Finding the Best Spots to Dock, Dine, and Dance
You have a yacht. You’re in the yachting capital of the world (Fort Lauderdale) and within sailing distance of Miami, Palm Beach and beyond. On the Atlantic coast of South Florida, the superyacht experience flourishes with marinas, hotels, residences, and restaurants catering to the superyacht owner and lifestyle. Some of my favorites are below, listed from Miami-Dade County to Palm Beach County.
Miami
In Miami, the Island Gardens at Deep Harbour is one of the many premier superyacht facilities and the first deep-water superyacht marina of its capacity in the Western Hemisphere. The Marina not only enables superyacht owners to step directly from their boats into the luxury lifestyle of Miami and Miami Beach, but also has one of the best places to dine, The Deck at Island Gardens. As Miami’s most exquisite superyacht outdoor lounge, the Deck is the ideal place for superyacht owners to wine, dine, and dance, while also sitting comfortably at full-size dining tables or waterfront cabana lounges. AND from Thursday to Sunday, it hosts signature experiences reminiscent of the superyacht lifestyles from Ibiza to Porto Cervo and the Cote d’Azur.
The experience remains to be seen, however the newly built Aston Martin Residences is adding a superyacht marina to the already impressive facilities available to owners and their guests With no bridges to the ocean, the full-service marina is just minutes from the open Atlantic and an easy sail from the Florida Keys, with Key Biscayne, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and Bal Harbour all nearby.
Additional marinas offering proximity to first-class hotels and dining include The Indian Creek Marina with access to the iconic Fountainbleu Resort, One Island Park Marina designed exclusively for superyachts, and the EPIC Marina, Downtown Miami the ultimate luxury superyacht destination with direct access to popular fusion restaurants including Zuma and Area 31.
Finally, while perhaps not my scene, those looking for the nightlife of South Beach should head to the Miami Beach Marina, South Beach which is close to the Art Deco District in the centre of it all, providing 400 fully serviced slips for megayachts.
Fisher Island
The exclusive private island community of Fisher Island Club, across from Miami Beach, is ‘members only’, but sponsorship (from a member or the dockmaster) allows temporary membership for superyacht owners to dock and enjoy all the perks of the club, including the beach club, spa, tennis center, hotel, restaurants and PB Dye-designed golf course.
Coconut Grove
Grove Harbour Marina, Coconut Grove is a full-service facility for superyachts, offering the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami while also being close enough to explore it, along with the Florida Keys.
Fort Lauderdale
If you are a yachting enthusiast, this next pick is no surprise.
Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, Fort Lauderdale, the home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), is an ideal superyacht berthing spot in Fort Lauderdale offering expansive marina facilities and amenities, as is the Hall of Fame Marina, Fort Lauderdale, another FLIBS host marina; active year-round with home berthers and visiting superyachts, home to first-class marine, dining and entertainment facilities.
Both spots put you right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, steps from the beach, dining, dancing, and water sports. If you’re in need of ANYTHING for your yacht – supplies, crew, a paint job – this is the city to be in and Bahia Mar is in the closest proximity to any and everything you will need.
Palm Beach
With the Palm Beach International Boat Show coming up, these suggestions below could come in handy sooner than you think. The show runs from March 26-29, 2020.
Palm Beach’s Rybovich Marina has the Tiki Bar and the M/Y café, and is one of the oldest and most premier superyacht marinas. Additional spots include the Palm Harbor Marina (with the Epicurean Center for wine, beer, soft drinks and food), the Palm Beach Yacht Club (the oldest business in West Palm Beach), the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club (you can go to “The Office” for cocktails!), and one of the newest facilities Berth One Palm Beach, all within fifteen minutes of Palm Beach International Airport and the magnificent restaurants and shops on Worth Avenue and Royal Poinciana Way.
One thing is for sure, superyacht owners are certain to find whatever they’re looking for in South Florida, suiting their preferences, style, and taste.
If you need some more recommendations or have one of your own to share, comment below. I’d love to find some new spots to check out now that superyacht season is in full swing!