Author Archives: Ben Sutton

Health benefits to a Yacht Charter Vacation

Whether in Greece, the Amalfi Coast or the Caribbean, there are proven health benefits of sailing and being out on the water that make a yacht charter holiday especially worthy of your time away from home. Here is just a handful of ways that your mind, body, and soul will benefit from being aboard your own private boat.

Fresh air and Salt water

Seawater is rich in minerals that naturally nourish the skin and exposure to salt-kissed ocean air has a calming effect on the human body, which helps reduce stress anxiety. Moreover, the sea air is also good for the respiratory system, increase your mood and there are numerous healing properties of the sea water which eventually led to the establishment of saltwater treatments we use to this day. The saltiness of the sea air is composed of charged ions that aid in the body’s oxygen absorption, which in turn balances serotonin levels. The more balanced your body’s serotonin levels are, the happier you’re going to be. This is why after a sailing adventure you feel more alert, relaxed and energised.

Vitamin D

In addition to increased production of vitamin D, sunlight exposure triggers better moods and boosts energy levels. Healthy amounts of sun absorption can even fight depression and lead to improved sleep. When lying on deck, the heat of the sun affects our endocrine system – the part of our body which secretes endorphins – the natural chemicals in our body designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed. It must be noted that too much sun is not recommended due to the harmful effects of ultra-violet radiation, but soaking up some sunshine whilst on holiday is incredibly beneficial.

Burn Calories

Exercising is a major part of an overall healthy lifestyle but few work out whilst on holiday, and you certainly shouldn’t feel guilty about that! Fortunately, a yacht charter gives you easy access to a number of fun physical activities, including the water toys, that don’t feel like exercise, such as snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, onboard yoga, and scenic hiking onshore.

Unplug and Recharge

In today’s digitally-focused, hectic world, it is essential to take a timeout from the demands of everyday life. Whilst many vacations allow you to do this, a yacht charter allows you a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Strengthen Relationships

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway for two or with friends or family, a yacht charter provides the perfect opportunity for building stronger relationships with those that matter most. This is your chance to talk, listen, share, bond, and most importantly—make new unforgettable memories together. You may even establish a new tradition that everyone can look forward to year after year.

Contact one of our expert brokers today to organise your yacht charter!

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Why to Book your Yacht Charter Early

Whether you plan to explore Asia, cruise the Caribbean or enjoy the culinary delights of the Amalfi Coast, Greece or French Riviera it is always best to book early. While it might seem logical to assume that last minute bookings would offer the best value when it comes to yacht charter, this is not the case. Booking in advance can reduce costs and also have an effect on demand of berths as well as other factors.

Better Availability

With a large number of yachts to choose from, you’ll have the best choice of yachts for your preferred yachts, especially as the newest yachts just on the charter market often book up extremely early. The best yachts will often have bookings over a year in advance, particularly from repeat clients. When enquiring, your broker will send you a selection of yachts available for your dates, to suit your budget and your desired location. Finding the perfect yacht to suit you is key to your overall enjoyment, whether it’s the cuisine expertise of the chef, the water toys on offer, the al fresco dining options, or the spa facilities.

More Time to Plan

As well as having a larger selection of yachts to chose from, you will also get more time to plan your charter. Travel considerations, cruising areas, the food and wine you’d like on board, special activities and more, can all be tailored to perfection to ensure that you have the best possible charter. Whether you are looking to explore the islands of Croatia, travel along the Amalfi Coast or enjoy the tranquility of Sardinia, booking early allows the crew and your broker to plan all the details.

Avoid Price Rise

If a yacht has had a very successful season with back-to-back charters, it isn’t uncommon for owners to raise the prices leading into the next season. By booking in advance you lock in the current figures and ensure you pay the best price. Moreover, some owners will offer early booking discounts or are more likely to accept offers on charters that are booked early.

Book Your Superyacht Charter

Contact a member of the Boatbookings Team to begin planning your charter now.

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Dine at NOVA, Oil Nut Bay in the BVI

The British Virgin Islands remain the must-visit sailing mecca in 2020. With the finest selection of BVI crewed and bareboat catamarans in the Caribbean, you will be dazzled by hidden anchorages, spectacular snorkelling and unforgettable sunsets. Trust us, our Broker team keep coming back every year! We continue to review the best islands for your specific requirements, including the beach clubs, bars and restaurants.

Nova at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda

You have to add NOVA at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda to your 2020 BVI yacht charter itinerary. Nova floats on top of the cerulean Virgin Islands water and is the perfect venue to bring family and friends together this winter. The philosophy is all-around sharing delicious small plates in an exquisite setting that’s both energizing and relaxing. You will be able to sample global dishes featuring the highest quality local ingredients that will dazzle your tastebuds.

Current Offers at Oil Nut Bay

WEEKDAY HAPPY HOUR
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 4:00PM – 6:00PM

  • 3-for-$10 cans of Carib, Leatherback IPA and Stowford Press Cider
  • 2-for-$12 Doombar Beer
  • Bottles of Peyrassol Rosé $30
  • Bottles of Taittinger Champagne $70
  • $5 off Special Flatbread

SUNDAY BRUNCH

  • Bloody Mary Bar: Bring a new hot sauce for the bar and receive your first Bloody Mary free
  • $5 Absolute Vodka
  • Bottles of Taittinger Champagne $70 includes fresh-squeezed citrus juice for mimosas

Oil Nut Bay is located at the far eastern tip of Virgin Gorda. Spend the morning swimming at The Baths, before sailing onto Oil Nut Bay for dinner. You can then spend the next day sailing up to Anegada for your lobster feast. We would highly recommend adding a stop to your BVI bareboat or crewed yacht charter itinerary this year. Speak to Ben in the Broker Team today to start planning the best BVI vacation to date!

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Spring Break – Phuket’s top beach clubs

Phuket features more than 30 beaches available around the island, so it is no surprise that beach clubs are a popular choice in Phuket. There’s a varied selection available in size to please all looking for a party on the beach. All of them share the same qualities of fun and sophistication and are fantastic places to enjoy a chilled-out day.

These beach clubs generally include a stylish modern restaurant and bar made from natural elements as near to the sea and sand as possible, organising the occasional party with internationally recognised DJs and artists and a talented chef who can create delicious tapas and snacks, perfectly topped off with an amazing sunset. Here are our top Phuket Beach clubs for Spring Break.

Café del Mar Phuket

One of Ibiza’s most iconic venues, Café del Mar, has now opened its doors with a new beach club at Kamala Beach in Phuket. It combines a sophisticated party atmosphere with a high-quality setting and a great soundtrack of chill-out beats the northern end of Kamala Beach.

The club has a rustic beach-hut look, with a thatch-roofed main bar in the centre. To one side of it is shaded seating on comfortable sofas, while cabanas and large beds occupy a patch of sand to the other side. Behind the bar is a large swimming pool, with single sun loungers and more beds and cabanas around it, as well as a poolside swim-up bar. There’s also a restaurant nearby with indoor and outdoor seating. Reflecting the belief that we are what we eat, their cuisine aims to nourish the soul. Cafe Del Mar is has become one of the most popular beach clubs in Phuket.

HQ Beach Lounge Phuket

HQ Beach Lounge Phuket is a very chic and stylish beach club at the northern end of Kamala Beach. Kamala offers a beautiful stretch of sand to enjoy days on the beach and is found in the next bay over from the infamous party town of Patong. Opened in 2016, it is in a fairly isolated spot, with the nearest neighbour about 200m further along the beach. Modest in size, it is one of the few such places with direct beach access and even a couple of sun pads under the trees, as well as an impressive selection of drinks and classy cuisine in a cool, laid-back setting. The centrepiece is the large smooth marble main bar in the shade of a large sail and surrounded by stools with a rather novel design, featuring a swing-like foot rest. The entire lounge is surrounded by woodland, adding to the sense of privacy and isolation, as well as the available shade. This contemporary seaside hangout offers a casual menu with a healthy focus and fine flavours, HQ Beach Lounge Restaurant presents abundant choices including colourful salads, zesty dishes, comfort food and fresh seafood alongside amazing carefully crafted drink selection ranging from fresh smoothies to slightly more indulgent tipples.

Catch Beach Club

Catch Beach was the first real beach club opening in Phuket many years ago, and by doing so, they triggered a veritable chain reaction all over the island. Catch Beach Club is a bar, restaurant and lounge spot right on the beautiful Bangtao Beach, renowned for its great party atmosphere and international DJ appearances. With a superb beachfront location, excellent food and drinks and great music, it is one of the top chill-out spots throughout the day and a popular party venue at night. Belonging to the same brand as Palm Seaside, HQ Beach Lounge and Twinpalms Phuket, quality and class are absolutely assured. A well-established name in Phuket, Catch gained its notoriety on Surin Beach, but moved to the southern end of Bangtao. After extensive refurbishment, they reopened in 2016 and rapidly reaffirmed their reputation as one of the best beach clubs on the island. Now boasting the unmistakable Catch style, you will find indoor and outdoor dining areas, a large canopy-covered bar, sun loungers, a small splash pool and a selection of poolside salas.

Bluesiam Beach Club

The beach club is difficult to miss from the roadside as it’s constructed from old shipping containers, with a bright red, classic pick-up truck parked outside, among the tall palm trees. The setting of Bluesiam Beach Club is splendid; the entire terrace is right on the beach and is shaded by coconut palms. Bluesiam Beach Club offers a very quiet and laidback place to chill out on Bangtao Beach. You’ll find shaded cabanas, sun loungers and sofas to lay on, with the soft sand just a few steps away. Much of the seating is in the form of stylish rattan sofas with white cushions and low tables. Adding to the atmosphere of the place, beautiful Thai statues are displayed throughout the property. Soft Latino music mingles with the gentle swish of the sea and the occasional spluttering of a local fisherman’s boat engine.A menu of well-made Thai cuisine and skilfully crafted cocktails makes this a great spot for those who like their beach days to be calm and comfortable.

Contact one of our Brokers today to organise your Yacht Charter.

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Inside the Sunseeker 161 Superyacht

The prestigious British shipyard Sunseeker continues to push the boundaries of yacht design. In collaboration with the Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts, the Sunseeker 161 will be the largest yacht in the manufacturer’s history. It will also be the first that they have ever built in metal. Sunseeker has already sold one hull and we look forward to many more models entering the Mediterranean charter market in the near future.

So what can you expect from the largest Sunseeker ever built?

The Sunseeker 161 will offer unrivalled deck spaces for alfresco dining, socialising with friends and holding cocktail events. Moreover, you will enjoy a plethora of sunbathing spaces and a contemporary beach club. Imagine anchoring in the cerulean waters of the Bahamas each winter before crossing to Croatia and the Greek Islands. Heaven!

Sunseekers are established and sought-after charter yachts. Their designs and features like zero-speed stabilisers make them extremely comfortable for the first time charter guest, as well as an experienced yachtsman. While you wait for the next models to be released, there is already a fantastic selection for you to try in 2020. AQUA LIBRA in Greece is one of our top recommendations which is already booking for summer 2021!

The Broker Team know the best Sunseeker yacht for your next charter. Whether it is a day charter on the French Riviera onboard the Predator 68 REHAB, or a week on the 28m Sunseeker PLAY THE GAME in Ibiza, you’re in expert hands. We look forward to making 2020 the best year of holidays yet!

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