Words: Russell
Living in the UK at this time of year can get a bit dreary. After you’ve left the warm bosom of Christmas, you’re back out in the cold, where it’s either constantly raining or looking like it’s just about to. So you’d be forgiven for staring longingly out of your office window, dreaming of warmer climates.
When the need to escape and find some of that ever elusive winter sun beckons, we think the best way to answer that call is to charter your very on superyacht in some of the most beautiful areas in the world.
Drinking in the crystal clear blue waters of some far flung corner of the world, be it from a jacuzzi on the sundeck or hanging on from a waterski, sounds pretty idyllic to us. Read on for our recommendations of the ultimate winter sun destinations to head to as the mercury continues to drop – and the yachts to charter there…
The Indian ocean
Home to the aquamarine blue waters of the Seychelles and the white sand beaches of the Maldives, there are few places more paradisiacal than the shorelines of the Indian ocean.
What to do
Visiting the Maldives between December and March is actually the ideal time, as you’ll avoid the monsoons and get to see the magnificent whale sharks who grace the islands with their presence from January through to April. So grab some scuba gear if you dare and dive head first into those crystal clear waters.
Best beach
If Anse Source d’Argent, commonly dubbed the most photographed beach in the world, has a few too many footprints for your liking, we recommend somewhere far more relaxing, off the beaten track: Grand Anse on the island of La Digue. Take a tender to the shoreline and enjoy the tranquility of this relatively undiscovered gem.
The yacht to charter there
Take Savannah around the Seychelles.
Panama
As famous for canals, hats and watersports as it is rather infamous for those papers, the “Crossroads of the Americas” is ideal for chartering and escaping those winter blues thanks to its abundance of gorgeous coastline and small, exotic islands and alcoves to dip in and out of.
What to do
Hop along Panama’s Caribbean coast with stop offs at a few of the idyllic spots. At Bocas del Toro, for instance, you will find great diving and snorkelling locations. Then, cruise down to the San Blas Islands where there are nine major islands, 52 cays and 200 plus inlets to explore.
Best beach
We love the beaches that surround Isla Bastimentos, with its exclusive La Rosa Beach Club that comes equipped with hot tub, infinity pool and a luxurious beach lounging area.
The yacht to charter
Take Helios around Panama.
The Caribbean
A favourite amongst the yachting community with the ability to hop from paradise to paradise, there are plenty of hideaways to find in these tropical waters if you want to stay out of the mainstream.
What to do
Here you have the whole of the Leeward Islands to explore – from the tranquility of Anguilla to the vibrancy and variety of Guadeloupe and all of the tropical paradises that lay in between. For some true indulgence, we recommend St Barths. The finest in French cuisine, champagne and high-end boutiques, this is the crowning jewel of the Caribbean.
Best beach
Why have one beach when you can have 365, we say. The island of Antigua has enough sand-covered shore for any trip. When you visit the island, you’ll also notice the main religion is cricket, so be sure you’ve got your bat and ball ready for an impromptu game on the beach.
The yachts to charter
Take Haida 1929 to the Caribbean.
Or Utopia.
Mexico
The almost mythical-sounding Sea of Cortez is the premier yachting destination in all of Mexico, with some of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world on offer, as well as a rich cultural heritage.
What to do
La Paz, otherwise known as the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, is one of the most beautiful diving destinations you’ll come across on your travels, with a unique variety of sea life surrounding the city. Sail slightly further up the coast to the Isla Espíritu Santo to go sea kayaking and have some close encounters with sea lion pups.
Best Beach
The best sand in the area can be found on Isla del Carmen – its natural beauty having earnt the island the moniker of the “Crown jewel of the Sea of Cortez”. Its red-hued basalt rises sharply out of the azure-blue ocean, which is punctuated with those iconic slim tall cacti. You’ll struggle to find a more picturesque location to weigh anchor.
The yacht to charter
Take Azteca II around the Sea of Cortez an Cabo San Lucas.
Now check out these five sustainable travel destinations…
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