The ultimate weekend away: unwind with a weekend yacht charter

Whether you’re looking to get away for a romantic long weekend with your partner, a mini-break with the girls, celebrate a special occasion with the whole family, or spend an adrenalin-filled few days with the boys, a superyacht is the ideal platform for just about any short break.

Benefits of a weekend yacht charter

Providing endless opportunities for fun and adventure, a superyacht allows you to explore remote locations, discover secluded beaches, and step ashore at your whim to visit the latest hot spots. Whether you are chartering a yacht for a week or a few days, the opportunities for watersports, al fresco dining, activities and relaxing, are all completely bespoke during a yacht charter, where the itinerary is tailored to you and your guests.  

Scuba diving – RMS Rhone shipwreck

Make the most of the water, with snorkelling, diving, swimming, and kayaking all vying for your time. No visit to the Virgin Islands is complete without exploring at least one of the epic dive sites – two of the best are the Indians for snorkellers and the wreck of the RMS Rhone for scuba divers. Lying just off Salt Island, this genuine shipwreck went down in 1867 and being perfectly preserved it has become one of the most famous dive sites in the Caribbean.  

Snorkelling haven – The Baths  

Located on Virgin Gorda’s southwest coast, The Baths are a network of grottos, caves and warm saltwater pools created by volcanic boulder formations. With their colourful fish and coral, they are perfect for snorkelling, kayaking or simply swimming, and make for great memories.  

Balearic bliss – Mallorca, Menorca and more

Cruise around the stunning coast of Mallorca, the largest of the Balearics, and dip your toes in the clear Mediterranean waters with an afternoon of watersports. The long stretches of sand on the small island of Formentera encourage a day of lazy relaxation on board and ashore, perhaps followed by a more active evening soaking up the culture and atmosphere of Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila.  

Beach clubs – Ibiza  

Ibiza may be known for its superclubs, but the White Isle also has a genuinely boho spirit. For those who prefer to do their carousing while the sun is up, El Chiringuito at Playa Es Cavallet is a daytime beach club with a particularly laidback vibe. Spend the afternoon on the upper deck terrace enjoying a long lunch, take a nap on the oversized daybeds and wake up to the chilled-out sunset beats of the early evening before heading back on board.  

Uncover more of Malta – history and culture  

As one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, Malta and her neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino, play host to some of the world’s oldest sites. Malta’s capital Valletta has so much to offer that the entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the ancient capital of Mdina is a three-dimensional testament to the islands’ long and troubled history. Visit the temples of Ggantija and Hagar Qim; tour Valletta’s St John’s Co-Cathedral and discover the fourth-century Christian burial chambers of St Paul’s in Rabat. 

Blue Flag beaches and the Blue Lagoon

While meandering around Malta, the waterborne will come across beautiful anchorages, secluded bays, and long stretches of sandy beaches, including nine that hold Blue Flag cleanliness status. From Golden Bay to Marsaxlokk and Gnejna in the south, to St Paul’s Bay, Mellieha and Sulmun in the north, the island has plenty to offer. Comino is home to the clear azure waters of the Blue Lagoon, while Gozo offers more fantastic beaches, including three with Blue Flags.  

Pampering ports  

From the glamorous Cannes Croisette to Monaco’s Port Hercules, the Côte d’Azur has as many award-winning spas as it does Michelin-starred restaurants. Step ashore here to enjoy a treatment at Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo. A temple to the Mediterranean, the spa is renowned for harnessing the healing properties of the sea that laps its façade – in fact, an entire floor here is dedicated to marine therapies. At the other end of the coastline, the iconic Hôtel Byblos in Saint-Tropez hosts the new Spa Blyblos by Sisley, while for those looking to detox after a girls’ weekend, La Réserve Ramatuelle is nestled in a pine forest and offers a number of programmes dedicated to wellbeing. 

Beach clubs and bars  

Known for its beaches, the French Riviera is perhaps the epicentre of the European beach club scene, especially along the three-mile stretch of Pampelonne beach in Saint-Tropez. The collection of eco-friendly beach clubs here are all aimed at the superyacht set, and include the legendary Le Club 55, the boho-chic La Réserve à la Plage, and Loulou à Ramatuelle. Further along the coast, the palm-lined promenade and stylish boutiques of the Croisette sit behind a collection of chic beach clubs, including the brand-new Lucia Cannes. A new venture from the company behind Nikki Beach, Lucia Cannes brings a bright new culinary venture to the chicest spot on the Côte d’Azur – making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Provençal rosé with the girls.  

When it comes to bars, Le Bâoli in Cannes is one of the most popular places to see and be seen. Sip a cocktail on the panoramic rooftop terrace called Cloud Nine, and then finish the night down in La Bâoli’s club. During the day, La Guérite, in the cove of Île Sainte-Marguerite, has its own beach and a bar serving some of the crispest rosé on the coastline. Further along the coast in Monte Carlo, step ashore for a cocktail at the Hôtel Métropole’s book-lined bar or the iconic Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris – definitely one for the bucket list – or follow locals to the Sass Café for a nightcap. 

Which yacht for your wonderful weekend charter?

From finding the right superyacht to suit your charter party to recommendations on where to charter, Burgess charter experts are on hand to help create the perfect weekend on board.