on the flybridge, a retractable sunroof ensures that the seating area beside the bar receives just as much sun as the Jacuzzi and sundpads to the aft.

Luxury yacht SIMPLE PLEASURE – Sundeck. Photo credit: Sunseeker Yachts

Built for performance, motor yacht SIMPLE PLEASURE is capable of a crusing speed of 21 knots and a top speed of 28 knots, making her an excellent choice for travelling the mainland and islands of Europe.

Accommodation: 8 guests: 1 Master suite, 2 twin cabins
Crew: 5
Price per week: €59,000 plus expenses
February charter grounds: The Mediterranean

2. Vervece – Deceive and delight

Built in in 1964 by Benetti M&B and refitted and relaunched by Palumbo Yachts in 2013, the unusual outer appearance of this converted 30m/98ft tug hides the modern majesty just inside: Beachhouse colours and soft, rounded furnishings create a bright and modern interior that will wow your valentine and any other guests along for the journey.

Tug VERVECE

The formal dining area aboard luxury yacht VERVECE has a rustic charm befitting the untouched Mediterranean villages along the Amalfi coast and the sliding doors will bring a rush of sea breeze to the large living space. Out on the aft deck there is plenty of seating and sunpads, and a canvas can be extended over the area to provide shade.

VERVECE – Dining area attached to the main salon

The upper lounge is a cosy alternative for guests looking to break off from the main party and the upper deck has a table for alfresco dining for up to 8 people. Satellite television is provided in the main salon and throughout the guest cabins.

VERVECE – Spacious seating and sunbathing area on the aft deck

Accommodation: 9 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 double cabin, 2 twin cabins
Crew: 6
Price per week: €35,000-49,000 plus expenses
February charter grounds: Europe

3. La Docle Vita – Cool on the outside, warm on the inside

Seclusion or sophistication? Give your loved one both worlds: The Caribbean is a land of lush rainforests, volcanic islands and sparkling waters teeming with life – and that’s to say nothing of the modern metropolises that shine long after sunset.

M/Y LA DOLCE VITA from Hargrave Custom Yachts

Hargrave Custom Yachts‘s 30m/98ft luxury yacht LA DOLCE VITA (ex.KING BABY) fits in effortlessly with her changing surroundings, offering a warm interior accented with high gloss wood and lit for late night entertainment.

Luxury yacht LA DOLCE VITA – Main salon

In the main salon, the sumptuous sofas are perfect for curling up on while watching the widescreen TV together and the nearby bar offers easy convenience for guests throughout the evening, whether indoors or out on the aft deck seating.

LA DOLCE VITA – Sundeck

The flybridge is the focal centre for outdoor entertainment, containing a spa pool, bar and alfresco dining along with the best views on board day or night.

Motor yacht LA DOLCE VITA has plenty of water toys, including:

• 2 x Waverunners,
• 1 x wakeboard
• inflatable kayaks
• beach games
• snorkelling equipment
• fishing equipment and
• inflatable and towable toys

Her cabins are just as lavish as her main salon for a comfortable night’s rest after spending the day exploring with your partner.

Accommodation: 8 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 1 double cabin, 1 twin cabins
Crew: 4
Price per week: $18,000-23,000 USD plus expenses
February charter grounds: The Caribbean

4. Aurora – Fine dining and high speed romance

There’s plenty to see in the Mediterranean and at a cruising speed of 22 knots and a maximum speed of 26 knots, 30m/98ft luxury yacht AURORA from Technomar will help you reach as much of it as possible.

MY AURORA. Picture credit: Technomar

Her spacious, sophisticated modern interior is filled either side with silver sofas under-lit for atmospheric evenings where darkness is preferred. Whether dining at the formal indoor table or dining alfresco on the aft deck, you and your guests will taste mouthwatering morsels from Chef George Georgie, who won the Category A Platinum at the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2016.

Alfresco dining on the aft deck aboard MY AURORA. Photo credit: Technomar

The spa pool and sunpads towards the bow are an excellent place to relax away from the main group and have one of the best views of anywhere on board.

Luxury yacht AURORA – Spa pool on the bow. Photo credit: Technomar

Once you discover the clear waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, the on board selection of water toys will become irresistible: a jet ski, kayak, snorkelling and fishing equipment and towable toys will entertain the whole family.

Accommodation: 10 guests: 1 Master suite, 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins
Crew: 6
Price per week: €42,000-49,000 plus expenses
February charter grounds: The Mediterranean

5. Sea Quell – Explore the Caribbean at leisure

New Zealand builders Alloy Yachts created the beautiful 33m/108ft sailing yacht SEA QUELL back in 1992 and her refit in 2013 has modernised her appearance and technology for smooth sailing and plenty of excitement.

Alloy Yachts: SEA QUELL

Her custom lighting adds a personalised touch to the spacious cherry wood panelled main salon, where guests can enjoy a coffee together before starting the day.

Main salon and dining area – SEA QUELL

Romantics will adore the tiled hot tub, which is inlaid into her rich tonal decking. Steps lead up past the covered alfresco dining area to the cosy wheelhouse, where guests will discover another place on board to get together for close conversation.

Sailing yacht SEA QUELL – Hot tub

Accommodation: 6 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 double cabin, 1 twin cabin
Crew: 4
Price per week: $40,000-46,000 USD plus expenses
February charter grounds: The Caribbean

6. Charisma – Overflowing with charm

Radiant both inside and out in her warm golden tones and ivory white, 37m/120ft motor yacht CHARISMA (ex.LIFESTYLE) from Danube Marine Consulting (DMC) is impressive both in artistry and functionality.

M/Y CHARISMA from Danube Marine Consulting

In the main salon, the eye-catching and atmospheric formal dining area sits in its own alcove on the far side of the room and the surrounding walls slide around to reveal or hide the galley behind.

Motor yacht CHARISMA – Main salon

Outdoor seating for alfresco dining is available on the main deck and the sundeck, where the Jacuzzi, wet bar and sunpads turn this outdoor space into the entertainment hub from afternoon long into the night.

Motor yacht CHARISMA – Sundeck

The vast Master suite is located on the main deck and consists of a lounge area with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom on the lower deck. Every cabin has TV entertainment and ensuite facilities, so whether you charter as a party of 2 or a full party of 8, everyone receives the same superb entertainment.

Accommodation: 8 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 double cabin, 2 twin cabins
Crew: 5
Price per week: $75,000-85,000 USD plus expenses
February charter grounds: The Caribbean

7. Levante – Sail under the stars

Charter through the Caribbean and Central America this February aboard the immaculate modern catamaran LEVANTE from Sunreef Yachts. This 24m/80ft catamaran has the advantage of a shallow draft, allowing you and your guests to approach the shore closer than you would with a larger motor yacht.

Catamaran LEVANTE by Sunreef Yachts

Brilliant white interiors with striking black furnishings and flooring comprise the interior. The main salon and Master suite are located on the main deck.

Main salon inside S/Y LEVANTE

The spacious deck provides a large outdoor space for sunbathing on the sunpads and sheltered alfresco dining, and the upper deck provides plenty of seating for visitors and acts as a viewing platform while your captain natigates to your next destination.

Catamaran LEVANTE – Aft deck dining and sunpads

Accommodation: 10 guests: 1 Master suite, 2 double cabin, 1 twin cabin
Crew: 4
Price per week: $50,000-58,000 USD plus expenses
February charter grounds: Caribbean and Central America

8. Tess – Timeless comfort and style

Sail through paradise and enjoy life in the moment together. 24m/78ft sailing yacht TESS (ex.SPEEDY GO) is a classic 1986 yacht built by Mag France and last updated in 2012.

Sailing yacht TESS by Mag France

There’s plenty of deck space for sunbathing together and the cockpit will seat 8, making it an excellent spot for alfresco dining for groups large and small.

Luxury yacht TESS – Cockpit

When you want a shady retreat, the stylish salon is a cosy environment with plenty of skylit seating and nearby lamps for more concentrated light where you need it.

TESS – Main salon

Accommodation: 10 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 double cabin, 2 twin cabins
Crew: 3
Price per week: €18,000-23,000 plus expenses
February charter grounds: Malta

Luxury yacht SIMPLE PLEASURE – Sundeck. Photo credit: Sunseeker Yachts

Motor yacht SIMPLE PLEASURE. Photo credit: Sunseeker Yachts

9. Play the Game – It’s worth the risk to try something new

28m/92ft superyacht PLAY THE GAME from Sunseeker Yachts was built in 2014 to offer every guest the same high quality experience, both in communal areas and cabins. To this end, all accommodation has cutting edge entertainment systems and an en-suite bathroom with jet showers.

M/Y PLAY THE GAME by Sunseeker

The elegantly decorated main salon and dining area is sure to become a favourite spot for all charter guests: Warm, welcoming and bright, her aft sliding doors open wide to bring in the natural scents and sensations of the Balearic Islands. Outside, there is an alfresco dining table and a soft sofa where the two of you can watch the sun disappear over the horizon.

Luxury yacht PLAY THE GAME – Beautifully styled main salon

Luxury yacht PLAY THE GAME  has an excellent selection of water toys for high-speed fun and relaxation in some of Spain’s most idyllic beaches, bays and coves. With a cruising speed of 21 knots and a maximum speed of 29, she is the perfect choice for charter guests wanting to see everything the Balearic Islands have to offer.

Accommodation: 8 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP staterooms, 1 double cabin, 1 twin cabin
Crew: 4
Price per week: €49,500-54,500 USD plus expenses
February charter grounds: Balearic Islands

10. Paradise – Not just a name

Built by Horizon Yachts in 2014, 35m/116ft motor yacht PARADISE has luscious modern interiors that bring together art and functionality for top of the line living spaces perfect for socialising and entertainment.

Motor yacht PARADISE by Horizon Yachts

The main salon and formal dining area provide a bright and spacious area for all guests to enjoy. The wet bar is perfectly situated for serving evening gatherings both inside and out on the aft deck, where guests can observe sea turtles and manta rays swimming past Australia’s coral reefs.

Luxury yacht PARADISE – Main Salon

Luxury yacht PARADISE has an excellent selection of toys for enjoying the Great Barrier Reef at its best:

• 2 x jet-skis
• 2 x surf boards
• 1 x kayak
• fishing equipment
• snorkelling equipment
• scuba diving equipment and
• inflatable and towable toys

While on the move to your next fantastic destination, cool off in the beautiful deck Jacuzzi and take in the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with your loved one. Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember aboard luxury yacht PARADISE and enjoy dining alfresco accompanied by the choice on board drinks selection, then watch the first stars sparkle into view above the ocean.

Superyacht PARADISE – External seating

Accommodation: 10 guests: 1 Master suite, 2 VIP staterooms, 2 twin cabins
Crew: 6
Price per week: $125,000 USD plus expenses
February charter grounds: Australia