Cruise the high seas, drift along scenic inland European waterways, or discover a secret Caribbean cove by chartering a luxury houseboat, cabin cruiser yacht or barge.
Inspiration yacht. Photo courtesy Burgess Yachts
Forget your impression of the old-style boxy houseboats of yesteryear. Some may still resemble that shape. But today’s versions are outfitted with the latest aerodynamic and hydrodynamic designs. They’re equipped with cutting-edge technology and all the creature comforts of a high-end home or luxury hotel.
Even sleeker are the cabin cruisers and superyachts designed to fulfill all your luxury boat fantasies with curated artwork, lavishly appointed furniture and exquisite decor adapted for cruising in style.
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Don’t want to miss a work-out? Many of the superyachts even come equipped with gyms. You don’t have to go on land to get your spa fix either. Enjoy a hot tub, Finnish sauna or even an onboard spa therapist!
Fine dining aboard Burgess Yachts’ Slipstream. Photo courtesy Burgess Yachts
Quench your thirst with fully stocked bars, feast on gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs and rest each night in king-size beds draped in plush Egyptian cotton linens. Be your own captain or cruise with a provided crew.
These boats are an ideal escape for 2 to 20 people. So round up your mates, set your course and navigate the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers and inland waterways in style.
Burgess Yachts
Worldwide locations
Burgess is a world leader in providing the ultimate in luxurious boating holidays. Spend a week or more on one of their vast collection of yachts and superyachts stationed in the Caribbean, Europe and key centres around the world.
Inspiration bridge deck. Photo courtesy Burgess Yachts
For peace of mind and total relaxation, Burgess provides an expertly trained crew. An extensive checklist is provided to passengers ahead of time to ensure every expectation and special request is met.
All food and drink is provided for a totally “no worries” boating holiday experience. Their superyacht, Inspiration, is suitable for up to 10 guests. It inspires pampering with five roomy cabins, including a full beam master suite with terraces both port and starboard side.
Burn off calories on the bridge deck gym then soak your sore muscles in the Jacuzzi. Enjoy the Canadian and Australian artworks on display or take in a movie under the stars on the deck of the Slipstream superyacht.
Slipstream sky lounge. Photo courtesy Burgess Yachts
The Slipstream comes with a selection of water toys—even a waterslide. The yacht’s interior will charm you with its black fossil marble stairwell, trio of totem poles, and elegant colour scheme.
The Silver Dream superyacht is a spa lover’s dream, complete with an onboard masseuse and spa therapist. Definitely not for the budget-minded, but for those seeking the ultimate experience, Burgess yachts have no limits.
Luxury houseboat hire
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Feel like a millionaire in your floating penthouse as you cruise the waterways and observe the opulent mansions along Australia’s Gold Coast Millionaires Row thanks to Luxury Houseboat Hire.
Photo courtesy Luxury Houseboat Hire Australia
Just charter the Amira, an 18 x 6.2 metre, $1.7 million luxurious houseboat built in 2017. This modern, sleek houseboat can carry up to 12 guests with numerous entertainment features. Enjoy a 50 inch Smart TV on the lower deck or a 32 inch on the top deck, as well as Wi-Fi and a Bose HiFi system.
Anglers can try and catch the big one with the four fishing rods and holders on board and there are boogie boards, paddleboards, a dinghy and a swimming platform to keep any water lovers occupied.
Demonstrate your culinary talents with the fish you catch in the fully equipped kitchen or upper deck BBQ. And there’s no need to worry about getting dirty with a washing machine on board.
Photo courtesy Luxury Houseboat Hire Australia
The houseboat is located at Paradise Point on the Gold Coast where you will be briefed on the boat’s operation. A captain will take it to your desired destinations. Take a swim, catch crabs, catch a wave on one of the surfing beaches, or explore the coastal communities along the way to experience true Aussie hospitality and culture.
European Waterways
France and other European destinations
European Waterways has been offering luxury barge trips for more than 40 years in France and other destinations in Europe like Scotland, the Netherlands and Italy. Due to their smaller size, these luxury barges are ideal for navigating narrow rivers and inland waterways the larger boats cannot.
View to the sundeck aboard Renaissance. Photo courtesy European Waterways
Enjoy the fruits of the vine on the luxury barge Renaissance as you travel the waterways of France’s Upper Loire and Western Burgundy regions. You have the option of chartering the whole barge (with room for up to 8 people) or joining other passengers.
A captain, crew and cuisine team are provided so just sip, savour and enjoy the ride along the Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal. Feast on French and international dishes meticulously prepared by the chef in a fine dining environment. Pass by picturesque countryside villages and the famous wine-growing region of Sancerre on your journey.
Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare aboard Renaissance. Photo courtesy European Waterways
Elegance extends to the salon with its leather sofas and hand-built bar evoking a French manor house. Each well-appointed cabin is air-conditioned with a large ensuite bathroom. After a day of touring, you can relax in the sun loungers and heated spa pool.
Houseboat.fi
Finland
Finland is famous for its saunas, so it’s only fitting they would install a sauna on a houseboat.
Houseboat sauna. Photo courtesy Houseboat.fi
Sweat away your stress and jump into one of Finland’s thousands of freshwater lakes and rivers. Or set anchor to discover the many uninhabited islands and national parks along your journey.
Houseboat Deluxe. Photo courtesy Houseboat.fi
The houseboats, constructed in the traditional style, are easy to handle with an onboard navigation system. Just plug in the route you want to take with its GPS Plotter. There are a variety of houseboats available with most of their fleet 40 feet in length with room to comfortably sleep 6 to 8.
For a houseboat with a difference try the Houseboat Eco-Wood. It’s made of wood, complete with solar panels and perfect for a couple. It even has a fireplace and a sauna!
Eco-Wood houseboat. Photo courtesy Houseboat.fi
Fully equipped kitchens, comfy lounge areas, Wi-Fi, terraces, bathroom with shower and many more features make for a very comfortable and hassle-free houseboat holiday. Finish the day anchored off an uninhabited island sipping wine under the light of the Midnight Sun.
Le Boat
Canada, Europe
Le Boat knows houseboats. After 50 years offering boating holidays in Europe and now Canada, they are pioneers in making luxury houseboat vacations accessible to those who have never captained a boat before.
Le Boat in Burgundy. Photo courtesy Le Boat
In 2018, Le Boat launched in Canada along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will encounter many fellow Le Boaters on the canal. In Canada, Le Boat features the sleek Horizon series of cabin cruisers that sleep anywhere from 2 to 12 people. They even cover the docking fees at Parks Canada locks along the Rideau Canal. Many of their boats have side thrusters allowing even the most novice captain to steer and moor at locks after a short orientation.
Le Boat also offers numerous boating options for exploring the inland waterways in eight European countries. You control how far, how fast, where and what you want to do while they take care of the rest. For those who want to relax, sun loungers, TV, DVD player, radio and multiple cushy lounge areas will do the trick. But for those looking to add some activity, Le Boat will rent kayaks, paddleboards and bikes for you to take along on your cruise.
Horizon sundeck. Photo courtesy Le Boat
Travel from place to place with the aid of comprehensive area guides and navigational maps and charts. Cooking is a breeze with a fully equipped modern kitchen and a BBQ and sink on the top deck on most boats. Le Boat makes cruising uncomplicated so you can concentrate on the fun.
Chris Ryall
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