Pickleball, Cryotherapy, Underwater Lounges: The Crazy New Amenities Taking Over Superyachts

In today’s yacht charter world, there are endless lists of essentials that yachts are now expected to have. From expansive deck spaces, full-beam owners’ suites, sprawling beach clubs, to garages full of water toys. But aside from these amenities and features that are now a given, the newest generation of charter yachts are pushing the boundaries and offering things that haven’t yet been seen before.

Once outlandish concepts and far-fetched ideas, these are now increasingly making the leap from ambitious briefs to drawing boards and into the reality of a charter yacht. Stepping up the game even further, these are some of the craziest features found on today’s charter yachts: 

Cold Therapy At Sea

Wellness is a fast-emerging scene, and especially at sea, with today’s charter yachts embracing the latest trends. One of these has been the global cold-therapy movement, with dedicated snow rooms, dual-temperature Jacuzzis and plunge pools, and high-tech cryotherapy chambers now found onboard. These specialized sub-zero environments are designed to stimulate circulation, accelerate recovery, and boost well-being.

Game, Set, Match, Yacht

Deck space is no longer just for sunbathing, alfresco dining, and lounging; sports have now firmly made their way onto the yachting scene. And if there is one that has taken over, it’s pickleball. Charter yachts are ticking the box by now being able to transform entire decks into sport courts, fit for games like pickleball, padel, and basketball, complete with professional surfacing and net systems.

These spaces can shift from a sports deck to a helipad to an open-air sunbathing deck within hours. For charter groups, this means flexibility and multi-use without having to go ashore for additional amenities.

Under-Ocean Views

While you still can, you no longer need to leave the luxury and comfort of the yacht to see what’s beneath the surface. Many charter yachts now have underwater observation lounges, either semi-submerged or fully submerged. These spaces are becoming a standout feature, typically inspired by explorer yachts. The spaces typically feature expansive glass panels built into the hull with innovative lighting.

At anchor in tropical destinations in particular, they offer incredible views of marine life and coral. At night, these spaces are particularly special, with underwater lighting that gives guests a personal evening aquarium experience.

Pools With A Twist

Swimming pools are no longer enough; the latest designs onboard feature infinity pools and glass-floored suspended above the deck below. By night, many of these pools can also rise hydraulically, converting into flush dancefloors ready for an evening DJ set and partying into the early hours.

Duplex Apartments

The allocation of space and accommodation layouts is also developing, superyachts are now dedicating increasingly more square footage to multi-deck owners apartments, providing duplex living at sea. Private staircases, forward-facing lounges, terraces, and wraparound views are creating the ultimate penthouse vibes.

Connoisseur Level Relaxing 

The dining experience remains at the front and center of most yacht charter experiences, but as this continues, more and more amenities are emerging to serve up more experiential mealtimes. Wine cellars and cigar lounges are among these, with walk-in humidors, climate-controlled tasting rooms, and curated drink menus designed to pair with the chef’s creations.

Many yachts for charter that focus on these types of indulgences typically pair the spaces with casual, lounge-like areas such as additional skylounges, gentlemen’s clubs, and speakeasy jazz bars to enjoy the wine and cigars. 

Science On The Move

With more charter yachts going off the beaten path and more guests looking for meaningful experiences, there has also been a growing movement toward chartering with a purpose, and therefore, including features to support this.

Over recent years, more yachts, usually explorer platforms, have had spaces such as research labs, classrooms, and production studios integrated. So, whether the yacht is hosting documentary crews, marine scientists, or adventurous guests, there are facilities onboard to facilitate discovery at sea. 

Yacht Charter 2.0

Today’s charter yachts are truly switching up what luxury vacations at sea can look like. So, whatever your passion is—wellness, sport, exploration, culinary—there is likely a yacht designed to include it onboard.