Soak up the Club 55 atmosphere

May is without a doubt the most glamorous month in the calendar for the Cote d’Azur. With both the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival taking place in the same month, the coast is packed with the world’s elite, drawn there by the atmosphere of luxury that these events are renowned for.

Perhaps the most exclusive and chic of all the Riviera ports, St Tropez is the destination of choice for those who wish to revel in the intimate luxury of Club 55 St Tropez and other attractions. A luxury yacht charter from this famous port is a once in a lifetime experience of the best that the French Riviera has to offer: the golden sands of Pampelonne beach, tranquil waters, Michelin star cuisine and limitless shopping opportunities.

The many perks of choosing a St Tropez boat hire range from the fabulously decadent; such as soaking up the atmosphere at the famous Club 55 restaurant, to the quaint and quirky, for those who prefer to pass their time exploring the celebrated flea market or taking a stroll in the old port town.

Yacht charterers are spoilt for choice with the huge selection of classic and luxury yachts on offer in the port itself. Choose from a variety of sailboats, catamarans and motorboats, available from St Tropez or nearby ports such as Cogolin, and spend the day indulging in the relaxing and extravagant atmosphere of this unique destination!

Luxury cruising in St Tropez

‘It just doesn’t get much better than this’.

Inspired by this sentiment, boatbookings.com is sponsoring a contest to find the best yacht charter picture which encapsulates this theme, the winner of which will win a brand new iPad 3GS!

Just upload your yacht charter picture to our Facebook page before the 30th June to be in for a chance to win this incredible prize, or vote for your favourite photos here!

It just doesn't get much better than this

Maldives Yacht Charter - Maldives Luxury surf charter

‘Luxury’ and ‘surfing’ are two words which, until now, have never gone hand in hand. My own memories of summers spent surfing in North Cornwall as a child involve sub zero temperatures, hours spent waiting for a decent wave, and the dreaded barefoot journey back from beach to home often in torrential rain. However, the typical image of surfing holidays could be about to undergo a complete transformation with the recent introduction of ‘Sultans of the Seas” brand new luxury Maldives Surf Charter Yacht.

This top of the range Azimut 103; Yacht charter Maldives is the most luxurious surf charter yacht currently based in the Maldives and has been custom built to provide the height of quality in Maldives surfing holidays.

The huge storage capacity provides ample space for surf boards below deck, while the 2 jetskis and motor tender allow surfers to get to the ideal spot for catching a wave; no need for hours of waiting around freezing on your board with this once in a lifetime surf charter experience!

This luxury yacht travels overnight between all the prime surfing locations of the Maldives ; specifically the North and South Male Atoll, home to some of the top surf spots in the Indian Ocean. During a typical 5 night charter you could visit up to 5 superb locations, while those keen for a bit of creative input into the itinerary will be pleased to learn that they also offer a custom option allowing you to access Maldives surf spots slightly further afield.

Whether you’re a hardcore surf addict or a budding enthusiast, the appeal of this luxury surf charter boat is that it offers a chance to indulge in your passion for the sport from the immeasurable comfort of a superyacht equipped with every possible luxury. She accommodates up to 10 guests in her four cabins, each one equipped with en suite facilities and TV screens, and for those who want a break from surfing there is snorkeling, fishing and diving equipment available on board.

So if you’re thinking of planning your next holiday and looking for that perfect balance between sport and relaxation- look no further than this Maldives luxury surf charter and please feel free to contact us through our online form.

From super yachts berthed on the front line of the Monaco racetrack, to smaller yachts anchored just outside of the bay, Boatbookings.com can help you find the perfect charter yacht to appreciate this prestigious and exciting racing event. Since the harbour of Monaco is filled with an array of fantastic luxury yachts each year during this time, one might even argue that the yachting aspect is nearly as important and most definitely just as exciting as the Grand Prix races themselves. This is one event in the Riviera world of yachting that is certainly not to be missed!

If you’re interested in chartering a yacht during the Monaco Grand Prix please contact a member of our team and check out all the yachts we have available for day charter on the Riviera.

Antibes Yacht Show 2012

Well, not just any day, last Friday, the 13th April, and the 2nd day of the Antibes Yacht Show. Having been invited to an exclusive ‘Yacht Hop’ event, which involved a four-course meal, each course on a different yacht, I knew from the outset that I was in for a treat.

It kicked off with a champagne reception with appetizers on the sleek Sunseeker, NEW BEGINNINGS OF LONDON, where we were able to admire the elegant decoration of this beautiful charter yacht. Next was starters aboard D5, where we experienced the chef’s delightful gazpacho and cheese biscuits and then it was on to LADY SOFIA for mains, salmon cooked to perfection with asparagus wrapped in parma ham…simply delicious!

However, it was the fourth and final sunseeker vibe (VIBE) where the party really started with chocolate mousses, fruit and chocolate fondue, strawberry daquiris and Pimms. sunseeker VIBE itself is a fantastic vessel, sporty, sleek and modern with a great minimalistic interior and fabulously spacious cabins. Captain Phil was certainly the life and soul of the party and it’s evident that with his expert mixologist stewardess Melissa, anyone would be guaranteed endless fun on a charter on this 23m Sunseeker.

BoatBookings Team with Captain Phil on Sunseeker Vibe

Next we continued on into the actual Antibes Yacht Show where hundreds of beautiful yachts were all open to the visitors to explore their interiors and meet their captains and crew. We also had the opportunity to walk around the stalls and talk to businesses from all aspects of the industry. Overall, it was a fascinating experience not only to go on board some stunning yachts, but also to discover all the industries related to yachting too.

As part of the BoatBookings Editorial Team I would just like to add a note to Krisha’s article : Krisha has started new trends in the yachting industry by adding her special touch to the boating world!

The Antibes Yacht show 2012 , from the 12th to the 15th of April will be the hotspot for any yacht lovers on the Riviera. Since it started in 2007, brokers and charters from all over the world, let alone just the Cote d’Azur region, have fled to Antibes every year for the famous display of boats, from small classic sailing yachts to huge luxury motor yachts. The well-known Port Vauban was host to more than 13,000 people last year and this figure is set to rise again this month.

What’s different about this years show is that there will be an evening, Friday 13^th, dedicated to cocktail parties on board the best charter yachts which will be a great opportunity for socializing and networking. With seminars happening, a Refit Planning Area in place, complimentary drinks and VIP services, the Antibes Yacht Show 2012 in not an event to be missed and should certainly be a highlight of this year’s calendar!

If you are going to the Antibes yacht show please do not hesitate to contact us to meet up at the Antibes Yacht Show 2012 , and also we have many day boats for hire for events of all types in the French Riviera.

Cannes Yacht Charter in May truly is something that everyone should experience, enjoy sitting by the seafront observing the buzz of the Entertainment World from a luxury charter yacht. Only a few weeks away, everyone is excited to find out who will be nominated for the 2012 Cannes Film Festival which will be taking place between the 16th and 27th May.

Boat Bookings.com charter a range of luxury yachts in Cannes during the film festival from events to accommodation or even just to escape for a day and discover the beautiful French Riviera.

The place to be during the film festival is the Old Port of Cannes, situated right next to the Palais de Festivals where all the celebrities will be strutting down the red carpet for the most talked about event in the Film and TV industry. So naturally, the best place to be chartering a yacht is from this harbour, where you can watch the crowds of people and paparazzi from the comfort of a luxury yacht, where you will probably be rubbing shoulders with the stars of the festival. While the hotels are quickly filling up and you’ll be forced to stay further afield and pay the ridiculous taxi fares of the Cote d’Azur, chartering a yacht for your business or for pleasure, is a far more comfortable, easier and enjoyable at such an optimum time.

So whether it’s entertaining business associates or relaxing with family and friends on your Cannes yacht charter , we have plenty of fun-filled sailing itineraries covering the whole French Riviera, which would be just perfect to spend the days during the film festival. Or if you would prefer to dock in one of Cannes’ wonderful ports and take in the atmosphere, chartering a luxury yacht certainly isn’t a bad way to be passing the time at one of the most glamorous events of the Hollywood calendar!

If you are going to the Antibes yacht show please do not hesitate to contact us to meet up at the Antibes Yacht Show next week, and also we have many day boats for hire for events of all types in the French Riviera.

Up on the top deck of motor yacht AVELLA is a wonderfully spacious seating area, upholstered in stripes to truly give off a nautical ambience. We were told this area is perfect for meetings as it can be expanded and there was also an array of water toys, probably more appropriate for a family charter. On the lower deck is a great al fresco dining area with BBQ and fridge and a sunbathing area at the front of this 33.5m Azimut yacht for soaking up the rays.

Inside this Azimut motor yacht you are welcomed by an open saloon and sleek bar area decorated in a cream and mid oak colour scheme. You are then taken through into a lovely dining area where you will have the opportunity to experience some of the chef’s exquisite recipes. The 4 cabins are spacious and decorated in light, fresh colours and fit very well with the general sophistication and character of this luxury motor yacht.

Please don’t forget the Antibes Yacht Show next week, and also we have many day boats for hire for events of all types in the French Riviera – Please feel free to contact us at any stage, as our team is here to help.

For more information on chartering in the south of France, see our  South of France Yacht Charter Guide or browse through our Luxury Crewed Yacht Charters Worldwide.

Upon entering her aft deck, host to a relaxing lounge area and spacious dining table, and through glass doors, we were welcomed into her bright and open saloon, furnished completely in white. The immaculate condition of Illusion and the beautiful attention to detail with the décor, designed by the owner’s wife, certainly add to her appeal. The rich mahogany furnishings throughout the corridors and cabins bring an authentic feeling to this stately vessel yet the fresh whites of the upholstery keep her open and airy. Her length deceives, as the sheer comfort and space onboard the luxury yacht; ILLUSION is a luxury motor yacht with features that you would expect from a much larger yacht.

The bar featured within the saloon offered a great selection of beverages and we were told that one of the crew members is a particularly adept cocktail maker! It was quickly noted that the crew have a fantastic vibe – all of them young, lively and active – and it’s clear they have a solid foundation and have been working together for a while. Claiming that it’s the best sushi they’ve ever tasted, the Australian chef never fails to impress his fellow colleagues with his fantastic Asian cuisine and will guarantee this, along with a whole lot more, on board a luxury yacht charter with ILLUSION.

Up on the top deck, host to yet another open lounge and dining area, is a stunning and spacious sunbathing area and mosaic pool with jets; ideal for soaking up the sun during the day and winding down in the evenings. The lightwood and white exterior give this luxury motor yacht an extremely Zen feel with its minimalistic and modern design, allowing you to truly enjoy a relaxing luxury yacht charter at sea.

But we keep getting such consistently superb feedback on SOULS CALLING that we felt we needed to single it out for special mention.  SOULS CALLING is captained by Alex Mulder, who is a very skilled skipper, knows the BVI like the back of his hand, and basically doesn’t know the word “No”.  He loves his job, always goes the extra mile, and wants his guests to have the best holiday of their lives. And he always seems to deliver.  Carla is a superb cook and takes great care that the guests are happy. The two together work magic.

SOULS calling is a 2007 Lagoon 500 catamaran, with 3 spacious cabins and large common areas.  Lagoons are famous for their great panoramic windows in the salon, giving beautiful views and lightness to the galley and salon.  The boat is immaculately clean and all details are cared for lovingly.

We think, however, it’s best to hear testimonials from the charter guests themselves – here are just a few!

Patti Said:

“Just want to let you know we had the most amazing time on Souls Calling. We cannot wait to go again. Thanks for your help with the booking. If you need recommendations for them let me know, the crew was by far amazing and very attentive. The food was gourmet. What a wonderful experience, by far one of our best vacations we ever took. Thanks Patti”

See all about SOULS CALLING and additional testimonials on the Boatbookings website.

See all of our 5 Star Rated Charter Yachts!