Mediaboss Marketing

This story first appeared in the May 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

There could be no better antidote to post-Cannes overload than to charter a yacht and set off across the Mediterranean for a stylish respite at sea.

Setting up a yacht trip requires some basic how-tos: First, reach out to an elite charter company. Some of the best are Y.Co (Y.co), Burgess (BurgessYachts.com), Elite (EliteYacht.com) and Fraser (FraserYachts.com). Next, discuss the many options, from the size of the boat and design (from contemporary to classic to art deco) to type (sailing or power) and number of bedrooms (most yachts accommodate eight to 12 guests). If your teenagers are into water activities, check what's on board, such as jet bikes or paddleboards. Then, work out what should be provisioned for the trip, from flowers to drinks and food (such as all organic, if desired).

As far as what is included in the overall charter fee -- which can start in the high five figures and easily run to three-quarters of a million dollars for a mega-yacht -- crew salaries and, typically, having the yacht brought to your embarkation choice are included, but taxes, fuel and marina fees aren't. A deposit also must be put down to cover provisions; called an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), it's typically 25 percent of the charter fee. Between taxes and provisioning, the price of a trip often can jump 50 percent above the charter fee.

Finally, work out the itinerary (reputable charter companies are well versed in recommending ports of call, sightseeing highlights and natural wonders not to miss) and number of days of travel. Just make sure to bring a chic pair of soft-soled shoes, then take off to one of these six hot destinations (most will take at least a day to reach at a typical cruising speed of 15 knots).

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AMALFI, ITALY

The Amalfi coast remains the quintessential Mediterranean experience, with magnificent hillsides plunging to the sea and hairpin roads twisting up and down past lemon trees. "It's hard to imagine a more beautiful and charming place, especially after the madness of Cannes," says Irena Medavoy, a regular, of a region that has welcomed everyone from Julius Caesar and Jackie O to honeymooners Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. At the new Monastero Santa Rosa (rooms from $450 a night) in a 17th century monastery near Amalfi, breakfast is served on the rosemary-lined terrace. In Ravello, the leafy and luxe Hotel Caruso (rooms from $699) just launched "La Dolce Vita," a series of experiences designed to embody Italia's glam '50s and '60s, including a drive in a vintage Fiat 600 while stopping to browse former guest Jackie O's favorite shops. Although tourists choke the streets of Amalfi and Ravello, picturesque ports likes Massa Lubrense often are overlooked. Head to the dockside charmer Lo Scoglio for plates of spaghetti with clams and zucchini.

FORTE DEI MARMI, ITALY

More here:
Cannes: 6 Hot Mediterranean Yacht Trips (Even for Non-Billionaires)