Scuba Diving in the British Virgin Islands

When someone says “tropical island paradise” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Sandy beaches as far as the eye can see stretching mystically beneath the satisfyingly sapphire water?
Perhaps the beach in mind is paired with a nestling of sun-strengthened palms; a melange of white gold complemented beautifully by the emerald, carelessly natural presence of the proud standing palm trees; such a scene, glistening with subtle pride, reminiscent of a piece of royal jewelry boasting a plethora of colorful stones… We can all picture our ideal Island Haven, but you may not know that you can find such timeless scenes just around the ocean’s corner.

Continue reading

Bahamas Restaurant Guide

With some of the most tropical fishing grounds in the world, it isn’t a surprise that the food in the Bahamas is as close to perfection as it comes. Broker Alice has just returned from a trip to the Bahamas and is here to give you her top 6 restaurant recommendations!

6. Spinnaker restaurant – Marsh Harbor, Treasure Cay

Positioned within tropical gardens with a  view of the beautiful marina at Treasure Cay. Ideal location for a pre-dinner cocktail followed by internationally inspired dishes prepared by a Bahamian chef! 

5. Cracker P’s – Abacos Island, Lubbers Quarters Cay

Located on the edge of a farm, accessible via boat only this is a great place to spend a few nights. Go on a nature trail before heading to Cracker P’s for a Kalik or a rum cocktail. Every 6/8 weeks there’s an unmissable full moon party.

4. Staniel Cay Yacht Club – Staniel Cay, Nassau

Anchor your boat amongst the nurse sharks and visit the yacht club for a mahi mahi fish sandwich before spending the afternoon swimming with the pigs at pig beach. 

3. The Jib Room – Marsh Harbor

Located next to a marina in Marsh Harbor, hope off your boat on the final night of your charter to enjoy a rib or bingo night with locals hopping off their boats for the evening. The atmosphere in this bar is really unbeatable in the Bahamas. Speak to other sailors about their personal Abacos insights to get some real insight into your Abacos sailing experience!

2. Twin Brothers Fish Fry – Arawak Cay, Nassau.

Located at Arawak Cay, you can find a truly authentic atmosphere of local vendors selling all types of different fish. I would recommend the fresh conch salad, freshly prepared in front of you. You can get anything that is truly authentic at any of these street vendors. Expect to pay between $20-$30 for an excellent meal. 

1. Grabbers – Marsh Harbor, Great Guana Cay

After a day of island hopping Grabbers, catch the sunset at grabbers with a Frozen grabber in hand. Relax and play games with friends or take advantage of the hammocks on the beach whilst watching the sunset in paradise!

Broker Ben’s Top 5 Insights for Your 2019 Charter

1. Book your 80-150’ motor yacht in Greece now, or you will miss out. Some of my top recommendations are JULIE M, BLADE 6, THEORIS, TACOS of the SEA and BARENTS SEA. Explore the secret anchorages of the Peloponnese, as well as the Cyclades hotspots (Paros, Mykonos, Milos) in 2019.

 
2. Everyone loves Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast but have you considered Sicily? With fantastic island hopping throughout the Aeolians, chic hillside villages (Taormina) and volcanoes to explore (Etna), the area has something for everyone.
 
3. Give Ibiza a go. It has the best beach clubs and nightlife, but it also offers natural beauty and some of the finest sunsets in the Mediterranean. Check out Cotton Beach Club (Cala Tarida), Benirras Bay and Isla Tagomago for some of our top picks.
 
4. The Bahamas are the ultimate water sports playground. Easy island hopping, cerulean waters, hidden cayes to explore, it’s the perfect family retreat.
 
5. Explore somewhere off the beaten track and learn to sail in Sweden. Yacht: ICHIBAN (Swan 70) Captain Jan is the perfect teacher to guide you along your Scandinavian adventure, while Chef Kirsten will showcase the wonderful local cuisine. Bring on the Elk meatballs!

Super Yacht of the Week: ELIXIR

ELIXIR is a 55m Amels, one of the newest in the range, and epitomises performance and elegance. Her gleaming white hull showcases her grace and style, as she cruises in Southeast Asia for the Winter, before crossing to the Med in the summer. She was an easy choice as a standout yacht as she will guarantee fun in the sun, and happy hour every hour, with her exemplary features, crew and aesthetics.

If you are feeling energetic, ELIXIR provides an abundance of water toys that are suitable a range of ages (and confidence).  Imagine being in the warm, turquoise waters of Thailand zooming around on the seabob, being chased by colourful fish as you glide. Alternatively, picture being in the serenity of Sardinia, and choosing a paddleboard to do your own exploring of the rugged yet charming coastline. If you love to exercise but water sports is not your thing, work out on deck with the crew with the wide array of equipment available so you stay in summer shape!

Relaxing is a key objective of many yacht charters, and ELIXIR provides all the facilities to do so! The exterior elevates this impressive yacht to a new level of luxury and prestige, with an inviting Jacuzzi, an abundance of sunbeds and bar awaiting you on the upper deck. You could easily anchor yourself here all day! 

Head up for golden hour to have delicious cocktails served by the friendly crew, before having local cuisine served by your talented chef on the dining table. ELIXIR is bound to provide cherished memories both in your mind and your new and improved Instagram account!

After a fun-filled day soaking up the sunshine, splashing about in the dazzling ocean, and sampling tasty and fantastic food, you may want to retire inside. The interior of this yacht could be described by so many wonderful adjectives, as it oozes glamour, taste and artistic creativity. With dark woods contrasting the lighter fabrics, as well as intricate furniture and ornate detail, you will be surprised and delighted to notic new things on EXLIXIR. Above is the Master balcony, where after a serene sleep you can awake and enjoy a fresh juice to this delightful wakeup view.

If you are chasing the ELIXIR of life, this yacht may be the answer! We certainly think so. To understand how to secure this sought after yacht for a charter either in the Indian Ocean or the Mediterranean, get in touch and we will guide you through the process.