A charter superyacht is more than just a way of getting from A to B; it is also a floating resort with a full range of leisure activities from which to choose.
With designs becoming increasingly ambitious there is no end to the luxuries that you can find on mega-yachts. Here are some of the incredible facilities that might be available for you on a luxury yacht charter.
A beach club
The beach club started out as a platform on the transom (rear) of the yacht at the water level. This was intended to make it easy to board from both floating docks and tenders and, when at anchor, it would have a retractable ladder for swimming. Soon crews started putting cushions on the swim platform and, before long, designers were creating huge spaces for lounging at water level.
These spaces often involve a hinged transom that folds down to create the sunning area and platform, while a large compartment becomes an open-air lounge and club, complete with bar, comfortable seating, and full entertainment systems. It is the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon.
Spa
A bubbling waterjet spa is often located on the upper deck for evening relaxation, but some yachts also have one in the beach club, perhaps with a massage table nearby.
Gymnasium
Many yachts create dedicated gymnasiums with complete exercise and weight-training equipment to help guests stay in shape and to combat the gourmet cuisine. By placing some gym equipment such as a stationary bicycle or treadmill in the beach club, guests can finish their exercise session with a cooling swim.
Sauna
Saunas are another popular item aboard charter yachts and, since they require specialised insulation and equipment, they are usually in a dedicated cabin. However, a few yachts even have one in the master suite. They are just like the land-based saunas offering wet or dry heat to soothe muscles and cleanse the pores. They are sometimes called hammams, or Turkish baths, in the charter brochures.
Massages
Massages go hand-in-hand with spas and beach clubs and many yachts have crewmembers trained in massage techniques. There may be a dedicated massage room or a portable massage table that can be set up to provide a pleasant view.
Salon services
Personal care is a byword aboard a charter yacht and on some that includes a hair and beauty salon. Larger yachts may have separate facilities with all the amenities of a shore side beauty salon, ranging from hair needs and facials to manicures and pedicures, along with trained stylists and operators. Smaller yachts sometimes have trained crew to provide these services, or the captain or charter broker can arrange them.
A swimming pool
Where the Jacuzzi spa was once considered quite sophisticated, many yachts are now equipped with paddling pools. Other yachts have chosen the lap pool style, often incorporating water jets so that there is a flow of water that allows the swimmer to stay in the same place, as though swimming upstream. Infinity pools, where the water edge seems to disappear, are also becoming popular.
Sun pads
For less strenuous relaxation, every charter yacht has sunpads scattered around the yacht so you can choose the perfect spot to work on that perfect tan.