Something about being on the water makes a summer holiday seem much more, well, summery.  That is certainly the case when visiting a beautiful island surrounded by water.  What better way to enjoy a Mediterranean summer than on board a private yacht gliding across a sea of ten shades of blue?

Moored along the quay of chic Portomaso marina in Malta’s upscale St Julian’s district, the vessel known as Jupju is one of the most formidable yachts in the country.  The property of the same noble family that owns the beautiful Palazzo Parisio in nearby Naxxar, Jupju, is a tastefully appointed vessel with four bedrooms and, wait for it, four full-size, ensuite bathrooms comparable to those found on land.  No rinky-dink showers here on board this lovely boat, smoothly operated by a highly professional crew who know no bounds to their helpfulness and dedication in making the yachting experience maximally enjoyable for those lucky enough to charter it, whether for day tours around Malta or further afield on voyages to other destinations in the Mediterranean Sea.  Malta’s southern geographical location to the rest of Europe places it in a position for exciting trips to many smaller islands off the beaten path.  Sicily is close by, of course, and so are its satellite islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa to its south and the Aeolian Islands to its north.

The perception of yachting as the domain of billionaires does make the term seem rather forbidding for less financially endowed travellers.  In reality, the private ships owned by the world’s plutocrats are a tiny fraction of the global yacht inventory, some of which, like Jupju, are made available for hire by owners when they are not on board.  Hiring a yacht for a family holiday or celebration with friends makes good sense for those seeking privacy and mobility simultaneously, especially for an itinerary with multiple destinations.  As for the food served on board, catering is tailored to the travellers’ tastes and requirements but will always be delicious.

If going out for a day on the water, it would be remiss to miss the time spent at the owner’s stately home, Palazzo Parisio.  Open to the public as a museum, the various rooms and displays of the palace are pretty impressive.  More impressive still are the lunches served in the luxuriant gardens and in Luna, the palazzo’s restaurant, where exceptional dining experiences await evening visitors.  Malta’s amazing culinary scene remains somewhat off the radar even among the world’s gourmands; no one ever leaves a table in Malta feeling hungry, instead feeling completely satisfied with another memorable meal.  On board a private yacht, the experience is heightened even further.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

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