Pag Island, Croatia on 11.11 with Y.CO
Destination: This 100-square-mile island—the fifth largest in Croatia—boasts the longest coastline of the Dalmatian Islands. Barren, rocky, and moonlike, the rugged island is free of the hordes of tourists that conquer the more developed parts of the country. And, without any five-star accommodations, it’s best experienced on a yacht.
Event: The otherwise mellow island comes to life each August with the Sonus Festival, happening this year August 18–22 on Zrce Beach. The five-day electronic music event will feature more than 40 international DJs and artists, including Solomun, Ben Klock, La Fleur, and Daniel Avery. Spend the days roaming around the island, exploring its many bays and outdoor activities, like kitesurfing, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
Experience: Allow Y.CO to take all of the hassle out of attending a music festival. From VIP access to the event to exclusive boat parties (a festival highlight) and arriving to the venue in the ship’s custom 8-meter limo tender, the event is entirely worry free.
Yacht: Book the 63-meter Benetti, 11.11. The ship was built in 2015 and features six cabins with room for 12 guests. The art deco–inspired interiors feature bespoke chandeliers; contemporary artwork from Tracey Emin, Hans Kotter, and Ben Sack; and a dedicated spa area with a massage room and hammam. Outside, enjoy the numerous sundecks, mosaic-tiled jet pool, and eye-catching profile, due to its vertical axe bow that allows more stable cruising. A full collection of Sea-Doos, Seabobs, surfboards, and wakeboards, as well as a climbing wall and an inflatable slide, is also on hand.
From $738,000/week; y.co
Amalfi Coast, Italy on Alfa Nero with Burgess
Destination: The narrow curvy streets are packed, the hotels are crowded, and the beaches are rocky. Still, there are few better places to be during the summer than the Amalfi Coast—especially when staying on a grand yacht, with the freedom to explore the region’s less-accessible beaches, hidden coves, and of course, the island of Capri.
Event: Attend one of the classical music concerts in Ravello, staged in the gardens of Villa Rufolo throughout the summer. The building was originally designed in the 13th century and has had a long history of hosting concerts, ever since German opera composer Richard Wagner saw the villa in 1880 and was so taken with it he imagined it as a setting in Parsifal. The structure has been hosting operas every year since.
Experience: Allow Burgess to organize everything down to the last detail. The team has vetted the region inside and out, assuring guests are never caught in tourist traps, and the team can arrange anything from a themed party with fireworks to a private live concert performed by a Grammy-winning artist.
Yacht: Book the 82-meter Alfa Nero. Refitted in 2017, Alfa Nero features six cabins accommodating 12 guests. The Alberto Pinto–designed yacht has a coastal vibe with innovative flair. The pool transforms into a dance floor with a spacious deck area, allowing a day party to become a nighttime disco. Additionally, the yacht is equipped with a spa and beauty salon, as well as a gym and Jacuzzi.
From $1.05M/week; burgessyachts.com
Cannes, France on Here Comes the Sun with Fraser Yachts
Destination: Everyone knows Cannes for its famed film festival, but the city also has welcomes yachts from around the word in September for the Cannes Yachting Festival, a showcase of worldwide yachts for sailors and enthusiasts.
Event: The Cannes Yachting Festival takes place September 10–15 this year in Vieux Port and Port Canto. The one-week international yachting event will feature more than 565 yachts from around the world, with 363 motorboats, 117 sailboats, and 85 RIBs. Spend a few days checking out the yachts from different continents to see some of best in international yacht design.
Experience: With 21 offices worldwide and more than 160 employees, Fraser Yachts is equipped to deliver a variety of experiences and thrills. Whether its arriving to Cannes by helicopter, touring other luxury yachts, or finding the best vantage points to take in the stunning coastal scenery, they are sure to make the experience memorable.
Yacht: Here Comes the Sun was refitted in 2017 by Amels, with 10 staterooms designed for 12 guests. Tim Heywood designed the 83-meter ship with long decks that grant 15,069 square feet of interior space and 10,764 square feet of outdoor deck space. Inside, Winch Design created a modern European feel with touches like stone-clad bathrooms, plush furnishings, and rich wood paneling. Special features include a grand piano, elevator, beach club with terraces for a spa and wellness center, home theater, and mosaic-tiled infinity pool.
From $1.36M/week; fraseryachts.com