Return to Eden

If you've been looking for the definition of pure bliss with no luck as yet, you may have been missing a vital clue: the ticket to heaven reads ‘vacation by Boat' and its ‘one way'...

Those who've lived the experience know for a fact that vacation by boat is a special way of life, one that introduces you to unique moments every time. And if your imagination has already been tickled, we' re willing to go one step further and take snapshots of the stuff from which dreams are made of...

The ‘prosperous few' is a term that no longer applies for yacht vacations, as boating can be an activity for all and the dream is finally within reach. So let's dream while keeping our eyes wide open, focusing on the pleasures that a floating luxury hotel can deliver.

By renting a boat you automatically get a floating home, enabling you to swim wherever you like and -of course- to visit more than one place, without the hassle and the crowds. In choosing a secluded beach or maybe a jet set popular beachbar, the decision is yours alone, always remembering that the most exotic and untouched bays in Greek waters can only be reached by boat. Is it going to be ‘deep Aegean blue' or ‘light Ionian jade' for you? Or both maybe? Heaven is only two steps away and waiting for you.

For years now the Athens International Boat Show has made sure that the best of what the market has to offer is there for all enthusiasts to see. Organized for the 32nd time and for 9 days between the 16th and 24th of October 2010, the foremost sea exhibition will once more be demonstrating that the heart of yachting is beating strong.

Let's all be there!

I've also got a yacht, feel like cruising?

It may very well be that ‘times are achanging', but that shouldn't stop us from listing a few thoughts on how it would feel to cruise around in a 5* yacht, the quintessence of luxury and romance in a supreme quality vessel.

These boats are in fact floating villas, equipped with everything you can think of: pools, jacuzzi tubs, home theater entertainment, playrooms and mini golf courses. They are also filled with aquasporting gear like jet skis, speedboats, water skis, canoes, diving equipment and fishing gear, everything you may need to make the best of your trip and your destination - no restrictions.

The ultra luxurious decks are in fact sculpted porch verandas with an horizon extending view, sprinkled with designer furniture. How about an onboard cocktail, loosely resting on your tailor made chaise longue and gazing into the blue?

However, true extravagance is found inside: huge suites with adjoining walk-in closets, private marble bathrooms with huge mirrors, comfortable lounge rooms filled with soft alcantara fabrics and deep foot-caressing carpets - a cinematic setting that sooths your eyes and regenerates your mind. And you won't have to lift a finger to do anything, as exceptionally well trained crew members cater to your every need, their number corresponding to the cruiser's length in feet.

Dreams can be expensive...

The graciously significant price tags on such vessels hold a broad range: an 80 meter long Megayacht ‘floats' between 250.000 and 350.000 per week (!!!), with price-included services making the most of your money's worth - roomers this year hold for a ‘softer' pricing policy. The next category for vessels over 100 meters in length is a bit pricier, adding something extra for the high season of July and August. These sea traveling palaces belong to well known jet setters and celebrities, who rent them out when they're not using them and assign their management to specialized companies. To give you an idea, hip hop superstar P Diddy rented the ‘Christina Ο' for a party on the French Riviera, parting with $622.000 for a week's rent.

Of course there are less expensive options, with prices starting from 50.000 euros for vessels of up to 100 feet (30,5 meters) and 70.000 euros for vessels of up to 115 feet (35 meters). We should note that the destination or destinations you wish to visit are entirely up to your choosing, while you can pick up and or return your cruiser wherever you decide. In any case the large price tag you would be willing to pay to experience a ‘taste of paradise' will be more than worth it in the end.

The ritual of perfection in a voyage over the water vastness, holding no boundaries. Swimming in pools that touch the sea, enjoying dinners on sunset canvasses and having your favorite cocktails served by your personal butler - a heaven on earth sensation. Where wishes become a reality and the service is inspirational. Remember that the feeling of ecstasy is king in ‘vacations by Boat', which may only last a few days, but lives in your mind for a lifetime.

Athens Boat Show goodliving suggestions even more...

Powerdriven Duels

Travel by boat