The pandemic-related boom in yachting has had ripple effects across the marine world. Owners are spending more time on their boats and visiting more far-flung destinations. The good news is that marinas in some of the world’s finest cruising grounds are coming online or plan to open soon. Which means that boating in paradise will be much more accessible and civilized. Here are six of the best new superyacht marinas.
Photo : Courtesy Marina Pez Vela
Marina Pez Vela — Costa Rica
About: Costa Rica has opened its arms to international yachting. In April 2021, the country passed a new law to allow luxury charter vessels over 79 foot to legally charter and remain in its waters for up to a year. The landmark reform is the result of long-term lobbying by the Costa Rica Marina Association and Fraser Yachts.
Marina: The country’s newest and largest full-service marina—Marina Pez Vela—is located on the central Pacific coast in Quepos, near Manuel Antonio National Park. It holds 195 custom-built slips catering to yachts up to 200 feet in length. A key feature is the custom-designed Coffer dam system, a state-of-the-art floating concrete dock that has created a tranquil basin and gives owners seamless access to their vessels, regardless of tides. It is the first and only marina in Central America to offer fiber optics to all 195 slips, along with direct IPTV connections. Following April’s landmark reform, two more marinas are slated for development. Flamingo is scheduled to open in January 2022 with 90 slips for yachts up to 125 feet. Crocodile Bay in Puerto Jimenez will open with limited services in December 2021, but when complete, it will be able to moor yachts up to 250 feet.
The Strand — Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
About: The Turks and Caicos consists of 40 low-lying coral islands. They are home to some of the most spectacular scuba sites in the world, including a dramatic 7,000-foot underwater wall off Grand Turk island. Opening in 2023, The Strand is a new private residential community in the heart of Cooper Jack Bay, an undeveloped, unspoiled stretch of coastline on the protected south side of Providenciales.
Marina: In addition to the beachfront setting, The Strand will present 1,400 feet of canal and marina frontage, offering slips for owners, as well as several community yacht slips. Most of the slips will be sized to accommodate boats up to 40 feet, but some slips will accommodate motoryachts up to 60 feet.
Photo : Courtesy Paradise Landing
Hurricane Hole Marina — Paradise Landing, Bahamas
Location: As the name suggests, Paradise Island is a firm favorite among yachties seeking tropical island seclusion. Just a short flight from South Florida, the aquamarine waters offer cruising and round-the-clock access to the Atlantis Resort. More importantly for yacht owners, it’s a preferred destination to ride out tropical storms. In time to cater for a surge in Bahamian charters post pandemic, Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing has undergone a redesign with new dockside residences, gourmet grocery stores and fine dining for owners, guests and crew.
Marina: Due to be completed later this year, Hurricane Hole will include docks up to 420 feet and 6,100 linear feet of deep-water docks. The marina seawalls have been designed to reduce wave action in all conditions. Additional perks include high-speed internet, 24-hour security, long-term parking, fuel dock and dockside mobile pump-out services, boat detailing, interior cleaning and golf cart rentals.
Photo : Courtesy Palm Beach Marina
Palm Beach Marina — South Florida
About: High-end Worth Avenue shopping and yachting nostalgia are the calling cards of Florida’s Palm Beach. Separated from the mainland by the Lake Worth Lagoon, the area is known for its glitzy real estate, cultural arts scene and year-round golden sands. The climate allows for a 12-month boating season along a coastline that is known for its easy coastal and inlet access to yachts of all sizes.
Marina: The 84-slip Palm Beach Marina has long been the only public superyacht port in the area, servicing both motor and sail boats since the 1940s. But the classic yachting hub is undergoing a radical transformation, thanks to a $40 million renovation that will see the addition of a 250-foot Royal Palm Dock, a new floating dock system and a collection of technological upgrades, including high-speed WiFi, enhanced shore power and upgraded security systems. It’s scheduled to reopen Nov. 1.
Riva Lounge — Porto Cervo, Sardinia
About: Few locations hold as much cachet as Porto Cervo on Costa Smeralda, and few boat brands have as much heritage as Riva. The seaside resort in northern Sardinia remains a yachting mainstay where celebrities, royals and socialites gather, drawn by the area’s gastronomic thrills, trend-setting abodes and natural beauty. Sardinia also has some of the best diving in Italy, with maze-like caves and fascinating rock formations.
Marina: Last summer, the Italian icons came together with the arrival of the Riva Lounge, which opened in partnership with Waterfront Costa Smeralda. Designed by architect GioPagani, all the furnishings in the Lounge share similar features to those typically found on board Riva’s classic wooden boats. Aquarama chairs are paired with the same materials and woods used by Riva for 60 years. The 1960s Dolce Vita style—chrome, steel and lacquered mahogany—conjures up the golden age of yachting. In nearby Porto Vecchio, the Ferretti Group VIP Lounge offers a refined alternative in which to relax, paired with a temporary Riva boutique.
Photo : Courtesy Montage Resorts
Montage Cay — Abaco Islands, Bahamas
About: Make way for Montage Cay. The 53-acre private-island Bahamian resort is set to debut in The Abacoss in 2023. Located one mile off the coast of Marsh Harbour, the marina offers superyacht owners and charterers travel-bubble convenience with its proximity to an international airport and private jet FBO. The Sea of Abaco and surrounding cays make up a turquoise nirvana for boaters and sailors. The Montage Cay resort will include a collection of private residences built to be in harmony with the island’s seven white-sand beaches.
Marina: The 46-slip deep-water marina will accommodate vessels up to 110 feet, affording guests and residents of Montage Cay access to world-class boating, fishing and water sports. Montage Cay marina membership will incorporate all necessary services, including power, freshwater, dockmaster/harbormaster, valet service at docks for tie-ups, as well as a unique hotel to yacht dining service.
