There really is no better way to view the Maltese Islands’ impressive coastline than from the sparkling Mediterranean waters that surround them, but adding a little luxury to the experience can take things into truly unforgettable territory. After all, what are holidays for, if not to treat yourself?

Enter Azure Ultra, Malta’s leading name in luxury yachting, which offer tailored yacht experiences aboard their fleet of Sunseeker motor yachts. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a day charter aboard their Manhattan 56, and while I’ve been on countless boat trips around the islands over the years, the experience stands out as one to remember.

Setting off

As I arrived at Pontoon B within the historic Grand Harbour Marina dressed in my yachting best (or what I deemed to be so, anyway), I was warmly greeted by Azure’s crew, who guided me to the waiting yacht. Relieved of my shoes, I climbed aboard and took in the impressive vessel that would be home for the day: equipped with a hydraulic bathing platform, large saloon and three cabins within, I thought yes, this will do nicely!

All the admin had been taken care of – one of the undeniable benefits of chartering a yacht with a professional company like Azure – so all was in place to set off. Ascending the stairs to the flybridge overhead, I settled down for a chat with the crew and my fellow charterees as the captain steered us out of the harbour, excitement building for the day ahead. Our destination: Crystal Lagoon, Comino.

Welcome to Crystal Lagoon

The day was hot, and the pleasant sea breeze was welcome as it blew through our hair during the 20-minute journey. The scenic Valletta skyline soon faded into the distance as we approached the island of Comino, where the crew selected the stunning Crystal Lagoon in favour of the busier Blue Lagoon to anchor for the day.

As a local, I know that while much has been said about the beauty of the aquamarine waters at Comino’s famed Blue Lagoon, the summer months tend to bring visitors to this part of the island in hoards, making for a beautiful yet somewhat chaotic setting. A little way down the coast, Crystal Lagoon offers waters just as clear, with the added benefit of an altogether more peaceful atmosphere – large passenger vessels and sightseeing cruises tend not to moor here, leaving only the beauty of the natural surroundings for us to enjoy.

Fresh Mediterranean fare

In this picturesque setting, it was time to sit back and get into the spirit of the day, while Azure’s exceptional crew took care of our every need. In between swims, we were treated to a wonderful selection of dipping foods including hummus, tzatziki and aubergine dips, alongside crackers and sliced vegetables, as well as fresh seasonal fruit, and a tasty smoked salmon and avocado salad.

But the food didn’t stop there – the tireless crew seemed intent on returning us to Malta a few kilos heavier, and let’s face it, we weren’t complaining! Lunch consisted of a selection of Mediterranean snacks, salads and accompaniments, as well as roast chicken, a selection of cold cuts and a cheese board – a fine spread anywhere, let alone out at sea. After happily polishing off our plates, I clocked the panoramic sun lounger up on the flybridge – the ideal spot for a post-lunch siesta – and that was me sorted, chilled glass of wine in hand.

Seaborne adventures

Later that afternoon, we took turns kayaking aboard Azure’s excellent new glass-bottomed kayaks. It was wonderful peering at the sea floor beneath the crystal clear waters as we paddled our way along the coast, making little pit stops alongside the beguiling coastal caves to catch our breath (kayaking is a great workout!) But the excitement wasn’t over yet, as later still, the knowledgeable captain would take us for a whirl in the rigid-inflatable boat (RIB). Looking at it, you wouldn’t think it could go as fast as it does, and we laughed and screeched like schoolgirls as we held on to our hats and bounced up and down with the waves. Calming things down, we enjoyed a more docile tour of the surrounding sea caves, leading all the way up to the Blue Lagoon.

As we made our way back to the Sunseeker Manhattan 56, the only dampener was the knowledge that the glorious day would soon come to an end. Again, the inimitable crew came to the rescue – the stewardesses greeting us with tea, coffee and cake. I’ve never felt more spoilt in my life!

So ends an exceptional day at sea

It was thus that our day charter with Azure came to an end, and as we made our way up to the flybridge for the journey back, pausing only to get a final chilled beer from the fridge to see the day off, I looked around at the relaxed and contented faces around me and made a mental note to do this again – and soon!

Want to experience it for yourself? I don’t blame you! Contact one of Azure’s Charter Specialists on 00356 2778 2500 or [email protected] to design your luxury yacht experience today. For more information, visit their website.