Yacht Playgrounds in the Med

Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Situated along the north-eastern coastline of Sardinia, the aptly named Costa Smeralda, known for its crystalline emerald waters, Porto Cervo has long been a sanctuary for the global yachting elite.

Conceived in 1962 by Prince Karim Aga Khan, who sought an unspoiled mooring for his vessel, the village's genesis began with the creation of a 700-berth marina, which is now one of the Med's most prestigious ports of call.

From the outset, architectural restraint was non-negotiable. In stark contrast to more congested European resort towns, high-rise developments were expressly forbidden. The result is a curated Mediterranean idyll of terracotta façades and low-slung villas that glow at dusk, as the sky fades through hues of lilac, apricot, and rose.

As one would expect from a destination favoured by the international jet set, the retail landscape is dominated by luxury maisons, while the culinary scene plays host to globally recognised names such as Zuma, Matsuhisa, and Novikov.

If you wish to explore a little further, yacht broker Dominic Meredith Hardy, Director of Classic Charters, often recommends setting sail from Porto Cervo into the turquoise waters of the Maddalena Islands, where Mediterranean glamour and unspoilt nature meet in perfect harmony. Here, hidden coves and pink-sand shores offer an unforgettable glimpse of Sardinia's most enchanting seascapes.

Nearest The Hideaways Club home: Casa Cielo

Marbella, Spain
Another enduring playground is Marbella, the crown jewel of Spain's Costa del Sol, a region whose roots trace back to the 7th century BC. Once home to Romans, later ruled by the Moors, and now a magnet for an international clientele, Marbella blends a rich cultural tapestry with year-round sunshine, world-class golf, fine dining, and superyacht-ready marinas.

Its transformation from rustic coastal enclave to refined resort town owes much to Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. In the 1940s, the aristocrat acquired two estates in the area, one of which, a former finca nestled among fig and pine trees, became the Marbella Club, the hotel that would quietly spark the town's ascent to global renown.

From the 1950s onwards, Marbella evolved into a discreet retreat for European aristocracy, international royalty, and Golden Age Hollywood. Its allure crescendoed in 1970 with the debut of Puerto Banús, a glamorous marina and lifestyle precinct that redefined Mediterranean leisure. The guest list at the opening was nothing short of regal: the King and Queen of Spain, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Aga Khan, and a live performance by Julio Iglesias, who would later lend his name to a street in the resort.

Today, Marbella remains synonymous with effortless glamour and timeless appeal. It is a place where history, elegance and hedonism meet under the Andalusian sun.

Nearest The Hideaways Club home: Casa Las Flores, Mijas

Saint-Tropez, France
Few destinations capture the essence of Riviera glamour quite like Saint-Tropez. Once a humble fishing village and 17th-century military outpost, with the Citadel still standing sentinel above the port, this Provençal enclave transformed into a cultural icon in the post-war years, becoming a magnet for artists, intellectuals, and international sophisticates alike.

The village's golden light first drew painters such as Henri Matisse and Paul Signac. Later, the avant-garde spirit of the French New Wave arrived, with directors like Jean-Luc Godard using the town as both muse and backdrop. By the early 2000s, the town's social heartbeat extended beyond its picturesque harbour to its storied beach clubs. A short stroll (or tender ride) away, the champagne rituals of Nikki Beach channel the Riviera's more effervescent energy, echoing the hedonism of early-Noughties jet-set summers.

Yet Saint-Tropez is just one jewel in the crown of the Côte d'Azur. The entire French Riviera, from the cinematic promenades of Cannes and the old-world charm of Antibes to the understated elegance of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the sovereign sparkle of Monaco, is a masterclass in Mediterranean sophistication.

Dominic Meredith Hardy recommends experiencing the regatta, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, in September: "During Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (27 September - 6 October), the town comes alive with a unique blend of timeless Riviera glamour and nautical excitement. From the shore, you can admire the beauty of classic yachts and soak up the festive camaraderie. Or, for a more immersive experience, charter a yacht with professional crew to enjoy the exhilaration of racing by day, followed by sundowners on the deck of a 1930s classic yacht, before returning each evening to the tranquillity and comfort of your Hideaways home."

Nearest The Hideaways Club home: Villa La Retraite and Villa La Colline

Port Vell, Barcelona
At the heart of Barcelona's glittering waterfront lies Port Vell, a world-class marina reimagined to meet the demands of the most discerning superyacht clientele. Originally developed for the 1992 Olympic Games, the port has since undergone a transformative evolution, positioning it among the Med's most sophisticated nautical addresses.

Architecturally striking, the marina's centrepiece is a sleek, 2,750-square-metre glass gallery that houses a refined reception area; every detail has been conceived with precision and elegance.

Set against the dynamic backdrop of the city, Port Vell offers the rare privilege of direct access to one of Europe's most culturally rich and cosmopolitan cities. A stroll from the marina brings guests to architectural landmarks such as the city's historic Customs House, whose ornate façades echo the grandeur of Barcelona's maritime heritage.

But this is more than a port, it is a lifestyle destination. Drawing over 15 million visitors annually, the marina exudes a magnetic energy, blending urban vibrancy with seafront tranquillity. It serves as both a gateway to secluded coastal coves and a front-row seat to Barcelona's Catalan culture, with its exceptional gastronomy, design, and nightlife.

Nearest The Hideaways Club home: Calle Princesa

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tucked at the edge of Dubrovnik's UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and watched over by the slopes of Srd Hill, Marina Dubrovnik is a sanctuary for sailors seeking heritage and horizon, and visitors alike.

This "Blue Flag" award-winning marina is one of the Adriatic's finest, regularly recognised for environmental excellence. From here, yachts can navigate the serene waters of Korčula, Mljet, Lastovo, and the Elaphiti Islands, or explore the underwater archaeological treasures of Prevlaka Park.

Dubrovnik itself, with its baroque facades and limestone lanes, offers a cinematic setting steeped in history: a fitting finale (or prologue) to any Adriatic odyssey.

Nearest The Hideaways Club home: Villa Livka, Brač

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