Super Yacht of the Week: ELIXIR

ELIXIR is a 55m Amels, one of the newest in the range, and epitomises performance and elegance. Her gleaming white hull showcases her grace and style, as she cruises in Southeast Asia for the Winter, before crossing to the Med in the summer. She was an easy choice as a standout yacht as she will guarantee fun in the sun, and happy hour every hour, with her exemplary features, crew and aesthetics.

If you are feeling energetic, ELIXIR provides an abundance of water toys that are suitable a range of ages (and confidence).  Imagine being in the warm, turquoise waters of Thailand zooming around on the seabob, being chased by colourful fish as you glide. Alternatively, picture being in the serenity of Sardinia, and choosing a paddleboard to do your own exploring of the rugged yet charming coastline. If you love to exercise but water sports is not your thing, work out on deck with the crew with the wide array of equipment available so you stay in summer shape!

Relaxing is a key objective of many yacht charters, and ELIXIR provides all the facilities to do so! The exterior elevates this impressive yacht to a new level of luxury and prestige, with an inviting Jacuzzi, an abundance of sunbeds and bar awaiting you on the upper deck. You could easily anchor yourself here all day! 

Head up for golden hour to have delicious cocktails served by the friendly crew, before having local cuisine served by your talented chef on the dining table. ELIXIR is bound to provide cherished memories both in your mind and your new and improved Instagram account!

After a fun-filled day soaking up the sunshine, splashing about in the dazzling ocean, and sampling tasty and fantastic food, you may want to retire inside. The interior of this yacht could be described by so many wonderful adjectives, as it oozes glamour, taste and artistic creativity. With dark woods contrasting the lighter fabrics, as well as intricate furniture and ornate detail, you will be surprised and delighted to notic new things on EXLIXIR. Above is the Master balcony, where after a serene sleep you can awake and enjoy a fresh juice to this delightful wakeup view.

If you are chasing the ELIXIR of life, this yacht may be the answer! We certainly think so. To understand how to secure this sought after yacht for a charter either in the Indian Ocean or the Mediterranean, get in touch and we will guide you through the process.

5 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Guadeloupe

After spending five months living as a local in Guadeloupe, our charter broker Alice, found many reasons to charter in this Franco-African archipelago known by many as “Gwada”. A mixture of languages, cultures and activities makes these islands among the most diverse that the Caribbean has to offer. Here is why:

1. Island Hopping
The sailing possibilities are endless around the five islands that make up the French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Each Island of Guadeloupe has a distinct and raw vibe and still manages stay in tune with its African and French roots.

  • Grande Terre  Perfect for surfing, Creole inspired food markets and white sand beaches. 

One of the many stunning beaches on Grande Terre

A collection of Caribbean spices at a market in Grande Terre

  • Basse Terre  A perfect stop off to visit waterfalls, diving, natural beauty spots including the national park and natural hot baths. 

Basse Terre

  • La Désirade   

La Désirade

  • Iles des Saintes – This archipelagio within the archipelago is a sailors paradise, ideal for exploring on bike and for water activities such as paddleboarding. 

Iles des Saintes

  • Marie-Galante  Well known for beaches such as La Feuillère, its stunning coral reef and 19th century sugar-cane plantation. 

Or If you fancy visiting even more islands you can always sail to to neighbouring islands of Antigua (33 nautical miles), Dominica (26 nautical miles) or Martinique (52 nautical miles).  

2. The perfect blend of Rhum and Croissants
Due to its French legacy, every street in this Creole paradise will have a French Patisserie and, most definitely, a Rhumerie. Creole specialities are diverse from every other Caribbean island and typically include accras de morue (cod fritters), bananes flambées, fricassé de poulpe (octopus) and even a deep fried ‘Bokit’ sandwich with a variety of French fillings. It may be the only place in the world where a relaxing two hour lunch is acceptable. To begin, a Ti’Punch, a rum based aperitif, followed by a Caribbean curry and a bottle of French wine. From the finest of restaurants to street shacks, you are guaranteed to be able to find some of the most diverse food and drink that the Caribbean has to offer.

3. Diving
The diving schools on the Reserve Cousteau are among the most reputable in the world. There is even a Jacques Cousteau statue at one of the dive sites. The relaxed nature of these French dive schools will give you an authentic experience exploring these crystal waters, and the opportunity to see some of the largest varieties of fish in the Caribbean. There area multitude of diving options from snorkelling, first time diving, exploring or deep shipwreck dives.

4. The Beaches
There are 270 beaches spread across the islands of Guadeloupe and all are known to be gorgeous. There are both white and black sand beaches and even volcanos in the distant landscape. Each beach has a different vibe and many have quaint beach bars that serve planteur until the early hours.

5. Accessibility
There are direct flights from Miami, New York and Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main airport, which makes this archipelago of islands a must-visit for your next charter. There is also a ferry service from Antigua and many flights from other Caribbean islands.

Boatbookings has been organising charters in the Caribbean for over 14 years. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Guadeloupe, please do get in touch with our expert brokers here. We have yachts available for charter in many amazing Caribbean destinations.

For further information about passports and visas when visiting Guadeloupe, click here.

Hire a Boat for New Year in Sydney!

Sydney Harbour is famed for putting on one of the most spectacular displays of fireworks to ring in the New Year in the world. Without doubt, the best way to witness this spectacle is from the comfort of your very own luxury yacht. Spend the day cruising around Sydney Harbour, swimming along the coast and relaxing on board, before dropping anchor for the evening’s events.

A yacht not only offers the advantage of uninterrupted views but also a great crew on board to take care of you and your guests, making New Year’s Eve the most memorable one yet. Take a look at our Australia Day Charter page to view all of the yachts available for a day charter around this magnificent coastline. Get in touch with one of our brokers to begin planning the ultimate celebration!

Our favourite yacht for New Year’s celebrations has to be Crewed Motor Yacht GHOST II – a stunning Gulf Craft motor yacht with a capacity of up to 100 guests whilst cruising at sea, and an incredible selection of water toys!

ghost ii, yacht, motor yacht, crewed motor yacht, yacht, australia

Get in touch today and email charter@boatbookings.com or simply submit an enquiry so we can start planning an amazing evening in Sydney for you and your guests!

Nikki Beach with a Michelin Star Touch

For four dates throughout July and August, the famous Nikki Beach along St Tropez‘s Ramateulle area will be graced by four Michelin Starred Chefs, showcasing their talents and creating culinary masterpieces for diners. This special treat is exclusively run at Nikki Beach; luckily we have day charters from Cannes, St Tropez and other locations on the French Riviera, so getting to Nikki Beach will be a breeze!

July 24th – Gilles Goujon

Gilles Goujon is the first chef to showcase his skills; he is the owner of the 3 Michelin Starred L’Auberge du Vieux Puits in Fontjoncourse and a perfectionist when it comes to producing his divine dishes. His speciality creations are exquisitely presented and envisioned with careful consideration of complementary flavours and true mastery.

July 31st – Jean François Piège

Head Chef of Le Grand Restaurant in Paris, as well as Clover and Clover Grill, Jean François Piège is renowned for his dedication to placing the ingredient at the core of cultivating his creations. He has an extensive history working in top restaurants and being inspired by famous chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Bruno Cirino.

August 7th – Régis Marcon 

‘Maître Restaurateur’ Régis Marcon is the owner of the three Michelin starred restaurant Le Clos des Cimes in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid in the Haute-Loire. His cooking style places emphasis on French local produce such as mushrooms (the emblem of the restaurant), chestnuts and puy lentils. His culinary expertise is such to amaze all those who are lucky enough to sample his dishes at Nikki Beach, for one day only.

August 21st – Emmanuel Renaut

In 2012, Emmanuel Renaut was named ‘cooking chef of the year’; owner of three Michelin Starred Restaurant Les Flocons de Sel, he is a celebrated chef who is sure to surprise and tantalise each person who tastes his gourmet culinary creations. With veritable precision and attention to detail in everything he does, be sure not to miss this opportunity sample an amazing meal.

Our Cannes and St Tropez day charter yachts are the best way to travel to Nikki Beach in style and prepare for an incredible day filled with delectable food and stunning views.

 

La Vie en Rosé!

Rosé is undoubtedly the drink for warm summer days, with its pink hue and delicate palette perfectly complimenting blue skies and sparkling seas. France is known to produce some of the most exquisite wines in the world; from Provence to Bordeaux and Bandol, there are hundreds of unique wines to choose from. This is why we have rounded up a selection of stunning rosés that are suitable for sipping on your fabulous yacht charter, lounging along the Riviera, or to enjoy anywhere across the globe…

CHTEAU ROUBINE – Côtes de Provence Cru Classé 
InSpire rosé 2017
Tibouren 90%, rolle 5%, grenache 5%
Medium-pale in colour, with complex sweet, fruity flavours, it is fresh on the palette and has a long finish.

CHTEAU SAINTE ROSELINE – Côtes de Provence Cru Classé 
Roseline Chapel 2017
Mourvèdre 55%, cinsault 30%, Grenache 10%, rolle 5%
Incorporates an aroma of spices and exotic fruits, highlighted by lovely acidic notes of grapefruit and pale in colour.

CHTEAU BROWN – Bordeaux Rosé
Rosé 2017
Merlot 100%
A deep pink hue in colour, this wine is dominated by flavours of strawberry, with light hints of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a rich and intense flavour.

BAUDRY-DUTOUR – Chinon 
Marie-Justine rose 2017
Cabernet-franc 100%
This deep pink rosé gives notes of sweet fresh fruits make this wine ideal to accompany spicy dishes and fine cured meats.

JOSEPH MELLOT – Sancerre
The Rosé Rabault 2017
Pinot noir 100%
This elegant wine incapsulates floral notes with accents of raspberries, strawberries and redcurrants, giving a delightful flavour of fresh fruit, presented in a medium-pink hue.

DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE – Luberon
Rosé 2017
Grenache 50%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault 20%, Mourvèdre 10%
With delicate flavours of rose and peach, the wine offers a smooth touch and an intense culmination of flavours to match its pale rosy hue.

ÉLIE SUMEIRE – Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire 
Rosé 2017
Grenache 60%, cinsault 30%, syrah 10%
A light freshness with plum notes and a lingering sweetness makes this wine very drinkable; the colour is pale with a coral hue.

ROSELINE – Côtes de Provence
Roseline prestige rosé 2017
Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
A lively and intense rosé with a freshness associated with the vineyards of Provence, the flavour on the palate is lengthy and extremely pleasant.

DOMAINE DE LA MORDORÉE – Tavel 
The rosewood queen 2017
Grenache 60%, Clairette 15%, Syrah 10%, Cinsault 15%, Bourboulenc 5%
This rosé has a strong and intense colour, accompanied by complex floral aromas of white and red flowers and fruits, as well as minty notes, making its finish airy and light.

CHTEAU PILLOW – Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire
César with Sumeire rosé 2017
Grenache 60%, Syrah 40%
With a pale pink colour and a delicate flavour of citrusy grapefruit and pineapple, this rosé is underpinned by floral notes of carnation and hawthorn.

These delicious rosés are the perfect compliment to a day charter, week-long charter or a corporate event, as you sit on deck; the Boatbookings team would be happy to give recommendations to find you the perfect wine to accompany whatever you choose to do!