Smooth sailing – Smart Yachting

There’s a well-known adage that says the best two days of any boat owner’s life are the day they buy their boat and the day they sell it. It’s a phrase that crops up in meetings between potential clients and Tim Hope, director of sales for Smart Yachting, but it’s also a saying he and his team disprove on a daily basis. The company’s ethos is all about maximising the days between these nautical milestones by taking all the hassle and stress out of sales, acquisitions, management and more. As far as clients of the successful yacht brokerage are concerned, it’s nothing but smooth sailing…

Launched in 2018 as a sister company to on-island charter agency Smart Charter Ibiza, the inspiration for Smart Yachting was two-fold. Firstly, the charter agency – founded by born and bred islanders Charlie Veale and Alessandra Grisoni in 2013 – was preparing to upgrade its fleet of 50 privately-owned charter boats by on-selling the existing portfolio and investing in newer vessels. Additionally, many of their loyal customers, particularly those who owned property in Ibiza, were ready to invest in boats of their own. “It was a natural evolution,” says Tim of the decision to launch a full-service yacht brokerage, complete with year-round maintenance and management.

Launched as a sister company to the popular Smart Charter Ibiza boat rental agency, Smart Yachting takes the stress out of yacht sales and acquisitions.

Today, with Tim steering the ship, Smart Yachting has gone from strength to strength, now operating out of four locations: the main Smart Group HQ in Ibiza, the buzzing offices in Marina Botafoch, plus Puerto Banús on the Costa del Sol and Puerto Portals in Mallorca. The company’s signature ‘sale to sea’ turnkey service isn’t over once you’ve cracked a champagne bottle against your new boat’s hull – in fact, it’s just the beginning of your voyage, if you keep your yacht within its privately owned, in-house managed and meticulously maintained fleet.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to finding boats for Smart Yachting clients – each sale is different, just like every boat owner is unique. What does remain the same is the unwavering dedication Tim and his team (who collectively speak over ten languages) put towards finding the right boat for the right person – whether it’s a brand-new, straight-out-of-the-showroom superyacht or a second-hand 12-metre speedboat. “I love when any sale goes through, no matter how big or small,” says Tim. “In that moment, you can see it really is the happiest day of someone’s life. I love being part of that.”

Given that many boat prices are equal to and sometimes even higher than a luxury Ibiza villa, the process of acquiring a yacht, no matter how fun it may be, is also a serious business. Smart Yachting works alongside the very best marine lawyers and finance experts in Spain to help you devise the best way to manage your acquisition and its ongoing annual costs – and this is where Tim’s experience really puts the ‘Smart’ in Yachting. The company’s aftercare concept allows boat owners to offset ownership costs such as moorings, year-round maintenance, insurance, registration, services, off-season storage and more by renting their boat through Smart Charter Ibiza when they’re not enjoying it for personal use.

With Smart Charter Ibiza responsible for upwards of 2000 boat charters per year in Ibiza alone, Smart Yachting have all the facts and figures at their fingertips to show potential buyers just how lucrative their investment can be if it’s added to the fleet of summer rentals. “Boats are not easy animals to have,” laughs Tim, with just a hint of seriousness in his tone. “They require a lot of love and care, and constant maintenance – even when they’re not in the water. But you can easily recover these costs by chartering your yacht for just two months a year. Then, for the other ten months, it’s all yours!”

Experienced director of sales, Tim Hope, leads a team of friendly, professional and multi-lingual boating experts and works with the best marine lawyers and financiers in Spain to ensure your big purchase is smooth sailing.

The Smart Yachting aftercare services include access to a full-time team of trusted in-house mechanics, captains, crew, painters, electricians, carpenters, and upholsterers – no matter how big or small a technical issue, custom refit or redesign is, it can all be taken care of onsite in the behemoth of a 2000-square-metre workshop. “We can fix things instantly if they go wrong,” says Tim. “There’s no waiting around for workmen or parts for weeks.” This cavernous space is filled with spare parts, paint, protective wrapping, a custom upholstery workshop, shelves lined with luxe towels and high-tech water sports equipment and aquatic toys such as Jet Skis, Seabobs, Foil Boards and Fly Boards. You name it, they’ve got it, and the workshop is whirring 12 months a year.

After the summer season, Smart Yachting switches into refit and repair mode – taking boats out of the water to give them a full overhaul – from cleaning daily with fresh water, changing oil, carrying out major services, running dehumidifiers in the interiors, applying products to stop corrosion and more. Owning a boat is a year-round commitment, even if you’re only using it for a couple of weeks per year. Knowing you have Tim’s experienced and trusted team in your corner takes the worry out of winter, when Smart Yachting can even ship your yacht anywhere you’d like to sail in the off-season, with the Caribbean currently a popular choice for many owners.

The genuine warmth, conviviality, and enthusiasm of the Smart Yachting team make it easy for first time buyers to sit down, have a chat, and get to know the ins and outs of buying a boat from the premier experts in the Balearics. Understanding that investing in a boat is a serious purchase, Tim and his team advise on the value of second-hand boats, take you on Facetime tours if you’re not on the island, fly to meet you in France if that’s where the right boat for sale happens to be, help facilitate the right deal (including moorings), and most importantly, manage your expectations. “It’s all about transparency,” says Tim.

Of course, there are also clients who are interested in buying a brand-new yacht strictly for personal use, and Smart Yachting is an official dealership for Canados Gladiator Yachts and Virtue Yachts in Spain in addition to boasting long-term relationships with all of the big-name yachting brands. “New boats are where we can really have some fun,” says Tim. “You want a DJ booth? A built-in bar? Custom upholstery? We can do it all.” As Ibiza’s HNW demographic continues to rise, Tim is seeing a demand for bigger boats each year. “The Balearics are an amazing place to be,” he continues. “There are so many people relocating here with great jobs, working remotely, or astute businesspeople who’ve spent the past 30 years knuckling down and now want to enjoy the fruits of their labour. These are exciting times.”

The Smart Yachting aftercare concept includes the logistics of private chartering through Smart Charter Ibiza, ongoing maintenance, servicing, management, upgrades, customisation and more.

The 2024 season is looking even more exciting than ever for Smart Yachting. While the glamorous boats and interesting clients are part of what makes their jobs fun, it’s the people behind the scenes that truly make the brand shine. Whether they’re working out together in the in-house gym at HQ in the mornings, catching up over after-work drinks at the brand’s new office spaces, cocktail bar and café in Marina Botafoch, Mira Ibiza, rubbing shoulders with the stars at major international boat shows in Palma and Barcelona, or hosting weekly community padel matches with clients, colleagues, friends and family, it’s the authentic family vibes of the Smart Group that turn clients into lifelong friends.

Are these the last days of luxury?

Quite unsurprisingly, in this summer that has perhaps been the strangest on record in Ibiza’s history (if not the world’s), global travel restrictions and the more recent local lockdown regulations have seen much of the island’s tourist trade heavily reduced, which means many of our favourite island businesses will be closing their doors earlier than usual. We’re definitely grateful for the semblance of a summer season we were able to experience, and there are still a few days and weeks left to make the most of some of the most luxurious destinations on the island before they go into early winter hibernation. If you’re on the island, or have the opportunity to travel to the island in the coming days, here are the places you don’t want to miss – and watch this space, as next week we’ll be sharing some local hidden gems that are remaining open even longer.

The most luxurious, long lunches

Long, luxurious lunches have always been what Ibiza is all about, and if you’re on the island and a lover of fine dining, then there are a few hotspots you should add to your agenda before their kitchens close for the season. By day, there’s no mistaking the gastronomic excellence at Chiringuito Blue, set on the seafront in Santa Eulalia and taking diners on a journey of Mediterranean flavours that traverses Israel, Italy, Turkey, France and of course, Spain. A little further down the coastline is the iconic Amante Ibiza (open until the end of the month), where the high quality Mediterranean menu rivals the stunning views of the secluded cove below. Closer to Ibiza town, on the beach at Talamanca, Chambao (closing September 20) at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay offers a classic feet-in-the-sand chiringuito-esque dining experience that’s all about freshness and authenticity. Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito – [pictured] on the west coast of Ibiza – is another of the island’s best beach dining experiences, with a great grill and seafood menu, and those of us who live here in Ibiza have our fingers crossed it will remain open all year round as usual.

Sail away, sail away, sail away…

We can almost hear what you’re thinking. Boats don’t need to close for the season – they can set sail to Formentera any time they have a charter. In a way, this could be true – however for boat charter companies, or even private boat owners, the daily costs of maintaining and mooring a luxury yacht generally require daily customers using the facilities. With the reduced amount of holidaymakers on the island, this means many yachts are being dry-docked and winterised earlier than usual, in order to avoid unnecessary damages.

All is not lost however – we still have a hand-picked fleet of some of the finest luxury vessels that are still on the water (until the end of this month at least, with the possibility of some in October), which means you can cruise over to Formentera for a luxe lunch or with catering on board; you can whizz around Es Vedra and play with luxury watersports toys, or you can enjoy a smooth sailboat ride at sunset around the north west coast of Ibiza. Boat days are always the highlight of any summer, no matter how much of a seasoned Ibiza veteran (or local) you are, so be sure to take one last sail before the season is out.

Shop till they stop

Retail therapy always has, and always will be, a part of holiday culture. And whether you’re looking for that perfect little local souvenir or just want a once-in-a-lifetime splurge session, Ibiza has everything you could wish for and more. Lovers of true designer luxury should head straight to Marina Ibiza, where the glossy floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors of Dior, Dolce & Gabbana [pictured], Burdelier, TAGHeuer, Giuseppe Zanotti, Hublot, Las Noches Ibiza and LOEWE are all still open (until at least the end of this month). Sure, you can buy the collections online, or back in the city, but there’s something so glamorous about disembarking from your yacht to go on a shopping spree here.

For more unique, vintage-inspired and ideal-for-Ibiza party pieces, there’s no better boutique than Annie’s, in the heart of the cobbled square of Dalt Vila. Blessed with an unrivalled eye for style, owner Annie Doble personally selects each and every piece stocked in the store (and is often spotted wearing them!) and has regular customers like Kate and Lila Moss, Rita Ora, Giovanni Battaglia and Paris Hilton gracing her doors, along with Ibiza’s own fashionistas, stylists and models. If you don’t leave Dalt Vila with an armful of Annie’s signature orange paper bags, were you ever even there?

Don’t let the sun go down on the season

OK, OK… we know, the sun will always set in the west – no matter where you are in the world, and whether you’re locked down or not – but you have to admit, there’s something super special about witnessing it from one of Ibiza’s best sunset watching platforms, with a Balearic soundtrack to boot. The most authentic of them all (in our humble opinion) has got to be La Torre Ibiza, where the Mambo Group have recreated those original Ibiza chill-out sunset vibes, with a line-up of the very finest Balearic DJs each night – not to mention great food, cocktails, and a rustic setting that includes tables peppered all the way down the rugged cliffslide towards the sea [pictured].

For those who still love a taste of the sunset strip, both Café Mambo and Café del Mar remain open until at least the end of this month, complete with music, magic and those front row sunset views. Over towards Cala Conta, it’s Cone Club at 7Pines Resort Ibiza that has risen up as a sunset star in 2020, with its nightly sunset rituals (complete with DJs and a ritualistic gong beating as the sun sinks into the sea) and amazing Spanish-inspired menu. The hotel’s Pershing Yacht Terrace also offers great tapas and unbelievable bespoke cocktails with Es Vedra views at sunset – both venues close on September 20, 2020, so be quick!

Indulge in decadent dinners

Those who love alfresco dining are probably already dreading the extra-long winter season ahead, so be sure to make the most of the island’s open-air restaurants while you still can (especially without the late nights spent dancing until dawn in our sadly-missed clubs). There’s no finer dining than under the stars on Talamanca, on the deck of the super chi-chi Nobu restaurant (in the hotel of the same name – closing night is September 21, 2020), where you can luxuriate over chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s unique Nikkei menu and heavenly sushi and sashimi, given a uniquely Ibiza twist. Likewise, under the stunning Balinese temple [pictured] of Bambuddha, dine on the restaurant’s signature MediterrAsian cuisine – bringing flavours from the orient to Ibiza, and fusing them with the best of the island in one of the most stunning settings we’ve ever seen.

Head west to 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, where this weekend is your last chance to dine at The View – another heavenly Asian-inspired eatery with front row views to Es Vedra. Speaking of Es Vedra, you can’t get much closer than La Mesa Escondida, within the stunning boutique hotel Petunia Ibiza. Here you can sample some of the island’s finest farm-to-table Italian inspired cuisine, with the energy of the famous rock radiating towards you. Further up the hill, Can Domingo continues to delight with its impressive Italian fine dining à la carte menu and street food options on the back terrace. And no gourmet trip to Ibiza is complete without heading up into the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila for a glamorous starlit alfresco dinner at La Oliva, El Olivo Mio or La Torreta (in our opinion, that’s all the more reason to visit three times).

Sweet dreams are made of this

While many of the smaller boutique hotels have announced plans to remain open until at least the end of October, if not longer, the time has come for the island’s larger resorts to begin closing their doors this weekend, and up until the end of September. If you feel like a last minute long weekend, or perhaps you’re a resident looking to treat yourself with a fancy staycation – now is the time! 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, on the cliffside at Cala Conta (closing September 20), has everything you need within its spacious grounds, from restaurants, a cocktail bar and pools to a luxurious spa and boutique – it’s even got its own pair of stylish Pershing Yachts, should you desire a sunset cruise.

Back towards Ibiza town, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay [pictured] is preparing to close its doors on September 20, meaning this is your last weekend to indulge in its incredible service and facilities and spend time by that glamorous pool. Up north, The Giri Residence is predicting a rise in the demand for staycations, and is offering island residents an incredible 40% off their room and suite rates for the remainder of the season, with an additional discount on spa treatments. With only five rooms in the whole hotel, you’ll need to be quick to snap one up!

Sailing off into the sunset

Sailing off into the Ibiza sunset is one of the most romantic visions associated with boating on the white isle. For most day-trippers however, it’s only a fraction of the experience as most Formentera charters are required by law to return to port before sundown. It’s still nothing short of magical: sitting on the bow and watching the blazing ball of light slowly sink over the beautiful rolling hills of Ibiza as you ease closer and closer to the island, but for a true sunset sailing experience, you need to go straight to the source. Ibiza features three main ports – Ibiza town, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio – and many charter boats moored in the west coast’s beautifully redeveloped harbour are given an additional 45 minutes after the sunset to return to their berths. This means you can spend the afternoon exploring the island’s most beautiful sunset locations before choosing your favourite spot to anchor up and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in all its blazing glory from the ultimate front row seat.

Sirenusa Cranchi 26

Atlantis

There’s a sunset to suit everyone and no matter what type of experience you’re seeking, you’ll find it in Ibiza. From the west, you can head south to experience the magic of Es Vedra and Atlantis – the spectacular, otherworldly rock formations that are rumoured to be the source of Ibiza’s mysterious energy that truly light up as the sun goes down. The crystal-clear waters of Cala Tarida are another great place to anchor up, stopping off at the stylish Cotton Beach Club for sundowners should the mood for cocktails strike. Sailing back towards the traditional sunset, there are plenty of cool cliffs and caves to be found between Cala Conta and Cala Bassa – ideal places to stop and play with grown up water toys such as Seabobs, wakeboards and even inflatables as the sun creeps closer to the sea beside you. At Cala Conta, the sunset hour is truly bewitching – a laidback, bohemian affair with the striking silhouette of Sunset Ashram perched on the cliff while the stunning rocky coastline reflects the burnt orange rays of the sun, perfectly complemented by water so turquoise it could be the Caribbean.

Cala Conta

Sunseeker Tomahawk 37 

If you choose to head north of San Antonio, you’ll discover bays and beaches so quiet and tranquil, you’ll instantly forget the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist town. The gorgeous coves of Cala Gracioneta and Cala Salada offer incredible snorkelling and swimming conditions: calm, clear and with plenty of underwater marine life to check out – great for family days out on the boat. Nearby, the incredible flat rock formations that jut out of the cliff face at Punta Galera provide the perfect diving and cliff jumping platforms plus places for quiet reflection. Sailing around this section of the west coast reminds you just how impressive Mother Nature really can be. Undoubtedly the most famous sunset experience in Ibiza is the iconic San Antonio sunset strip. While the area – a short promenade connecting multiple restaurants and bars directly opposite the sunset – rose to fame in the late 80s as the birthplace of chillout music, these days it’s considered the island’s premier pre-party destination. Pop the champagne and pull up outside Café del Mar, Café Mambo or Savannah to listen to beats provided by the world’s best DJs (or your own music from onboard speakers) as you applaud the magical sunset moment. Just think of your boat as the ultimate VIP booth, with no queues to get drinks or pesky crowds blocking your sunset view.

Baia Aqua 54

Marina Botafoch

Depending on your mood, after you disembark, you can keep the party going or float back blissfully to your hotel and villa – the sunset having been the perfect end to a perfect day. Better yet, why not book a charter that offers an overnight stay? Many of the boats available for charter feature a private cabin for a romantic overnight experience, while larger vessels offer multiple cabins for group holidays with a difference – your very own floating boutique hotel. Dine on deck beneath the stars, then let the Mediterranean Sea gently rock you to sleep before waking up to an all-new island perspective each day. The longer you stay at sea, the more sunsets you can experience – in addition to the west coast of Ibiza, there are also the fabulous sunset views from Illetes or Cala Saona in Formentera. Minus the pressure of having to sail back to Ibiza on time, you can well and truly relax as you kick back on deck and soak up the sunset vibes in true Balearic style.

Northern exposure

In recent years, chartering a boat has become one of the most essential elements of an Ibiza holiday – for many modern-day holiday makers, it even eclipses the desire for VIP clubbing experiences. And while the typical and most requested route is, of course, the famed day-trip to Formentera, in the height of August the sea is congested with boat traffic and the beaches of Es Palmador and Illetes become enormous parking lots for yachts. What was once an extremely desirable way to escape the hustle and bustle of Ibiza has evolved into a hustle of its own. Unbeknownst to many, there is another, equally as beautiful sailing route around the island that is blissfully traffic free in peak season. Exposing a coastline where the water is crystal clear and the beaches completely unspoilt, with some of Ibiza’s best kept secret dining destinations tucked away in hidden coves and secret bays. The north of the island is the place to be during August, far away from the madding crowds…

Excel Princess 55

Sunseeker Predator 82

The north coast can be accessed from any of the island’s main marinas and no matter which way you sail, the view is quite simply spectacular. As you glide across the calm, turquoise water in the morning, the rugged red cliffs and lush pine-clad hills of Ibiza make for a beautiful sight, peppered with the all-white façades of luxury villas and ancient fincas alike. Rustic fishing huts sit at the shore’s edge, looking as though they’d been lifted straight off a postcard from the 1970s. The island’s north remains one of the last undiscovered bastions of Ibiza beach life and the overall sense of peace is undeniable.

Vanquish VQ48

Sunseeker Predator 75

It’s easy to cove-hop your way across the north in the course of one day – sailing in and out of some of the most beautiful and bohemian beaches including Cala Xarraca, Cala Xuclar, Cala d’en Serra and S’Illot Des Rencli. There are also a handful of tiny, pretty pebble beaches that are inaccessible to cars and foot traffic, meaning when you anchor up in the bay, your group may well be the only people in sight. Whether you prefer to sunbathe on the deck of your yacht, to stretch out and bask on dry land or to swim and snorkel amongst the abundant marine life, there’s something so special about feeling as though you’ve stumbled onto a deserted island.

Stealth 50

Vanquish VQ43

When the time comes to seek sustenance, the restaurants of Ibiza’s northern beaches are just a Zodiac ride away. Tuck into the freshest catch of the day baked in salt at Cala Xuclar’s charming chiringuito; revel in the retro vibes of Restaurante Cala Xarraca over a paella, opt for a burger from the kiosko at Cala d’en Serra or be amazed by the culinary magic on offer at Los Enamorados in Portinatx; the latter also being a wonderful place to catch the sunset. When it comes to northern sunsets, Benirras is the place to anchor up and watch the sky turn red to the sounds of the bongo drummers on the shore before heading back into port – sans sea traffic – for the night.

Fish – If you can’t catch them… eat them!

They’d mix rice and seafood – those pieces from the day’s catch that hadn’t been sold at market – with secret flavour-filled recipes that had been passed down through generations, to feed their families, friends and whoever else was fortunate enough to be around their seaside shacks (called chiringuitos) at dinnertime. The humble chiringuito has come a long way since then. While most visitors to the island can’t pronounce the word, everyone knows they need to visit more than one and the very best ones are those you need to make an effort to access. Rather than trekking across the island in the blistering summer heat, relying on inaccurate Google maps and getting lost along bumpy back roads, why not charter a boat and let your skipper take you directly to the ‘front door’ of the island’s best traditional chiringuitos for a lunch you’ll never forget? You know what they say about fish… if you can’t catch ‘em, eat ‘em anyway!

Sa Caleta

Yemanja

Tucked between two striking red cliffs is the iconic Ibiza chiringuito Sa Caleta, and your skipper will arrange a tender to pick you up at sea and take you ashore. You really can imagine fishermen stumbling into this place after a day at sea, pouring a glass of wine and cooking up delicious fish stews and rice dishes. The food here is some of the best traditional seafood on the island: mixed seafood grills, bullit de peix, lobster stew and the must-try ‘Cafe Caleta’ brewed at the table. Further around the coast, on the buzzing shores of Cala Jondal is Yemanja – a chiringuito that has been in business for over 25 years. And while the founding family may have moved on, the mouth-watering Mediterranean recipes remain the same, with hearty rice dishes, the freshest daily catches, lobster pots, fish stews and more on offer all year round. And the most appropriate way to arrive at Ibiza’s most glamorous beach is by boat, of course!

Es Xarcu

Es Torrent

A family affair, Es Xarcu (on the beach of the same name) is a charming and stylish restaurant serving passing yachts and an eclectic local clientele. The seafood is superb of course, however it’s the jamón that is often considered the star of the show. Owner Mariano Torres Tur travels to Granada every year to personally select each ham. Around the coast, Es Torrent is one of the most iconic seafood restaurants in Ibiza. Quite possibly also one of the most pricy, and difficult to get a reservation, but it doesn’t stop scores of yachts pulling into the elegant bay each day. Owner Xicu Sala has been serving up seafood since 1984 when it was just a little wooden shack. Food is taken very seriously here with an emphasis on locally sourced, high quality seafood – touted as the island’s best.

Ses Boques

Es Boldado

Created by Joan and his wife Lourdes, Ses Boques is the perfect antidote to the high-end beach clubs, and hugely popular with Ibiza locals looking to escape the hustle of summer life. Set right on the sand under the Sabina trees near Es Cubells, the freshest locally caught seafood is cooked with love and Lourdes’ superb homemade desserts also come highly recommended. When you’ve got Es Vedra in your sights, a triumvirate of seafood specialists await. On the left hand side, presiding over it all from its hilltop advantage is Es Boldado. Having been in business since the mid 80s, they certainly know a thing or two about fresh seafood. Lobster stew is the house specialty – pick your own from the tank and then pop on a bib in anticipation – along with rice dishes and oven-baked John Dory. Remember to bring cash – it’s one of those old school Ibiza restaurants without a credit card machine.

Restaurant Cala D’hort

Restaurante El Carmen

Down on the beach, Restaurant Cala D’hort is the place to be for a classic, feet in the sand experience. Opened in the 1960s by a local fisherman and his wife the duo prepared daily seafood specials as sustenance for other sailors in the area plus travellers who were lucky enough to stumble across it. Today, all seven of their children work together to keep the restaurant’s traditions and recipes, including the legendary rice ‘a la marinera’, alive. Elevated above the beach, Restaurante El Carmen offers truly incredible views across to Es Vedra and is especially magic around sunset. Another family-run establishment, there are no frills and no fuss, just exceptional service, traditional recipes, fresh flavours and a laidback holiday atmosphere. Local families sing the praises of the bullit de peix, paella and sautéed calamari – fuel up before signalling for the boat tender to whizz you across to your vessel so you can cruise back to the Marina and call it a day.