One of the simplest pleasures of a superyacht is that you have your very own floating kingdom. From a five-star hotel to your own private sea-view restaurant, a first-class spa, a drifting champagne bar, and a perfect party pad for those breezy nights when you feel like celebrating - your yacht charter can be all of these things and more.
Whether anchored off the sultry shore of Miami or the summer playground of the Hamptons – planning a superyacht soiree offers you the very best environment for making a great impression on your guests. Glitz, glamor and gorgeous seascapes provide the mise-en-scene for evenings of perfectly tailored food, fine wines, and a new port of call to party in every night. Take a look at these divine details to help you plan the most sophisticated superyacht soiree…
Pleasurable Ports of Call
Location, location, location. Time to consider which port is the best call. Is your soiree someplace you want to be seen or rather an exclusive event away from prying eyes? Geography matters when mapping out where your yacht will dock or anchor out, and which spot guests will be able to travel to and from with ease. Non-yachting guests most certainly will need to be factored in. Miami and Monaco make for great locations as non-yachters will be able to travel there with ease. Certain remote islands in the Caribbean may be a bit challenging to access so be sure to pick places like St. Barts rather than somewhere like more remote islands. Once your guests have reached the meeting point, then you are free to plan a party route with your captain.
Finding the Right Yacht at the Right Time
With so many sublime yachts to choose from, you want to pick a boat that beautifully matches your vibe. Depending on the type of event, the time of year and the number of guests; your yacht's amenities are sure to matter. A spacious sundeck, a bubbling jacuzzi, perhaps a sauna, a plunge pool, and al-fresco dining space; all these added features can truly make a difference. While you never need a reason to party, hosting a Christmas or New Year's Eve party is definitely a big part of the planning and best done far in advance to be safe.
Fabulous Food and Fine Service
One of the most alluring aspects of throwing your soiree on a superyacht is the fact that you can enjoy unrivaled help and attention from the crew. Having a personal crew at your fingertips can truly make the difference when it comes to a wonderful event. Work with the chef to curate a menu tailored to your preference. A yacht offers endless options for dining; perhaps a silver service sit down dinner would suit, or for a more casual affair -consider cocktails and canapes. Your attentive crew will make sure everything runs smoothly and your guest's glasses are always full.
Decadence by Design
Determining whether to work on a theme when planning your superyacht soiree is very much down to personal preference. Some superyacht guests adore a good costume blowout, while others will prefer to keep things beautiful yet simple. From mesmerizing masquerade balls to vintage Hollywood parties, sixties psychedelia or even a Pirates of the Caribbean theme – working to a script gives you a creative angle to tackle the décor, food and dress list for the eve.
Theme evenings don’t have to lose their pearls and lace; consider a Great Gatsby theme for the penultimate 1920’s decadence, complete with flapper dresses, speakeasy cocktails, and jazz. Those looking for a more laid-back affair can opt for a Beach Party theme with rum cocktails, designer swimwear, and European DJ stars.
Music and Entertainment
Live band, superstar DJ, string quartet or Jet-Ski races. Another fine thing about having the ocean as your own party play-pad is that you don’t need to worry about upsetting the neighbors. While many soirees will work a treat with good music, fine food, and stunning surroundings, you could amp it up a notch with a heady selection of water toys and tenders. Consider how much fun it would be for your laid-back beach style party to include inflatable slides, kayaks, and snorkels to keep guests glowing with joy in-between champagne and crudités.
A yacht soiree cannot help but be anything but fabulous. While the finer details blend beautifully to enhance the experience – even if you were to strip it all away you would still have the bliss of soul-wrenching sunsets, warm wooden sundecks and the soundtrack of the sea.