The luxury yachting industry has moved its attention away from the Mediterranean charter grounds to the action-packed social scene of the Caribbean and Bahamas, and there are plenty of opportunities to join in the fun on a superyacht charter this winter.

BTA Beach – Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc

There are also plenty of other warm sandy destinations to choose from in the southern hemisphere to avoid the cold for a little while longer – but to make your getaway break truly spectacular there is some important advice to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

Kids Playing – Belize Tourism Board

Broad options with the best outcome:

Book early

Pick up the choice options before they disappear and book early to secure that perfect holiday. Sailing yachts and motor yachts with a fantastic selection of amenities – whether they be spa or fitness related or tailored to cutting-edge entertainment – and an incredible crew that might include jet ski and Scuba diving instructors and Michelin-starred chefs will be coveted within the luxury yachting industry.

Destinations also rise in popularity depending on the time of year, and Christmas and New Year is the opportunity to party in the beach bars of the Caribbean and Bahamas.

If you’re putting off making the final decision, make use of feedback and advice from an accredited luxury yacht charter broker for peace of mind that you’re selecting the best option for your group interests and budget.

lifestyle jacuzzi sun deck

Book very early for special events

Whether the event you have in mind is an anniversary or a holiday, it is essential to secure your dates at least a year in advance to avoid disappointment: Not only is it a case of securing your ideal luxury yacht, berths need to be booked and reservations for any restaurants made. The popular spots fill up fast but if you’ve left it too late and still intend on going, then this could be an excellent chance to discover some hidden gems within your favourite cruising ground.

Victoria – Belize Tourism Board

Not all ‘specials’ are equal…

In the shoulder seasons between the main charter periods, there are often myriad deals with charter prices offering such incentives as ‘8 days for 7’ or a 10% discount and all-inclusive charters are available year-round.

While there may be some room for negotiation in the low season, a superyacht is very unlikely to offer deals over the busiest ‘high demand’ charter periods when owners don’t need to offer any booking incentives.

It should always be observed that ‘if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is’: Check for recent photos of onboard living areas and unless you have chartered that luxury yacht in the past couple of years with the same captain and crew, it’s best not to take the chance and consult your charter broker for the latest update on the crew situation and the state of the yacht.

Significant price reductions are also more likely to crop up after events such as the 2017 hurricanes or even the Zika scare. In these types of situations, it’s up to you to weigh the risks against the rewards based on the feedback from one of our brokers.

Snorkelling

Use an unbiased, experienced yacht charter broker

An industry professional is going to know how to sift the wheat from the chaff, however, it is important to select a company that does not work directly for yacht owners as their attention will be more on pleasing the owner and less on your own experience and feedback.

CharterWorld is an independent yacht charter company and member of the MYBA – Worldwide Yachting Association, offering professional services from brokers that have extensive recent and ongoing experience in the yachting industry. Several CharterWorld brokers have membership in the CYBA (Charter Yacht Broker’s Association) and both organisations are dedicated to maintaining and upholding worldwide ethical standards in the yacht charter industry before, during and after any charter.

Caribbean vacations

Provide as much information as possible on your preferences

The more information you provide when filling out your preference sheet, the more your luxury yacht broker can whittle down undesirable options to present you with your perfect choice, from health retreats or water sports holidays to sailing yachts with Jacuzzis or extensive outdoor deck space for hosting your own seasonal celebration. Wheelchair accessibility and dietary preferences are also an important part of catering to your group, and there are crews and vessels designed to meet your needs.

Banyon – Belize Tourism Board

Enticing example destinations to spend your winter:

Florida and Bermuda

Immerse yourself in the Florida Keys for exceptional fishing and water sports among the mangroves, with many out-of-the-way anchorages for a sunset meal on an isolated beach.

For even more seclusion, Bermuda is an incredible destination with sheltered conditions for children in the group learning new water sports, history and culture and pink sand beaches stretching along the coastline for quiet romantic evenings under the stars.

Grape Bay Beach – Photo credit Bermuda Tourism Authority

Caribbean & Bahamas

The destination to visit over the winter season, the Caribbean and Bahamas will be catering to the luxury yachting community and putting on festivals, events and regattas to entertain locals and international visitors alike.

There are tons of options to find an uninhabited island for sunbathing, water sports and hosting your own private party, and civilisation is often just a short cruise away for access to bright lights, thrills and luxuries.

Following the 2017 hurricanes, there are little to no signs remaining amongst the natural locations, and restaurants and hotels have used closures for renovations to bounce back with even more lavish facilities than ever.

Pigs Swimming in the Bahamas – Photo ©Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

The Maldives & Seychelles

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix many superyachts cruise on to the Indian Ocean for a second summer among glassy turquoise waters and quiet beaches far from light pollution and city noise.

Top quality restaurants, spa facilities, galleries and other entertainments are available on land, however, the myriad of diving and snorkelling sites coupled with your own onboard luxuries ensure that the only reason you might have to disembark is to join your chef in selecting fresh ingredients from local markets.

Grand Anse – Seychelles – © Gerard Larose/STB

Southeast Asia

Cruise from Myanmar through the Andaman Sea down to Thailand and onwards to Java and Indonesia for an exceptional coastal journey taking in a variety of cultures, scenic world heritage sites and national parks home to vibrant birds and powerful lizards such as the Komodo Dragon. The food is flavourful, dive sites numerous and wildlife far from camera shy for a holiday that will satisfy children and adults alike.

Spectacular South East Asia – Photo Nicolas Benazeth

Australia & New Zealand

Excellent for adventurers who want to get up close to the rugged landscape either by luxury yacht or by disembarking, both Australia and New Zealand present a wealth of water sports opportunities due to a robust outdoor lifestyle. Vineyards, luxury shopping opportunities and wildlife encounters with kiwis, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and more await luxury yacht charter groups heading to these magnificent destinations.

One of the most famous destinations in the Whitsundays for its perfect white sand beaches and carefully controlled development, while the sights of the Great Barrier Reef are only a short cruise away.

Pinky Beach – Rottnest Island – WA – Credit to Tourism Australia – Photo by Hugh Stewart

The South Pacific Islands

Swiftly gaining a reputation for paradisiacal beaches, warm clear waters and strong local cultures with a laid-back vibe, South Pacific destinations such as the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji and New Caledonia appeal to all ages and interests. Immerse yourself in local customs and history, meditate among lush forests and buy local with pearls direct from the farms.

For more information on available sailing yachts and motor yachts for charter, their amenities and charter grounds, contact CharterWorld today.