Why I Hosted This Croatia Yacht Vacation (& Why We’re Doing It Again)

This luxury yacht vacation through Croatia had been on my bucket list for years. One day I thought, Why not go...and invite my clients to come along? I'm so glad I did.

If you're wondering what it's really like to spend a week sailing the Croatian islands on a luxury yacht, I recently experienced it firsthand while hosting one of our small group departures. From swimming in hidden coves and exploring historic towns to enjoying incredible meals on board, this became one of my favorite vacations—and it's the reason we're bringing it back in 2027.

What made this trip so special wasn't that we were racing from one attraction to the next or trying to check famous landmarks off a list. This was something entirely different. It wasn't about seeing everything—it was about truly enjoying where we were. This was a vacation in every sense of the word.

What is a typical day like?

Each morning we'd wake up somewhere new along Croatia's breathtaking coastline. Throughout the day, our captain would find secluded coves and hidden bays where we'd anchor for a swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Some days we had these little slices of paradise completely to ourselves. Those quiet moments—floating in the water with nothing but blue skies above and rugged islands surrounding us, are exactly the kind of luxury I'm looking for these days.

Eventually the crew would let us know it was time to come back aboard, and true to form, I'd be the very last one climbing out of the water. I'd race downstairs to shower, throw on a sundress, skip the makeup, and inevitably sneak into lunch a few minutes late with wet hair. Okay, some clients saw me and would comment “thank you for joining us!” But no one could blame me for taking in every moment that I could being in that water.

Waiting for us at around 1:00pm each day was a beautifully prepared multi-course lunch, complete with an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Most days, a cold beer—or, in my case this trip, a Coke Zero, would be placed in front of me just moments after I sat down. That would be thanks to the team on board that got to know all of us so well.

After lunch, there was just enough time to relax. Some people napped, others found a sunny spot on deck with a book, and a few of us simply watched the coastline drift by as we sailed toward our next destination. In the afternoons we'd dock in charming coastal towns and islands, where local guides introduced us to the history, culture, and hidden corners that make each stop unique.

One of my favorite parts of the entire itinerary, though, was what wasn't planned. Most evenings were completely ours! We included a couple of dinners, but 5 out of 7 nights we had free to enjoy meals on our own.

By only offering a few group dinners and avoiding packed itineraries it kept everyone on board happy. Everyone wandered off to explore at their own pace. Some found waterfront restaurants for fresh seafood and local wine, while others browsed boutiques, lingered in lively town squares, or simply sat by the harbor watching the boats come and go.

And yes...more than one evening ended with skipping dinner altogether in favor of a couple scoops of incredible gelato.

There was something so refreshing about having breakfast and lunch thoughtfully taken care of while still having the freedom to enjoy each destination exactly how you wanted in the evenings. By the end of the week, it felt like we'd all settled into this wonderful little bubble of vacation bliss.

It's difficult to describe until you've experienced it yourself, but this style of travel attracts a certain kind of traveler—someone who appreciates slowing down, savoring beautiful places, enjoying exceptional food, swimming in turquoise water, and allowing each day to unfold naturally rather than rushing from one sightseeing stop to the next.

If that sounds like your idea of the perfect vacation, I have some exciting news. We're bringing this journey back next year.

And this time, we're making it even more special. For 2027, we've chartered an entire luxury yacht exclusively for our group. That means the boat will be just for us, creating an even more intimate experience as we sail the spectacular Croatian coastline together.

After experiencing this itinerary firsthand, I can honestly say it's one of my favorite trips we've ever offered. I can't wait to return—and I hope you'll join us.

Also, One Thought That Was

Completely Reaffirmed

This was actually something I had been thinking about before I even boarded the yacht, but after just a few days traveling with our group, the idea was completely reaffirmed.

I work with so many families—and especially multi-generational families—who are trying to plan that one memorable trip where everyone can come together. It always starts with the same question: "Where can we go that everyone will enjoy?"

The first ideas are usually an all-inclusive resort or renting a villa somewhere in Europe. Or a big cruise ship, it has the entertainment, dining and will keep everyone together. They can be wonderful options, but they also come with their own challenges.

A villa sounds idyllic until someone has to organize rental cars, decide who's driving, coordinate grocery shopping, which person we know won’t help with dishes, choose restaurants for when the group can dine out, and somehow plan activities that work for grandparents, parents, teenagers, and little ones alike.

An all-inclusive can also be a great fit, but then the search begins for one that has beautiful accommodations, exceptional food, great service, and enough for everyone to enjoy without feeling crowded or commercial.

Then, sitting on this yacht with our group, it hit me. This is it. This is the kind of trip I'd recommend to so many families.

Call me a genius if you'd like...but honestly, this is simply what I love about my job. I spend my days thinking about travel in different ways so I can bring fresh ideas back to my clients.

Instead of asking everyone to gather in one place and figuring out the logistics yourselves... Charter a yacht.

• Spend a week sailing together.

• Wake up somewhere new each morning.

• Swim in secluded turquoise bays.

• Enjoy breakfast and lunch prepared for you every day.

• Explore charming towns together in the afternoons.

• Then let everyone split off in the evenings to wander, shop, enjoy dinner, or grab gelato at their own pace.

No one is worrying about who eats eggs for breakfast, who's making dinner reservations every night, or how many cars need to be rented.

The logistics are taken care of, leaving everyone free to simply enjoy being together.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, an anniversary, a family reunion, or simply looking for a truly unforgettable vacation, a private yacht charter creates an experience that's unlike anything else. It also makes for one of the coolest invitations you'll ever send to your family or friends.

"Meet us in Croatia...we've chartered a yacht." How fun is that?

Croatia is one of our favorite destinations for this type of experience. It offers all the European charm you could hope for, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, incredible food, fascinating history, picturesque coastal towns, and convenient flight options that make getting there surprisingly easy. If you've ever dreamed about bringing your favorite people together in a truly unique way, we'd love to help you make it happen.

Whether you're thinking about 2027, 2028, or beyond, let's start the conversation. We'd be happy to help you decide where, when, and what type of yacht or itinerary would be the perfect fit for your group.

FAQS

When is the best time to sail Croatia? Late May through September offers warm weather and calm seas.

Note: If you’re really a water baby and want to enjoy a lot of time in the water, it’s best to go July, August or September when the water temp has warmed up a bit.

• Passenger Capacity: 36 guests, max

• Crew Members: 8 professional crew & staff

• Cabin Count: 18 en-suite cabins

Onboard Amenities & Features

• Dining & Social: Upper-deck indoor-outdoor restaurant and a chic bar

• Breakfast & lunch included every day, while most dinners were left open so guests could experience Croatia's wonderful local restaurants. We do include a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner - we can also organize other dinners either on board or on land for your group!

• Relaxation Spaces: Expansive sundeck, shaded lounge area with sofas, and a deck Jacuzzi

• Water Activities: Rear swimming platform providing direct sea access with complimentary paddle boards, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, & floaties

Who Will Love This Trip? This trip is perfect if you:

• Enjoy boutique hotels & small ships

• Love swimming…in gorgeous water!

• Appreciate excellent food

• Prefer relaxing over sightseeing marathons

• Enjoy traveling with like-minded people

Japan: Secret and Soulful, Setouchi

You may be saying, "Set...what?!" I did too when I first came across it, but research has led me to dream of how I could visit this region and what I should explore in the area. What really had me intrigued, was when I heard more about where this region is located. They describe this region as, "The Aegean Sea of the East." Which ultimately means it has warmer weather all year round and less annual rainfall. As an Oregonian, I certainly love to travel to warmer areas around the world, so I can escape the rainy weather back at home!

This region can easily be tied in with a trip to the major cities that most people to travel to Japan for. You could start your adventures in Tokyo, make your way to Kyoto and end in a city or town that is in Setouchi. If you’re like me, after a week of packing everything in, waking up early for tours and going to sleep late after walking around to see the cities at night. Slowing down at the end of your trip before heading home- is a great idea! Or you could start your trip in this area and get rid of your jet lag in the meantime.

I'll be the first to admit it, I have been known to plan a day around a meal. Especially when I'm traveling in foreign countries. Are you also one of those people? I approve, and I sincerely encourage this kind of planning while on holiday! When you finally make it to Setouchi, I have good news for you. You can easily find a place that carries Kobe beef on their menu and it's the real deal. There is also something else that I have several friends that would travel across the world for- this area is also famous for its oysters! If you're crazy for oysters, you could even plan a trip around the Miyajima Oyster Festival, which happens every February.

To be honest, I would most enjoy trying different dishes made from Udon noodles while in the region (yes, they are also known for Udon here!). I was literally eating Udon noodles for breakfast while I was in China last year, so I would love to see how they prepared them in Japan. Pro tip: get a cooking lesson from a local chef and learn how to make them yourself on your trip. You can do this as a solo traveler, with your travel buddy or it's a great activity to enjoy as a family. Believe me, all kids love noodles!

Okay enough about the food for now, you're going to also have to move around to work up your appetite. No worries here, you'll have P L E N T Y of things to do. I'd say the one big thing that I should highlight in the area and that has really captured my attention, is the Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island. Depending on how active of a person you are, you can reach the island by boat or by bike. You'll find me on the boat taking in the views, but I'll cheer you on if you're signing up for a day of cycling. The grounds, including the temples, the gardens and different levels of the monuments throughout the place, took over 30 years to complete! This was all done as a homage from a son to his mother. That is some serious love right there. He even shipped marble from Italy to complete one of the areas of the temples. Be sure to plan a short stop while you are in this area. You can take a seat and order a drink at the cafe.

Another must visit place for me would be to explore the Himeji Castle. It can be enjoyed as a nice day trip from Hiroshima. As a castle lover myself, I'm sure I could spend a slow, half day tour there, taking it all in. I would love to hire a great guide to reflect on the history of the buildings that make up the castle grounds. UNESCO has dubbed it as "the finest surviving example of early 17th century Japanese castle architecture."

It would be a mistake if I didn't make enough time to get out on the water and to enjoy the calm seas. Or even over the water in this region. You can hire a seaplane to take you over the sea for 50 minutes of exciting sightseeing from the skies! If you're looking for something a bit more relaxing and wanting to connect with nature, a kayak or bike rental may be more your pace. If you're like me, you may want to do all three. I've also read about where you can enjoy a nice catamaran tour that you can consider. I imagined a nice relaxing afternoon on the water, sea breeze in my hair, sipping local sake from the region and a specialty lunch in one of the old towns.

So where do you stay in the region of Setouchi? A hotel geek like myself has a lot of options for you to consider. Though it all really depends on how we decide to fit Setouchi into your itinerary and where you are coming from beforehand or if this is your last stop(s) on your trip. Japan has a variation of different accommodations for you to think about enjoying during your journey through the country. I personally love to mix it up for my clients, this way they can experience something a bit more traditional, as well as places that are sleek and modern.

One question that I will ask my travelers, can you picture yourself surrounded by forests and tucked quietly away in nature? Or in an elegant suite, over looking the water and the bays that are widely spread through this destination? Maybe you would prefer to be in the hustle and bustle of things and you'd prefer to stay in the historical center. This way you can enjoy taking in some of the well preserved buildings in the old towns, visiting cafes and window shopping in your free time. Lots of options and even more reasons to spend more time in a special destination like this.

So tell me, are you ready to be charmed by Setouchi? This was only a teaser of what you can do while visiting this exciting destination in Japan! I’m just a call or an email away if you have any questions about Japan and I can’t wait to share more info with you.

Italy: Driving around the country

I think the most important thing to start with- Italians are not joking around on the roads. Especially on the freeways. You do NOT go into the fast lane, without #1- actually driving fast and #2, actually looking over your shoulder as well as in the mirrors twice. Three times would be better. Cars will come up on you without you even realizing it and whiz by you. The first time this happens, you're probably going to be shocked, or think it's a police chase. Maybe it's a rocket ship? Do not, for your safety and others and the road, do not enter the fast lane without checking if it's clear to merge over...three times. From there, you can use that lane to pass the other cars and then move right back over to the slow lane in the right. It's not like America, people don't dilly dally on the freeway and enjoy whatever lane they want. Freeways and roads are used for getting places. 

The lines in the street are a suggestion, not a rule. People will drive in the middle of both lanes, they will cut over the middle line while going on a curve and they absolutely will tailgate you without giving it much thought. This is just another day in Italy. I don't even know if there is a word for "tailgate" in Italian, because they all do it hahah! It's not really a big deal. It won't be just cars doing it, but also semis- also normal. If you're really bothered by it, time to pull over, let the person pass and continue on your day. Especially if you're following directions with a navigator and trying to figure the roads out, no need for that extra pressure. I’m saying this from experience, after just driving around for 5 days.

Italians have the need for speed, but you’re also going to encounter that sweet little nonno, that is out for a Sunday ride. Be cautious of tractors, vespas and bikers while driving. Lots of people enjoying cycling in the countryside and it’s best if you just let them lead the way if you don’t know the street well, only pass when you are able to.

I advise everyone to drive with their lights on, even during the day. There are many many tunnels throughout Italy when driving and it’s best just to play it safe to have those on. If you ignored my first rule and you’re camping in the fast lane and someone drives up behind you, they will simply flash their lights at you, for you to get over. I find this very considerate and very smart. This gets your attention in the mirrors and you simply get over for them to pass you. I’ve done this to someone in the states, not thinking much of it, I didn’t get one bird when I passed them, but two birds. If ya know what I mean. Yikes.

Now lets talk about one of my favorite things about driving in Italy! I love roundabouts. I don't love them in the states, because (most) Americans don't really know how to go through them. So people stop or have to go around again. It kills me. Stop signs are the biggest waste of time, so roundabouts are such a smart use of the roads to keep the flow of traffic going. Learn how to use them and love them, because they are great!

We might as well bring up the subject of parking, which is one of my least favorite things in Italy. They do NOT mess around with extra space. What we would consider being blocked in, they make it a normal parking space. It's normal to have inches within your car and another, at least when you're in a city it is. Which means they are ridiculously skilled and that they probably tapped your car backing into that spot. Normal? Normal.

Whatever else can I be forgetting? I’ll be sure to add more tips, but questions are certainly welcome! Fun fact: I learned how to drive stick in Italy, that’s a story worth telling over a glass of wine. Grazie Cecilia for your patience and laughter…when I stalled in a round about. Four times.