There’s something about being surrounded by water that feels instantly different from any land-based trip. It’s quieter, more spacious, and often more private, and that sense of drifting away from the usual world is a big part of the appeal. Whether the goal is stillness or excitement, choosing to stay on the water opens up some surprising and luxurious ways to travel.
Yacht Living
Renting a private yacht gives you freedom you just don’t get with most holidays, because you choose where to go, how long to stay, and what the pace feels like. In many cases, everything is included. A full crew often handles the practical side of things so you can just enjoy the experience, with no cooking, no cleaning, and no decisions about transport or timetables. You’ll have fresh meals cooked to order, drinks brought over when you fancy them, and a spotless cabin to return to after swimming, sunbathing or exploring onshore. You can take the wheel if you want to feel involved, or lie back with a book and let someone else take care of the route. It’s the kind of trip that works across all kinds of occasions. For some, it’s a family getaway with space to spread out and no one else to share it with. For others, it’s a romantic escape that feels completely different from anything on land, a once-in-a-lifetime break that sets the bar high. Research trusted superyacht consultants and have them put together the perfect getaway for you based on what you’re after.
Cruises
Cruise holidays used to be seen as something for an older crowd, but that idea has faded over time as the newer ships have been built with far more variety and comfort in mind. If the thought of endless buffets, dated entertainment, and fixed dinner times puts you off, it’s worth looking again at what cruise travel has become. Modern cruise ships are more like floating resorts, and it’s entirely possible to spend days on board without ever running out of things to do. You might start with a yoga class or swim in the morning, try something active or cultural in the afternoon,n and then have a proper sit-down dinner with views of the open sea once the sun goes down. Some ships are packed with high-energy features like surf simulators and climbing walls, while others lean more towards art galleries, performances and quiet spaces to relax with a drink. You also get the advantage of visiting different places without repacking every few days, which takes away one of the most tiring parts of travel. Some routes take you to tropical beaches, others pass through Arctic landscapes or historic coastal cities, and you can choose based on what you most want to see. It might be whales and icebergs in Alaska, long lunches in southern Europe, or warm island stops dotted across the Caribbean.
Canal Boating
For something slower and more grounded but still based around water, a canal trip offers a completely different kind of luxury. It’s not about scale or spectacle, but about taking time, noticing things, and experiencing a country from a perspective most people miss. Whether you drift past quiet countryside, through the heart of a city or alongside vineyards and farmland, it’s a gentle, easy way to travel with just enough independence to keep it feeling special. Luxury narrowboats and houseboats are nothing like the basic setups people often imagine. You’ll find full-size beds, proper bathrooms, working kitchens and sometimes extras like hot tubs, log burners, and cinema systems. In places like the UK and parts of Europe, many routes are pet-friendly and surprisingly family-friendly too, especially if you’ve got children who enjoy the novelty of life on the water.
