If you have found yourself scrolling through the reams of bingeable TV series now available on demand, then during a particularly dull day of lockdown you may have stumbled upon Bravo’s superyacht reality show, Below Deck. The premise is simple, a camera crew joins a crew onboard a super yacht and follows all the drama that ensues above and below deck. But for us, the real stars of the show are the breathtaking locations that the yachts travel to on their charters. Here’s a breakdown of some of those mostly out-of-reach holiday locations… We can all dream, right?
Great Guana Cay, The Abaco Islands
Below Deck season three was filmed in the Abacos, a 700 strong chain of small islands that forms a smaller version of the popular vacation spot, the Bahamas. Within the chain there are many beautiful cays (a low bank or reef of coral, rock, or sand) where you can port a ship for a secluded beach picnic or a day of watersports. The beaches are spectacular and make excellent spots for diving, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling.
Èze, Southern France
Another charter, another disastrous picnic in a stunning holiday location. Below Deck Med’s season four trip to the commune of Èze in the Alpes-Maritimes did not disappoint on the drama scale, with the crew struggling to carry supplies and furniture up and down the summit of Èze’s hill. The quaint town’s vivid pink bougainvillea and beautiful cobblestone streets offer something a little different from the high glamour of the more well-known riviera towns.
The Baths, Tortola
This legendary landmark on Virgin Gorda’s north shore is formed of granite boulders (up to 40ft wide) which have carved sheltered and tranquil sea pools on the edge of the shore. You can while away the day scaling the boulders to discover new colourful coves and grottos. The Baths’ Cathedral Room is a popular cave that makes for a great photo opportunity. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling in Devil’s Bay, which can be accessed via the Baths.
Baia di Leranto, Italy
A trip around the coast of Italy wouldn’t be complete without a pit-stop for a beach ‘picnic’ at THE bay where the sirens of the Odyssey tried to seduce Ulysses. Located in Sorrento which is aptly known as “The Land of the Sirens”, Baia di Leranto is found at the furthest point of the Sorrentine Peninsula and it boasts an unrivalled view of the Faraglioni sea stacks.
Maya Bay, Thailand
Series seven saw the charter set sail for Thailand for the first time, so it was inevitable that the crew would visit the island famed for its full moon parties, Maya Bay. You may also recognise this as the beach featured in the classic 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Here on this untouched national reserve, coral reefs, marine wildlife and primates live in harmony. Unfortunately, the beach is currently closed to allow it to recover from overtourism, as many people flocked to enjoy this peaceful oasis.
Split, Croatia
Much of the second series of Below Deck Med is based around the second largest city in Croatia, Split, where the yacht was docked between charters. The surrounding area is famed for its amazing beaches, but I think we’ve heard enough about beaches already… The city itself is a beautiful mish-mash of modern life and historical architecture. But, to take in the sights of the old town (and the port) we recommend taking a hike up Marjan Hill.
Willy T’s, The Bight Bay
One place that both the crew and the charter guests love to visit to blow off some steam is the Caribbean’s premier bucket-list bar, Willy T’s Bar. It’s an old decommissioned tanker turned beach bar mecca that offers some of the strongest cocktails around and an unrivalled party atmosphere. Located at The Bight on Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands, it’s unfortunately off limits unless you can get yourself a boat.
