Merrill Charette, Author at JetsetMag.com https://www.jetsetmag.com/author/mcharette/ Best of Luxury Private Jets, Yachts, Cars, Travel, Events | Jetset Mag Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:06:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.jetsetmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cropped-jetset-mag-profile-pic-32x32.jpg Merrill Charette, Author at JetsetMag.com https://www.jetsetmag.com/author/mcharette/ 32 32 Opulence at Sea https://www.jetsetmag.com/travel/destinations/opulence-at-sea-luxury-superyacht-charters/ https://www.jetsetmag.com/travel/destinations/opulence-at-sea-luxury-superyacht-charters/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:06:30 +0000 https://www.jetsetmag.com/?p=171122 Explore the world of luxury superyacht charters, where bespoke experiences, exclusive destinations, and ultimate privacy redefine high-end travel.

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Luxury superyacht charters

Arcadia Yachts A96

When it comes to luxury travel, few experiences can match the exclusivity and indulgence of chartering a Superyacht. Luxury superyacht charters are reserved for those seeking the ultimate in personalized escapes, this experience offers a bespoke journey tailored to satisfy every desire. Whether it’s basking in the golden sun of a Mediterranean summer or retreating to the serene, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, a yacht charter ensures unmatched privacy, freedom and customization. From the moment you step aboard, you’re in command of your itinerary, with access to stunning destinations and the luxury of time spent entirely on your terms.

Prime Charter Destinations

Luxury superyacht charters

In the summer, the Mediterranean reigns supreme as a yachting playground, with the breathtaking coastlines of the South of France, Italy and the Greek islands at the forefront. Picture yourself sipping champagne as you sail from the iconic cliffs of Santorini to the vibrant shores of Mykonos or dropping anchor near the glitzy scene of Cannes. Meanwhile, rising stars like Croatia and Montenegro offer a fresh alternative, where tranquil bays, medieval towns and fewer crowds combine to create an intimate, unforgettable escape.

As winter sets in, the allure shifts to the Caribbean, where St. Barths stands out as the ultimate destination, especially for the festive season. The island transforms into a hub of luxury, with exclusive events, high-profile parties and the occasional celebrity sighting. St. Barths is where the elite come to celebrate, making it a must-visit for those chasing the winter sun.

On the horizon, Dubai is set to make waves in 2025 as a yachting hotspot, with Saudi Arabia poised to follow, opening up an exciting new frontier for luxury charters.

The Cost of Chartering a Superyacht

Chartering a yacht comes with a price tag that mirrors the luxury of the experience. Rates generally start at around $130,000 (€100,000) per week, with ultra-luxurious yachts like Kismet or Flying Fox demanding up to $3.9 million (€3 million) per week. However, this price typically only covers the yacht rental, similar to leasing a high-end car. Additional costs such as a 20 percent APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) must be considered, which covers expenses like fuel, food and docking fees. In Europe, you’ll also need to factor in approximately 20 percent VAT, and it’s customary to tip the crew about 10 percent of the charter rate. Altogether, expect total costs to be roughly 50 percent higher than the base charter fee.

For entry-level superyachts, options like the 27-meter Alumnia Too start at around $123,000 (€95,000) per week. Mid-range yachts, such as the 60-meter Benetti St David, are more popular, with rates around $455,000 (€350,) per week. Most yachts can accommodate up to 12 guests due to regulatory limits, but a select few are designed to host larger groups. One notable example is the 99-meter Christina O, capable of hosting up to 34 guests—perfect for lavish events, parties or even weddings. This iconic yacht charters for $960,000 (€740,000) per week, offering an opulent experience for those seeking larger-scale luxury.

Bespoke Experience

Luxury superyacht charters

Arcadia Yachts A96

Before your trip, you’ll be asked to complete a preference sheet, a vital tool for the crew to tailor the experience to your personal preferences. This document captures everything from your favorite foods and wines to your daily routines. Whether you like your breakfast served at dawn or prefer a leisurely brunch, or if you have specific dietary needs or even quirky requests, the crew will be prepared to meet your needs. In one instance, a client requested fresh camel milk while in Capri. Due to EU regulations, the charter company couldn’t source it internationally in time, so it located a farmer in France and arranged for it to be flown in the same day!

Big Players in the Charter Market

Lürssen, Kismet

Several prominent companies dominate the yacht charter market, including Burgess, Fraser, Northrop & Johnson and Morley Yachts. These brokerage firms not only offer yacht charters but also provide a range of services such as yacht sales and management. For those desiring a more personalized approach, independent consultants like Marcela de Kern Royer go beyond the typical offerings by crafting entirely bespoke, unforgettable experiences. These specialists focus on tailoring every aspect of the journey, ensuring that each client’s charter is unique and meticulously designed to their preferences.

A Bespoke Experience, Beyond the Yacht

Mykonos

For those seeking the pinnacle of personalized yacht charters, experts offer an elevated experience that caters to your every desire. Whether you’re planning a wellness retreat complete with detox menus, yoga sessions and sunset meditation guided by a shaman, or setting off on a family adventure with onboard marine biologists to explore new marine life, these charters go beyond traditional vacations.

Imagine heli-skiing in remote mountains with a private helicopter whisking you back to your yacht, where a spa and masseuse are waiting to help you unwind. Whether it’s corporate team-building events or custom wildlife expeditions, the focus is on creating unforgettable moments tailored precisely to your preferences. 

As one charter guest described it: “It’s like having my own floating villa—completely private, unlike resorts or cruise ships. The yacht and crew follow your schedule, with meals and itineraries customized to your liking, ensuring an unforgettable experience.”

Chartering a yacht isn’t just a vacation—it’s a journey where luxury and adventure intertwine, all centered around your personal tastes. Whether for a summer escape or a winter retreat, few experiences compare to exploring the world from the comfort of your own floating paradise.

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Light and Sight https://www.jetsetmag.com/travel/yachts/light-and-sight/ https://www.jetsetmag.com/travel/yachts/light-and-sight/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:00:14 +0000 https://www.jetsetmag.com/?p=170619 The Evolution of Superyacht Design and Sustainability by Nuvolari Lenard.

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For Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, co-founders of the Nuvolari Lenard design firm, change is not only welcomed but actively pursued. It drives their design language forward, effortlessly blending form and function.

For many, the exterior of a yacht is the most visible aspect, and its sleek, sculpted lines often evoke a sense of forward motion. The Nuvolari Lenard team excels in this domain, having crafted some of the most iconic yachts in contemporary history, such as the 141.6-meter Nord, the 115-meter Ahpo, and the 60.3-meter Comfortably Numb. They continue to redefine industry standards with groundbreaking designs like the 202-meter Centerfold and the NLPlus, which encapsulates the essence of an ideal superyacht in a compact 52-meter frame.

According to Lenard, the exterior is only one part of the design equation, and it is inextricably linked to the interior layout and design. Having recently taken over the art direction of the studio’s interior design department, he is reinforcing the form-function interaction while also revitalizing the essence of what an interior can be. “A yacht,” he asserts, “should be conceived as a whole. Separating external design from internal design reduces the possibility of elevating the entire yacht project to a higher level—that is, to the level of a work of art.”

This is part of the team’s continuous effort to evolve, anticipate future trends, and refresh their design approach, especially as owners’ attitudes change regarding style and environmental concerns. “We clearly perceive the expectations of today’s shipowners who, regardless of their age, think differently and think younger,” Nuvolari states. “The COVID pandemic marked the beginning of a new era. In recent years, interior design has often seen appearance dominate substance, with an excess in the use of special (and expensive) materials.”

“We want to reverse this equation,” he continues, “with a trend that will see the exaltation of true design, less formality in environments, less emphasis in decoration, and interior design focused entirely on the individual and wellbeing.”

The Orangery: Light and Sight in Design

To achieve this fundamental shift, the Nuvolari Lenard team is concentrating on two crucial elements: a keen attention to proportion and precise layout and lighting planning. “This is where the connection with the exterior design reveals itself,” Lenard explains. “The emphasis on light influences the relationship with the yacht’s exterior, determining the shape and position of the windows.”

The Orangery of the Centerfold project exemplifies this progressive transition to a new trend, dominated by themes of light and sight with a clear aesthetic that avoids excess formalism or superfluous ornamentation. Massive glass expanses surrounding the room both vertically and overhead define the space. According to Lenard, it is an internal setting on the yacht that allows visitors to experience the feeling and ambiance of the sea.

Sustainable Interest in Interior Design

An additional crucial component of this reevaluation of interior design is the goal of enhancing consumer well-being and environmental sustainability. This element serves as a secondary motivator for Nuvolari Lenard’s updated interior design style.

Nuvolari has particularly focused on this, demonstrating the impact of using various materials and construction methods. He provides shipowners with extensive knowledge to elucidate these factors and assist them in making informed decisions. “We tend to condemn the use of certain materials only because we have limited—or tradition-distorted—information,” he says. “Often, we consider materials to be ‘sustainable’ that actually only have the appearance of being sustainable.”

Nuvolari cites natural leather as an example. “We frequently bemoan its usage, favoring synthetic leathers,” he claims, “but we overlook the fact that natural leather is a byproduct of the food industry. If discarded, it would have a detrimental effect on the environment.”

There are many such instances, which is why Nuvolari Lenard requests data and information from its suppliers regarding the source of materials and the methods utilized in their production to choose those that are more environmentally sustainable. “We are eager to educate shipowners about how the use of specific materials and construction techniques significantly impacts interior design,” Nuvolari continues, “and the fact that well-being has become one of their main expectations.”

The team is expanding its environmental considerations to include the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the release of harmful substances in interiors, which can persist long after the yacht is delivered. This is significant because these compounds can affect the quality of the air we breathe. While this topic is hotly debated in civil engineering, it has yet to be generally addressed in yachting. Nuvolari Lenard is actively discussing construction techniques and materials that can mitigate these detrimental effects with interior construction businesses.

By embracing change, Nuvolari Lenard not only advances its design approaches but also redefines the concept of design itself. “The success of interior design is no longer just stylistic but holistic, involving all aspects of the project—interior design, the relationship with exterior design, and the knowledge and correct use of appropriate and sustainable materials and techniques,” Lenard says. “This collaborative and innovative process is precisely what Nuvolari Lenard has established and applies to the realization of its interior projects. It’s how we plan to develop a new generation of iconic designs, both inside and out.”

Nuvolari-Lenard.com

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