7 Hotels Where You Can Set Sail on a Private Yacht

Planning a holiday typically means choosing between land and sea, between the stationary (and often more spacious and social) and the untethered (and usually more secluded and intimate.) But now, some properties are offering the best of both worlds. In Ibiza, ride a mountain bike through a pine forest, then see more of the island’s natural wonders—dramatic coastline and hidden-gem coves—from aboard a Monohull sailing yacht. Or sleep in the clouds in London, and then take in the city’s iconic skyline from an Azimut yacht on the Thames. Properties offering these private experiences are tapping into the growing global yacht industry, valued at $16.9 billion in 2021 and expected to top $26 billion by 2027. From New York City to Tuscany and beyond, here are seven luxury hotels where you can also set sail. Why choose?

Mayakoba, Mexico 

Set along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is a gated 595-acre enclave, home to four hotels—Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, Andaz Mayakoba, and Fairmont Mayakoba—each with access to private yacht charters on Mayakoba’s Van Dutch Yacht. The 55-foot vessel, kitted out with Hermes leather seats, two bedrooms, and a full kitchen and bathroom, can accommodate up to eight guests for a range of bespoke excursions. And en route to destinations like Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, sunseekers can take advantage of activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, and gliding through the Caribbean with an underwater scooter. (From $3,100 to $11,000, changing seasonally, for four- to eight-hour excursions)  

Borgo San Pietro, Italy 

Although it’s miles from Italy’s coast, Borgo Santo Pietro makes it a breeze to get out on the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea. The couple behind the historic Tuscan property, known for its organic farm and gardens and holistic spa, also owns Satori Yacht, allowing travelers the ultimate land and sea holiday. On board the 42-meter custom-made vessel, up to 10 guests can choose their own adventures, tapping the Satori‘s captain and Borgo Santo Pietro concierge team to plot out an outing among the offerings: fine dining, spa treatments, cultural expeditions, watersports of all kinds, and even an onboard cinema under the stars. (From about $108,000)

The Mark Hotel, New York City 

In the heart of the Upper East Side, not far from Central Park’s famed Conservatory Water pond dotted with toy sailboats, The Mark Hotel is home to plush, Art Deco-inspired rooms, elegant restaurants, and access to a sailboat of its own. Guests embark from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina for a two-hour private charter aboard the 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat, which can accommodate up to 25 for cocktails, a custom menu from one of the property’s restaurants (including Caviar Kaspia or the eponymous fine dining spot helmed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten) and spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty. (From $7,000 for a private excursion)

Six Senses Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza may be best known for its thrumming nightlife, but those after a little tranquility may find it at sea. On the hills overlooking the Balearic, Six Senses Ibiza offers access to such calm aboard one of several vessels in its portfolio, including a Monohull sailing yacht, a Scanner Envy 950, and a Solar Catamaran, powered by solar panels. A full- or half-day trip launches from Xarraca Bay to explore secluded coves and secret beaches where those-in-the-know go for a perfect combination of relaxation and stunning scenery. (From about $950)

Shangri-La London, England

To celebrate its tenth anniversary this year, Shangri-La The Shard, London is splashing out. The tallest hotel in Western Europe, which occupies levels 34 to 52 of the Shard, has collaborated with luxury yacht Illuminate on a private excursion to tour the city’s iconic skyline from the River Thames. Onboard the sleek, Italian-designed Azimut yacht, one of the only vessels of its kind in London, guests can opt for afternoon tea akin to the one served at the hotel’s TĪNG restaurant or choose a custom menu prepared by a Michelin-trained private chef. Take a seat on the open-air top deck for the best views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Shard, and marvel at how Renzo Piano’s 1,016-foot skyscraper forever changed the city’s skyline when it was unveiled a decade ago. (From about $3,850 for a two-hour cruise)

The Charleston Place, South Carolina

With plenty of picturesque coastline to explore, it’s not hard to find a vessel to take you out on the water in Charleston. But in the charming South Carolina city, you’ll only find one Hinckley EP Picnic Boat available for charter. At The Charleston Place, guests of the elegant boutique property can board Moonrise, crafted by the iconic American shipbuilder, for a private sunset tour, or to spend the day off the coast of one of the city’s beautiful barrier islands. (From $1,100 for a two-hour excursion for up to six guests)

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai 

Towering over 1,000 feet, Burj Al Arab Jumeira has been a sailboat-inspired jewel on Dubai’s Arabian Gulf for 25 years. And now, thanks to a recently-launched partnership with Beno Luxury YachtRental, guests can add a sailing experience to their stay, too. Among the fleet of four yachts on offer, the 115-foot Santorini Superyacht can accommodate up to 80 guests for a  two-, three-, or four-hour jaunt that can include a butler, DJ, and custom catering from the property. (From $4,083 per hour)