With a culturally rich and geographical diverse environment, Greece is without a doubt one of the most appealing destinations for a luxury yachting cruise. Stunningly beautiful, unspoilt and tranquil, specifically compared to the more conventional Mediterranean yachting destinations, the country offers a virtually limitless amount of possibilities with thousands of islands, ancient treasures and ample natural beauty waiting to be discovered. Not to mention vast stretches of mainland coast studded with gorgeous bays and varied beaches, framed by that famous deep blue colour you only seem to find in Greece.
What better way to uncover some of the country's secrets than onboard a superyacht that offers great style, pampering luxury and an amazing crew ready to serve your every need? We were lucky enough to be invited for an incredible cruise onboard Magix, visiting some of Greece's Saronic Islands on an unforgettable trip that would take us from the former capital of Nafplion to the vibrant metropolis of Athens.
The 37.79 metre displacement superyacht Magix was built by renowned Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts over two decades ago, and was launched from the brand’s facilities in Oss, the Netherlands in 1992. Over the past 23 years she has enjoyed a large list of names, including El Dato II; Moneikos II; Titsa; La Coveta; and Calaf. She underwent a major refit in 2007 as well as in 2012, and has been a highly successful charter yacht for the last couple of years.
The ambiance onboard is soft and friendly, with a light and natural interior design being complimented with ample natural light everywhere you go. Along with our fellow guests we are welcomed onboard by a professional, friendly crew and from that moment on, life is careless. Magix accommodates up to 10 guests in five luxurious staterooms, consisting of the large master suite, a spacious VIP, one double cabin and two twins. We take up residence in the master suite, with a stateroom and en suite bathroom that are both impressively large, the latter offering a big rain shower and a separate Jacuzzi tub. It is surely tempting just to spend the entire trip inside these wonderful accommodations.
As with the master, all of the cabins have been decorated in a simple yet stylish and sophisticated design, with deep reds as well as creams and burnt oranges being seen throughout. The master suite is bright and airy thanks to the large windows, allowing us to wake up to spectacular views every single day. The twin cabins are equally well designed and decorated as the larger cabins on board, and feature several tones of purple and cream in one and a darker palette of blues and greys used in the other, which both work to create a cosy but opulent space.
Our 4 day charter starts in Nafplio, situated on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast Peloponnese. Nafplio was the first capital of the Modern Greek state, and is considered as one of the most picturesque and aristocratic towns of Greece as we know it today. One of the most captivating attractions is the 18th century Venetian fortress, Palamidi, nestled on the crest of a 216 metre hill. Although there is now a road providing access to visitors, the original 999 steps leading up are still very much in use by the more romantic - or rather, active - of visitors.
Having spend our first night in port, exploring many of Nafplio’s trendy bars, we depart early morning. We pull up anchor and set sail for our first destination: a picturesque bay on mainland Peloponnese right adjacent to the small island of Vrachonisís Korakiá. With the water temperature not having reached peak summer levels yet, we opt for a brief refreshing swim right after a delightful breakfast. Magix' range of water toys is simply too tempting not to try out, so a big towable mattress offers everybody a first slice of adrenaline coated fun.
With such picture perfect weather, hardly any time is being spent inside aside from the occasional reading and socialising. The main saloon is equally as sophisticated as Magix' guest quarters, with a rich cream carpet and light wooden furnishings being accompanied by bold flashes of colour in the seating. Here, for example, two blue plush sofas are found in addition to two large armchairs, paired with cream cushions. The sofas are positioned around a circular glass coffee table, creating the ideal space for guests to relax and socialise, or to entertain. In the corner of the room adjacent to the sliding doors leading out on to the main deck, a small breakfast style table is found which seats up to four. The area is flooded with natural light from the large window, and teamed with the sliding glass doors that lead seamlessly out on to the deck, the main salon has a great balance between indoor and outdoor living.
Early afternoon we cruise for Spetses, an easygoing yet pleasantly stylish destination that is great for shopping and strolling around. Which is exactly what we do, walking through the mosaic tiled streets and discovering a range of small shops that offer something for everyone. Back onboard, we are presented with a delicious lunch, offering refined dishes that combine Greek cuisine with a contemporary twist. Course after course, all is perfectly prepared, wonderfully tasteful and impeccably presented.
Overlooking the Spetses marina and the impressive Poseidonion Grand Hotel, our company determines to be very lucky indeed, being able to enjoy such amazing experiences. A conclusion that would be made several times over during the following days.
As the weather is great during the entire trip, we never opt to have a meal inside. However Magix does offer a great setting for inside dining. Fore of the main saloon, is the formal dining area, with flashes of colour being found in the unique blue armchairs that surround the glass dining table. This side of the room is very spacious, too, and creates a sophisticated atmosphere in which the best fine dining can be enjoyed. Throughout the main saloon and dining areas, several pieces of eclectic art are found, giving the vessel an intriguing edge to her luxurious sophistication.
After lunch, we cruise for Hydra which, due to it's lack of motorised traffic, the beautiful amphitheatre-shaped main town and the typical presence of donkeys for local transportation, is a personal favourite destination to visit. Anchoring in the central marina, our company chooses to explore the invitingly charming old town which offers an easygoing, tranquil ambiance everywhere you go. At night, the Captain invites us to a local sea view restaurant which is simply outstanding in every respect. We are treated to a wide range of contemporary Greek cuisine, simply too delicious to stop tasting.
Back onboard, we opt for a late night dip in the sun deck Jacuzzi. Music, a starry night sky, great company and the occasional cocktail, all framed by the gorgeous setting of Hydra, makes this a perfect ending to a perfect day. Magix' sundeck has been designed with outdoor living in mind, the large Jacuzzi surrounded by a built-in seating area. Located aft on the sundeck are four sun loungers, perfectly positioned to soak up some sun. This space is also partly shaded, offering some well needed cooling down.
On the upper aft deck, areas for sun bathing are also found, with additional comfortable loungers located aft. A shaded dining area is found directly in front of these loungers, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the very best of al fresco dining whilst taking in the almost uninterrupted views all around.
The next morning, a sunset dip in the Jacuzzi is followed by another great breakfast, before cruising towards the island of Poros where we anchor at the charming Monasteri Bay. With the clearest water of the island, a great tavern right next to the beach and a gorgeous monastery overlooking the bay, this location is yet another dreamy destination for some lounging and watersports.
From waterskiing, snorkelling and kayaking to a group effort on the banana, this afternoon is all about exciting fun. After a tasteful lunch in this gorgeous setting, we enjoy some hours of cruising towards our final destination of the trip.
Arriving in Athens by luxury yacht, which is always an experience on it's own, we are treated to another wonderful dinner ashore after an afternoon of shopping, enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere while being treated to a lush variety of Greek cuisine. Some after dinner drinks, a stroll around the marina and a good night's sleep later, we wake to enjoy our final hours onboard. The Acropolis and lunch in the city's Plaka neighbourhood are great ways to spend some leisurely hours strolling around while taking in the area's impressive history.
As we have experienced, Magix has been used as an excellent charter yacht for several years and many of her amenities cater to the charter market perfectly such as her large interior and exterior deck spaces, her Jacuzzi and, furthermore, her array of water toys and tenders. These include a 2 seat Yamaha FX Cruiser Waverunner, two U-Tubes, a Banana, two pairs of water skis, one wakeboard, snorkelling equipment for both children and adults and two Bladefish 1000 Underwater Sea-Scooters. In terms of her tenders, she features one 3.2 metre Avon Jet RIB as well as a 5.4 metre Zodiac DL RIB.
When we disembark, one thing is for certain: this has been an unforgettable trip and every one of our fellow guests agrees that it's simply too hard to pinpoint one highlight as favourite. A great crew, amazing food, a wonderful company of guests, fantastic destinations and a perfect range of luxury amenities; it all adds up to an unforgettable experience where it's easy to conclude that a charter onboard Magix means a charter filled with luxurious delight. It's simply magic.
Magix still has a couple of openings this summer:
· Between the 9th and 14th of August
· 24th – 29th of August
· 6th – 14th of September
To charter Magix, please contact Yachtzoo.
Monaco
9 avenue d'Ostende
98000 Monaco
Tel (+377) 97 705 200
Fax (+377) 97 705 201
[email protected]
Fort Lauderdale
1535 Southeast 17th Street, Suite 205
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tel (+1) 954 767 1035
Fax (+1) 954 767 1036
[email protected]