One of the perks of owning or chartering a yacht is experiencing luxury beach set-ups in private/secret spots around the big blue highway. As a Chief Stew, you are the Maestro orchestrating the flawless production of these unique setups so your guests can experience one-of-a-kind luxury beach days.
The key to a successful luxury beach setup is plenty of planning. Here are my top tips to help you with everything from what to pack to the finishing touches. Let's start with the basics; know that you can work up to more creative setups from here.
Must haves Onboard
Reusable/unbreakable Picnic Crockery (go for plastic-free options)
Reusable cups (i.e., Yeti, Corcickles, etc.)
Basic simple Reusable flatware + serving utensils
Flatware Caddie
Tablecloths + clip holders
Foldable table(s)
Foldable trash can
Foldable chairs that also recline
Tents (wind, water, and sun-proof)
Umbrellas + Screws
Food containers with lids (to create a buffet-style setup) + to-go dressing/sauce containers
Insulated delivery bags for food containers (ensure containers fit inside)
Dry backpack for table setup items
Dry backpack for beach towels
Collapsible crate to wash items (plates, flatware, etc.) on the beach
BBQ + cooking utensils
Speakers
Napkins
Dry bags (variety) for personal guest items
Cooler (ideally soft ones that maintain the ice and beverages cold for long periods, Yeti has amazing ones) + floating cooler if desire
Beach Towels
Games/Toys (paddleboards, jet skis, snorkel gear underwater scooter, floats, beach racket set, foot/soccer/volleyball, portable cornhole set, BucketBall, frisbee, playing cards, dominos, etc.)
Collapsable Shovel (to set tents and umbrellas)
Rubber rake (to clean up the setup area)
Machete "Coconut, anyone?"
Simple decór for tables *you can get creative and use what's available at the set-up location.
What to Pack
Interior:
Reusable Picnic Crockery
Reusable cups (i.e., Yeti, Corcickles, etc.)
Reusable straws, if needed
Basic simple Reusable flatware + serving utensils
Flatware Caddie
Tablecloths + clip holders
Foldable trash can
Trash bags
Wine/Bottle opener
Napkins
Paper Towel
Salt & pepper + condiments needed
Flatware caddy and napkins holder
Cameras/drone
Music (MP3 player and Speakers system)
First-Aid Kit
Beverages in coolers
Chefs food in the insulated delivery bag
Long Lighter/cigar cutter/torch/ashtrays (if applicable)
Aluminum foil, if needed
Oven mites, if needed
BBQ + cooking utensils, if needed
Mosquito repellant and sunblock
Dry bags
Collapsible crate to wash items (plates, flatware, etc.) on the beach
Decor as needed
Guests’ sun shirts/rash guards and hats
Guests’ reusable bottles, if applicable
Deck:
Tents
Chairs
Umbrellas
Coolers
Beach Towels
Games/Toys and safety equipment
Defogger for snorkeling masks
Shovel (collapsable)
Rubber rake
Machete
Guests water shoes
How to Pack
Your best friends for a luxury beach setup are the 90L Dry backpacks. I always get one for the beach towels (it lives in the tender unless there are no guests onboard) and another to carry the set-up items (plates, cups, speakers, flatware caddy, etc.). Get them here.
The best way to serve the chef’s food is in glass containers with lids. Get them here. And the easiest way to deliver the food safely is by using a soft collapsable heavy-duty insulated bag. Get it here.
Finishing Touches
A luxury beach setup is about creating a place where the guests’ desires are effortlessly accessible.
When decorating and creating the ambiance/vibe, don't just think about the tables; think of the entire setup, tents, umbrellas, chairs, towels, toys, etc. Team up with the deck crew, who has an excellent eye for outdoor details. Together an impressive set-up will be delivered.
The menu option should always consider the weather. If you know it's scorching hot, do not let the chef create something that will taste or look horrible if it gets heated by the temperature outside, which also applies to cold items that need to be maintained cold while serving. Maintain the food in the insulated bags to keep it hot/cold until the guests are ready to indulge in them.
The easiest way to serve a cocktail on the beach is to create a drink of the day, make it onboard, and take it to the beach on a beverage dispenser.
If you plan to have your guest on La Playa until sunset, please remember that you must combat mosquitoes and create lighting and ambiance. Think of a mosquito net over the tent, tiki torches, and giant lanterns with candles.
Don't Forget
To check the weather.
Pick a location that will ensure your set-up will be successful. More than likely, the deck crew will be in charge of this, but it is always good to get one of the girls on the tender and check the location before setting up.
If you're an eco-friendly boat and your guests have reusable water bottles bring water for them inside a beverage dispenser. Get the one I use here.
Always clean and reset your beach bags to be prepared for the next day's setup.
Communication is the key to delivering the best luxury beach experience. Please speak with your guests before boarding to ensure you have all they will need for their one-of-a-kind beach experience. Maintain an open conversation between your interior team and other departments and always ask how we can improve.
Don't forget about the crew serving the guests while on the beach; they need sunblock, water, and food too!
Finally, to ensure you create an unforgettable luxury beach set-up, download the Mermaids Kick-Starter Bible and get my personal Beach Set-Up Checklist, plus over 90 interior management templates. Download your MKSB here.
