Balconies and Beach Clubs – your pleasure platforms

As mega yachts increase in size and sophistication, becoming more 'activity centre' than floating 5-star hotel, so too does the demand for more elaborate features on board such as large bathing platforms, spas, swimming pools, garages filled with the latest water toys and balconies.

But the downside of this upsizing is a disconnection from the very thing that appeals in the first place – the water. Instead of peering from six decks above sea level, superyacht owners and charter guests want to feel "at one" with their surroundings – hence the rise of the Beach Club, a beefed-up rear platform for sunbathing, relaxation and access to the water, often with its own bar, gym, sauna or massage room; and even more impressive, hydraulically controlled cantilevered balconies from the side, saloon or suite, which allow luxury yacht charter guests to hover elegantly above the water.

Dickie Bannenberg, second generation naval architect and co-director at award-winning design firm Bannenberg & Rowell said the trend towards Beach Clubs, fold-down balconies and terraces is being driven by an appetite for "a blurring between interior and exterior spaces, technological advances and a greater use of architectural and structural glazing – more glass and windows".

The result? A more sublime connection with the water, marine life and the ever-changing backdrop of shoreline, islands and anchorages, wherever your luxury charter vacation may take you.

Here's the Luxury Charter Group pick of just a sample of the impeccable charter yachts that boast balconies. For your personalised selection of the world's most covetable craft available for charter, contact the experts at Luxury Charter Group.

SEVEN SINS

Brand new to charter and making her official debut the 2017 Monaco Yacht Show, the 171ft (52.12m) SEVEN SINS is hull 1 of the new Sanlorenzo 52Steel line.

The 52Steel is a five-deck superyacht designed in collaboration with Officina Italiana Design.

One of the groundbreaking elements on the aft section, introduced by the Technical Department of Sanlorenzo Superyacht division, is the large swimming pool on the main deck. Boasting a transparent floor, it allows natural light to filter into the beach club below. This space features two folding terraces, one on each side of the yacht, serving as platforms with direct access to the sea.

The same area can be transformed into a garage with a controlled flooding system for the storage of a tender up to eight-metres in length. This part of the boat also houses a fully equipped, customised gym.

The internal layout hosts a large owner apartment in the bow on the main deck. With two VIP and three guest cabins on the lower deck, there is ample room for family and friends. It also has two spacious saloons, one on the main deck and one on the upper deck and external living areas on the main, upper and sun deck.

HIGH ENERGY

Daring and dramatic, the Sunseeker 28 Metre Motor Yacht HIGH ENERGY is spacious, elegant and practical, benefitting from exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge design.

Wraparound glazing and full height windows give you uninterrupted panoramic views and the drop-down saloon balcony provides a great platform from which to enjoy the stunning scenery.

HIGH ENERGY has sumptuous accommodation for eight guests in four cabins comprising a full-beam Master suite, one double VIP forward cabin and two twin/double convertible guest cabins. Onboard is a fantastic array of water toys and four experienced and attentive crew to attend to guests' requirements throughout charter in the Mediterranean.

BLUSH

The 155ft (47.25m) luxury charter motor yacht BLUSH is the largest and most advanced yacht to emerge from the Sunseeker shipyard. Inside, BLUSH combines unparalleled luxury, superb interiors and sumptuous accommodation for up to 10 charter guests.

BLUSH is certain to turns heads in every port with her dazzling ice blue hull. Accommodation includes two beautiful and spacious VIP cabins, located on the main deck, boasting floor to ceiling glass windows, creating a wonderful feeling of spaciousness and light, and offering wonderful views.

The full-beam Master suite boasts a private balcony area to take best advantage of the views and serenity at sea, full beam ensuite with bath and large rain-shower and his and hers robes. Two cabins lower deck can convert to a twin or double arrangement to allow for greater guest accommodation flexibility.

There is also an elegant formal dining area for guests to enjoy, with side patio doors and balconies for excellent panoramic views of BLUSH's surroundings.

Luxury yacht BLUSH was created with entertainment in mind, with her massive sky lounge on the upper deck perfect for private entertainment.

BIG FISH

Built in 2010 by McMullen & Wing, the 147ft (45m) motor yacht BIG FISH is a truly unique charter vessel, available in the South Pacific and Polynesia. The ultimate luxury exploration vessel, BIG FISH is perfect for exploring remote anchorages in absolute comfort and luxury.

BIG FISH sleeps up to 10 guests in five stunning staterooms, including a spectacular master suite with private terrace that occupies almost half of the bridge deck, and four double staterooms that can be converted into two VIP staterooms.

The communal areas of this magnificent charter yacht feature straight-grain oak woodwork and fabulous bespoke furniture, while the main attraction is the spectacular video wall where digital art or movies are displayed. Free-standing furniture creates a sense of space, showcased predominantly in the stunning dining area that is positioned perfectly between two bulwarks that fold down either side. This ingeniously creates two balconies and, if the sliding doors are opened, it becomes one large indoor/outdoor space, ideal for relaxed meals in the cooling breeze or celebrations.

Blazing a trail for teak alternatives, Big Fish features a distinctive granite deck in place of the more typical teak whilst a huge fold out deck wraps around the stern, creating a Beach Club for easy access to the water. The observation lounge and the Jacuzzi on the sun deck provide magnificent panoramic views and those wishing to make the most of their time on board and exploring further afield can make use of the robust 21ft (6.4m) tender.

MOONLIGHT II

Available for charter in the Mediterranean, MOONLIGHT II is a sensational 299.87ft (91.4m) luxury motor yacht built by Neorion shipyards.

MOONLIGHT II offers accommodation for an incredible 36 guests in 18 lavish cabins. This magnificent charter yacht has ample space in her two saloons, cinema and relaxation areas as well as one of the most extensive spa facilities of any yacht available for charter.

Her myriad features include 3D Cinema, Jacuzzi on the sun deck and the Owner's deck, registered RYA training centre for personal watercraft, Health & Beauty Centre, fully equipped Beach Club with bar and balcony, elevator, gym, helipad, and stabilisers for total comfort at sea or at anchor.

SIREN

This sophisticated 241.2ft (73.5m) luxury charter yacht was built by Nobiskrug in Germany and boasts incredible space and high-tech appointments to delight her charter guests. SIREN has accommodation for 12 guests in six suites, as well as huge deck space for gracious outdoor living, an outdoor cinema and a choice of alfresco dining areas.

Her cool, bright interior is devoid of clutter, creating clean lines and a calm, relaxing ambience throughout. The impressive main saloon is a popular chill out area and a large, stylish space for entertaining, with a long dining table for formal dinners. Continuing the indoor/outdoor theme, a circular bar connects the saloon with the aft deck which is large enough for all guests.

The fold-out balcony in the Master suite is one of SIREN'S highlights, offering all the romance and ambience of your own private enclave, while the Beach Club comprises gym, masseuse/personal trainer and beauty salon.

OASIS

This The impressive Sunseeker 28m Yacht OASIS is available for charter in the Mediterranean and with her experienced, attentive crew of four, she is a popular choice with charter guests seeking luxury and tranquility afloat.

OASIS can sleep eight guests in four versatile suites. The living area has a spacious saloon which is complimented by a marvelous drop-down balcony and huge wraparound panoramic windows.

On the main deck aft there is a seating area, perfect for a shady breakfast, while forward there is a large sunbathing area with additional seating – the perfect spot for enjoying a glass of champagne or just watching the changing panorama as you glide by. On the sundeck a large bar, Jacuzzi and seating area combine with yet more sunpads, with a 42″ curved screen for watching movies under the stars.

For further details of these trend-setting superyachts and others that will give you the holiday of a lifetime please contact the specialists at Luxury Charter Group.