Luxury travel is changing and evolving at an unprecedented rate, with adrenaline-inducing and unique experiences very much at the heart of this exciting growth. Today’s luxury travellers are increasingly swapping stays in exclusive resorts for out-of-the-ordinary experiences, such as luxury yacht charters in Australia & New Zealand or sailing holidays in places like Central & South America. Indeed, the yachting industry is a perfect example of how cash-rich, time-poor travellers are seeking new adventures in far-flung destinations over more traditional holidays in regions closer to home.
And who can blame them? Here, we explore why it’s never been cooler to set sail on a luxury yacht charter in Central & South America – or rent a yacht in Australia & New Zealand – for those looking for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience holiday.
Out-of-this-world experiences on luxury yacht charters in Australia & New Zealand
A hugely popular destination for those seeking unique, life-affirming experiences on their luxury yacht charters is Australia & New Zealand.
For marine-life lovers, the first port of call for those renting a yacht in Australia should surely be the Great Barrier Reef. Situated on the north-east coast, the famous reef, considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, gives visitors the opportunity to dive and snorkel amongst some of the most varied and colourful sea life on the planet.
A further ‘must’ for anyone on a luxury yacht charter in Australia is a trip to the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 magical islands where you can totally switch off, relax, and soak up the wonderful scenery of this tropical paradise. Whether travelling with a romantic partner or with friends, you’ll never forget the feeling of flying over Heart Reef in a private helicopter, taking in the views of these extraordinary islands.
Across the Tasman Sea is the remote yet extremely beautiful country of New Zealand, the two islands of which are often referred to as ‘God’s own country’. North Island is home to the capital Auckland, a city passionate about sailing and all things to do with yachts, and a highly recommended stop off on your yacht charter. Auckland is also a foodie’s paradise, offering you a chance to sample dishes you may well have not even heard of. Try hangi, a traditional Maori dish consisting of tender meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven, or for the really adventurous ask to taste kina, a type of sea urchin with a hard spiky outer shell but sumptuous, edible insides – a true New Zealand delicacy.
Meanwhile the south island boasts the wonderful waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, an exquisite collection of ancient sunken river valleys which, over time, have filled up with water from the Pacific Ocean. One of the best ways to explore the waterways, split in three ‘sounds’ called Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus, is by kayak. This journey will show you parts of New Zealand you never knew existed, giving you the opportunity to really get back to basics. Then when you return to the luxury of your yacht, make sure to taste the produce from the iconic wine growing region.
Unmissable adventures on luxury yacht charters in Central & South America
Luxury yacht charters around Central & South America are a relatively new phenomena, but with facilities for luxury yachts now springing up along the coast in the Baha California peninsula in Mexico to the southern tip of Brazil, there’s never been a better time to go.
This beautiful region is as varied as it is vast, offering endless opportunities to get up close and personal to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. For wildlife lovers, Mexico – famously labelled ‘The Aquarium of the World’ by Jacques Cousteau – will not disappoint with a rich marine life teeming with manta-rays and migrating humpback whales. Meanwhile, water babies will fall in love with the iconic Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize, one of the most renowned dive sites in the world.
For luxury yacht charterers wanting to head further off the beaten track, Nicaragua boasts dramatic landscapes punctuated with towering volcano peaks and fringed by white sandy beaches. Surfing is popular here, as it is in neighbouring Costa Rica, a destination which is also becoming increasingly sought-after by clients on luxury yacht charters in Central & South America.
Brazil’s capacity to offer visitors unforgettable memories is untold, with the culturally rich and beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro a must-see on any yacht charter around South America. Watch the world go by from the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and when you finally manage to drag yourself away, head into the centre to find some local street food – we highly recommend Brazilian pastels, a delicious fried pastry filled with cheese or meats.
Arguably the most incredible destination in this region and one that is sure to qualify as a once in a lifetime experience is the Galapagos Islands, home to giant tortoises but also whales, dolphins and penguins galore. Meeting all of these noble animals will be a truly humbling experience – something you’ll look back upon for years to come.
