Sanlorenzo Yachts UK, the UK and Ireland representative for the Italian yacht builder, has reported continued growth in demand for private yacht charters as high net worth travellers increasingly look beyond traditional luxury resorts for summer travel experiences.
The company said rising hotel prices, overcrowding in major Mediterranean destinations and a growing preference for privacy are driving more clients towards bespoke charter holidays. Popular destinations including the Amalfi Coast, the Cyclades and the Côte d’Azur continue to attract large volumes of visitors during peak season, placing pressure on hotels, restaurants and beach clubs.
According to Sanlorenzo Yachts UK, charter clients are seeking greater flexibility and exclusivity, with private yachts offering access to quieter anchorages and coastal locations inaccessible by land, while still allowing guests to visit established ports and resorts when desired.
Nick Hatfield, Managing Director of Sanlorenzo Yachts UK, said the business had seen a shift in behaviour among clients who previously favoured luxury hotels and resorts.
“We are seeing a notable shift from clients who historically relied on luxury resorts,” he said. “Charter provides privacy, flexibility and space in a way that luxury resorts, particularly in peak season, can no longer deliver, despite being within the same price range.”
Sanlorenzo said its charter fleet has been designed to reflect changing travel preferences, with layouts focused on open-plan living, wellness facilities and large entertainment spaces. The company’s yachts also provide fully tailored hospitality, including private chefs, dedicated crew and customised itineraries.
Among the models seeing strong charter interest is the SX range, including the SX100, aimed at sociable and adventure-led travel. The SL range, including the SL96A, combines higher cruising speeds with asymmetrical layouts designed to increase interior volume and improve connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
For longer voyages and multi-generational travel, Sanlorenzo highlighted the SD132, while the explorer-focused 500EXP has been developed for extended journeys to more remote destinations.
The company recently opened a new showroom at 61 Park Lane in Mayfair, which it said would serve as a hub for charter consultations and yacht ownership enquiries as demand in the UK market continues to grow. Read more HERE.
