The marinas in Monaco and Dubai serve as play areas for millionaires, whereas Sanya is emerging as a key destination for marine tourism. Meanwhile, Singapore maintains a vibrant port scene.
Bubbly pours freely, colossal yachts sail past, and the vast ocean calls out with the allure of exploration—marinas are much more than mere docking spots. With top-notch amenities and breathtaking settings, these six locales stand as attractions in their entirety.
1. Port Hercules, Monaco
The epitome of exclusiveness, Port Hercules, also known as Billionaires' Harbour, has for years stood as a symbol of opulence and luxury. Situated at the very center of
Monte Carlo
Since ancient Greek and Roman times, it has served as Monaco’s primary harbor. Originally a fishing port and naval station, it has transformed into what may be the world's most recognizable superyacht marina. During the Monaco Grand Prix (from May 23 to 25 this year), the marina becomes a sort of floatingVIP area where guests in Zone 1 can enjoy excellent track-side vistas. However, accessing these privileges comes at a high cost; securing a spot for yachts measuring up to 150 meters will set you back over €150,000 (approximately HK$1.2 million).
Port Hercules isn't just busy over the Grand Prix weekend, however. Throughout the year, royalty, rock stars, celebrities and sporting heroes dock their yachts at the marina, with the see-and-be-seen Monaco Yacht Show (September 24 to 27) another highlight of the social and maritime calendar. Besides luxury shopping, fine dining and casinos, for those who arrive without a boat, the city state offers the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, whose more than 6,000 specimens can be found in the shark lagoon or on vibrant coral reefs. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking
Riviera
views.
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2. The Sanya International Yacht Club, located in China
Sanya's growing reputation as a sailing and marine tourism hub has earned it the nickname, City of a Thousand Boats. Designed as a destination for luxury yachts, the Sanya International Yachting Centre opened on the southern coast of Hainan Island in 2023. The marina provides more than 200 berths, with dedicated space for superyachts. Situated near some of China's
most beautiful beaches
It is also an excellent location for various water sports besides sailing. Along with high-quality restaurants, shops, and entertainment facilities, the center provides more practical amenities like boat upkeep services.
The marina has hosted several high-profile events, including December's Boating Sanya, which featured about 200 ocean-going craft. But there's more to Sanya than sailing, not least the tranquil Nanshan Temple, with its stunning Buddhist statues, and white-sand beaches such as those in Yalong Bay.
3. ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore
ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove stands out as a comprehensive maritime sanctuary celebrated for blending luxury with ecological responsibility. Named after Singapore’s geographical coordinates—approximately one degree and fifteen minutes above the equator—it provides docking facilities suitable for vessels of various sizes. Adjacent lies Quayside Isle, featuring high-end eateries like Cantonese WOK°15 Kitchen, ensuring guests enjoy top-notch cuisine. This marina showcases cutting-edge green technologies such as solar lights and water recycling systems, reflecting Singapore's dedication to sustainable marine practices. Hosting significant events including the upcoming Singapore Yachting Festival from April 10th through 13th, ONE°15 also features exhibits highlighting recent innovations within the sector.
Beyond ONE°15, family-friendly
Sentosa
is an island resort packed with attractions that include Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark. Visitors can relax on its sandy beaches, explore the guided trails of Sentosa Nature Discovery and enjoy scenic views from the SkyPark at Resorts World. The pick of Sentosa's hotels is probably the Capella Singapore - at least,
Taylor Swift
appeared to believe so when she was in town for a performance last March.
4. Dubai Marina
The planet’s biggest entirely artificial marina was created by excavating a 3.5-kilometer-long channel through the desert and then flooding it with seawater drawn from the Persian Gulf.
Dubai
Marina stands as a city within a city, boasting over 200 towering skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and high-end dining establishments. Among these structures is the Princess Tower, which rises to an impressive height of 414 meters and holds the distinction of being the tallest purely residential building globally. This bustling marina has space for upwards of 500 yachts and megayachts, frequently belonging to members of Middle Eastern royal families and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
When darkness descends, the Dubai Marina Walk, a thoroughfare adorned with eateries, dining establishments, and luxury boutiques, comes alive under vibrant neon lights. At the center of this bustling area stands Pier 7, a seven-story structure housing numerous food venues and sky-high drinking spots. To the south lies Ain Dubai, currently recognized as the planet’s biggest observation wheel.
5. Vilamoura Marina, Portugal
A favorite meeting spot on the Algarve where the affluent and celebrities boat, enjoy cocktails, and mingle, Vilamoura Marina is located at
Portugal
Its sandy southern coastline has been awarded the prestigious title of International Marina of the Year seven times, with an outstanding streak of three successive victories. This recognition comes from the British-based Yacht Harbour Association, known for promoting safety and environmentally friendly practices. Although this extensive marina did not secure the top spot in last year’s competition (the honor went to Montenegro’s Portonovi Marina), it received accolades in different categories, being crowned both Superyacht Marina of the Year and Sustainable Marina of the Year.
Vilamoura offers 825 docks capable of accommodating yachts up to 60 meters long. The area boasts facilities such as a wellness center, upscale shopping options, a golf course, and premium waterfront residences. Additionally, the marina is within easy reach of several beautiful sandy shores. Should your budget not stretch far enough for a megayacht, stroll along the promenade where numerous eateries await. There, treat yourself to a plate of Salmão Grelhado – grilled salmon fillet prepared with herbs, garlic, and lemon.
6. Ocean Marina Jomtien, located in Thailand
The biggest marina in Southeast Asia attracts many yachters as it is close to a resort town.
Pattaya
, on
Thailand's east coast
With over 450 docks able to accommodate boats up to 75 meters long, Ocean Marina Jomtien has been at the heart of local sailing activities since 1989 and features a packed racing calendar. The marina addresses various requirements—from fixing your yacht or stocking it with high-end provisions to finding skilled crew members—and allows sailors to enjoy the consistent climate throughout the year that makes Thailand perfect for marine recreation, whether they choose to sail around close-by destinations like Koh Larn and Koh Khram or venture further out.
In addition to its maritime offerings, the location features dining options including restaurants and bars, with the view being dominated by the Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien hotel. Guests can rent yachts and boats, take sailing lessons, engage in various water sports activities, or go on fishing excursions.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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