Superyachts and boutiques belong together. So it’s no surprise that the great yachting playgrounds of the world—Monaco, Cannes, Saint Tropez and Capri, Miami, Dubai, the BVIs and St Barts — are places that are also famous for their luxury shopping scene.

But what makes a superyacht vacation the ultimate shopping experience? Part of it is undoubtedly the convenience, as a yacht travels effortlessly between each shopping destination —thereby dispensing with the irritations of summertime traffic into Saint Tropez or flights from Antigua to the chic boutiques of Saint Barts.

All you have to do is wake up and step ashore in another exotic destination — feeling the thrill as you shop the boutiques of the world’s great designers, their glossy shingles hanging along cobbled, flowery laneways on Mediterranean islands, or in giant flagship stores in Miami and Cannes. Walk out with bags emblazoned with designer logos, see celebrities hiding behind oversized sunglasses, or laugh at a donkey outside the Hermes store in St Barts. There is a fizzing, all-encompassing excitement to shopping in a yachting playground — and it’s more than a little addictive. 

It’s also what you do after your shopping trips ashore that makes superyacht charter so unique. You might adjourn to a beach club for a long lunch before returning to your yacht for a massage or a lazy afternoon on a deckchair, cooling off with a swim or a spin on the jet skis. Every outfit you wear onboard —every designer swimsuit, every flowy kaftan, every bit of effortless-but-expensive linen— every minute on a yacht feels like falling into a fashion show where you are the star.  

And at night, oh at night!— is there anything more glamorous than dressing for dinner on a superyacht, donning your latest Givenchy gown to dine at a table under the stars? It’s barefoot glamour epitomised —but don’t forget those Jimmy Choos for when you step ashore to wine, dine and dance in the most exclusive destinations on earth. 

Best Charter Locations for Luxury Shopping Vacations 

It would be a crime not to feature the French Riviera here, as it is as close to shopping heaven as you are likely to find on earth. But, of course, geography plays a part in its excellence, as each famous shopping destination— Monte Carlo, Cannes, St Tropez— is reached by a leisurely cruise of a couple of hours down the Cote d’Azur.  

The shopping is sublime – whether you’re shopping Hermes, Valentino, Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Prada in Monte Carlo’s infamous Cercle d’Or, or you’re living out your dream of shopping Cannes, wandering along the palm-lined Croisette, and dipping into the flagship stores of Dior and Dolce & Gabbana, passing Ferraris reflected in the vast storefront windows. 
In fabulous Saint Tropez, the famous brands you’d expect (Hermes, Armani, Dior, Vuitton) are joined by the local — a charming mix of eclectic and glamorous stores that have created their own iconic Saint Tropez brands, such as Villebrequin and Kiwi.  

On the other side of the Atlantic, a Miami yacht charter is an exceptional choice for shopping. Shopping the Kardashian’s DASH boutique on Collins Avenue, stroll the many boutiques in fashionable South Beach, or head to Bal Harbour Island Mall to shop Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, plus many European designers like Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta. Combine your shopping charter with island-hopping in the spectacular Florida Keys. 

What Yacht is Best for a Luxury Shopping Vacation? 

Gosh. Any of them. What would be the dream yacht for a shopaholic? A yacht with large, spacious his n’ hers dressing rooms, with endless soft-slide drawers and hanging space, beautifully finished with wood panelling, LED strip lighting, and occasionally (ah, bliss) a view out to the sea. 

A large walk-in robe or dressing room lets you bring your favourite wardrobe along on holiday while having plenty of space to add new ones from your many shopping trips ashore.  

Let’s assume that your well-being is also important to you— so yachts with spa facilities like a massage treatment room, a beautician, or a hair salon, would be a stunning fit. Also, consider bathroom vanity space for your beauty wares. Please speak to us for recommendations of superyachts for the shopping trip of a lifetime.