The ultimate Christmas yacht charter

Exchange the mid-winter blues for a new palette of azure with a Christmas yacht charter with Burgess. Picture yourself al fresco dining on the aft deck, bathing in warm waters, or taking sunset strolls along deserted white sand beaches – as some of the most exotic cruising grounds welcome the most exclusive yachts to their balmy shores this winter, why not swap the cold weather for some sunshine and celebrate the festive season on board a superyacht.   

Benefits of a Christmas yacht charter 

Whether you are looking to create special memories with the family this festive season or celebrate Christmas with friends, a superyacht provides all the benefits of a seven-star resort, with impeccable service, endless activities and tailor-made cuisine. And what’s more, a festive season charter is bespoke to you, so whether your family tradition is for stockings and presents under the tree, a champagne breakfast or lobster on the grill, you can incorporate all the elements that are important to you and your guests.  

The perfect Christmas party location 

No stranger to celebrations, a superyacht provides the perfect setting to connect with loved ones, eat, drink, dance and be merry.  With superb dining locations and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, the decks lend tremendous appeal for festive celebrations. Some yachts even have convertible dancefloors, and beach clubs that can be transformed into night clubs for dancing under the stars.  

Spend quality time with those you love 

The opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones is rare, even during Christmas when most of us generally only spend a day or two together. A Christmas yacht charter however allows you to spend a minimum of seven nights together, which means no less than 21 meals laughing and having fun with those you love. A yacht is also big enough for everyone to have their own space, coming together to enjoy all manner of activities, be it movie time, breakfast, lunch and dinner, family watersports, or time ashore exploring, while still able to relax more privately.   

Make the most of the warmer weather 

When it comes to celebrating the festive season, make the most of the warm weather by living the al fresco lifestyle that superyachts are made for. Most yachts are designed for outdoor living with a selection of sunbathing and lounging areas. Whether you are choosing to spend Christmas morning relaxing on the sun deck, perhaps at the sit-up bar or in the jacuzzi, or in the spacious beach club, the yacht’s attentive crew will be on hand to ensure that refreshments are poured, and the festivities are celebrated in your traditional way – whatever that may be.   

Experience gourmet dining with cuisines from around the world 

For many, some of the best Christmas memories involve food and this is as true on board a superyacht as it is at home. The chefs on board superyachts are out of this world, creating festive feasts to suit every tradition. Bask in the sunshine around the jacuzzi or enjoy the watertoys while your chef conjures up a Christmas extravaganza. After the feast, while the crew clear everything away, you can relax and enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, head to the beach club for a refreshing dip or even tender ashore to join locals on the beach.  

Enjoy the on-board amenities 

Choosing where to cruise can be one of the most appealing elements of a Christmas yacht charter, but the yacht’s facilities also play a key role in the overall festive experience, especially in areas that remain isolated and unspoiled. Superyachts are equipped with just about every amenity one could desire – including those you didn’t even know you needed. Messing about on a yacht’s many watertoys, relaxing on the sun deck, watching movies in a dedicated cinema room or even al fresco outside, or dancing on converted helipad, with the right yacht every whim is catered for.  

Where can I charter in December? 

The obvious choice for a Christmas yacht charter is the Caribbean or The Bahamas. Come December the islands’ average temperature is in the low 20s and guests can make the most of the warm weather on board the decks of a superyacht.  

Every one of the 700-plus Caribbean islands is unique, with its own special traditions and celebrations, but whichever archipelago you choose for a Christmas yacht charter, the buzz of the festive season is easy to find. Steeped in century-old traditions, Antigua’s festive activities stem from the island’s European and African heritage and include carol trees, stilt-walkers and ‘jump-ups’.

On the chic island of St Barth, the merriment surrounding the annual ‘Christmas in St Barths’ market is palpable, while the myriad coves and bays of the British Virgin Islands make them a haven for the waterborne, especially as you glide past homes decked out in festive lights, ribbons and ornaments, and palms decorated as Christmas trees. Over in The Bahamas, festive celebrations can continue into the early hours of Christmas Day as the world-famous Junkanoo parades dance across the islands in all their vibrance and colour.  

For those looking for more of a Robinson Crusoe-style getaway, the remote atolls of the Maldives can offer charterers the ultimate in desert island idylls. Rest assured however, the islands can also lend themselves to a variety of activities, from diving and snorkelling to surfing and fishing, and the glut of watersports on offer will more than fill your guests’ time with adrenalin-fuelled activity. For the ultimate Christmas Day fantasy, the crew can set up cushions and loungers on your own deserted island while your chef BBQs the catch of the day.  

Over in the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s coastline is an alternative and less-travelled cruising ground to the Caribbean. An established yachting area, a yacht provides the perfect base from which to dip into the festivities on the party islands of Ko Samui, Phuket and Ko Pha Ngan, and then also to recover more quietly on the more remote islands, the majority of which are only accessible to the waterborne.