scotland yacht charter

• Bavaria 37 'Equinox'
• Bavaria 38 'Evenstar'
• Beneteau 411 'Aqua Vite'
• Hanse 400 'Tarskavaig'
• Ovni 43 'Lotus'
• Elan 434 'Countess of Sleat'
• Beneteau 44.7 'Lisa'
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• Call David: 07709 086 934

Yacht Charters Scotland

Bavaria 38 available for charter, based at craobh haven, tinker's hole , iona, welcome to scottish yacht charters.

Welcome to Scottish Yacht Charters run by David Lyle who has been a commercial skipper on the coast here for the past 25 years... The boats we have in the fleet are ideal for the area and provide an interesting selection of vessel to charter. All boat are coded for upto 60Nm away from a safe haven which allows charterers to explore all the islands off the Scottish mainland.

We are a small independent yacht charter company, operating from the West Coast of Scotland. Our base is Craobh Haven some 20 miles south of Oban, which gives access to the most spectacular yachting to be had in the British Isles. Craobh Haven and the surrounding region featured in the BBC documentary "Three Men Go To Scotland". The varied coastline and numerous islands of this area offer stunning scenery and crystal clear waters inhabited by a huge variety of wildlife, including whales, porpoises and basking sharks. Wherever you choose to make landfall, you're sure of a warm welcome ashore at one of the many harbourside restaurants, distilleries or places of historic interest.

Yachts for Charter

Lisa new to Scottish Yacht Charters

Lisa is a Beneteau 44.7 with spacious accommodation for 7/8 people.

New 2020 'Countess of Sleat' is coming to join SYC. She’s an Elan 434 with four cabins and a saloon, can sleep ten and is a very comfortable yacht ideal for the west coast of Scotland. She joins us as the ideal boat for those wanting both comfort and ability. The boat has two heads. Enquire Now

Yacht Charters from Craobh Haven Near Oban

The landscape bordering these extensive cruising grounds is beautiful and unspoilt. There are hundreds of islands and literally thousands of miles of coastline, giving plenty of scope for aspiring skippers to improve their pilotage and navigation skills. The long summer days, myriad of sheltered anchorages and extensive choice of routes and destinations all make for a great sailing experience. Craobh Haven itself is easily accessible by private or public transport and has plenty of safe car parking facilities as well as a chandlery, general store and the Lord of the Isles Pub, Restaurant and Hotel.

Yacht Charters in Scotland

Our modern well equipped yachts are available for bareboat or skippered charter. They are comprehensively equipped with modern equipment and has an extensive inventory. All you need to bring is your own personal gear. So whatever your level of experience, whether you're looking for a relaxing break or a real sailing adventure, we are confident that you will find Scottish Yacht Charters and the delights of the West Coast of Scotland hard to beat.

If you would prefer to speak to a real person rather then submitting this enquiry electronically, please feel free to call us at any time for a no obligations chat.

07709 086 934

Scottish Yacht Charters The Green Craobh Haven Oban PA31 8UB View on Google Maps

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Charters Scotland

The rugged beauty of Scotland is of World renown. A yacht charter in Scotland is one of the best ways of exploring the country. The West Coast is sparsely inhabited and many places are only accessible by sea. For this reason, a bareboat yacht charter is an increasingly popular way of visiting the area. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife unusual and diverse. There are lots of harbours and anchorages. We would challenge anyone who charters Scotland not to be impressed.

Charter West Scotland

One of the great things about Scottish charters is the unrivalled opportunity for peace and solitude. As anyone who has experienced the delights of a Yacht charter West Coast Scotland will testify, there are none of the crowds that are the norm in other popular areas of yacht charter UK. A cruise with Scottish Yacht Charter allows you the freedom to enjoy deserted anchorages should you wish to. The numerous islands to be found in this area mean that there is usually somewhere offering shelter whatever the direction of the wind. However one of the great things about Scottish charters is that, if you wish, there are plenty of charming coastal towns and villages offering opportunities for reprovisioning, visiting local attractions or just a welcoming pub.

Bavaria Yacht Charter

We are ideally placed to offer the perfect location for your yacht charter west coast. Our small fleet of yachts is perfect for Scottish charters, being relatively new and fully equipped. Colour plotters, electric anchor windlasses and single line reefing will all enhance the experience of your Scottish Yacht Charter. As anyone familiar with this area will testify, the diesel heating found on all our boats can be very useful on occasions. For your visit ashore, our yachts are equipped with inflatable tenders and outboard motors at no extra charge. All of these features will help to make your sailing charter Scotland a memorable one.

A widely held misconception is that it always rains in Scotland. Aficionados of cruising the West Coast of Scotland will testify to the long periods of settled weather it is often possible to encounter. Of all the yacht charter UK areas Scottish charters are the ones blessed with the longest daylight hours. In midsummer a lucky sailor who charters Scotland will find that even at midnight it is often not entirely dark. Certainly the weather will usually allow barefoot yacht charters, if that is your fancy. As a result of the effects of the Gulf Stream, temperatures are a good deal higher than is generally appreciated.

Bareboat Charter Scotland

One of the considerations when selecting Scottish charters is the ease of access to our home ports. Craobh Haven and Largs marinas are easily accessible by road, train or even air. Our summer base at Craobh Haven is about 2 hours drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh and is approximately 20 miles from Oban, which is the nearest rail link. Largs Marina, our winter base is about 20 miles from Glasgow which in addition to road and rail links has its own airport. Your yachting charters Scotland will start and end with the minimum inconvenience as a result of the locations we have chosen. Anyone who is a client of ours and who charters Scotland regularly will appreciate the ease of access our sites offer for your sailing charter Scotland.

Boat Charter Scotland

We hope that we have tempted you to sample the delights of yacht charters Scotland. Our aim is to ensure that anyone experiencing charters Scotland does so in an enjoyable and hassle free manner. Whether your holiday aim is to discover quiet unspoiled anchorage's, or to undertake longer more challenging cruises, we hope that your experience will make you agree with us that a Charters Scotland cruise is not one to be missed.

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Quality yacht charter based on Scotland’s Clyde Coast

Good availability on our two cabin 'Mridula Sarwar' Bavaria 33 Cruiser through the summer for last minute charters and beyond!

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Discover the beautiful west coast of Scotland

Our fleet of five yachts is based mainly on the Clyde at Largs Yacht Haven on the beautiful west coast of Scotland.

Our yachts are charter coded for crews of up to ten - we offer the widest choice of larger charter yachts in Scotland.

"All aspects of the charter service we received were top notch - the booking, the handovers, hiring of oilies and the boats.

We spent the journey home dreaming of our next charter!"

Scotland yacht charter

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Planning the perfect charter requires specialist knowledge, trusted contacts on board and on the ground, as well as first-hand knowledge of yachts, crews and locations, as well as legal contracts and local regulations to build an experience that suits you perfectly. Another reason to choose a broker is that sometimes there can be unforeseen issues with yachts or destinations and having an experienced broker to protect your interests and build a plan B is hugely reassuring. 

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Award Winning Charter

We are delighted to announce that we have won the Nautical Tourism Awards 2023 – Best Yacht Charter Company 2023 – West Coast of Scotland

Bareboat Yacht Charter

Cloud Nine is available to charter bareboat or with a skipper.

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Scotland’s West Coast

We are based on the west coast of Scotland, at the new pontoons on Oban seafront, which is a 2 minute walk from the train station. This offers fast access to one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the world. Click for information on sailing in the west of Scotland .

Cloud Nine Yacht Info

Cloud Nine offers modern, spacious accommodation including three double cabins plus one with bunkbeds and 2 toilets (one with shower). For further information on our yacht click the link below:

Cloud Nine Yacht specifications

Cloud Nine - bareboat and skipper charter based in Oban

We have been sailing the West Coast of Scotland for over 40 years and want to share our experience and passion for the area with you.

We are very excited that Cloud Nine is on West Coast of Scotland! She is an Elan Impression 434, a modern, good looking boat, easy to handle, swift and safe. We brought her to Scotland from Croatia in early spring and after an upgrade she now is available for charter. She is based in Oban, Argyll which is an easily accessed and perfect starting point for your West Coast adventure. We want you to enjoy the constantly changing and utterly stunning beauty of these coastal waters as much as we have over the years, and we believe that Cloud Nine will provide you with the sail quality and boat comfort to enable you to do so.

If you have any queries whatsoever relating to chartering Cloud Nine, please don’t hesitate to contact  us.

SCOTLAND AND HEBRIDES

Scotland’s west coast has as big a reputation for its wide variety of weather and strong tides as it does for its breath-taking beauty. with such stark contrasts in the weather and sailing conditions all part of the charm, it is easy to be put off..

But this stunning area of the UK offers some of the finest sailing in the world. Protected cruising grounds are set at the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery, and while careful planning is essential, help and advice is plentiful with numerous guides and suggested itineraries available for charters to make the most of your time there.

Islay and Gigha

Islay is a must-visit destination - if not for its beauty, then at least for the many fine whisky distilleries that have been producing scotch for hundreds of years. even though it is only 25 miles long, nine active distilleries are producing some of the finest single malts known to mankind..

There are plenty of opportunities to visit the distilleries (where you will receive a warm welcome) and a variety of tours are available. The main harbour is Port Ellen, which makes the perfect base to explore this famous island and there are several anchorages along Islay’s south coast.

Gigha is a tiny yet super-hospitable island of Gigha. This beautiful place is surrounded by turquoise seas and fringed with white sand beaches. Since 2002, it has been owned by the community, which explains the warm welcome. Gigha is only 7 miles long and a mile and a half wide, yet it boasts its very own Michelin recommended Boathouse Restauran t. There are great walks with stunning views and awesome sunsets, not to mention a challenging nine-hole course for the keen golfer. You will find the most popular anchorage in Ardminish Bay.

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Cruising the inner hebrides, the inner hebrides offer stunning landscapes, lochs, beach anchorages, wildlife, walks, and mountain climbing. and then there’s world-beating food, especially the local seafood and fish, and, of course, fine whisky to enjoy after all that exercise..

The Scottish Hebrides were made for exploring by sailboat. Offering a rare chance to explore some of Britain’s most inaccessible wilderness alongside rugged mountains and glittering lochs, the magic of this area won’t be lost on you as you cruise through stunning gold-sand beaches, craggy inlets and picturesque seaside towns. Friendly locals will help to make it the trip of a lifetime.

There is much-undisturbed wildlife, set against an enticingly rugged and tranquil backdrop. While sailing here you may spot dolphins, seals, whales and basking sharks. Bird watchers will also delight in puffins, oystercatchers, fulmars and shags all native to this area. The Inner western coast offers fjord-like lochs to glide through. The Outer Hebrides is virtually untouched – even at the height of summer, the seas are still blissfully quiet.

The best time for sailing charters in Scotland

The best time for a sailing charter in Scotland is during the summer months of July and August when the weather will be at its warmest with temperatures up to 18oC. April and May have the lowest rainfall, while June, July and August can be unpredictable.

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Scotland Yacht Charter Holidays

Looking for holiday ideas for family and friends but fancy something a little different? Why not try a Scotland yacht charter holiday in the magical Hebrides?

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our private skippered yacht charters in Scotland, Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a group of friends, our range of boats —from modern sailing yachts to historic tall ships—offer the perfect opportunity for exploring Scotland’s magnificent coastline.

There’s no better way to discover Scotland’s stunning shoreline than by boat, discovering the secluded sea lochs, remote islets, and sheltered coves of the 750 Scottish islands. Each destination offers its own unique charm, rich history, and abundant wildlife. With a Scotland yacht charter, you have the flexibility to craft your own itinerary, allowing you to explore iconic locations like the Hebrides, Orkney, or the Firth of Clyde at your own pace.

No sailing experience needed

Our all-inclusive Scotland yacht charters are fully crewed by knowledgeable and experienced sailors, ensuring you don’t need any sailing experience to enjoy your holiday. Your skipper will expertly navigate the waters, while you relax and soak in the views. Should you wish to get hands-on, you’re welcome to assist with hoisting the sails, taking the helm, or even trying your hand at chart reading. Alternatively, simply unwind and watch the ever-changing landscape as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful sailing grounds.

Discover the magic of the Hebrides

For those looking to island-hop, our tailored itineraries can take you from the white sands of Iona to the enchanting landscapes of Arran, Rum, and Jura. Discover the local culture, historic monuments, and magical wildlife that make these islands so special. With long summer days and ideal sailing conditions, the Western Isles offer an idyllic setting for your private yacht charter in Scotland. Our experienced skippers will guide you to sheltered bays or long, winding lochs, far from the beaten track. Once anchored, there’s ample opportunity to explore ashore, climb a high point, swim off the boat, or relax on a remote sandy beach.

The Scottish islands are undoubtedly a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Sail through the Hebrides and you might spot puffins nesting on the cliffs, or marvel at birds of prey like buzzards and peregrines. The waters are alive with marine life, including common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and the majestic orcas that glide through the waves. Each encounter with Scotland’s wildlife is a moment to treasure.

Book a Scotland yacht charter with VentureSail

With a skippered yacht charter in Scotland, every day brings a new adventure and the chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re seeking privacy, freedom, or the thrill of discovering bucket-list locations, a skippered sailing holiday in Scotland is the ultimate escape. Our flexible itineraries are designed to suit your preferences, ensuring a bespoke and unforgettable sailing experience.

All our boats below offer fully crewed Scottish yacht charters. Call us on 01872 487288 or contact us to start planning your ideal Scotland yacht charter holiday.

Bessie Ellen

Perfect for groups, sleeping up to 12 in an open berth saloon and taking up to 60 for day sails.

Blue Clipper

A traditionally rigged tall ship with private ensuite cabins, sleeping 12 guests.

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A historic schooner sleeping 22 guests in private ensuite cabins.

A cosy staysail sailing in Scotland with private twin cabins, sleeping 6-8 guests.

Modern yacht Stravaigin sleeps 6 guests in comfy double cabins and sails around the West Coast of Scotland.

A comfortable expedition vessel with private cabins and ensuites, sleeping 8 guests.

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Superyacht Charter Scotland

Private Yachting Cruises in the Inner Hebrides

The islands scattered off Scotland’s west coast offer some of the most beautiful cruising in the world. Uninhabited landscapes are ready for your superyacht adventure, while whisky connoisseurs come from worldwide for tastings and distillery tours. And the wildlife is spectacular: expect to see orcas, whales, eagles, seals and much more. Rent a crewed motor or sailing boat with YPI to have the best cruising possible in the Inner Hebrides. This is an example of a six day yacht charter itinerary for Scotland. Yacht charter itineraries are created individually for every client based around personal preferences and how you want to spend your time onboard your superyacht in Scotland's Inner Hebrides

Take to the Skies

Join your superyacht at Oban, the gateway town of the Hebrides. Head northwest towards Mull to visit the 13th century castle and learn about its troubled past with a local historian. Go north through the stunning sound of Mull, keeping an eye out for dolphins, orca and seals. Disembark at Tobermory, home to the island’s only whisky distillery. Meet the head distiller for a private tour and tastings of this small yet powerful single malt. Take to the skies for para-jet flights in search of whales, orca and sea eagles.

Sacred Island

Head round the northern tip of Mull and towards tiny Staffa, an entirely volcanic Island uninhabited since the 17th century. Stop your motor or sailing boat and explore Fingals Cave, a sea cave formed completely in hexagonally jointed basalt. Take the walkway to explore it yourself, or meet the island’s only residents, puffins. Next, Iona, the centre of Gaelic monasticism for four centuries. Moor up and go ashore for a view of Iona Abbey, a focal point for Christianity and the burial place of no less than 43 Scottish Kings!

Nature’s Power

World-famous Whiskies

Head west to the Isle of Colonsay. With only 130 inhabitants, it offers some of the most pristine beaches in the world and gets the most hours of sun in Scotland. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a secluded bay. Fish for mackerel, then sail your superyacht to Islay, spotting Basking sharks, Seals and pods of Dolphins on the way. Known as the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay has 8 working whisky distilleries producing some of the finest single malts in the world. The Bunnahabhain distillery produces one of the lighter Islay single malts - we will arrange a private tour and tasting.

Extreme Adventures

Sailing south, with the Isle of Jura to our east, enjoy the dramatic landscapes and untouched scenery and glacial beaches. Enjoy a day of deerstalking only a stone’s throw from your motor or sailing boat. Take the short drive from Port Askaig to tour the Islay woollen Mill. Take the kayaks or paddleboards to explore the seal colonies. Take the helicopter for afternoon tea half way up the Paps of Jura. Go heli-fishing for Brown Trout on the numerous hill lochs. Salmon fishing can also be arranged. A purpose built sand racetrack will be ready to unleash the 200hp off road rage buggies on.

Local Specialities

Three of the world’s iconic whisky names are found in Islay: Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroig. Enjoy private tours and tastings at all three. Helicopter to Loch Gruinart, an RSPB sanctuary, home to Islay Oysters, best enjoyed for lunch at a remote bothy cottage. Play golf on the Machrie, one Scotland’s best links courses. Dive for scallops opposite Laphraoig distillery and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a dram overlooking the distillery. Later, enjoy a whisky dinner with a renowned whisky specialist to celebrate the end of a unique superyacht holiday.

WELCOME TO ALBA SAILING

Bareboat and skippered yacht charter company on the west coast of scotland, telephone: +44 (0)1631 56 56 30.

ALBA SAILING is Scotland’s premier independent bareboat and skippered yacht charter company – we have provided quality service for over 35 years. From our purpose built shore side premises at Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban, Argyll in West Scotland we offer a wide choice of quality yachts from 31 – 46 feet for bareboat or skippered yacht charter. Unlike many charter companies, we own the majority of the yachts in our fleet so you can be sure of not only a warm personal welcome but also of our commitment to providing you with a well maintained and well equipped yacht that you will be proud to sail.

Our base is at the heart of Scotland’s West Coast cruising grounds so the Inner Hebrides, including the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Skye, can usually be circumnavigated within one week depending on whether you use bareboat or skippered charter. Our Cruising in West Scotland page gives you a brief outline of some of the many attractions our cruising area has to offer.

We have our own Chandlery and hire shop on-site and offer a range of services including waterproof clothing hire, freshly laundered bedding and towels etc.

There is a Tourist Information Centre in Oban and they can suggest hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in and around Oban in case you would like to extend your holiday. Their website is here  or you can phone them on +44 (0)1631 563122. We have also discovered a truly excellent transport provider and their details are on the download page of our website.

Enjoy our website and please feel free to contact us directly for any further information, advice or guidance on skippered or bareboat charter in West Scotland. We are here to help. Alba Sailing is run by sailors – for sailors! We are also on hand to discuss your Chandlery and Rigging requirements.

We look forward to welcoming you to Scotland soon!

David & Julie Banks

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Scotland Yacht Charter

Scotland yacht charter is at present underrated. While quite popular for many yacht charterers, particularly the experienced sailor, yacht charters in this beautiful country are sure to increase steadily in the next few years. The simple reason for this is that a yacht charter is Scotland, is a breathtaking and exhilarating experience.

The dramatic scenery, gorgeous anchorages, islands with castles, lochs and Celtic Fairy tales will keep you intrigued through your yacht charter vacation. The mystical history of Scotland is just about as exciting as the sailing in Firth of Clyde.

In the Hebrides you will find towering Highland mountain scenes and pristine villages around protected harbors. The cruising in this area can be challenging due to large tides, currents and occasional Atlantic Ocean storms. It is, however, possible to find inside passages to most of the more interesting areas.

Oban offers a popular yacht charter base. From there you can easily reach the Isle of Skye, Mull, Eigg and Rhum. Scotch whiskey lovers will have heard these names before. There are numerous good anchorages, on most of the Islands, otherwise Portee is a great harbor on the Isle of Skye.

If you'd prefer safe and stress-free cruising, head toward The Clyde Estuary where you'll find picturesque ports and typical warm, west Coast hospitality. On your yacht charter, you'll encounter abundant wildlife on Scotland's West Coast. In the Kilbrannan Sound between Arran and Kintyre, you can often spot basking sharks. If you are fortunate, you'll also see whales, Porpoises and dolphins, not to mention the massive variety of seabirds. Ailsa Craig is home to the country's largest colony of gannet.

The Caledonian Canal cuts through the heart of Scotland via a chain of locks and is a great area to charter a power boat. These locks include the famous Lock Ness, and the fabled Nessie, and rugged scenery of old castles and sweeping mountains sprinkled with purple heather.

The selection of activities in Scotland is as extensive onshore as afloat aboard your charter boat. Towns brimming with boutiques and shopping, you will not find. Scotland's charm is in its picturesque rolling landscape and centuries of history. Take a scenic walk through the hills or enjoy a round of golf, in one of the many public village courses.

The main yacht charter season in Scotland runs from April to October, when the country is not frozen solid. The most settled weather is usually in May and June. The types of yacht charter available in Scotland include motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, and even the occasional luxury yacht charter.

A yacht charter in Scotland will be a rewarding experience. Trace your Ancestors back to their roots or enjoy the fascinating charm of a land that's seen so much.

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Scotland Yacht Charter Enquiry

Scotland is as extensive onshore as afloat aboard your charter boat.

Yachting Destinations close to Scotland

In close proximity to Scotland are a number of exciting sailing destination.

Yachts for Charter in Scotland

Octopus | from eur€ 2,200,000/wk.

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VIKING LEGACY | From EUR€ 50,000/wk

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This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

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Providing amazing experience days for corporate clients and private families on the West Coast of Scotland.

Chartering With Geronimo Sailing

Geronimo Sailing owns one of the most luxurious charter yachts on the West Coast of Scotland To Infinity .  To Infinity is available for charter for the 2023 season from April 28th.  Available for exclusive private use for family or corporate occasions - whatever you choose to do she will look after you.   With a professional crew on board you can cruise the islands and inlets of the West Coast and of course stop off and enjoy the watering holes avalable.

On a day trip you and your guests can explore the beaches, coves and of course distilleries of the Firth of Clyde.  Further afield we can comfortably reach the islands of Jura and Islay. 

Take your family and friends, your customers or staff on a journey that they will talk about for years to come.

TV & Production

To Infinity is the ideal base for a production team.  Having successfully worked with Waddell Media and Talkback Thames we know what we need to do.

Family & Friends Charter

Bring your nearest & dearest for a day on board To Infinity to celebrate those special moments or simply to see an amazing part of the world.  

Team Building

Sailing is the ultimate team building day out.  If you don't work as a team the boat wont go anywhere. 

Corporate Sailing

What ever your requirements are we can provide.  If it's welcoming new clients or thanking the team for thier hard work, a day on To Infinity is the perfect soloution.

I just wanted to write a quick note to formally thank Geronimo for our recent Executive Away Day.  All your staff were superb throughout our business agenda and sailing event.

No matter what I asked for, one of your team was always on hand to assist me instantly...and with no objections - quite a rarity!  The feedback from all has been tremendous.

On behalf of our Mentholatum Company thank you so much for the sail which proved a trully memorable occassion for all concerned, sailors and landlubbers alike.

The professionalisim and hospitality were second to none and epitomised your own friendly style.

Just a quick note to thank you so very much for arranging our catamaran in Marbella for our team build weekend.

I am sure you are aware that it is incredibly difficult trying to keep everyone happy, but everyone agreed what a fantastic time we had on the boat you provided.  Thank you so so much.

I find it hard to remember a day I have enjoyed more than the one you provided on Wednesday.  Everything about our sail with you was spot on and I want you to know how much we enjoyed it.

Just a short note to thank you and your team for such a quality service managing to provide 10 landlubbers with one of the most enjoyable and interesting days.

The memorys we share made on the day are priceless and your hospitality is second to none.

Just a short note to thank you for making our "Team Building Day" such a success. Feedback from Ted, Manus and Rob has been really good.  To Infinity was amazind and imressed us hugely.

Thanks for an amazing day everyone really enjoyed it.  Erika especially enjoyed being alowed to drive the boat. I thinks she has found a new hobby.  See you again soon.

I just wanted to thank you for the amazing day you orgnised for my guests and I, from the start at breakfast in Ardrossan to unintentionally racing the Arran ferry on the way home the whole day was amazing.

Friday at work din not seem to be the same, see you again soon.

I've used Geronimo Sailing for both corporate and also for family days out.  Craig is a fantastic host for both.  The boat (To Infinity), is more than comfortable no mater what the weather is like and we felt safe at all times.

On the corportae events, Craig has just the right mis of getting people involved against relaxing for the day.

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire team had a team building day with Geronimo Sailing.

We had a fantastic sailing experience, the team building activities Craig provided throught the day really brought us together as a team but ultimayely made sufre we had a day to remember.

FISSURE SEALANTS

Discover the beauty of Scotland's west coast on board Zavaria , our luxury Bavaria 35 Cruiser.

Cruise around the Clyde islands including Arran, Bute and Cumbrae and enjoy the stunning wildlife and scenery.

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MOUNT STUART HOUSE

Located on the Island of Bute , Mount Stuart House is a remarkable architectural feat.

We definitely recommend a visit during your cruise..

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Charter a yacht in Scotland

We have incredible yachts ready to sail from Largs in Scotland (other bases available on request).

Sailing around Scotland

Scotland is a beautiful and famously tranquil place to sail. We can help you find and book your ideal yacht in Scotland. Near our base in Largs you can sail to find ruined castles, cute fishing villages, historic seaside towns, Viking battlefields, local pubs, and, of course Whisky distilleries.

There's a dramatic coastline and the whole area is teeming with wildlife: from porpoises, seals and dolphins (and the tastiest fish in the UK) below the water, through to strutting wild stags and plenty of wild birds, including birds of prey.

Sailing-wise, there's a reliable breeze, plenty of interesting passages and islands to hop around, and some top-drawer marina facilities - including one with its own spa and infinity pool. The Scottish people are renowned for their hospitality and good humour.  

 SAILING RATING:  Intermediate / Advanced - there's interesting and changeable weather conditions, plus tides, so some experience is useful before sailing in Scotland. The minimum sailing qualifications for chartering bareboat here are also higher than in the Med (see below).

 WHEN TO GO:  The sailing season runs from April to November , with peak season being in the summer months. The weather can vary dramatically over a week, so you'll need everything from shorts and t-shirts to warm clothes and foul-weather gear, just in case, particularly outside of peak season. There's winds throughout the season, and short 3-4 day charters are possible in the off-peak - ask us if you are interested.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  You'll need RYA Day Skipper (or above) for smaller boats or RYA Yachtmaster for the larger ones ( or your local equivalent ) to charter a boat in Scotland - ask us if you are unsure of whether your qualification will be ok. If you're not qualified, we can find you a professional skipper .

 VISA REQUIREMENTS:  Scotland is currently part of the UK and the EU , which means UK and EU passport holders can travel there at will. US and Australian passport holders do not need a visa unless planning to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days.

 GETTING THERE:  Our base in Largs, in the Firth of Cylde, is within a 40 minute drive of both the main Glasgow International airport and the budget Glasgow Prestwick airport. It also has great connections by rail (with regular direct trains from Glasgow) and road to the rest of the UK. We can help arrange transfers to or from the marina, as well as helping you get provisions on board if your flight arrives late at night.  

Charter a Yacht or Catamaran in Scotland

We can help you find the ideal yacht for your sailing holiday in Scotland (Sadly there are no charter catamarans up here yet). We only work with the very best professional charter operators in the area, who we have met, know, and who we trust to give you the same outstanding customer service as you'll get from PlainSailing.com .

Use the pink search box above to look for boats for yourself - they have live pricing and availability and you can filter the results to find your ideal boat - or start a Live Chat with our award-winning bookings team for help, advice, or anything else!  

Where to sail in Scotland

We charter yachts and catamarans from one base in Scotland - from Largs Yacht Haven, on the Firth of Cylde, just 30 miles West of Glasgow. See below for ideas of where to sail when you get there (But be sure to check out our detailed destination guides to find out more).

  LARGS   Ideas of where to sail: There's enough to keep you busy in the Firth of Clyde for a week: it's a quiet place to sail, and there are castles, bays, anchorages and whisky distilleries to be explored, as well as some fine restaurants. Longer charters could head up the Crinan canal to visit the Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides, or it's even possible to sail South to the Isle of Man or Northern Ireland.  

Cost of a Sailing Holiday in Scotland?

Prices change depending upon what sort of boat you are chartering, and when you would like to charter, and yachting offers great value for money because the fee includes a full-day activity, a means of transport and your overnight accommodation!

Charters are normally in periods of a week, from Saturday (check-in at 4pm) to Saturday (check-out at 10am), though you're required to be back at the charter base on the Friday evening. You can charter a 3-cabin yacht for as little as £2990 / week or a 4-cabin yacht from £3545 / week - use the pink search box for live prices and availability.

  In Scotland the yachts are chartered out on a 'leave-as-you-find' basis but you can book End Cleaning in advance if you prefer for someone else to do it for you. You will also need to pay a little extra if you want to rent bedding, towels, waterproofs and wellingtons! You'll also need to leave a security deposit on check-in (similar to a hire car, and usually placed as a pre-authorisation on a credit card).

You can also add transfers, an outboard motor, early check-in, security deposit insurance or other extras to your booking (if they are not already included) for an additional fee.  We can also arrange for a Skipper , Hostess or Chef to be on board - in Scotland, these normally cost an average of £150 / day, excluding tips.  

Our Scottish Sailing Destinations

Find out a lot more about our Scotland bases in our comprehensive destination guides, which also include details about suggested sailing routes, weather conditions, and recommended hotels, amongst a host of other useful information:

Tags: UK Yacht Charter, Scotland Yacht Charter, Bareboat and Skippered Scottish Yacht Charters

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3  Crewed Luxury Yachts for Charter in Scotland

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Crewed charter yachts in scotland.

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27m Sanlorenzo

from $68,000 p/w eek ♦︎

25m Princess

from $66,000 p/w eek ♦︎

20m Princess

from $29,000 p/w eek ♦︎

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SeaSpray Yachts Charter Yachts At Largs & Oban Scotland

    SeaSpray Scotland    

SeaSpray Scotland

   email us at:   [email protected]         mobile: 07939 517540  (+447939 517540), largs marina.

 mob:   07939 517540

  [email protected]   

sail with SeaSpray. These are Our Yachts for You.  

AVAILABILITY ... Your Charter

We have been saddened by the recent events at Largs Yacht Haven and hope we can help in finding you a replacement Yacht for your Charter.

If that has affected you and you would like to charter one of our yachts at Largs Yacht Haven or at the Oban Town Pontoons

  Please contact us at:- [email protected]                                      

One of our Favourites !

The cosy saloon on Midnight Mirage

Kadore is the boat for you if you want to stay dry.

Sail with SeaSpray

for fine sailing yachts, beautiful scenery, great Adventures, and Splendid Sailing in one of the best places to Sail in the world !

Welcome to our gateway to sailing and cruising in Scotland. Please use the search panel above, the map by area or scroll through the lists of Scottish businesses looking to help make your sailing experience one to remember.

Bellanoch Marina – Crinan Canal

Situated on ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’; Bellanoch Marina is the […]

Marinas, Moorings & Boatyards

Shore power Toilets/showers Wi-Fi available

James Watt Dock Marina

Easy Access from Glasgow or Edinburgh, your gateway to the Clyde and West Coast of Scotland. Our Marina offers around 190 pontoon berths for craft ranging in size from 7m to 100+m within a historic dock setting with full deep water access and Marina facilities.

Cradle Hire E car charging Fuel berth More...

Troon Yacht Haven Ltd

Situated on the Southern Clyde Estuary, Troon Yacht Haven provides […]

Boat hoist Chandlery Fuel berth More...

Wylde Swan’s story The hull of Wylde Swan started life […]

Sail and Cruise Holidays

Bedding Cleaning Crew/Hostess on Board More...

Westray Marina

Follow the Viking Trail to Westray where you will find […]

Restaurant/pub on site Shore power Slipway More...

Caledonia Sailing

Multilingual yacht charter business out of Oban, Tobermory and Loch Sunnart with a small fleet of 3 sailing yachts from 36ft to 42ft.

Yacht Charters

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Fairlie Quay Marina

At Scotlands Premier boat storage facillity there is over 60,000 sq […]

Craobh Marina

There are 250 protected berths available year round for vessels […]

Lerwick Port Authority

Britain's 'Top' Port, the most northerly commercial port in the UK.

Fuel berth Provisioning

Holy Loch Marina

The Holy Loch Marina offers all the sailing and yachting […]

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SAILING HOLIDAYS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, WITH TIME FOR SIGHTSEEING […]

Ocean Sailing Scotland

Sustainable, Responsible Outdoor Experiences on Scotland's leading ocean racing yacht, from day trip exploring coats and wildlife to ocean crossing, life changing adventures.

Boating Experiences Sail and Cruise Holidays Sailing Schools

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Seaport Marina

Find out more at Scottish Canals website

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Ardfern Yacht Centre Ltd

Ardfern is an ideal base for cruising the west coast […]

VentureSail Holidays

VentureSail Holidays offer unique adventure sailing holidays in Scotland, England, Europe and the Caribbean. Fully crewed sailing holidays, so no experience needed to climb aboard!

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Largs Yacht Haven

Scotland’s finest marina is perfectly situated in the Firth of […]

Campbeltown Marina

Campbeltown Marina is a new facility opened in June 2015 […]

Chandlery Fuel berth Petrol available More...

Tarbert Harbour

Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne, some forty miles […]

SeaSpray Yacht Charters

Welcome to SeaSpray Yacht Charters for fine sailing yachts, beautiful scenery, fine seascapes, and splendid sailing in one of the best places to Sail in the world ! Rapidly becoming Scotland's favourite Charter Company with a Fleet of 10 Yachts. Sail from Largs Yacht Haven and Oban Town Pontoons. We can offer you yachts from 31ft to 46ft that can sleep up to 10 from Largs Yacht Haven on the Ayrshire Coast and from Oban on The West Coast of Scotland.

ASYC member Bareboat charters Cleaning More...

Castlebay Marina

Castlebay Marina is a safe haven for boats in the heart of Castlebay, Isle of Barra. Transport links from Oban, Eriskay and Glasgow. Castlebay is an excellent destination close to amenities such as shops, bars, restaurants, etc... It is also a great stop to rest and refuel before continuing your adventure.

Recycling Facilities Shore power Toilets/showers More...

Rhu Marina is part of the boatfolk family of marinas. With 11 marinas in stunning locations around the UK coastline, we're creating great places for everyone that wants to be in, on, or by the water.

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Caley Marina

Caley Marina is situated on the north end of the […]

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Clyde Yacht Charters Limited

Operating out of Largs Yacht Haven in the wonderful Firth of Clyde and only 45 mins from Glasgow, we have a small fleet of 3 yachts available for bareboat or skippered charter. Deep Blue is a Bavaria 46, Lotus is an all aluminium Ovni 43 and Avocet is a Bavaria 37. Recommended max berths are 8, 6 and 6 respectively. The owners of all 3 boats are keen sailors and keep them well maintained and a joy to sail.

Bareboat charters Cleaning Outboard Motors More...

Inverness Marina

Inverness Marina, NMU Small Coastal Marina of the Year 2018, […]

Sailaway Scotland Yacht Charter Ltd

Welcome to Sailaway Scotland – for quality yacht charter on Scotland’s […]

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Cruising holidays with Cruise Ecosse Yacht charter.

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Edinburgh Boat Charters Ltd

We offer a unique range of experiences to the discerning […]

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Edinburgh Boat Charters – West Coast

We offer skippered charters on the West Coast of Scotland […]

Cleaning Crew/Hostess on Board Instruction Available More...

There are 620 protected pontoon berths available 24 hours a […]

Alba Sailing

Alba Sailing is in the perfect position for sailing the […]

ASYC member Bareboat charters Bedding More...

Girvan Harbour

Girvan Harbour boasts 35 modern berths for a range of […]

Stravaigin Sailing

Located on Scotland’s west coast, in the heart of world […]

Bio Diesel powered Eco aware consumable Fully Catered More...

Portavadie Marina

Portavadie Marina is set in a protected lagoon on Loch […]

Arbroath Harbour

Arbroath Harbour is located at 56° 33′ N, 2° 35′ […]

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Ulva Ferry Pontoon

Our pontoon was installed in July 2016 and provides berthing […]

Fuel berth Shore power Tidally constrained More...

Isle of Harris Marina

Our two sets of pontoons are in East Loch Tarbert, […]

Fuel berth Gas supplies Petrol available More...

Scottish Island Adventure Sailing

Bareboat charter on Ovni 43 aluminium yacht from Oban

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Peterhead Port Authority

Peterhead Bay Marina is a purpose built leisure facility catering […]

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Wick Harbour Authority

WICK MARINA Welcome to Wick Marina. Wick lies in a […]

Chandlery Fuel berth Repair facilities More...

New Horizon Sailing

For sixteen years we have welcomed guests for hands-on Sailing […]

Bedding Cleaning Fully Catered More...

Arisaig Marina

Situated in the heart of the village, Arisaig Marina can be simply and safely reached from the crystalline sailing waters off the West Highlands. Once securely docked, visitors will find that we offer far more than just a berthing location.

Activities and Attractions Food and Drink Marinas, Moorings & Boatyards

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The northern isles of Shetland and Orkney boast spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, history and culture […]

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Skippered charter and sailing holidays on the west coast of Scotland and the Scottish Islands

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Yacht Whimbrel

Luxury sailing catamaran, available for skippered charter on the west coast of Scotland

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Arisaig Marina Private Charters

Tailor your own bespoke half/full day or evening charters onboard MV Sheerwater or MV Orca III

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The Majestic Line

There is no better way to explore the mystery and […]

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We are delighted to offer a regular program of boat trips in Jola Too, operating from Rhu Marina Friday – Sundays.

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Open 7 days a week from April 2024 Call into our Tea […]

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Ardoran Marine Ltd

Ardoran Marine, just five miles south of Oban, was established […]

Wavysail Scottish Sailing Adventures

Join us on one of our Scottish Isles Sailing Adventures, and explore some of Scotland’s most iconic islands by yacht. Only 6 places per boat - small group, personalised to your needs guided by Jim Dobie, a hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner. Our Yacht, Big Blue is a Beneteau Oceanis 523. Spacious, comfortable and well equipped she is a powerful but easily handled. In Big Blue we cover the ground quickly which leaves more time for exploring ashore or sailing further. `Big Blue` is very well equipped for offshore sailing and also carries a paddle board and inflatable kayak for exploring the anchorages you will visit.

Fully Catered Instruction Available Skippered charters

Arisaig Marina Island Ferry

We offer a regular timetabled ferry service to the islands of Eigg and Muck, and additional boat trips throughout the season.

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Lochboisdale Harbour

Situated on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Lochboisdale Harbour […]

Boat hoist Fuel berth Petrol available More...

Oban Yacht Charters

Oban Yacht Charters are a new independent charter company based in the beautiful west coast town of Oban. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our boats and our excellent personal service. Let us help you experience the best the West Coast has to offer from the comfort of one of our beautiful bareboat yachts. Our fleet operates out of the North Pier Pontoons in Oban town centre - a short walk from direct rail and bus services to Glasgow.

Eyemouth Harbour

Sailing Scotland’s east coast? A warm Scottish welcome awaits you […]

Chandlery Fuel berth Gas supplies More...

Tobermory Harbour – Statutory Harbour Authority

Tobermory is the main town on Mull and the ideal place either […]

Cloud Nine Yacht Charters

At Cloud Nine Yacht Charters we offer both Bareboat or […]

Cleaning Instruction Available Outboard Motors

Mallaig Harbour Authority

Step ashore pontoons on the West Coast

Eda Frandsen Sailing

Classic Voyages for Modern Adventurers - One of the longest-standing members of the Scottish Charter fleet, Eda Frandsen has been offering unforgettable sailing holidays on the West Coast of Scotland for over 25 years. From her home port of Mallaig explore The Small Isles, Skye, Mull and the Outer Hebrides. Enjoy exceptional home-cooked food, learn to sail a traditional Gaff Cutter with our experienced crew and take in all that this wonderful landscape has to offer.

Kadore Yacht Charter

Kadore is based in Crinan, a picturesque village in southern […]

The Swan Trust SCIO

Take a hands on adventure on a class B traditional […]

Crew/Hostess on Board Instruction Available Skippered charters

Maybe Sailing Limited

Blue Clipper was built in 1991 and owned by the […]

Cleaning Crew/Hostess on Board Fully Catered More...

Escape the everyday! This little island (½ mile long and […]

Boating Experiences

This is as far north as you can possibly get […]

Simply getting to Mingulay is an adventure in itself – […]

Isle of Colonsay – yacht moorings

Colonsay Community Development Company is delighted to be welcoming yachts to 6 visitor moorings; a community-led enterprise. Queen’s Bay is a tranquil spot; offering no facilities, but the best shelter on the east, and spectacular views across to Jura. It’s an ideal base from which to explore the island and the white sands of Oransay also on a day trip. Use is first come, first served. Suitable for vessels up to 45ft in length or 10 tonnes, and available from early April until late October. On foot with sturdy footwear, a walk over rough ground brings you to Colonsay’s hotel & bar restaurant, or around the headland into Scalasaig where you’ll find our island shop and welcoming Pantry. Our island’s power supply comes along the submarine cable at Queen’s Bay - a sheltered anchorage. Dropping anchor is possible in the case of a mooring not being available, however we join SSEN in discouraging yachts from dropping anchor near to where this cable is plotted – please refer to marine charts. Thank you for supporting our small community through your use of the mooring. Whether you’re staying for a week to explore, or just an afternoon, we hope you enjoy Colonsay! For closer access to Scalasaig village amenities, please check Calmac’s harbour guidance for tendering ashore there: https://www.calmac.co.uk/Colonsayharbour

St Hilda Sea Adventures

St Hilda Sea Adventures provides small ship cruising and wildlife holidays to the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Boating Experiences Sail and Cruise Holidays

Lochaline Harbour

Lochaline Harbour-Cala Loch Àlainn- visitor pontoons provide up to 32 […]

Gas supplies Petrol available Shore power More...

St Kilda is the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage […]

Canna This small island to the south-west of Skye is […]

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Inverewe Gardens

Nestling on the shores of Loch Ewe, Inverewe Garden and […]

In AD563 Iona became one of the most important gateways […]

Beagle Cruises.

Sailing cruises on 50ft Yacht from Tighnabruaich, Cowal, Clyde.

Truly get away from it all with a visit to […]

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Clyde Yacht Charters

Cruise the west coast of scotland.

“So many places to drop your anchor and relax…”

Deep Blue is a Bavaria 46. She is great fun to sail and very spacious with 4 cabins which can accommodate 8 adults in comfort.

Lotus is an Ovni 43. Made of aluminium and with lifting keel and rudder, she is a 'go anywhere' boat. And with 3 full cabins, you can take some friends with you!.

Avocet is a Bavaria 37. She is easy to sail and, with 3 cabins, is a great choice for up to 6 adults to get out and enjoy the Firth of Clyde area.

“From the initial booking enquiry to unloading the boat I felt we were in safe hands. The two boats, Aurora and Deep Blue and the skippers performed great, the weather wasn’t perfect for sailing but we made the most of what we had. For anybody wanting to try sailing on the West Coast, do try Clyde Yacht Charters! .”

Clyde yacht charters..

Clyde Yacht Charters was established in 2021 by three friends and keen sailors with many years (decades!) of sailing experience, particularly in the Clyde and the west coast of Scotland. We have been involved in the chartering business for several years.

The yachts we charter belong to us and we have enjoyed sailing them as friends and with our families for several seasons. We pride ourselves on knowing our boats inside out, and demand high standards of comfort and maintenance – we expect no less for our charterers than we do for ourselves. Each boat has an ongoing annual programme of maintenance and upgrades. All our boats are coded to MCA Cat 2. We offer skippered or bareboat charters.

We would be happy to discuss any issues, offer advice on the Clyde sailing grounds – from planning your trip to destinations, anchorages, facilities and restaurants.

Whether you’re curious about the cruising grounds, what the challenges might be or just looking for recommendations, we’re here to answer any questions.

Flamingo Yacht Charters Limited

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In 2024, we’ve done it again—with fascinating results.

As always, the hotels we selected vary wildly: They might be centuries old, or they may have only just opened within the last year. Some are city-center hideaways, while others are country estates. They are exemplars of bleeding-edge, contemporary design and reassuringly retro. Nevertheless, they share one thing in common: a commitment to the best in luxury hospitality. 

This year’s methodology was the same: We tapped the brain trust of the travel industry’s five-star elite— RR’s 22 Travel Masters, who service the world’s highest caliber clientele. We asked each of them to vouch for up to 10 properties that they regularly recommend to clients. We asked them to explain in detail what makes that hotel, resort or ranch a true standout. This ensures that every hotel, safari camp or resort on our list has been tried, tested and endorsed, again and again, by the world’s pickiest travelers.

Unsurprisingly, there were many overlaps, with multiple properties receiving endorsements from several operators—these are the hotels which earned a spot in the top 10. The rest we have organized by geography for ease of reference. 

This year, you may notice some similarities to our previous list in the top 10 (as well as quite a few shake-ups). Most notably, the No. 1 spot was once again claimed by London’s finest: Claridge’s. Kudos to them. 

But there are plenty of upsets, too. Last year, we noted the absence of a few of the world’s major tourism hubs from our list—notably Hawaii and New York. We hoped that would serve as a call to action for hoteliers—and we flatter ourselves that it has. This year’s list includes two new standout hotels in both of those locales. 

From the wilds of remote Mustang to the familiar names in the capitals of Europe, we present our guide to the World’s Greatest Hotels.

1. Claridge’s | London, U.K.

If Judi Dench were a hotel, she’d be Claridge’s . This grande dame of the London hotel scene is a beloved, determinedly British institution that’s been part of English life for decades, yet it retains a youthful vigor. The hotel, which opened in 1812, outpaces even the almost-90-year-old acting legend; in fact, it just added a subterranean wellness center kitted out in signature zen wood and limestone by designer André Fu. What other hotel can count both the late Queen Elizabeth II, a regular, protocol-stretching lunch guest, and Mick Jagger as devotees? The Maybourne-operated property is a sister to sites in Beverly Hills and the French Riviera, as well as another London spot, including the Connaught, but it outstrips them all—book in at the Mews Terrace for a charming only-in-London experience on a discreet back alley. Unique Properties and Events co-owner Cédric Reversade calls the entire place “perfection” and recommends truffle French fries in the foyer washed down with a dry martini, and the service of the “divine concierges, Nigel or Martin” whenever you leave its walls. Ashley Isaacs Ganz from Artisans of Leisure puts it more simply: “It’s my home away from home in London.”

Doubles from $1,493

2. La Mamounia | Marrakesh, Morocco

Think of La Mamounia as a Moroccan fantasy made real, a too-much-is-never-enough maximalist fever dream that just underwent another refresh during the pandemic. Come here to idle in the gardens while nibbling on a Pierre Hermé macaron or sashay round the sceney pool in a couture kaftan; make sure to book a room that overlooks the gardens and that pool and sip a glass of Champagne or two on the balcony. It’s been a boldfaced bolthole for decades, whether acting as the de facto winter home of Winston Churchill or as a shorthand for tasteful luxury for celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and, more infamously, Anna Delvey. “It’s iconic and legendary, but it still stays current,” says Isaacs Ganz. “I love the Moroccan design throughout, the colorful tiles, the gardens where Churchill painted, the hidden courtyards and the traditional hammam.” Bonus points for its location, a few minutes’ walk from the souk.

Doubles from $570

3. Flockhill Lodge | South Island, New Zealand

One of the most lauded openings of 2022, this authentic working sheep station sits on 36,000 acres of pristine South Island wilderness. While the first guests arrived last September, the homestead property actually dates back to 1857. Today, it can accommodate just one group of one to eight people at a time. It comes with a private chef (who will fully customize your menus), glass-wall views of the Southern Alps, and an action-packed itinerary of activities—including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, caving, and stargazing. You’ll probably want to board a helicopter, too. And when they say working farm, they mean it: There are 11,600 sheep and 450 head of cattle here. You can even play farmer for yourself, should you choose. “The clincher: It’s right next door to Castle Hill—Kura Tawhiti in Maori—also known as the birthplace of the gods to the pioneering voyagers from Easter Island, the Rapa Nui,” says Sandy Cummingham. “It was described by the Dalai Lama as the spiritual center of the universe.”

From $7,300 per night, with a two-night minimum

4. Le Bristol | Paris, France

The Oetker-operated Bristol sits in one of the best spots in the City of Light, per Red Savannah ’s Edward Granville. “It’s the ultimate location in the city boasting amazing views across the skyline, including Sacré Coeur and the Eiffel Tower,“ he says, of the property on the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel has its own appeal, too: Don’t miss the trompe l’oeil–decorated swimming pool on the sixth floor, and make sure to pause to pet Socrate, Le Bristol’s most important permanent resident: its in-house cat. Book dinner, too, at Epicure, its gourmet restaurant overseen by chef Arnaud Faye; try the macaroni stuffed with black truffle, artichoke, and foie gras or the on-site chocolate factory, which focuses on grand cru cocoas from around the world.

Doubles from roughly $2,054

5. Southern Ocean Lodge | Kangaroo Island, Australia

It was never any secret in Australia that Kangaroo Island was home to one of the world’s best resorts. It’s just taken a devastating fire and dramatic rebirth for the rest of the world to take notice. In 2020, the wildfires that incinerated nearly half of the island took the Southern Ocean Lodge , too. Four years later, it reopened in December. Max Pritchard, the property’s original architect, has created a near replica of the original. With 25 suites projecting from a central lodge—with the exception of a new four-bedroom suite looking over the entire property down toward the dramatic oceanfront—the mood here is serenely residential. The restaurant is ultra-refined, serving hyper-local ingredients, and the central bar is self service (as is the entire wine cellar, just grab what you want). Most come here for island excursions focused on stunning formations, rugged views, and unique wildlife, from penguins to koalas. “It’s the epitome of Australian contemporary coastal style and a luxurious gateway to uniquely Australian nature and wildlife experiences,” says Stuart Rigg of Southern Crossings. “Not only are there spectacular Southern Ocean views from every room but exclusive signature experiences included in every stay—like guided cliff top walks, stargazing, sundowners, and canapes served with the local kangaroos.”

From about $2,200

6. Shinta Mani Mustang | Jomsom, Nepal

The latest remote resort by exuberant designer Bill Bensley and Cambodia’s Shinta Mani brand, Shinta Mani Mustang opened not quite a year ago as the first luxury hotel located outside Nepal’s Kathmandu. Its 29 suites are located at 9,186 feet in the remote region of Jomsom, the gateway to the legendary Forbidden Kingdom. “Mustang’s short season and unpredictable weather has always deterred the luxury end of the market,” says Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell of  Cazenove & Loyd . “Bill Bensley’s dramatic hotel design gives the necessary comforts and finish for a harsh, high-altitude location while recognizing the cultural sensitivities of this ancient kingdom.” Expect floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Nilgiri range and personalized private excursions to monasteries and mountains of the Himalaya, as well as horseback riding, rock climbing, cycling, archery, and helicopter tours. The resort is all inclusive and features a 60-seat restaurant, a bar, and a wellness center with two treatment suites. 

From $1,800 per couple per night, with a five-night minimum

7. NIHI Sumba | Sumba, Indonesia

Knocking Bali down a peg or two as the go-to tropical island in Indonesia, Sumba is finally getting all of the attention (and investment) it deserves. But that all started with NIHI Sumba . It consists of just 27 thatched villas (with private swimming pools and traditional Indonesian architecture) spread across 667 acres of minimally developed island splendor. While it was once best known for its world-class surfing, the resort now offers so much more, from chocolate making to beach rides on (and therapy with) Sumba stallions. Owned by investor Chris Burch (ex to famed fashion designer Tory Burch), the resort also “connects guests with purposeful experiences through the Sumba Foundation ,” said John Clifford of International Travel Management. “It’s the leader in eco-conscious luxury. It walks-the-walk of giving back.”

Doubles from $1,795 in the high season

8. The Fifth Avenue Hotel | New York, New York

A spot on Fifth Ave. isn’t just an address, it’s a legacy to live up to—and that goes double for a hotel and triple for a new, independent hotel (like this one) with something to prove. If you then go the extra step of naming your hotel something as generic and provocative as the Fifth Avenue Hotel , you damn well better deliver even more. Luckily, owner Alex Ohebshalom and designer Martin Brudnizki have delivered in the form of a reborn McKim, Mead & White building attached to a new 24-story glass tower on 28th St. Nodding to all that history is an eclectic, at moments psychedelic, design with 43 suites, including a Flaneur penthouse tricked out with an outdoor soaking tub and a Japanese garden that overlooks the city skyline. “Aside from extraordinary design, the Fifth Avenue has an independent spirit that sets it apart from the pack in one of the greatest cities in the world,” says Black Tomato ‘s Sunil Metcalfe. “Walking through the hotel, you feel the inspiration drawn from the founder’s travels through Europe and Asia, but done in a way that feels singular to the hotel.” And you don’t need to be a guest to get in on the madness. Just swing by the Portrait Bar for Osetra caviar and a hot dog au poivre or stop in Café Carmellini for dinner and drink from the roaming martini trolley.

9. Janu Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan

Located in a new city-within-a-city development dubbed Azabudai Hills in the heart of Tokyo, Janu is a sister property to Aman. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy—with 122 rooms and suites on floors six to 13 of its host tower—Aman junkies will recognize the minimalist Asian-inspired interiors with contemporary European detailing. The best room is the Janu Suite, with 3,056 square feet and a residential atmosphere. “It appeals to repeat and first time visitors to Tokyo who do not want to be based in a business district,” says Isaacs Ganz. The Aman Tokyo next to Tokyo Station is salary-man central. “It offers modern Japanese style and a great shopping, dining, wellness and art scene,” she adds. Azabudai Hills, near Tokyo Tower, is a compact cluster of three vertically integrated high-rise and low-rise buildings erected at a cost of $4 billion. Luxury shopping, art, and high-end restaurants fill the lower floors. Naturally, that attracts a younger, hipper guest, and it doesn’t hurt that the price point is around 30 percent less than Aman Tokyo, explains Remote Lands’s Catherine Heald. “It’s for those seeking a livelier and more social atmosphere in a more vibrant neighborhood with more restaurants and nightlife in walking distance,” she says.

10. Amanbagh | Rajasthan, India  

One of the earlier sites for this luxe chain opened in the Aravalli Hills outside Jaipur when the group was still under the esthetic iron grip of founder Adrian Zecha; it remains one of the standouts. The rooms here are Mughal inspired—think elaborate latticework and domed roofs on individual villas—and the best, the Pool Pavilions, have their own private swimming spot (though don’t be surprised to see curious monkeys scampering around it, too) Jaclyn Sienna India of Sienna Charles loves the wellness programs offered here with customized programming and superb Ayurvedic cuisine, while Wix Squared’s Alex Wix raves about its location, where you’ll easily access often overlooked ancient Rajasthani ruins with few other tourists nearby. One true standout, per Wix, is the private dining options offered by Amanbagh. “They will serve dinner for clients not just in the hotel grounds, but also in and amongst nearby ruins,” she says.

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Europe

Whether you’re putting on the Ritz or sucking up the sun in Italy, Europe’s time-honored hotels practically invented the white-glove service we’ve come to expect. The brands and ownership may have changed over the years, but nearly all our guides’ favorite stays are grand dames fit for royalty.

Åmot | Bygstad, Norway 

“It redefines luxury, but with a soul, a completely restored farmhouse done in impeccable taste,” says Gray & Co’s Cari Gray of this Fjord-region exclusive-use property , which sleeps up to 14. This is the ultimate outdoorsy getaway, whether you want to go stand-up paddleboarding to see spectacular waterfalls or boat the fjords to visit old farms that are unreachable by road and hike above the treeline. Steinar Sørli and Yngve Brakstad have painstakingly restored this homestead, which was built in 1885 by Sørli’s great-grandfather, earning accolades for their work in regenerative luxury tourism, including a Norwegian Heritage Award. Underfloor and water heating, for example, comes from ground-source heat pumps, while head chef Tomas forages daily for the fixings to create all the meals on-site. Indeed, nature at Åmot has been so unsullied by mankind that it’s almost unnerving, adds Gray: “You can drink the water right from the streams.”

From about $16,800 per night for six people, with a three-night minimum, all inclusive

Bulgari Hotel Rome | Rome, Italy

It was a true homecoming when Rome-born jeweler Bulgari—which started right in the Golden Triangle here, on Via Condotti—opened one of its five-star hotels last summer, its entrant among the numerous new luxe spots crowding into the Eternal City. It‘s a decidedly different offering, though, than the palazzo-style hotels that are commonplace here; instead, it co-opted a Fascist Era-building, in the Realist style Mussolini championed, close to the Ara Pacis. The bombastic structure has been reborn as an exquisite hotel, courtesy of Milan-based architect Antonio Citterio and his team. Scott Dunn Private’s Jules Maury recommends it to clients because “everyone seems to log your preferences and idiosyncrasies after a few hours of being on the property.” Don’t miss the supersized roof terrace, either, she says. It’s the ideal place for a sunset aperitivo where you can always find a seat.

From about $1,900

Gleneagles | Perthshire, Scotland

Sure, this five-star, 232-room resort in Perthshire an hour or so outside Edinburgh might be considered golf’s spiritual home: It has three landmarks, 18-hole courses, and a storied history as the site of the first playoff between Brits and Americans that’s now better known as the Ryder Cup. But you don’t have to be a putt-prone golf devotee to stay here, according to Isaacs Ganz, who calls it a “destination in and of itself for anyone who wants a luxurious getaway in the beautiful Scottish countryside.” Come to hike—the 11-mile Blackford route is a bracing way to explore the rolling landscape nearby—and to enjoy a snifter or two of whisky; Perthshire’s roster of distilleries may not include many household names, but some of Scotland’s oldest distillers are a short drive away, including Glenturret , which claims to be the oldest still-working site dating back to 1775.

Country rooms from about $800

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Antibes, France

This is less a hotel than a mythical place made real, a Second Empire villa turned five-star pile wreathed in glamorous mystique: F. Scott Fitzgerald used it as the basis for the Hôtel des Etrangers in his Cote d’Azur–set novel Tender is the Night, while Taylor and Burton had one of their honeymoons here. When the French Riviera became a summertime playground for the fast set in the 1920s (via pioneers such as Coco Chanel), this hotel was one of its de facto clubhouses. It retains that role today, albeit for a more globe-trotting clientele. The star wattage remains undimmed, especially when it hosts the annual AmFAR gala each spring, a legacy of its close connections to Elizabeth Taylor; this year, Demi Moore chaired the fundraiser. Don’t miss a martini made from the hotel’s house gin, a custom recipe cooked up using botanicals from its grounds by the nearby Distillerie de Monaco, and it’s okay to marvel when you sidle up to a lounger on the first day after check-in. “It has the most iconic pool, one that continues to shine year after year,” says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal of Fischer Travel.

From $1,150

One&Only Aesthesis | Athens, Greece

After decades of struggle, Athens is once again the place to be. Famed for soaking up yesteryear VIPs from Brigitte Bardot to Richard Nixon, its famed riviera is also very much back and perhaps even more glamorous than ever before. Last year, One&Only Aesthesis opened here on a 21-hectare beach and forest reserve, just 30 minutes from the city’s ancient marble marvels. The new resort features 95 bungalows and 18 residences that come with terraces, private pools, and outdoor showers. It’s also home to two sprawling multi-bedroom villas dubbed Villa One and Villa Nostos. “This new opening is a jewel in Athens’s crown,” says Metcalfe, who adores the resort’s modish 70s design. “What’s exceptional and standout is how they balance families and couples, discretion, and privacy, with a planned adults-only beach on the way and an exceptional kids club.” The resort is also home to the first Guerlain Spa in Greece. Its Mediterranean restaurant, Ora, is by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. Add all that together and Athens finally has a resort that can give the buzzy Greek isles a run for their money.

From about $770 from November to January; high-summer season rate from about $2,000.

Passalacqua | Lake Como, Italy

Few hotels manage to become instant icons, but the newest property from Grand Hotel Tremezzo owner Valentina De Santis has pulled it off just a year after she rebooted a private villa from the 1780s on the shores of Lake Como as this 24-room hotel. “It goes above and beyond any other place in Italy,” says India—and she warns visitors not to oversleep and miss the exceptional maritozzi or whipped cream-filled donuts served up every morning at breakfast. It has the largest suite on the lake, too, in the 2,700-square-foot Bellini, named after the composer who once played the piano here, as well as delightfully playful touches, such as a series of tunnels that lead to the new spa, which is accessed by a secret staircase.

Doubles from about $2,660

The Beau-Rivage Palace | Lausanne, Switzerland

Come here for “old-world elegance and incredible, lake-view rooms, not to mention close proximity to the Lavaux wine region” says Isaacs Ganz. Lausanne might be a minnow compared to Geneva on the same lake—it’s barely half its size—but as a destination, it’s far more appealing than that cash-and-cachet-powered city, with an emphasis on good living and luxury that’s epitomized by this hotel (and many of its past regulars, who included the Duchess of Windsor). None of the 95 rooms at this palatial property , which first opened in the 1860s, is the same, and the decor is an eccentric mishmash that combines every era since then, from Victorian fripperies to sinuously streamlined Art Nouveau. The modern spa is a major plus, with its own full hammam and indoor and outdoor pools—though why not just take a swim in the lake, where the water’s disconcertingly clean?

Doubles from about $577

The Ritz Paris | Paris, France

Sure, it’s a cliché, but for good reason: The Ritz has been synonymous with effortless Parisian glamour for decades, an insouciant ultra-luxe spot for the world’s most luxurious travelers since Cesar Ritz and chef Auguste Escoffier opened it in 1898. It was the backdrop to not one but three Audrey Hepburn moves in the 1950s and ’60s, yet still retained enough rock-star cachet to be the place where Johnny Depp and Kate Moss decided to fill a bathtub with Champagne. (The recently retired head bartender here, Colin Field, was in charge of cocktails at the model’s later wedding to Kills guitarist Jamie Hince.) Fischer-Rosenthal calls it a “crown-jewel hotel” and recommends the Coco Chanel suite, named after its most famous resident; the designer lived here for more than 30 years and often used the staff entrance to access her apartment for complete discretion.

Doubles from about $1,540

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in North America & Caribbean

New York? Los Angeles? Sorry, it’s all about the great outdoors for our travel masters and their discerning clientele. From five-star farms to ritzy ranches, you’ll want to pack your hiking boots for these escapes (or swap them for flip-flops if you are heading for a certain famed Caribbean society seat).

Amangiri | Utah, USA

The name to know here? Audrey Huttert. Kevin Jackson of EXP Journeys says the GM of this property is the reason he recommends it to so many clients. It was only the second Aman to open stateside, after Jackson Hole, and it took seven painstaking years of planning to workshop the footprint of the property, nestled in 600 acres of the southwestern desert like a series of concrete boxes half-concealed in the landscape. Come here for outdoors adventuring aplenty amid the national parks of Bryce Canyon, sunrise hot-air ballooning, and trails on horseback. Camp Sarika is the latest addition to the complex, with 10 one- and two-bedroom glamping tents (known as pavilions) scattered around 55 acres on-site as an alternative to the hotel proper. “The guests have a sense of luxury in a remote place with spectacular food and scenery,” Jackson raves.

Doubles from $4,200

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, USA

The original luxury Relais & Chateau farm resort that lured private jets to East Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is still on top of its game after decades. Spread over 4,200 acres, this much-imitated, family-owned, working farm property offers just 68 five-star rooms. “Their local flare and over-the-top high-end service deliver the ultimate in luxury,” says Kevin Jackson. “The property has redefined farm-to-table food, and the wine cellar, attention to detail in every room and the grounds are amazing. But for us, it’s the sense of place, warmth of the staff and southern hospitality that sets it apart.”

King Historic Rooms from $1,345 and suites from $2,245 per night.

Clayoquot Wilderness | British Columbia, Canada

This high-end camp in the remote forest of Vancouver Island sets a benchmark in barefoot luxury, with tented camp rooms that don’t skimp on conveniences (think heated floors in the bathrooms) that act as the perfect perch for adventuring round the untouched landscape: Expect days filled with whale-watching, bear-spotting, biking. and rain-forest trekking. Its isolation is core to its appeal, the hard-to-reach resort worth the 45-minute plane ride from the city. “Arriving by float plane is always exciting,” says Maury, “And we saw bears, whales, eagles, and more as we took zodiacs around deserted beaches and sleepy backwaters in this extraordinary area.” Conservation is core to its mission, too: For more than 20 years, it has worked with the government and local Indigenous people to help bolster native salmon stocks in and around the waters here—the more of these fish found in the river, the better the overall health of the ecosystem.

Doubles from about $9,070 for three nights

Eden Rock St Barths | St Barthélemy

There’s a frisson of je ne sais quoi to this 34-room hotel in the Francophone Caribbean, a burst of witty subversiveness amid the po-faced pantheon of luxury. Look for its signature scarlet color everywhere—think bright-red rubber ducks and nail varnish in bathrooms—and decor that’s quirky and off-beat, with the latest wood paneled suites drawing direct inspiration from an old-school superyacht. Credit superstar GM Fabrice Moizan with striking such a distinctive note, which combines an insouciant geniality with an obsessive attention to detail that means nothing’s ever overlooked. Clifford calls it “the best of the best on the island” right on St. Jean Bay and recommends Villa Rockstar, the six-bedroom standalone penthouse suite , complete with its own full-sized private pool and recording studio.

Doubles from about $1,035

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel | Riviera Maya, Mexico 

“I was blown away by the indoor-outdoor spa,” says Metcalfe, who calls the service here “best in class.” And we’d agree—that’s why the reimagined Maroma earned one of the slots on Robb Report’ s coveted Best of the Best list this year. The 72-room spot, originally built as a private home, was much in need of an overhaul, and the gut-renovation conducted by LVMH, its deep-pocketed newish owners, was as much a reimagining as a renovation. The rooms have been deftly designed by rock-star British interior designer Tara Bernerd, who added her signature swagger to the decor, combining locally made details, such as custom tiles and turquoise barware, with a boho glamour—the floaty cotton caftans are a major upgrade from conventional robes and ideal to wear on the beach or in the room. It doesn’t hurt, either, that it sits on one of the best stretches of beach in the Riviera Maya, wide swathes of secluded golden sand that are postcard perfect.

From $1,095

Rosewood Kona Village | Hawaii, USA

The original Kona Village Resort opened on the Big Island of Hawaii back in the swinging ’60s. It drew an A-list crowd including Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kevin Bacon, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, and Whitney Houston, to name a few. Then, in 2011, a tsunami shuttered the resort for more than a decade. In July 2023, it reopened once again under the Rosewood flag with the most expensive suite in Hawaii. Design powerhouse Nicole Hollis and her San Francisco–based team are behind the 150-room redesign, as well as that aforementioned suite, dubbed Maheawalu Kauhale. More of a gated compound than a single room, it has four standalone one-bedroom bungalows, plus a fifth one that acts as a living and dining room. There is also a sundeck with an infinity pool, a fire pit, a hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen. Another highlight: the first Asaya Spa in the U.S. It’s built directly into the lava flow to offer massively dramatic views should you open your eyes mid-massage for a pinch-me moment. “This new resort has large rooms and incredible views in the oceanfront rooms,” says Jackson. “The property is perfect for large family gatherings, corporate events, or celebrations.”

Suites rates range from $22,000 to $40,000 a night based on the season

The Post Ranch Inn | California, USA

Call it the Big Deal of Big Sur. The one-time motel sitting on the PCH was reimagined as an upscale, 30-room hotel 30 years ago and has become a mainstay of luxury hospitality in the three decades since (and it’s added 10 more rooms). Those are impressive, of course, slickly designed with their own private hot tubs, and the restaurant on-site serves up delicious, modern Californian food. But who comes to this region for the resort itself? The spectacular setting is its real draw, perched 1,200 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific—think Big Little Lies meets Castaway . “Early one morning I breakfasted alone looking down the Pacific Coast blinded by the cobalt sea, aquamarine skies, and emerald-green and taupe shaggy coastline,” Maury says. “Sunset was arguably even more spectacular.” There’s no issue too big or too small for superstar GM Tim Lee to tackle, she adds.

Doubles from $2,200

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resort Collection | Hudson Valley, New York

Upstate New York is a buzzy new luxe destination , with a plethora of high-end hotels in the pipeline, including Six Senses. One of the most impressive new arrivals is this Auberge-operated ranch-style hotel in Ulster County in the Catskills, set on its own 140-acre site with spa, outdoor pool, and 65 freestanding cabins. There are three miles of trails quilting the property, but the nearby Mohonk Preserve is a great option if you’d like to push your limits. Metcalfe raves about the in-room amenities, including foraging shears for you to use in the on-site farm; you can also help with the chickens, whether feeding them or collecting just-laid eggs for your breakfast. The convenience for New Yorkers is a major plus—just 90 minutes or so from Manhattan—and it’s also a great getaway if you want to bring your dog. “Auberge has made a name for many properties being above and beyond pet-friendly,” he adds, “And they have animal reiki sessions here.”

From $1,050

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Central & South America (and Beyond)

Patagonia has emerged as a safari alternative for those who have been there and done that. But the varied hotels and experiences our western continental neighbors to the south (and the deep, deep south of Antartica) have to offer prove that there is a lifetime of stylish exploring to do in our own backyard.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas | Cusco, Peru

This 11-year-old, centrally located hotel sits in its own gardens, with rooms ranged around the property, the decor a winning collision between Inca-referencing stone walls and gold-heavy details that nod to its colonial-era origins as a private home. The redeployment of this onetime convent emphasized some of its most endearing quirks, too, retaining many of the murals painted on the walls—look for one suite, with a coffered ceiling festooned with pink roses, that is believed to have been where the Mother Superior would have slept. And no detail has been overlooked: Don’t worry about fitful sleep at 12,000 feet above sea level in a suite at this hotel, since oxygen’s piped into the 55 rooms to improve the air quality. Jean Sanz Bernay of JSB Journeys sums it up this way: “beautiful city views, personal butlers, and pisco classes on the terrace.”

Doubles from $1,238

Ibitipoca | Lima Duarte, Brazil

Four hours’ drive from Rio de Janeiro, think of this sprawling property as part country-estate, part-safari camp, a chance to decompress from daily grinds and reconnect with nature. It’s the brainchild of Carioca businessman Renato Machado, who started buying land here more than two decades ago, attempting to preserve the landscape around Ibitipoca National Park. Now, his project also employs more than 200 people caretaking guests at a cluster of reconditioned properties ranged around his 16,000 acres. The standout is Fazenda, an eight-bedroom terracotta-roofed lodge from the 1700s. Wilmot-Sitwell calls out this property as a pioneer in true sustainable luxury. “The local community has been part of the planning here since the purchase of the Fazenda do Engenho in 1984,” he says, “Their welcome is part of any stay in Ibitipoca, from cooks to guides to villagers.”

Doubles from about $459

Islas Secas | Panama

This Panamanian archipelago property is a destination in and of itself, in the Gulf of Chiriquí off the country’s Pacific Coast. “It offers a smorgasbord of activities: e-foiling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and extreme picnicking,” says Henry Cookson. A world-record holder and lifetime adventurer, he admits that even he was dazzled by the assortment in the hotel’s kit room, including the Laird Hamilton paddleboards. Make sure to book a marine safari by catamaran, Cookson adds, as Beny Wilson, the conservation manager, is a world-class guide. The best overnighting option is the newly opened owner’s villa, designed for resort owner Louis Bacon, which opened earlier this year. It sits on a more private corner of the island and has spectacular sunset views, though the other dozen thatched-roof chalets are impressive, too. One other must-try: a cocktail by Carla, the bartender, whose signature drink is a smoky, herby specialty.

From $2,500 per night, with a three-night minimum

Tierra Patagonia | Patagonia, Chile

The modern 40-room horseshoe-shaped property sits right on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, and it makes the most of its unique perch: floor-to-ceiling windows in every room overlooking the Paine Massif provide an all-natural alternative to screens (there are no TVs or Wi-Fi in rooms). Activities here are understandably outdoorsy: hikes, horse-riding, birdwatching, and boating aplenty. No wonder that for Jackson, it’s a regular booking. “The indoor pool here looks out over the Torres, and from the opposite side of the lake you could barely tell the property is even there—it blends in so well with the landscape,“ he says of the decade-old spot. The plot is so large it’s easy to transfer by helicopter, which Jackson recommends. (The drive from Punta Arenas is a bone-aching four hours.) And bring a satellite phone, as all connectivity to the outside world here can be patchy.

Doubles from $1,950, with a three-night minimum

White Desert Echo Camp | Antarctica

White Desert’s pioneering South Pole properties are a truly unique offering: dashing adventurer turned hotelier Patrick Woodhead has earned widespread plaudits for his impressive attempts to provide overnighting on the uninhabited tundra there. Clifford’s particularly fond of its third complex, Echo Camp , calling it “a space age, ultra-luxe, chic boutique eco-pod collective. Who says you have to rough it at the end of the world?” It only launched last season, but the fiberglass pop-up structures offer floor-to-ceiling views of the all-white world beyond; the camp’s amenities, including shower pods, lounge, and dining room, are in a separate communal area. Every guest commutes here via private jet from Cape Town; toast the experience upon landing with a martini, chilled to perfection with 10,000-year-old ice.

From $65,000 per person for a five-day stay including transport and all activities

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Oceania

New Zealand’s Southern Alps are as hot with high-end travelers as they are cold. That’s thanks to the growing demand for eco-friendly excursions, which also benefits the greenest of Polynesian escapes.

Capella Lord Howe Island | Australia

A volcanic, reef-circled spec in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is famous for its hair-raising 2,900-foot-long runway (just a fraction longer than St. Barts’s 2,100-foot shorty). Australians have long coveted this under-the-radar holiday hideaway, and its top stay is Capella Lodge , part of the five-star Luxury Lodges of Australia group (not to be confused with the Capella Hotel brand). “There is no mobile phone reception, bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, and visitor numbers are strictly limited,” says Rigg. “There is so much to love about this place, including the thoughtful, friendly, first-name service with welcoming hosts, Libby and Mark, that allows you to truly unwind in sophisticated yet relaxed surrounds.”

Villas from about $1,290 per night

Minaret Station | South Island, New Zealand

A unique lodge situated deep within the Southern Alps with just four guest chalets and accessible only via helicopter, Minaret Station mixes luxury service and accommodations with rugged adventure. Each day you’ll take in this iconic slice of the great outdoors while mountain biking, backcountry fishing, setting out on guided hunts, eating up chef-prepared picnics on a mountaintop, or even heli-skiing. Speaking of helicopters, they’re an important part of the experience here: Namely flying through Milford Sound, a spectacular, world-renowned fjordland. “It’s a gateway to a collection of exclusive adventure experiences enjoyed in total privacy within some of the most remote locations in New Zealand (if not the planet),” says Rigg.

Doubles from about $2,000, plus about $1,650 per person for helicopter transfer from Queenstown

Pelorus Private Island | Australia

Rising from the clear coral seas near the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Townsville, the newly opened Pelorus Private Island is accessible only by helicopter charter or private yacht. It gets better from there. It’s home to a single residence made up of five luxurious suites. While the white-washed exterior sports a modern coastal aesthetic (by Melbourne-based firm Dubois), inside the suites are filled with handmade designer furniture and textiles, French linen, duck down pillows, and LaGaia amenities. If bragging rights are of top concern—of course they are—check this out: It’s the only luxury private island home in the region. Your stay includes meals created by your private chef, Veuve Clicquot Champagne (as well as everything else), and a slew of activities, including snorkeling, Jet Ski tours, fishing, and, of course, reef excursions. “You enjoy a brand-new, purpose-built private villa and exclusive-use of a whole island,” says Rigg. “This is the ultimate way to enjoy privacy, privilege, and personalization on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.”

From about $13,357 per night, with a three-night minimum

The Brando | Tetiꞌaroa, French Polynesia

In the era of reef smashing, litter, and Tiki Bars—long before “sustainability” became a marketing buzz word—the one-and-only original Hollywood activist Marlon Brando made it his mission to preserve the atoll of Tetiꞌaroa with a 99-year lease. Brando is no longer with us, but his mission lives on today in the form of a LEED-platinum-certified, all-inclusive, 36-villa resort , opened in 2014. Each of those villas—beyond sustainable construction—is built for quiet, so that when the windows are closed, you’re in your own private sanctuary. In fact, thanks to the space and privacy, it’s easy to feel like you’ve rented out a private island. “This is where the epitome of indulgence and sustainability come together seamlessly,” says Rigg. “You can enjoy the ultimate extravagances here with a conscience as clear as the waters that surround you.”

Villas from $4,694 per night

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Asia

Naturally, on a continent the size of Asia, the flavors of its ultra-exclusive stays are as varied as its cuisines. From the palaces of Rajasthan to the modern miracles of central Tokyo, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Banwa Private Island | Palawan, Philippines

While you may be able to rent one of the six beachfront villas à la carte, Banwa is also a true private island rental capable of housing up to 48 friends of one billionaire. Situated in the Philippines’s eastern Palawan province, the island is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea—ideal for diving or a casual snorkel. The villas, which are smart, modern, white structures with pools, sleep two to eight. Dinning here is alfresco, and the chef’s menus of world cuisine and Filipino classics change daily. “This is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands,” says Cookson. “It’s set in a marine-protected sanctuary and we love it for its incredible diving—it’s possible to scuba alongside whale sharks as well as encounter the rare Hawksbill turtle and black tip reef shark.”

Villas from $2,650 per night, with a three-night minimum. Full island rental rate upon request . 

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle | Chiang Ra, Thailand

Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle—where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong Rivers—may have yesteryear connotations of opium production, but that’s a shame: It should be synonymous with natural beauty. The best way to take it in, according to the experts at Fischer Travel , is from the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle . “ It offers a unique, immersive experience, blending nature and luxury,” said Max Rosenthal of Fischer Travel. The resort’s 15 fully air-conditioned tents and Explorer’s Lodge are designed to create the atmosphere of a 19th-century tropical expedition. 

From $2,500

La Résidence Phou Vao | Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is Southeast Asia’s “secret treasure,” says Jonathan Alder of Jonathan’s Travels . “By far its best hotel is the Belmond .” Set on a hilltop looking toward the historic city where crowds gather to watch the monks parade each morning, the resort contains just 32 junior suites and two suites within colonial-style buildings blended with traditional Lao touches. A stunning view from the swimming pool may be the property’s real showstopper. “With service that excels with ease, it’s located in the perfect spot over the Mekong to explore this most amazing city,” Alder adds

Junior suites from $350

Pemako Punakha | Punakha, Bhutan

Bhutan has recently welcomed a handful of excellent new five-star lodges, including Six Senses and &Beyond. But Pemako Punakha is the only Bhutanese-owned and operated. Located on 75 acres in the  Punakha Valley, east of the capital city of Thimphu, this 21-tent resort is the brand’s second opening (its first is in Thimphu). Designed by Bill Bensley, each tent features a private heated pool, a deck, Serge Ferrari fabrics, copper futures and oodles of traditional Bhutanese design. “We have always liked working with independent hotels in Bhutan, and it is great to have this new kid on the block in Punakha,” says Wilmot-Sitwell. “Whilst the likes of Aman and Como have put the country on the map in terms of service standards and design, the likes of Gangtey Lodge and now Pemako Punakha give that extra level of personalization and originality.” What sets Pemako Punakha, he says, is the way that the villas, dotted across the valley, settle unobtrusively into “the fragile and beautiful landscape.” Its restaurant Soma serves global cuisine with an emphasis on regional specialties, while its Lotus Realm spa incorporates the traditional Bhutanese medicine known as Sowa-Rigpa. “Having worked in Bhutan for over 25 years, this is a perfect combination of light-touch, low-impact authenticity,” Wilmot-Sitwell adds.  

Low-season rates from $1,440 for a Luxury Tented Pool Villa, all inclusive; high-season rates from $1,740.

Six Senses Vana | Dehradun, India

Originally opened a decade ago in Dehradun, in the foothills of the Himalayas in India’s far northeast, Vana was reborn last year. Now a Six Senses, the wellness resort is still doing what it does best: healing with Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and natural therapies. Set on 21 acres with 66 rooms, 16 suites, and four “casas,” it draws seekers looking to heighten, well . . . their sixth sense. Programs run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and include various traditions of yoga, meditation, Raag therapy, fitness sessions chanting, and music offerings—to name just a few. The resort also offers five-to-21-night retreats with personalized goal management. “Whatever your goals are, you will leave lighter, brighter and with a sense of serenity—even if just from the separation from your phone,” says Tanya Dalton of Greaves UK . “They tailor your journey no matter how soft or severe your approach. The Ayurvedic therapies, beautiful rooms, pools, and delicious, yet somehow healthy, cuisine, are all exceptional. Making ancient Indian treatments and therapies accessible to all is not an easy feat.”

Soneva Secret | Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the Maldives

Sonu Shivdasani has helped make wellness a central tenet of hospitality, via both Six Senses, the chain he cofounded and sold, and Soneva, the tiny cluster of hotels he continues to operate. (He earned a legendary accolade in this year’s Best of the Best thanks to that vision.) This 14-villa site , on the remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is the ultimate expression of his ethos, combining unstinting luxury with an emphasis on sustainability and connection with the natural world; each of those rooms, for example, has a retractable roof so you can look up at the stars each night. There’s a dedicated chef for each accommodation, as well as endless activities on offer, from sunset dolphin cruises to a picnic on a deserted island to even a castaway dining tower and observatory in the lagoon, reachable by zipline, a nod to the playfulness that’s a Soneva signature—each villa has its own water slide, too. Wix loves that it surpasses even its ultra-luxe sister properties in the Maldives and Thailand and that the focus on never signing a check. “We can book an all-inclusive Soneva Unlimited rate, so everything is paid for upfront,” she says.

From $3,200

Taj Lake Palace | Udaipur, India

Constant motion isn’t always a good thing. This majestic floating antique in the center of Lake Pichola in Udaipur (as seen in Bond flick Octopussy ) was constructed in the 1740s as a summer palace for Mewar royalty, and it still boasts the same white marble and magnificent gardens that it always did. While it has seen changes—including the creation of 65 rooms and 18 grand suites—its last update was way back in 2000. According to Dalton, there’s nothing to fix. “I find it hard to resist the charms of an antique palace hotel floating on a mirrored lake, surrounded by the romantic white city of Udaipur,” she says.

Doubles from about $900

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia has more five-star hotels in the pipeline than probably anywhere else on planet Earth. But it’s not on this list (yet). Instead, perfect hotels in milder locales made the grade.

Alila Jabal Akhdar | Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

The mountain getaway in the Middle East’s most welcoming nation, Alila Jabal Akhdar , is famous for its vistas and minimalist architecture. The property offers incredible views from every room. But while its location high in the Al Hajar Mountains, a two-and-a-half hour drive from Muscat, might sound intimidating for those who like their feet on horizontal ground, this 84-suite, two-villa resort also offers literally grounded wellness programs. “It has fantastically challenging hikes, and a via Ferrata [climbing section] just in front of your room,” Wix says.

Doubles from $800 per night 

Bulgari Hotel | Dubai, U.A.E.

Widely recognized as Dubai’s swishest stay since opening in December 2017 on the manmade, seahorse-shaped Jumeirah Bay Island, Bulgari’s property managed to up the ante in this already ridiculously ritzy emirate. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel as an “urban oasis” resort, the hotel has 20 Bulgari villas and 101 rooms and suites, as well as the brand’s first Marina and Yacht Club, capable of housing 50 boats. Everything here is on a grand scale, including the spa, which weighs in at over 18,000 square feet. “It has the best rooms, linen, spa design, and facilities,” says Deborah Calmeyer of ROAR Africa. It also has the best Italian food in Dubai, with Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito under the toque. 

Doubles from about $530 per night 

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Africa

There’s no where else like it, so go ahead and turn on the Toto. Southern Africa stole the show this time around, but we dare anyone to snoot at the Kenyan setting for Out of Africa .

Angama Mara | Oloololo Escarpment, Kenya

Angama ’s perch on a clifftop almost 1,000 feet up overlooking the Mara makes it one the best safari lodges in the world; make sure to spend time idling in the fire-pit-like sofa at this prime spot for unforgettable sunsets. “The views are untouchable,” Alder says. There are 15 standalone tented suites, each with wide, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize those views. The decor is a departure from what has become the safari default, all leather and colonial khaki. Instead, think of the scarlet-accented interiors here as African Art Deco, bursting with joie de vivre. But don’t worry, you can still indulge some throwbackish fantasies here—many scenes from Out of Africa were filmed right here, and the hotel will set up lunch, on request, at the exact spot where the movie’s poster image was shot.

From $1,490 per person per night

Loapi Tented Camp | Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Tswalu in the Kalahari Desert is the largest privately protected wildlife reserve in South Africa (with the lowest ratio of guests to the wilderness and owned by the billionaire Oppenheimer family). Its newest and most luxurious slice is Loapi . Meaning “the space below the clouds” in the Setswana language, Loapi is less of a camp and more of a homestead. It’s composed of six individual one- and two-bedroom tented safari homes—spaced so generously that each seems to disappear into the environment. Because these are individual homes rather than villas surrounding a central lodge, you won’t be asked to share anything. The accommodations come with dedicated staff, a private chef, private guides for your game drives, and plunge pools. “It’s designed for anyone desiring complete privacy while exploring the vast Tswalu Kalahari Reserve,” says Premier Tours’s Julian Harrison. It’s a camp that caters especially well to those with a little safari experience. You won’t see the big five here (there are no elephants in this desert), but what you will see are Africa’s most precious and elusive animals—not to mention friendly meerkats galore.

Rates from roughly $2,530 for two people in a one-bedroom tenant home to $9,100 for four adults in a two-bedroom.

Miavana by Time + Tide | Madagascar

The 14-villa property on its own private island off the northeast coast of Madagascar is a Brigadoon -like vision, shimmering into view on the helicopter transfer from nearby Diego Suarez as if out of nowhere. Villas are contemporary in style, with plunge pools, outdoors showers, and sleek, aqua-accented furniture that’s more Saint-Tropez than Out of Africa. Roam around the island on quad bikes, or take a boat trip to another in the archipelago for tern-spotting and alfresco picnic; the water sports center is fully equipped, and the wind pattern here makes it especially appealing for surfers of all kinds. Don’t be deterred by the logistics of getting here: The hotel now runs its own private-jet service from Johannesburg, an approximately four-hour jaunt on a Learjet 45. “A paradise on the edge of a world caught up in time from the original Portuguese explorers until now,” says Maury.

From $3,400 per person per night

North Island | Okavango Delta, Botswana 

We told you that the trend of buyout-primed micro camps was a major force in ultra-luxe safari and predicted that North Island would be a must-book new option as soon as it opened last summer. Clifford agrees. “It’s the perfect setting for full buyouts,” he says. “It’s an intimate, modern gem in a pristine location along the Okavango Delta’s neck, where guests have the luxury of fewer humans and far more options like traversing the waterways in the hotels own makoro or motorboats.” It’s the latest site from Natural Selection , which has particular expertise in Botswana, and is perched on a prime plot on the southwestern arm of the Great Rift Valley, with every major game species readily nearby, including leopards and cheetahs. There are more than 450 bird species, too, for any safari-seeking twitchers.

From $1,395 per person per night

Selinda, Botswana

“It’s an architectural trifecta of three cultures: European, Mokololo and Bayei,” says Sandy Cunningham of Selinda . A hotel in the second largest game concession in Botswana, this camp is a passion project for photographers and conservationists Beverly and Dereck Joubert. The pair owns a dozen or so camps around sub-Saharan Africa but this four-year-old property is a standout, located in the northern reaches of the country which pioneered a focus on high-end low-density tourism which is now being aped around the continent. Stay in the two-bedroom Selinda Suite for the best experience, says Cunningham: “It’s themed to resemble the thatched villages of Sangwali, who loaned the great explorer David Livingstone 200 men during his travels. It’s reachable via boat along the Selinda Spillway—the ultimate 007 arrival!”

Doubles from $11,088 in the midseason.

Singita Pamushana | Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe

This hotel sits at the heart of 320,000-acre private Malilangwe Reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, an already-dreamy locale bolstered by its specific perch. “Its setting is right on a hill, surrounded by boulders, a dam, yellow and gold masa trees and 1000-year-old baobabs,” says Calmeyer, who counts it among her favorites in the continent. The reserve teems with wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and several rhinos—both white and black, thanks to determined anti-poaching efforts, and it’s a particular highlight to track them on foot with the hotel’s guides. There are just eight suites, each with its own private infinity pool, and one five-bedroom villa here, so there’s little risk of any wildlife spotting being ruined by a raft of Jeeps clustered together.

From $2,075 per person per night

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