Tag Archives: French Riviera

Lerins islands Lavish Restaurants – just off the coast of Cannes!

Panoramic aerial view of the Lerins islands.

Sainte-Marguerite island

Lerins islands are a small group of Mediterranean islands that is home to some of the most upmarket restaurants in the South Of France. The two largest, and most famous islands are called Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat each with a different vibe – but ultimately boasting similar incredible scenery and gastronomy delights.

La Guerite restaurant.

The island of Saint Marguerite is home to the impressive La Guerite restaurant. The rustic wooden structure, coupled with the intensely green lavish trees makes you feel like you’re in a Greek Taverna. Look across the water with spectacular views of Cannes, and the foothills of the Alps.

La Guerite restaurant.

Be seduced by the incredible food, atmosphere, and views. Sip on a glass of refreshingly cool Rosé and soak up every moment of this magical corner of the world. This is truly the place to be while on the island of Saint Marguerite. Why not book a day charter that departs from Cannes, takes you for a swim on your very own private yacht before dropping you off for lunch? Be picked up in style by your captain and then returned to Cannes for parties on the beach! Chat to one of our experienced brokers today to find out more!

La Guerite on the beach.

Saint-Honorat island

Church at the Cistercian Monastery on St. Honore Island

The baby sister of Saint Marguerite, Saint Honorat lays directly south of the bigger island. Saint Honorat has been a monastic community since the 5th century. But these monks are like no others – they produce wine! There are even wine-tasting tours that you can do on this incredible little island.

La Tonnelle

Hidden amongst the picturesque palm trees lays one of the most loved restaurants on Saint Honorat. Property of the monks, La Tonelle has been serving food for not only the locals but to many luxury seekers all over the world. This affordable restaurant is sure to create memories in a very memorable place!

La Tonnelle

If you are looking for culture, and something a little bit different this is the island for you. The Caribbean-like waters coupled with the monk’s energy that oozes into the atmosphere create a calm, laid-back environment perfect to escape the fast-paced life at home. Chat with one of our yachting experts to see how you can get here!

“Today, this community is composed of 22 monks living modestly and peacefully in this preserved, sunny paradise … an oasis of silence”

La Tonnelle

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Boatbookings’ Favorite Cannes Beach Clubs

Cannes is known for its luxury lifestyle, with the Croisette being the hub of high-end couture brands and ultimate celebrity spotting destination. Along this promenade, there are so many beach clubs to choose from; we’ve rounded up our favorites and why so you can make the most of your time in Cannes!

Hire a yacht for the day from Cannes to experience the Riviera to the fullest!

Vega Luna

Great for: Families with children and larger groups

Vega Luna is located in the middle of the Croisette, opposite the InterContinental Carlton Hotel; it boasts a large seating area for dining undercover, and many sun loungers, perfect for larger groups. It is always very popular with families as it is child-friendly, with a kids menu for those under the age of 12.

Maema Plage

Great for: Lower prices and a relaxed atmosphere

Maema Plage is a firm favorite amongst the Boatbookings team; it is located further from the center of Cannes, past the Radisson Blu Hotel, making it less busy and more inexpensive than the other Beach Clubs along the Croisette. Their Thai Salad and House Burger are delicious and food always comes quickly and is freshly prepared! Sun loungers are only €12 for the whole day, starting at 9 am till closing time at 6 pm.

Z Plage

Great for: Afternoon drinks and the best music

Z Plage is Hotel Martinez’ Private Beach Club, at the left end of the Croisette near Port Canto. It features a chic ‘Rotonde’ circular bar that is perfect for cocktails or some Provence Rosé. Sun loungers are available for the day for those wishing to bronze themselves before dipping into the cooling waters of the sea!

O’key Beach

Great for: Friendly staff and tasty seafood

O’key Beach is also located on the further side of Cannes past the old town and therefore is usually less busy than other beach clubs along the Croisette. The staff are friendly and some incredible seafood dishes include the Lobster Spaghetti, Salmon Burger and Seafood Pasta; portions are generous and the wine is delicious!

Rent a boat for the day to Cannes and we can book sun loungers and lunches for you at any beach club you like; just get in touch today and we’ll organize everything for you.

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Broker Alice’s Top 5 Insights for Your 2019 Charter

1. Book your sailing boat to beat the winter blues and head to the Bahamas before its too late! Some of my top recommendations for the Bahamas are the Lagoon 42 and 450 catamarans and Pegasus, a 40 foot Jeanneau. Either charter in Nassau, island hop around the Exumas and visit pig beach or in Marsh Harbour to anchor upon amongst the idyllic Abaco Islands.
Catamaran – Lagoon 42
Catamaran – Lagoon 450
2. Get your friends together to book the ultimate vacation sailing around Croatia this summer. Starting from Split or Trogir a two-hour sail a day in crystal blue waters can take you from quaint fishing villages to the party islands of Hvar. I would suggest the Lagoon 52 for a skippered experience, the Saona 47 or a Sun Odyssey 449 for the ultimate sailing experience.
3. Guadeloupe- find France within the Caribbean. Navigate around the archipelago of islands and immerse yourself amongst the green landscapes of this fascinating mixture of the Caribbean and French influences.
Be sure to visit the waterfalls of Grande Terre, eat Creole dishes with the friendly locals and visit Jaques Cousteau’s dive site at Bouillante which offers some of the best diving in the world, the instructors will even pick you up from your yacht to take you diving!
Sailing around this island is rugged, inspiring and sophisticated at the same time. I would suggest the Sun Odyssey 509 for exploring and sailing performance or the spacious Catana 47 catamaran for the ultimate Guadeloupe sailing trip with friends and family.
Visit my Guadeloupe blog to see why this Caribbean island needs to be on your 2019 sailing to do list!
4. August on the French Riviera – Sail from Cannes to Monaco and spend the nights at anchor overlooking some of the most glamorous locations in Europe or in the slightly smaller ports of Golfe Juan or Villefranche to avoid the busy ports of Cannes or Nice. Boats to charter are the monohulls such as the Sun Odyssey 349  or the Oceanis 48 for a romantic break or a family holiday or add a hostess on a catamaran such as the Lagoon 450 to receive the five-star treatment of the French Riviera.
5. Summer island hopping the Cyclades from Athens. Start your bareboat charter in the ancient city of Athens and spend a week exploring the iconic Cyclades islands. Spend each night on a different island and explore some of the finest Mediterranean beach clubs, ancient ruins and the traditional white rooftops of Santorini and Mykonos. Catamarans are the best way to explore these islands with friends and family but if you want to profit from some of the most idyllic winds in the world take the Oceanis 62 and profit from its sailing capabilities.
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Superyacht of the week: PLANET NINE

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Stunning M/Y PLANET NINE. Image credit: Yachtfolio

PLANET NINE is a 73m, 2018 new-build NCA-Carrara crewed motor yacht, and thanks to her imposing grey hull, spacious sun deck, incredible interior and helipad she is our favourite super yacht of the week by a (nautical) mile.  She cruises with a sought after itinerary, being based in the glamorous South of France in the summer with opportunities to explore the Med, then crossing to the idyllic Caribbean and Antarctica in the winter. The ultimate explorer yacht, she is built for long-range global cruising and is suitable for sailing in icy conditions. With helipad and high speed tenders, all manner of adventures await charter guests onboard PLANET NINE.

PLANET NINE does not come alone, as her water toy selection and tenders are extraordinary. With a Rib at your disposal, the crew can speedily get you ashore to discover secluded coves and lovely lagoons, so there is no hotspot you cannot reach.  Imagine pulling up at a secluded bay on the fantastic French Riviera, dropping anchor, and feeling the excitement of speeding along the infamous coastline of Billionaire’s bay on a Jetski.  If you are an enthusiastic diver, the crew are well equipped to take you on a memorable underwater adventure to spot the varied colour palette of the fish.

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Helipad onboard – Image credit: Yachtfolio

This mesmerising yacht is well suited to the fitness enthusiasts out there, with an active crew who can work out with you, as well as extensive gym equipment so you can exercise with the ocean as your backdrop.

When you have worked up a sweat, it is time to relax on the sundeck, where a glass of bubbly and the refreshing Jacuzzi awaits. Whilst cruising with magnificent views of the Greek islands or Caribbean shoreline floating past, you will feel utterly content on the spacious upper deck – the ideal spot for a continental breakfast or candlelit dinner.

With so many difference exterior spaces to enjoy al fresco dining and socialise, matched by a contemporary and original interior, you will find it difficult to leave the comfort of PLANET NINE! Not to mention the masseuse services available, just relax and unwind. The cinema room is the perfect spot to settle into the sumptuous sofas after an exciting day and enjoy a movie night with the family. Despite all that PLANET NINE has to offer onboard, stepping ashore will be worthwhile, be it the quaint towns of old town Dubrovnik or the glitz and glam of the French Riviera events.

PLANET NINE is available for charter in Antarctica this winter, followed by Patagonia, Panama and then the Western Med, including Croatia, Greece, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €650,000 per week plus expenses. If PLANET NINE impresses you as much as the Boatbookings team, please do get in touch with you and we will be delighted to assist you throughout the process of organising this unforgettable trip.

 

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A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part XII

My day as a VIP began, along with some of the other Boatbookings team members, from the old Port of Cannes – a delightful port that welcomes prestigious yachts, and also small authentic fishing boats. A group of us were going through the motions of a typical French Riviera day charter, such that we could greater understand the day charters our clients enjoy.

At 10 o’clock we boarded the Prestige 500s, a sleek day charter yacht of 16 metres. Once settled, we started cruising across the bay of Cannes, and within 15 min we arrived at the Iles des Lérins, the two islands just off the coast of Cannes. Between the two islands, the captain dropped anchor such that we could have a swim!

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On one side we had the island of Saint-Honorat, an impressive backdrop with the imposing Cistercian monastery. On the other side, the island of Santa Margherita is covered by a forest of pines and eucalyptus whose perfumes reached us on the water. All around us, the sea was all sorts of shades of blue. Who would have thought that we were just a few minutes from the glamorous and chic Cannes? Here the atmosphere was of peace, beauty and unspoiled nature.

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The aquamarine waters of the Iles Des Lerins really are that colour!

Immersed in this breathtaking landscape, the crew offered us an exquisite breakfast, made of croissants, pain au chocolat, coffees and water. (They then offered us towels, other soft drinks and snacks for the rest of the day – we were spoilt.) When we finished breakfast, we went for a swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters. After an hour, we set off cruising East the coast towards Monaco. We passed right in front of the wonderful Gulf of Juan les Pins, the Cap D’Antibes and Nice. From the yacht we admired the beautiful villas surrounded by the Mediterranean nature, as well as the magnificent yachts that we met on our way.

We stopped in the bay of Villefranche-sur-mer. Here the sea was incredibly calm and flat. This is a very popular destination along the Riviera for yachts and sailing boats, and we often recommend our clients to drop anchor here. Along the coast, there was the delightful (village/small town) of Villefranche-sur-mer with its picturesque houses painted in bright colours.

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We had a quick swim here and then headed off again towards our lunch destination. We passed Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat and arrived in the bay of Eze Sur Mer where our captain called the tender for our restaurant of choice, Anjuna bay. We landed on the beach like real VIPs or almost, and we sat down at our table that had an amazing view of the sea. The restaurant was decorated in a nautical, shabby style.

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The eclectic decor at Anjuna Beach, Eze sur Mer.

We had a wonderful and relaxing lunch, chatting and laughing and soon realised that the time had come to embark our yacht once again, and head back to Cannes. At 5 o’clock we went back on board and started cruising towards Cannes with the sun slowly descending. We enjoyed the view of the French Riviera coast once again, impressive as it is, from the comfort of our private boat. Arriving in Cannes, we disembarked around 6pm from the Old Port of Cannes – all very excitable about the magnificent day we had just had!

Working at Boatbookings, you very quickly learn that you are in a collaborative, team-focused environment and this day was no exception. Spending a day out of the office with my colleagues was a fantastic way to get to know them a lot better, and also the business of yacht chartering! I very much look forward to joining the Boatbookings team full time in London, upon graduation.

 

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