Coming back to land after a vacation on board a luxury yacht is the only unhappy experience I actively wish on my charter clients, and thankfully they feel it strongly enough to come back the following year, and in some cases, the following season. I’m familiar enough with this sensation to embrace and enjoy it, but the feeling of loss at the end of my latest trip in Croatia onboard luxury charter yacht SCORPIOS, was particularly keen!

Luxury yacht SCORPIOS

It’s one of the biggest pleasures of this role and industry to be able to share not just my thoughts and recommendations on yachts, but the unique experiences we have on board a charter yacht. This time I was lucky enough to have one of my own colleagues there with me in the group, and sharing good things makes these experiences better.

Aft deck seating and dining area

Scorpios was an excellent charter yacht in more ways than one…let’s start with the crew.

The chief stew’s presence + offering was impressive, reassuring and polished. To name just a few elements, her knowledge of Croatian wines and how to pair them with various courses and meals helped us feel like we had toured the various wineries of the region, and just like Palgrave quoting Euripides, “plucked with glad heart the very best of the flowers, gathering them one by one”.

Beautiful flower arrangement

Croatian wines are relatively little-known internationally and let’s hope (selfishly) it stays that way, better to be enjoyed by those who go there!

The interior team’s service and table presentation were imaginative and entertainingly smart for every meal, with themes matching the style of the menus. The eye for detail and attentiveness to the guests on board was unfailingly good. With the chief stew also responsible for mentoring and preparing the interior team, the quality will continue through the inevitable changes in personnel over time.

Dinner time

Table set up

Scorpios is one of few yachts in this category to have a sous-chef with the chef; breakfasts + lunches/dinners according to the program, were refined, imaginative and tasty. Preferences had been read, understood and respected, and their offering was of a consistently high standard both in terms of execution and presentation with wine superbly paired each time.

They proposed an absolutely superb 6-course tasting menu on the last night.

View from the saloon

The rest of the crew, often overlooked in yacht reviews, were very reassuring and allowed for confidence when enjoying everything that Scorpios could offer in terms of water toys – they were discreet and quick to prepare them every time, and on hand to guide and advise.

The captain’s expert manoeuvres were the talk of every port we pulled into and were clear to see – the importance of confidence in a captain’s seafaring abilities cannot be overstated.

Fabulous deck spaces

Moving on to Scorpios herself, it is hard not to start with the way her sleek black hull turned heads everywhere we went…so I have done, and it did.

The interior, however, is warm and functional while, at the same time, comfortable and tastefully elegant, all in impeccable condition and clearly maintained with pride.

Luxury cabin with ensuite bathroom

The stability underway, the layout of the cabins, as well as the main deck dining and cockpit area, sun deck and saloon balcony all make for a perfect charter vessel.

In Croatia

Even with a full complement of 12 guests on board, everyone can find private space to unwind.

Jacuzzi and sun deck

With some interesting developments about to be implemented, such as the conversion from tender garage to gym, this will only get better.

I’m considering imposing myself as an Obligatory Extra on the next charter proposal I send for Scorpios…

CONTINUE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SCORPIOS…