The Very Best of Greek Gastronomy

Greek cuisine offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the result of thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. Greek gastronomy is known for its simple and elegant flavors, quality ingredients and nutritious and healthy content. It is a journey through Greece‘s history and the culinary influences that were left by numerous invasions, be them Roman, Venetian, Balkan, Turk…even English.

One of the many joys to be found in chartering a yacht in Greece is not just relaxing in such a tranquil area on your luxury yacht, but also being able to discover, taste, and experience the unique local Greek cuisine. On your yacht you might choose to charter in any number of fantastic areas, be it around Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Mykonos and the Cyclades Islands, Skiathos in the Sporades Islands or Kos in the Dodecanese Islands, but each of these areas and indeed each island in Greece has its own unique cultural heritage and cuisine.

Greece food

The Sporades islands for example are well known for their use of dairy products and produce the most delectable spoon sweets and thyme honey. The local cheese pie and lobster and spaghetti are highly recommended!

The Cyclades islands are known for their charcuterie tradition while the Ionian islands retain more of a western European influence in its cuisine as it was the only area not be be conquered by the Ottomans in the 15th century. It  is known for its braised veal sofrito, an exquisite dish flavored with garlic, parsley, and vinegar, its Semolina pie with almonds or perhaps its delicious spiced fig cakes.

The Dodecanese islands boasts a host of dishes based on bread and grains with bulgur and cracked wheat claiming a prominent place. Look out for delicious local dish of home-made pasta with caramelized onions that the islanders make throughout most of the Dodecanese! However, regardless of where you are on your yacht charter, you will come across some of the more famous Greek dishes such as the stuffed Paschal lamb and sun-dried octopus.

Our expert broker, Lambros Tsolakis, knows everything there is to know about the best greek delicacies. Varoulko Seaside, Funky Gourmet and Bill & Coo are his top 3 recommendations! At Boatbookings, we have years of charter experience in Greece and intimate knowledge of the yachts and the best places to go. Enquire today for a bespoke proposal.

5 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Guadeloupe

After spending five months living as a local in Guadeloupe, our charter broker Alice, found many reasons to charter in this Franco-African archipelago known by many as “Gwada”. A mixture of languages, cultures and activities makes these islands among the most diverse that the Caribbean has to offer. Here is why:

1. Island Hopping
The sailing possibilities are endless around the five islands that make up the French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Each Island of Guadeloupe has a distinct and raw vibe and still manages stay in tune with its African and French roots.

  • Grande Terre  Perfect for surfing, Creole inspired food markets and white sand beaches. 
One of the many stunning beaches on Grande Terre
A collection of Caribbean spices at a market in Grande Terre
  • Basse Terre  A perfect stop off to visit waterfalls, diving, natural beauty spots including the national park and natural hot baths. 
Basse Terre
  • La Désirade   
La Désirade
  • Iles des Saintes – This archipelagio within the archipelago is a sailors paradise, ideal for exploring on bike and for water activities such as paddleboarding. 
Iles des Saintes
  • Marie-Galante  Well known for beaches such as La Feuillère, its stunning coral reef and 19th century sugar-cane plantation. 

Or If you fancy visiting even more islands you can always sail to to neighbouring islands of Antigua (33 nautical miles), Dominica (26 nautical miles) or Martinique (52 nautical miles).  

2. The perfect blend of Rhum and Croissants
Due to its French legacy, every street in this Creole paradise will have a French Patisserie and, most definitely, a Rhumerie. Creole specialities are diverse from every other Caribbean island and typically include accras de morue (cod fritters), bananes flambées, fricassé de poulpe (octopus) and even a deep fried ‘Bokit’ sandwich with a variety of French fillings. It may be the only place in the world where a relaxing two hour lunch is acceptable. To begin, a Ti’Punch, a rum based aperitif, followed by a Caribbean curry and a bottle of French wine. From the finest of restaurants to street shacks, you are guaranteed to be able to find some of the most diverse food and drink that the Caribbean has to offer.

3. Diving
The diving schools on the Reserve Cousteau are among the most reputable in the world. There is even a Jacques Cousteau statue at one of the dive sites. The relaxed nature of these French dive schools will give you an authentic experience exploring these crystal waters, and the opportunity to see some of the largest varieties of fish in the Caribbean. There area multitude of diving options from snorkelling, first time diving, exploring or deep shipwreck dives.

4. The Beaches
There are 270 beaches spread across the islands of Guadeloupe and all are known to be gorgeous. There are both white and black sand beaches and even volcanos in the distant landscape. Each beach has a different vibe and many have quaint beach bars that serve planteur until the early hours.

5. Accessibility
There are direct flights from Miami, New York and Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main airport, which makes this archipelago of islands a must-visit for your next charter. There is also a ferry service from Antigua and many flights from other Caribbean islands.

Boatbookings has been organising charters in the Caribbean for over 14 years. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Guadeloupe, please do get in touch with our expert brokers here. We have yachts available for charter in many amazing Caribbean destinations.

For further information about passports and visas when visiting Guadeloupe, click here.

Superyacht of the week: PLANET NINE

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Stunning M/Y PLANET NINE. Image credit: Yachtfolio

PLANET NINE is a 73m, 2018 new-build NCA-Carrara crewed motor yacht, and thanks to her imposing grey hull, spacious sun deck, incredible interior and helipad she is our favourite super yacht of the week by a (nautical) mile.  She cruises with a sought after itinerary, being based in the glamorous South of France in the summer with opportunities to explore the Med, then crossing to the idyllic Caribbean and Antarctica in the winter. The ultimate explorer yacht, she is built for long-range global cruising and is suitable for sailing in icy conditions. With helipad and high speed tenders, all manner of adventures await charter guests onboard PLANET NINE.

PLANET NINE does not come alone, as her water toy selection and tenders are extraordinary. With a Rib at your disposal, the crew can speedily get you ashore to discover secluded coves and lovely lagoons, so there is no hotspot you cannot reach.  Imagine pulling up at a secluded bay on the fantastic French Riviera, dropping anchor, and feeling the excitement of speeding along the infamous coastline of Billionaire’s bay on a Jetski.  If you are an enthusiastic diver, the crew are well equipped to take you on a memorable underwater adventure to spot the varied colour palette of the fish.

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Helipad onboard – Image credit: Yachtfolio

This mesmerising yacht is well suited to the fitness enthusiasts out there, with an active crew who can work out with you, as well as extensive gym equipment so you can exercise with the ocean as your backdrop.

When you have worked up a sweat, it is time to relax on the sundeck, where a glass of bubbly and the refreshing Jacuzzi awaits. Whilst cruising with magnificent views of the Greek islands or Caribbean shoreline floating past, you will feel utterly content on the spacious upper deck – the ideal spot for a continental breakfast or candlelit dinner.

With so many difference exterior spaces to enjoy al fresco dining and socialise, matched by a contemporary and original interior, you will find it difficult to leave the comfort of PLANET NINE! Not to mention the masseuse services available, just relax and unwind. The cinema room is the perfect spot to settle into the sumptuous sofas after an exciting day and enjoy a movie night with the family. Despite all that PLANET NINE has to offer onboard, stepping ashore will be worthwhile, be it the quaint towns of old town Dubrovnik or the glitz and glam of the French Riviera events.

PLANET NINE is available for charter in Antarctica this winter, followed by Patagonia, Panama and then the Western Med, including Croatia, Greece, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €650,000 per week plus expenses. If PLANET NINE impresses you as much as the Boatbookings team, please do get in touch with you and we will be delighted to assist you throughout the process of organising this unforgettable trip.

 

Superyacht of the Week: CLOUD 9

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Stunning Superyacht CLOUD NINE – Image Credit: Yachtfolio.

You will undoubtedly be on cloud 9 with this extravagant and contemporary yacht! At 74m, CLOUD 9 boasts four exquisite decks, each offering entertainment and luxurious amenities. She is chosen as our Super Yacht of the Week due to her unique features – including her impressive beach club, sizeable main deck pool, saloon cinema and last but by no means least, the sky lounge dining area, these make her stand out from other yachts her size and design.

CLOUD 9 spends her summers along the fantastic French Riviera, before crossing the ocean to the Caribbean to chase the sun. The lower deck offers a beach club, unrivalled by most, so you can enjoy the colourful French Riviera towns such as Villefranche from the privacy of your own yacht. Sip a cool beverage of your choice served to you by your attentive crew, before sampling the wide array of water sports on offer. Get your adrenaline pumping off the coast of Monaco flying through the ocean on the Jetski, or get on the paddleboard and explore the secluded coves close up.

The yacht offers a Jacuzzi, so you can admire the idyllic Caribbean islands float past as you bathe in the bubbles. As the sun goes down head to the upper deck which provides the upmost comfort on its beanbags and sunpads, so you can unwind with a sundowner and enjoy the views with friends and family.

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Check out this dreamy upper sundeck! Image credit: Yachtfolio

For dinner, CLOUD 9 offers an unrivalled setting. The circular table enjoys the comfort and warmth of inside in the intricate interior, yet the glass revolving doors offer panoramic views of the serene spot of anchorage. As you sample the creative cuisine your private chef provides, you can feel the gentle summer breeze whilst getting a taste of local delights.

Enter the main saloon and you are welcomed into a world of elegance and style. The colourful furnishings and textured walls add personality to CLOUD 9, creating characteristic surroundings that everyone will appreciate. Do not forget that CLOUD 9 is a 2017 build, so you have all the contemporary features and the latest technology throughout.

The cabins will ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and enable you to feel right at home. The owner’s deck has large windows facing the bow, so as soon as you wake up you are faced with utter bliss. Moreover, it extends into a terrace which is a remarkable feature brimming with exclusivity and charm to enjoy a light breakfast or to get stuck into a book.

CLOUD 9 is available for charter in the Caribbean and Bahamas in the winter months, and Mediterranean in the Summer months – based out of Monaco on the French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €875,000 per week plus expenses. If CLOUD 9 floats your boat, speak to our expert brokers who will guide you through the process of chartering!

 

Super Yacht of the Week: HERE COMES THE SUN  

M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN at sail – Image Credit: Yachtfolio

HERE COMES THE SUN is a fitting name for a yacht that explores the sun-filled destinations, as well as brings the sunshine wherever she cruises. This 83m Amels beauty claims Super Yacht of the Week for a variety of reasons; her exotic cruising areas, outstanding deck features and unique wellness and spa amenities. She explores sought after destinations of South America, Alaska and California in the summer, before heading over to the French Polynesia, New Zealand and Seychelles in the Autumn/Winter. This sets her apart from other yachts with a riveting itinerary and chance to explore undiscovered gems.

 

The exterior of this Tim Heywood masterpiece is jaw-dropping to say the very least. Stroll to the bathing platform after an al fresco breakfast and stretch out on the comfortable sunbeds, with a dazzling backdrop of your chosen cruising area.

The infinity pool onboard M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN – Image credit: Yachtfolio.

When you need a refresher, head to the main deck where you will find an ‘Instagrammable’ infinity pool. Once the yacht is underway, a popular spot is the sundeck which offers shade, sunbeds and a Jacuzzi with panoramic views of the ocean and captivating coastline.

The interior of HERE COMES THE SUN is equally lavish. The owner’s suite is a marvel, with panoramic windows providing gorgeous views to wake up to in the morning. The interior matches the lively splashes of orange that ooze through the exterior, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the yacht. The natural woods create a calming and neutral tone, which adds sophistication and a contemporary feel.

 

In case you aren’t relaxed enough, this yacht boasts a private deck wellness and spa! Get sweltering in the sauna and steam room, enjoy a massage or workout in the gym to stay in shape. To top off this relaxation, enjoy an evening in with a theatre room to screen the latest premieres in the comfort of your private yacht and great company.

If you are looking for an indulgent, majestic and glamorous voyage, HERE COMES THE SUN is the yacht for you. If you agree with our enthusiastic opinions, enquire with a broker to find out more.

HERE COMES THE SUN is available for charter in many fantastic destinations: the Caribbean including the Bahamas and Windward islands, the South Pacific including Fiji and French Polynesia and Australia! In the summer she is even based in the East Med, in Greece, Italy and France. She is for charter starting at €1,200,000 per week plus expenses. Please contact Boatbookings for more information on superyacht charter.