The 10 Best Locations for a Gourmet-Themed Yacht Charter

A yacht charter is always a gourmet experience- after all, with a private chef onboard, how could it be anything less?

However, given how central exceptional food is to the experience of a yacht charter, we think that the gourmet experience onboard could be elevated even further, with a gourmet- themed yacht charter.

Just imagine it- a whole week centered around your passion for food: whether it’s taking cooking masterclasses onboard with the chef, attending a food festival in San Francisco, or learning to cook with truffles in a villa in Tuscany. Perhaps you could spend a morning foraging for local ingredients in a Caribbean market, learn to make spicy street food from a local in Thailand, or sit down to a Michelin- star banquet with dizzying harbour views over Dubai.

The potential for brilliant food experiences are endless, so we’ve put together a list of the greatest yachting destinations on earth for a gourmet yacht charter. Some of the entries you’ll almost certainly be expecting, some may be a bit of a surprise, and some are just a little way off the beaten track in rising yachting destinations. No doubt you’ll think we’ve missed a few, so please add your favourite culinary yachting destinations in the comments section below.

In no particular order…

1. Barcelona

Yes, we know Barcelona is featured in our Art & Architecture destinations list too. But we can’t help it- this buzzing city is an absolute powerhouse of incredible dining. In case the exceptional restaurants, superstar chefs, cosy tapas bars, bustling markets and innovative street food aren’t enough for you, there’s also a phenomenal cocktail scene to dip into as you munch on your delicious fried squid and patatas bravas.

Want more? Barcelona is the perfect jumping off point for the stunningly beautiful Balearic Islands, where you’ll also find a sophisticated (and at turns deliciously rustic) dining scene on Palma and Ibiza.

2. San Francisco

There are more restaurants in San Francisco per person than anywhere else in the US, meaning that the competition is fierce, the innovative spirit is strong, and the quality is impressively high. The melting pot of cultures found in this Californian city has created a fantastic fusion food scene, while San Francisco’s ‘farm to table’ ethos really shows with a focus on local, seasonal and organic produce.

Want more? Between cruising the Bay and the stunning coast of California, you will definitely want to take a short trip inland to the famed Napa Valley, home of brilliant wines, food festivals, and world-class restaurants among the vines.

3. Singapore

This may come as a surprise to some, but this tiny country is experiencing a food revolution, making the most of its international population and diverse culinary influences. Superchefs are being drawn here to run flagship restaurants in high end hotels, while the thriving local markets sell exceptional street food-the Singapore noodles or chilli crab are an absolute treat. One of the most quintessential Singapore experiences is the Sunday champagne brunch, so dress up and head for one of the swanky hotels, whether it’s at the iconic Raffles Hotel or the new Phillipe-Starck designed hotel, The South Beach.

Want more? Singapore is the new superyacht hub in Asia, and is a great jumping- off point for regional yacht charters. Island-hopping in Indonesia sound good? Cruising the Burmese archipelago this year? Or is Thailand calling your name?

4. French Riviera

No surprises here. There are Michelin-starred restaurants scattered like confetti along this glittering stretch of coastline from Monaco to Saint Tropez, and your dining experience on the Cote d’Azur will almost certainly be exceptional. Don’t forget to head to the local markets to sample the best fruits, meats and cheeses, or try local specialities like Nice’s famed socca, a chickpea crepe cooked in a wood fired oven and served with olive oil and spices. 

Want more? A French Riviera food experience couldn’t be complete without a trip up into the medieval perched villages behind the coast- there are some real dining gems to be found in the narrow cobbled streets- often with great terrace views over the vibrant blue coastline below.

5. Italy

It may seem unfair to name an entire country when our other top picks are simply cities and regions, but it is a necessary indecision. To name a top culinary area of Italy is next to impossible.  This would require choosing between enjoying the spectacular restaurants of Rome or having lunch at a clifftop restaurant in Capri.  The slow food movement in rustic Sicily or home-grown and prepared delights from a villa in Tuscany? The fine dining glitz of Sardinia’s Porto Cervo or the seafood of pretty Portofino. It’s safe to say no matter which region your yacht visits in Italy, your tastebuds will be in for a treat.

Want more? Get involved and learn to make perfect fresh pasta, press olive oil to take home with you, or hunt for truffles in the forest.

6. New York

Of course, this entry comes as no surprise to anyone: New York has been considered one of the world’s greatest food destinations for decades, with a roll-call of restaurants and chefs that could make any foodie seriously weak at the knees. Add to that the astonishing street food scene and some outstanding food festivals throughout the year, and it’s clear that a food-themed yacht charter in New York is a sure bet.

Want more? The picturesque Hamptons are just nearby, with their own impressive list of dining establishments catering to the yachting set. There are also some great New England food festivals starting in September and running throughout the fall.

7. Miami

This is another domestic star on the restaurant scene, undergoing an extraordinary revival in recent years. From fusion to Cuban to the heights of molecular gastronomy, Miami is the hottest culinary city in the South. The South Beach Food & Wine Festival in February is not one to miss, drawing culinary stars and huge crowds to this city of art deco, neon lights, and waving palm trees.

Want more? The white sands and sapphire seas of the Bahamas are calling, and Nassau has a pretty impressive line-up of restaurants, be it fine dining at Nobu in Atlantis or a beach shack selling delicious fried conch. If you like lobster you’ll be in heaven in the Bahamas- just pick it off the reef and the chef will grill it up in style with plenty of lemon and butter. A fresh catch in the islands just doesn’t get much better than that.

8. Dubai

What an inventive place this desert city is, and its food is no exception. As you’d expect from the futuristic, slightly mad skyline, you’ll find revolving restaurants in the sky and restaurants under the water- all very fancy and with some impressive fine dining led by superstar chefs. However, don’t discard the local food- Dubai is every inch the international city with over 200 nationalities living there, so no matter what you’re craving you’ll find it- whether it’s Chinese delicacies, Indian spice, or the gorgeous sticky middle eastern pastries to be found in the bustling marketplaces.

Want more? Why not take a cruise to the stunning Bahrain archipelago, an arid yet hauntingly beautiful landscape where immense sand dunes fall away into crystal clear seas. Cast a fishing line off the swim platform and eat your catch on deck under a desert night sky.

9. Baltic

Ever considered a Baltic yacht charter? If not, there’s no time like the present. Sail under the midnight sun to Copenhagen, roundly considered one of the best dining cities on earth. Dock your yacht and eat at the famous restaurant Noma, explore the splendid local markets, and sample innovative new cuisine in cosy cafes. With more Michelin stars than any other Scandinavian city and the MAD Symposium food festival revealing wild and wonderful creations, this chic Danish city is very, very exciting when it comes to food. And no, no-one will force you to eat herring.

Want more? Denmark has stunning beaches, protected anchorages and seriously good fishing. Further afield on a Baltic yacht charter you’ll find the fjords of Norway, the canals and spires of St Petersburg, and the forests and meadows of the immense Swedish archipelago.

10. Thailand

This is probably another you didn’t expect, but the Thai cuisine is a world favorite, and this Asian country is rising fast as a superyacht destination. For foodies, it’s a fascinating place, with chaotic and colourful markets, high-end restaurants, and delicious street food. Learn to make Pad Thai from a street seller and experience firsthand the country’s classic ingredients- creamy coconut milk, crushed peanuts, fresh coriander and that spicy little Thai chilli.

Want more? You’ve seen the postcards- that little boat with the curved prow pulled up on a white sand beach, surrounded by jungle extraordinary limestone rocks jutting out of the sea. Add to the routine coral reefs, endless massages, and fresh coconuts every morning after a refreshing swim off the swim platform. I’m not quite sure what you’re waiting for.

This year, why not indulge your love of food with a themed yacht charter exploring the world’s greatest cuisines? After all, what better way to explore the world’s best culinary experiences than from a luxury yacht?

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