Top Luxurious Yachting Destinations around the World Featured in Films & Series

Have you ever been watching a film or TV show and wished you were there? Whether picturesque golden beaches are your idea of heaven or you prefer rugged coastlines and lush mountainous landscapes, The Moorings has named Tahiti, Thailand, Croatia, Seychelles and St Martin as the world’s best luxurious sailing destinations that have been featured in iconic films or TV shows.

It comes as The Moorings has seen a recent trend of people finding holiday inspiration from popular films and TV shows. Since the announcement in January 2024 that the third series of White Lotus is due to be filmed in Thailand, online searches for ‘holiday in Thailand’ have risen by 233%.

Josie Tucci, VP Sales & Marketing at The Moorings said: “With more and more people searching for holiday inspiration through films and TV shows, it’s no wonder that these incredible destinations have been rising in popularity.

“Each of these stunning destinations offer something unique for sailors, from pristine beaches and world-class snorkelling opportunities to culinary delights and vibrant cultures.”

In light of this, Josie has revealed why these beautiful destinations are so brilliant for luxury sailing holidays and revealed why Power charters are the best way to experience these locations.

Top Luxurious Yachting Destinations From Films & Series

Tahiti

The islands of French Polynesia offer a slice of heaven for anyone visiting on a luxury yachting holiday. If you think you recognise these beautiful islands but aren’t sure where from, you might be thinking of Disney’s Moana. While the film is set on the fictional island of Motunui in the Pacific Ocean, inspiration for the stunning landscape came from islands such as Tahiti and Tonga.

Want to experience the magic of Motunui for yourself? You’re not alone as, since the announcement of Moana 2 at the start of February 2024, online searches for ‘where is Moana set’ have risen by 290%. If you’re dreaming of the gorgeous turquoise waters, palm tree-lined beaches and golden sands, take a look at why Tahiti is the ideal luxurious sailing destination for your next holiday:

• Tahiti, Bora Bora and French Polynesia more generally is a South Pacific paradise with overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and coral gardens. Sailing around the island provides breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu and opportunities for water activities in a luxurious setting.
• Breathtaking barrier reefs provide a habitat for an abundance of marine life such as sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, porpoises and over 500 species of fish. This is why the Tahitian Leewards is one of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkelling destinations.
• The exquisite cuisine in Tahiti is a fusion of flavours, taking inspiration from both Polynesian and French cuisine. One of the most popular dishes in Tahiti is Poisson Cru, a delicious tuna dish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice.

Thailand

In the ninth of the infamous Bond movies, Roger Moore leaves his licence to kill legacy behind in Phuket, Thailand, well after filming of the action-packed screenplay came to an end. Ever since, the secluded so-called “James Bond Island” in Phang-nga Bay, which the film leads viewers to believe is somewhere in China, has been a notable destination for Thailand visitors during their yacht charter vacation.

Fast forward to 2024 and it was recently announced that series 3 of the popular TV show White Lotus will be filmed in Thailand. With online searches for ‘holidays in Thailand’ already rising by 233% since this was announced, why is Thailand the perfect destination for a luxury sailing holiday?

• Phuket serves as a gateway to the Andaman Sea and surrounding islands which means, when you holiday in Thailand, you can look forward to exploring secluded coves, enjoying vibrant marine life, and experiencing the cultural richness of the region.
• Colourful coral reefs, diverse fish species, and the opportunity to encounter larger marine life such as whale sharks and manta rays - what more could you ask for? Thailand is home to some incredible scuba diving sites, including Anemone Reef which is loved by newbie and veteran divers alike.
• Thailand hosts fantastic sailing events, regattas and races throughout the year which are perfect for sailing superfans. One of the most prestigious events is the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.
• Bathe in the golden rays of the sun as you relax on one of the idyllic beaches in Thailand. One of the most famous beaches is Lafayette Beach, renowned for its soft black sand.

Croatia

As if it needs any introduction, the sensationally popular television series Game of Thrones has established quite a name for itself in the arts & entertainment world. And due to its unique filming location in the ancient country of Croatia, the yacht charter and travel industries have also experienced the “GoT effect.” In fact, you would be hard-pressed these days to find a top travel places list that does not include Croatia somewhere on it, and rightfully so.

Croatia has become a very popular filming destination over the years, with parts of hit TV series Succession also being filmed along the Croatian coast.

Perhaps this enchanting destination’s popularity is directly-linked to the gargantuan Game of Thrones fan following, but it could also be the exquisite ancient architecture, the Dalmation Coast’s unspoiled splendor, the delectable Mediterranean cuisine, or the traditional charm of the amicable culture that continues to draw people in. Why is Croatia a wonderful destination for a luxury sailing holiday?

• Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is dotted with picturesque islands, historic towns, and crystal-clear waters. Sailing through the Adriatic Sea allows access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming villages, and upscale marinas.
• If you’re looking for a unique diving experience in the Mediterranean, you’ll love Croatia. The underwater cave systems around Vis Island are particularly popular among divers. Also, near Vis on the uninhabited island of Biševo, you’ll find the world-famous Blue Grotto (also known as Blue Cave) which is a must-visit.
• Croatia is steeped in history, featuring ancient architecture, Roman ruins, and medieval towns. Visitors can explore historic sites like Diocletian's Palace in nearby Split, adding a cultural dimension to their trip.
• Croatian cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Central European flavours. Sample fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional dishes at charming coastal restaurants.

Seychelles

It’s safe to say that the Seychelles is no stranger to Hollywood stars. Over the years, many films have been shot on and around the idyllic islands that make up the archipelago of the Seychelles, from Tarzan and Crusoe to the Thunderbirds.

Aside from wanting to see where Hollywood history was made, why would you want to book a luxurious sailing holiday in the Seychelles?

• The Seychelles is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and granite rock formations. These stunning natural landscapes offer countless opportunities to admire their beauty and explore their treasures.
• Exclusive resorts on private islands cater to those seeking a secluded and luxurious sailing experience.
• The Seychelles offers the best of both worlds for sailors wanting to immerse themselves in the way of the water as well as enjoy the wonders on shore because the lush, mountainous landscapes are ideal for hiking.
• Half of the Seychelles is set aside as a natural reserve to protect the rare birds – the Seychelles bulbul, black parrot, and fruit pigeon, to name a few – and giant tortoises.

St Martin

The Caribbean has been home to many incredible films and TV series over the years. St Lucia and St Vincent welcomed Captain Jack Sparrow, with parts of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise being filmed there, while popular TV show Death in Paradise is still filmed in Guadalupe today.

Among the sensational islands that the Caribbean has to offer, St. Martin stands out as a luxurious sailing holiday destination due to its perfect blend of Caribbean charm and European sophistication. Why is St Martin an enchanting luxury yachting destination?

• The island's dual identity—French on one side, Dutch on the other—creates a unique cultural tapestry, evident in its upscale resorts, gourmet dining, and exclusive shopping experiences.
• On the French side, visitors can anchor in secluded bays, explore charming villages like Marigot, and indulge in the culinary delights of the Caribbean's gastronomic capital. Meanwhile, the Dutch side offers vibrant nightlife in Philipsburg, duty-free shopping along bustling streets, and beautiful beaches such as Maho and Orient Bay.
• For sailing enthusiasts, the island's central location makes it an ideal starting point for island-hopping adventures, and its well-protected anchorages and marinas cater to those seeking both relaxation and high-end amenities.
• With prestigious sailing events like the Heineken Regatta and diverse marine life beneath its clear waters, St. Martin is the epitome of a luxurious sailing holiday in the Caribbean.

What is the best way to experience these luxurious holiday destinations?

If you want to feel as suave as James Bond, cool as Arya Stark and stylish as Tanya McQuoid, there’s only one way to set sail on a luxurious yacht charter in 2024 and beyond - on a Power yacht.

Faster, more powerful than Sailing yachts and technologically advanced, Power yachts are the ultimate vessel for luxury travel. Some of the benefits of Power charters include:

• A Need for Speed - Sailing has been playfully described as “the fine art of going nowhere slowly at great expense”. While we respectfully believe that sailing is a truly majestic experience, it certainly isn’t for everyone. For those looking to quickly set off to the next beach, bar, restaurant or anchorage, a power catamaran gets you there in a fraction of the time.
• Space, space and more space - The wide beam of a catamaran means the interior volume allows for infinitely more space than a traditional monohull. Perhaps most importantly, because the mast and rigging is no longer required on a power catamaran, the added feature of a flybridge is a critical component, essentially doubling the living space on board.
• The latest in yachting technology - Sailing purists certainly enjoy a traditional, low-tech boating experience, but power boaters enjoy the latest in yachting tech. From touchscreen chart-plotters and GPS, to full yacht diagnostic displays, generator-powered zoned Air Conditioning systems, water maker and water purifiers delivering fresh potable water to the full-size refrigerator/freezer in the galley, wireless charging pads, hidden flat-screen TV’s and more, power catamarans offer all the comforts of home, and more.
• Maneuverability - Because of the wide placement of the engines and props, power catamarans not only offer exceptional speed, but also incomparable manoeuvrability. These yachts are able to turn on a dime, making docking or picking up a mooring ball on charter an absolute breeze.
• A dream in skinny water - Traditional sailboats feature a keel below the waterline, which often means they need upwards of 5-7’ of depth in order to navigate. Power catamarans, despite being in excess of 40’ or 50’ in length, only feature a draft of about 3’. This means that they are able to navigate the beautiful, shallow waters of the Caribbean or the Bahamas with ease, allowing charter guests to experience areas nobody else can get to.

For more information about the benefits of chartering a Power yacht, take a look at The Moorings blog.