Great Yacht Charter Destinations for Art & Architecture

Last week we introduced the concept of themed yacht charters, recognizing this concept as an exciting opportunity for the luxury yachting industry. On a themed yacht charter you can visit exotic places while indulging in your passion, returning to the yacht each night to dine under the stars and cruise to the next destination. On rest days, you can do just that: wakeboarding, diving, or just relaxing in the yacht’s Jacuzzi.

In the first of our ‘Themed Yacht Charter’ series, Denison Yachts bring you some of the best yachting destinations for a glamorous foray into the world of art and architecture. Some of you may choose to bring an expert on board to further elevate your experience: perhaps an art teacher for painting lessons on the aft deck in that mythical light of the French Riviera, or an Ivy League art history lecturer to walk you through the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Each destination on this list has been chosen for its extraordinary works of art or architecture, as well as its natural beauty and suitability for more typical yacht charter pastimes.

1. New York & the Hamptons

This giant metropolis is a powerhouse of art and architecture, uniting the international art scene with its buzzing energy of world-class museums, cutting-edge art galleries, soaring skyscrapers, and gritty street art. The Met, the Guggenheim, MoMa and the New Museum of Contemporary Art are just a few of the art museums on offer, while those looking for a less formal expression  of art will delight in the graffiti-streaked walls of  Brooklyn, or a happy wander through the Socrates Sculpture Gardens in Queens.

From an architectural standpoint, New York is home to some truly extraordinary buildings and architectural styles- whether it be the iconic Empire State building, the manicured mansions of Ditmas Park, or the ‘architecture as memorial’ form at the site of the 9/11 attacks.

Sun and Sea:  It’s a particular thrill to dock your yacht in the shadows of the New York City skyline, or cruise past that great French sculpture, the Statue of Liberty. But when sea and sunshine calls, the Hamptons are only a short sail away, with their soft sandy beaches, green forests and clear waters. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the many glamorous art galleries of Nantucket, while architecture aficionados will find interest in the iconic lighthouses and grand summer ‘cottages’ of Martha’s Vineyard. For those less interested in the fine arts, the Hamptons also offer great dining, water sports, boutique shopping and glittering summer nightlife.

2. The French Riviera

Art: If there is any need whatsoever to justify this entry on the list, surely the names of the famous artists who have lived or painted there would suffice. Picasso, Signac, Matisse, Miro, Chigal, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh; all these and many more flocked to the Riviera to paint in that ethereal light, forming one of the greatest artists’ communities and art legacies that the world has ever known.

The Picasso Museum in Antibes and the Matisse Museum in Nice are must-sees, while no art-lover’s visit to the Cote d’Azur could be complete until visiting Le Colombe d’Or hotel in St Paul de Vence, where the dining room is adorned by works by Picasso, Matisse and others- who once left paintings in lieu of payment of their restaurant bills. Following in the footsteps of the greats along the Riviera must be one of the highlights of an artistic life.

For architecture lovers, the Riviera has many examples of medieval building forms, such as the perched villages that kept inhabitants safe from pirates, as well as defensive forts and ramparts along the coast. Modern architecture enthusiasts will find Norman Foster’s Monaco Yacht Club of much interest, as well as the extraordinary Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings of Cannes and Nice.

Sun and Sea: The French Riviera was the birthplace of the luxury yacht industry, and offers sunshine, water sports and glamour aplenty. Whether you crave the tranquil coves of Porquerolle, the Michelin -starred dining of Monaco or the glamorous beach clubs of Saint Tropez, a yacht charter on the French Riviera is where art and sunshine combine in simply spectacular fashion.

3. Barcelona and the Balearics

Consistently topping lists of best cities for art and architecture, Barcelona is a magnificent playground for fine art enthusiasts and a very exciting yacht charter destination for themed yacht charters. Docking right downtown in glamorous Marina Port Vell, you can explore the city’s wonders- from the surreal and whimsical ‘sandcastle’ architecture of Antonio Gaudi, to the vibrant street art that tells an ever-changing story of this grand old city.

For modern art enthusiasts, the Fundació Joan Miró and MACBA museums are quite wonderful, while both art and architecture fans will find themselves content in the gleaming glass and zinc structure of Les Glories Modern Art Museum.

Sun and Sea: Barcelona is the gateway to the Balearics, those stunning isles of crystal clear water and quiet mountain monasteries. Gaudi enthusiasts will find yet more examples of his work in Palma de Majorca’s grand cathedral, while this island chain is also one of the world’s great charter destinations for watersports, nightlife, dining and white sand beaches.

4. Tuscany to Rome via the Tuscan Archipelago

This stretch of land running from the north of Tuscany down to Rome must be one of the densest aggregations of art and architecture on the planet. You’ll struggle to see it all, but any fine art enthusiast worth their salt will hugely enjoy the attempt. While some attractions are slightly inland, the beauty of the art in combination with the idyllic Tuscan islands, make this a perfect yacht charter itinerary for a slightly longer art and architecture themed yacht charter.

In Florence, a fine art lover may have found their spiritual home, with more than a million Renaissance works in the city. See Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’ Accademia, the Dome at the Duomo and the legendary Uffuzi Galleries. If you can drag yourself away, those willing to venture a bit further inland should head to Siena, which is considered one of the greatest examples of medieval architecture on earth. Rejoining your yacht and cruising via the Tuscan Archipelago down to Rome, you’ll arrive in the city where thousands of years of civilization have created a living museum -with columns of antiquity standing lonely by gleaming modern art museums and busy city streets. Where to begin? The Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain are simply unmissable, while the National Gallery of Modern Art is also excellent for those who like their art a bit more current.

Sun and Sea: Tuscany, as everybody knows, is quite stunningly beautiful, and you will enjoy the view from your yacht as you cruise down the Italian coast, stopping at your leisure in the tranquil Tuscan Archipelago. The Pisan castle of Giorgio and the Agrippa ruins on Pianosa are worth an exploration, but on your rest days here it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on some artwork of your own.

Of course, this list is only represents a tiny fraction of the brilliant destinations to explore on an art and architecture themed yacht charter. A more complete list would surely include St Petersburg and Istanbul, Venice and Buenos Aires. San Francisco shouldn’t be ignored, Puerto Rico is rising as art and design hotspot, and New Orleans and Chicago have their many artistic merits too.  Miami is a great example of Art Deco, and Athens is home to a fascinating mix of ancient architecture and modern pop-up art installations. The list, of course, could go on forever. Which is rather lovely, if you’re a fan of art and architecture and the sparkling sea.

Contact Jackie Guenther for Yacht Charter Opportunities: