5 Warm-Weather Yacht Charters For The Perfect Winter Vacation

If you have ever seen pictures of the number of superyachts in and around St Barts on New Year’s Eve, you will understand just how sought after a winter yacht charter in a warm climate is. While the Caribbean remains the eternally classic winter yacht charter destination, increasing numbers of yachts are heading further afield during the Northern Hemisphere winter towards Asia-Pacific, the Indian Ocean and, increasingly, Middle Eastern destinations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

It’s not too late to start thinking about your winter sun escape. Below, I have rounded up five great yachts for charter this winter.

Family Fun: ‘Amore’

New to the charter market this year, Amore is a 37m Newmarine built in 2022, ideal for family fun in The Bahamas this winter. With impressive volumes for its size, the yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six staterooms, including two master suites. A seventh room can be arranged upon request, particularly useful for families traveling with a nanny. A cinema room, shaded and air-conditioned beach club and inflatable “aqua cabana” floating playground are among the family-friendly features. “The Bahamas is full of secluded islands and cays, perfect for those who want privacy. Unlike the Caribbean, which can be busier, the Bahamas has numerous tucked-away spots, where you can drop anchor, enjoy the views, and have an entire beach to yourself,” Sarah Egger, Amore’s Charter Manager at Fraser Yachts, tells me via email. Amore is available to charter from $155,000 a week.

Royal Favorite: ‘Titania’

If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix series The Crown, Titania may look familiar. That’s because in the final season of the show, the 73m Lurssen-Werft yacht was used to depict Princess Diana on a sun-soaked vacation in St-Tropez, including the iconic shot of Diana over the water, perched at the edge of the yacht’s diving board. A firm charter favorite, popular with repeat guests, Titania is spending this winter in the Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos and can accommodate 12 guests in seven staterooms. A fully-equipped gym with personal trainer and a sauna, massage room and beauty salon with a masseuse and beautician among the crew are some of the dedicated wellness facilities. Titania charters through Burgess from $615,000 a week.

Asia-Pacific Adventure: ‘Northern Sun’

With its beautiful coastline and world-class cuisine, it’s no surprise that Thailand is ever-growing in popularity. Based in the region until February 1, 2025 (when it travels across to the Maldives), Northern Sun is a 51m converted ice-class research vessel that appeared in season two of Below Deck. Accommodating 12 guests with a crew of 12, the yacht holds a collection of the owner’s artwork and carries scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, waterskis, donuts and wakeboards. “A winter escape to the tropical paradise is perfect for those wanting to relax on deserted islands surrounded by palm trees, or ring in the New Year with the famous fireworks in Phuket,” says Stuart Isaacs, Marketing Director at Ocean Independence via email. Northern Sun is for charter through Ocean Independence, starting at $161,700 weekly.

Classic Charm: ‘Katharina’

As more and more of the world opens up to yacht charter, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat remains one of the final frontiers with its spellbinding limestone islands, crystalline waters and incredible marine life. November through to March is considered one of the best times to visit the region, particularly for divers, for visibility and calm waters. Among the traditionally-styled sailing yachts that cruise the region is Katharina. Built in 1995 using high-grade ironwood, its classic lines and distinctive burgundy sails add a dose of bygone charm. The vessel can accommodate 12 guests, with 12 crew. “A cruise the ideal way to see the region,” says Jess Heuermann, Senior Trip Planner with Adventure Life, via email. “Its a snorkeler’s paradise. Other activities include kayaking, hiking, village visits and more.” Nine nights in Raja Ampat on Katharina is priced from $99,600 through Adventure Life.

Water Toys And Wellness: ‘Katina’

Tropical paradise above the water and marine wonderland below it, the Maldives is a yacht charter idyll. The 60m Katina, launched by Croatia’s Brodosplit in 2015, is no stranger to the Indian Ocean archipelago, having spent last winter cruising the region as well. With interior volumes typical of a 80m superyacht, Katina can accommodate 12 guests and 15 crew, and packs in a multitude of onboard facilities including a gymnasium, a sauna, a massage room, a dedicated whiskey and cigar room, an inflatable slide and a playground, plus a wide selection of water toys for the more adventurous charterers onboard. “With hundreds of uninhabited islands, ideal for a yacht to take over and make it your home for the day, the Maldives is the perfect luxury retreat this winter,” says James Graham Cloete, Director of Charter Management at TWW, by email. Katina is available to charter this winter in the Maldives from $245,000 with TWW Yachts.