Grand Tours

South Pacific & Arabian Gulf

Extended multi-destination cruising itineraries have become more popular in recent years as owners and charterers look to create bigger and more adventurous experiences that span the world. “With more people working remotely than ever before and improvements in video conferencing tools, clients have found that they can spend longer periods on board,” says Charter Broker Céline Pujol. “Added to this is the trend for home schooling, and even tutors, allowing for time to really explore further afield.”

Voyaging to the more remote locations allows owners to take their yachts to new cruising grounds and offer them for charter. Current hot spots include the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia, the South Pacific regions of Polynesia and Melanesia, and north to the Baltic regions.

Remote locations aren’t the only destinations witnessing superyachts gracing their shores. The Pacific Northwest has seen the number of superyachts rise by 50 percent in the last decade, while there is talk of the Arabian Gulf - particularly Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast - becoming a hot spot for cruising in the next few decades. “With its lure of pristine beaches, unrivaled marine biodiversity, and numerous archaeological wonders, including six UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is only a matter of time before this relatively undiscovered territory attracts the superyacht crowd,” says Charter Broker Lies Sol. “Papua New Guinea is also on the radar for those with a growing desire to explore and truly head off the beaten track, while the neighboring Solomon Islands is one of the most unexplored and culturally diverse countries in the world.” Watch this space.

Giving back yachtaidglobal.org

YachtAid Global provides unified humanitarian and conservation aid across global coastal communities. Focusing on a unified approach to ocean conservation, this NGO integrates humanitarian and conservation elements so charterers can join local initiatives that contribute to the communities in which they are cruising.

Discover the relatively unknown Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast

Explore off the beaten track aboard the 213’11” (65.2m) Phinisi-style LAMIMA

Priced at $161,000 per week, all-inclusive, for up to 14 guests

The Solomon Islands are known for their extremely high marine biodiversity, traditional culture, and excellent scuba diving

With ample toys for fun and exploration, a PADI dive center, and with onboard spa therapists and an expert tour guide within her crew, LAMIMA is the ideal yacht on which to discover Indonesia.

Feel Good Factor

Onboard wellness

The adage that the superyacht lifestyle is all about excess no longer rings true. For almost a decade now, superyachts have offered a more holistic lifestyle, with dedicated spas and gyms, beach clubs and even personal trainers and massage therapists becoming part of the crew. “More recently, we have seen a surge in demand for charters that focus on health and well-being,” says Charter Broker Anna Franciszkiewicz. Whether clients are looking for a dose of healthy living with an occasional spa treatment or a complete change of lifestyle, a yacht is the perfect place to optimize your health. “Water skiing, kayaking and snorkeling all promote body toning, weight loss, strength, flexibility and stress reduction,” says Anna. “Nutrition also plays a major role in any healthy lifestyle, and time on board can be a fun way to learn about different foods and experiment with new dishes with your chef.”

Unique to a superyacht itinerary is the freedom and lack of physical restriction – waking up to a fresh view every morning and starting each day somewhere new is a form of healing in itself. Add to this the fact that superyachts charter in the most exclusive areas in the world, and it comes as no surprise that many of the world’s award-winning spas are to be found luxuriating along the same coastlines.

Giving back

From educational and cultural programs ashore to the protection of marine ecosystems afloat, there are several ways to get involved in community and ocean conservation activities. Sailors for the Sea, powered by Oceana, engages, educates and activates the yachting community toward restoring ocean health. sailorsforthesea.org

Guests aboard the 205’ (62.48m) PARTY GIRL* have superlative fitness facilities literally on their doorstep, including the beach club gym space. Complete with sea views and a full array of equipment, the well-located facility allows guests to enjoy their workout in close proximity to the water with the option of a refreshing dip straight after. Prices from $490,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

* Not for sale or charter to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters