Only The Best Travel
Only The Best Travel
A small coastal town can offer exactly what a busy itinerary cannot: time to notice the tide changing, a bakery opening before sunrise, and the familiar faces that appear on the same harbour walk each morning. These places are not always destinations for ticking off …
Completing a full type rating course typically takes three to six weeks of intensive, full-time study and simulator training. Transitioning to a multi-crew commercial jet or turboprop demands complete mastery of complex aircraft systems, standard operating procedures, and emergency management. Aviation authorities require rigorous instruction …
Arguably, the most well-known and sought-after charter destinations in all of the Mediterranean, for many charterers, the question is not when to book a charter in the South of France, but rather where to begin a charter along the Côte d’Azur. The famous stretch of glistening coastline between Saint-Tropez and the Italian border is home to several different cities, towns, and villages, each offering its own distinct character, social scene, pace, and anchorages. And the best starting point for your charter in the South of France really depends on what you and your charter group want to experience, what you’re looking for during your time out on the open waters. TWW Yachts is based in Monaco, the heart of the French Riviera and the yachting industry in France, and we’ve been guiding charterers for years, helping shape the best itineraries for their exact requirements. Here, we highlight some of the best destinations to start your charter in the South of France this summer.
There is no place quite like Saint-Tropez along the French Riviera. Thrown into the global limelight back in 1956 when Brigitte Bardot starred in the film ‘Et Dieu… créa la femme’ (And God Created Woman), this one small fishing village has never been the same since. Forever linked with the golden era of Mediterranean glamour and a particular kind of unhurried, yet effortlessly stylish social life, Saint-Tropez remains one of the most iconic charter bases on the coast. Best viewed when arriving by sea, arrival by charter yacht to Saint-Tropez and berthing in the old port is an entirely different and elevated experience compared to driving into the town. St Tropez is also home to the legendary beach clubs of Pampelonne, including Club 55, Nikki Beach, and Bagatelle, which are the highlight of the summer social calendar. In comparison, the ochre and mustard facades of the port, the Place des Lices market, and the medieval citadel above the town provide a more introspective space to the vibrant beach club scene. Saint-Tropez is the ideal starting point for charterers looking for the full, immersive French Riviera experience, with countless parties, beaches, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Charterers who book their charter around the Voiles de Saint-Tropez in late September, one of the great spectacles of the Mediterranean sailing calendar, will undoubtedly enjoy this legendary regatta as well.
A city synonymous with glitz, glamour, and luxury, Cannes is perhaps one of the most versatile bases for a charter along the French Riviera. The city is transformed every May into one of the world’s most energetic and high-profile destinations during the Cannes Film Festival, welcoming movie stars and directors from around the world. Afterwards, for the remaining charter season, it slowly shifts into a more laid-back and culturally rich pace that has drawn in charterers for years. Highlights include the Promenade de la Croisette, the old quarter of Le Suquet, and two well-equipped marinas that serve as an excellent base for exploration in either direction along the coast. However, one aspect that gives Cannes a particular advantage as a starting point for a South of France charter sits just offshore from the city, namely the Lérins Islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. A mere minutes cruising from the port, these islands are home to some of the most peaceful and unspoilt anchorages on the entire French Riviera. Surrounded by clear waters, with pine-shaded shorelines and a 17th-century fortress that once held the Man in the Iron Mask, the islands strike a sharp but welcoming contrast to the hustle and bustle of Cannes. The city is perfect for first-time charterers visiting the South of France, which is perfect to combine with attendance at the Film Festival in May or the Cannes Lions in June.
Monaco is the most concentrated expression of everything the French Riviera represents. A principality where superyachts glisten in Port Hercules, the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit coexist with a remarkable density of Michelin-starred restaurants, all within an area of barely two square kilometres. The city is unmatched when it comes to the sheer intensity of experience as a charter base. For many, there are two key moments during the social calendar when booking a Monaco yacht charter is the most compelling: the Formula 1 Grand Prix in late May, when the circuit runs through the streets surrounding the port and the superyachts in the harbour become the best grandstand seats to take in the action, and the Monaco Yacht Show in September, when the superyacht industry comes together by Port Hercules for four days. Outside of the city’s events calendar, the city’s position at the eastern end of the Riviera makes it an ideal gateway for extended itineraries along the coast. Cap Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Antibes lie to the west, whilst the Ligurian coast of Italy is within straightforward reach to the east. Monaco is the best starting point for more experienced charterers, clients attending specific events, and those who want the most glamorous and high-energy base the French Riviera can offer.
Not every charter group wants to start in the French Riviera’s hotspots. Several other towns along the coast offer a more tranquil, traditional, and relaxed atmosphere for a charter. Antibes, home to Port Vauban and a charming walled old town with the Picasso Museum at its heart, provides a more measured pace whilst remaining within easy reach of both Cannes and Monaco. Cap Ferrat, a wooded peninsula of grand villas and sheltered bays, has been described as one of the last relatively quiet corners of the French Riviera, its waters clear, its anchorages unhurried. And Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its deep natural harbour and amber-painted waterfront, is consistently one of the most beautiful anchorages on the entire coast.
The most engaging and memorable South of France charter itineraries include several stops, moving between the beach club energy of Saint-Tropez, the cultural depth of Cannes, the splendour of Monaco, and the tranquil, more intimate anchorages in between. At TWW Yachts, our team offers more than 50 years of combined experience to help match you with the best yacht to fulfil all your South of France charter wishes. Get in touch with us today to begin planning your South of France charter.
International travel has become more flexible than ever. Remote work, extended vacations, and multi-country trips mean that many travelers no longer book simple round-trip tickets months in advance. Instead, they often prefer to keep their plans open until they decide where to go next. While …
Hotels come with rules, even the ones with five stars on the door. You buy a ticket for a dream vacation, but you still end up waking up early just to lock down a sunlounger by a pool packed with shouting kids, or rushing down before nine just because the breakfast buffet closes. Crete is…
The method of travel is evolving into different ways. Travelers who have evolved beyond modern-day expectations will now seek additional amenities beyond traditional hotel accommodations. The majority of them prefer private accommodations, offering much greater comfort and familiarity than ever before.
The rise in travelers seeking private accommodations, such as luxury beachfront villas, has also led to the expansion of this type of lodging in many areas around the world. Private villas in Tulum provide travelers with unique options in their accommodation experience, offering an unprecedented combination of privacy, additional space, and customized, personalized experiences that most conventional lodging typically does not offer.
Many people prefer renting beachfront villas because they offer guests more seclusion than staying at a hotel. Hotel stays typically use shared amenities like pools, common areas, and restaurants; while convenient, these amenities tend to attract larger crowds, perhaps with accompanying noise, depending on the season.
Staying in a beachfront villa gives guests a much more private setting to spend their time, as they will have access to their own swimming pool, terrace, and direct beach access without interruption. This private use of an entire property directly on the ocean is very appealing to couples, families, and other travelers looking for an escape and peace. The luxury of having sole access to an entire ocean-view property while vacationing will significantly enhance the relaxation and luxury experience.
Personalized luxury travel has also become a trend, as most visitors prefer an individualized journey over a traditional hotel experience. Beachfront villas offer an opportunity to do just that with customised options and services.
Several luxury villas also have private chefs, customised food options, spa services, and curated experiences associated with the area for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Instead of adhering to a traditional hotel schedule, guests can custom-design their experience, such as a sunrise yoga class on the beach or a candlelit dinner on the beach.
Popular destinations like Tulum are attracting travelers seeking this type of luxury accommodation. Staying at a luxury beachfront villa Tulum allows guests not only to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean but also to experience luxury and the privacy of their own space.
As more families and groups are traveling together, they tend to choose beachfront villas as their first choice over hotel accommodations. Hotels frequently separate guests into different hotel rooms, which can sometimes create a feeling of disconnection among the travelers. Beachfront villas help overcome the disconnection of a hotel room by providing large living areas and several private sleeping/rent bedrooms.
Luxury beachfront villas are rapidly rising in popularity, largely because of their close connections to nature. Many beachfront villas are environmentally conscious, using biodegradable materials, large glass windows, and open space. Thus, providing guests with the greatest opportunity to connect with their environment. Guests will wake up to ocean views in the morning, fall asleep to the sound of the ocean waves at night, and spend an entire day immersed in nature’s beauty.
As people continue to change how they travel, accommodations that are close to nature, provide comfort, and offer a high level of privacy and exclusivity are becoming more popular. Beachfront villas are becoming more popular among travellers looking for a modern and luxurious way to spend time on vacation.