There was a time when the yachting elite hopped between a mere handful of marinas in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The superyacht scene today is much changed. The marina options available to owners and charter guests across the world now offer the chance to berth in some truly unique places with second-to-none service.
Angela Audretsch, editor of The Superyacht Owner, shares five of her favourite new superyacht marinas.
YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
With its protected waters and beautiful anchorages, the British Virgin Islands are one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. Operated by the renowned Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda is a yacht club and world-class marina that has been developed using wholly sustainable design practices.
With 38 slips for mega yachts up to 88m, it is exclusive, protected and the ideal base for cruising in the area. It is also the host of top Caribbean sailing events like the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean and Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous.
Marina Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain
In the heart of Barcelona, Marina Port Vell is welcoming boats this summer after a five-year, multi-million Euro transformation into one of western Europe’s newest superyacht hubs. Famous for its vibrant culture, architecture, cuisine, and voted ‘World’s Top Beach City’ in 2011 by National Geographic, Barcelona is the perfect destination for the discerning traveller.
At the end of the iconic Las Ramblas, MPV offers berths from 30m up to 120m, as well as a five-star luxury services such as a gym, spacious crew lounge, high end spa area and a new OneOcean Club restaurant and cocktail bar overlooking the water.
Christophe Harbour, St Kitts
Just 55 miles from St Barths is the island of St Kitts, where you’ll find Christophe Harbour, the Caribbean’s newest luxury resort development. The brainchild of superyacht owner Buddy Darby, this is a real destination marina. Park up in the sheltered marina before heading for sundowners at the Salt Plage beach bar and dinner at The Pavilion beach club.
A romantic island with friendly people, St Kitts exudes a uniquely relaxed luxury and will make you want to stay longer than you intended.
Palmarina Bodrum, Turkey
Turquoise waters, rich history and sweeping beaches … Turkey is a superyacht guest’s dream. Opened in 2013, Palmarina Bodrum is Turkey’s latest rising star and promises to become a new centre for luxury on the Turkish Riviera.
Bodrum and the surrounding peninsula still offer an old world authenticity, one that is nearly obsolete in the rest of the Med, but the marina is far from sleepy, with quality restaurants, a boutique hotel and even a branch of Flavio Briatore’s infamous Billionaire Club.
Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro
“The most beautiful encounter between land and sea”: this is how Lord Byron described Montenegro in the 19th century, but it has only recently reclaimed its place on the luxury traveller’s map. Voted Marina of the Year in 2015 by The Yacht Harbour Association, Porto Montenegro is the country’s superyacht offering. Located in the beautiful UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, this marina community also features luxury waterside residences, a Regent Hotel, restaurants and bars, with a range of sports, leisure and cultural activities at your fingertips. Add to this its proximity to the Greek Islands, Croatia, Turkey and Italy and transport links with the rest of Europe, Porto Montenegro is a great addition to any itinerary.
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