Why not take a break from Ibiza’s vibrant party scene this summer and explore the island’s collection of more tranquil restaurantsand beach clubs? There is a multitude of venues that provide a relaxing atmosphere, breathtaking views and some simply fantastic gastronomic delights – perfect to visit whilst on a luxury yacht charter.
For our latest blog series, we asked the Boatbookings’ team members for their favorite worldwide charter yachts to share them with all of our clients, colleagues and suppliers alike. We begin with our CEO’s favourite crewed catamaran; HEMISPHERE!
HEMISPHERE is a 145ft luxury crewed Pendennis catamaran available for charter throughout Southeast Asia in such exciting, intriguing destinations as Fiji, Indonesia, the South Pacific and many more! She is one of our favourite catamarans for charter worldwide due to her chic and spacious exterior spaces, welcoming crew and of course the trampolines:
Our first team visit to HEMISPHERE at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2012 (featuring a mini Boatbookings helper loving the trampolines!).
Launched in 2011 by Pendennis, HEMISPHERE is just over 44 metres in length (145ft) with a massive 16.6 metres beam (54ft). Her innovative design boasts creative features that blend speed and stability with both space and style. Catamarans are famed for their space and HEMISPHERE is no exception. Her spacious flybridge is sure to be your favourite area on the yacht. She features a Jacuzzi, sun pads and shaded dining area, along with an immense indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck.
HEMISPHERE‘s interiors, designed by Michael Leach, are quite simply stunning. The main saloon has contemporary styling with light woods, lots of natural light and comfortable areas for dining and socialising. HEMISPHERE also boasts a comfy game and TV room, ideal for younger charter guests. This fantastic yacht can welcome up to 12 guests on board in 5 well-appointed staterooms with a further two identical master cabins on the main deck.
Other highlights include a professional diving board, a 6m trampoline and a comprehensive diving centre with the latest diving equipment. Her crew of 8 include a fantastic British Captain, a renowned Danish chef who formerly worked for the Danish royal family, and 2 PADI Scuba diving instructors. So, whether you’re after exceptionally prepared cuisine, sunbathing with a glass of bubbly on the flybridge or diving in Southeast Asia, HEMISPHERE is surely the yacht for you.
HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the 2018/19 Winter season in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, followed by Fiji, Indonesia and Tonga! She is for charter from $260,000 per week plus expenses.
Greek cuisine offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the result of thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. Greek gastronomy is known for its simple and elegant flavors, quality ingredients and nutritious and healthy content. It is a journey through Greece‘s history and the culinary influences that were left by numerous invasions, be them Roman, Venetian, Balkan, Turk…even English.
One of the many joys to be found in chartering a yacht in Greece is not just relaxing in such a tranquil area on your luxury yacht, but also being able to discover, taste, and experience the unique local Greek cuisine. On your yacht you might choose to charter in any number of fantastic areas, be it around Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Mykonos and the Cyclades Islands, Skiathos in the Sporades Islands or Kos in the Dodecanese Islands, but each of these areas and indeed each island in Greece has its own unique cultural heritage and cuisine.
The Sporades islands for example are well known for their use of dairy products and produce the most delectable spoon sweets and thyme honey. The local cheese pie and lobster and spaghetti are highly recommended!
The Cyclades islands are known for their charcuterie tradition while the Ionian islands retain more of a western European influence in its cuisine as it was the only area not be be conquered by the Ottomans in the 15th century. It is known for its braised veal sofrito, an exquisite dish flavored with garlic, parsley, and vinegar, its Semolina pie with almonds or perhaps its delicious spiced fig cakes.
The Dodecanese islands boasts a host of dishes based on bread and grains with bulgur and cracked wheat claiming a prominent place. Look out for delicious local dish of home-made pasta with caramelized onions that the islanders make throughout most of the Dodecanese! However, regardless of where you are on your yacht charter, you will come across some of the more famous Greek dishes such as the stuffed Paschal lamb and sun-dried octopus.
Our expert broker, Lambros Tsolakis, knows everything there is to know about the best greek delicacies. Varoulko Seaside, Funky Gourmet and Bill & Coo are his top 3 recommendations! At Boatbookings, we have years of charter experience in Greece and intimate knowledge of the yachts and the best places to go. Enquire today for a bespoke proposal.
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 TerreA 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.