Inside the exclusive Princess Yachts event held in a tropical paradise

Imagine cruising through the tropics on a luxurious Princess yacht with crystal-clear azure water, pearl-white sand and palm tree-lined islands as far as the eye can see.

Then add in 60 yachting enthusiasts, 11 majestic vessels, free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fresh Australian seafood, and it becomes an idyll for the Princess Yachts Australia Rendezvous 2021 Hayman Island.

Despite strict border restrictions due to COVID-19, the annual three-day owner event proved to be a magnificent success, delivering unforgettable experiences and attracting a fleet of boats from 16–30 metres in length.

As an exclusive way to celebrate Princess Yachts and its loyal devotees, guests arrived after cruising north from the Gold Coast, through the Great Barrier Reef and up to the picturesque Whitsunday island, stopping along the way at Tangalooma, Mooloolaba, Lady Musgrave Island, Fitzroy Island, Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach.

The majority of guests slept in absolute luxury at Mulpha’s opulent InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, with some opting to spend the warm nights in the comfort of their own private boats. And those who were waiting for their new boats to be delivered certainly didn’t miss out on nautical fulfilment, instead having the chance to explore other guests’ vessels.

A cocktail party at Hayman Island’s pool restaurant Aqua (supported in part by Awlgrip Paint) served as the perfect place for guests to mingle and network with like-minded business leaders and executives, all with one shared common interest: Princess Yachts.

Surrounded by lily-padded lagoons, swaying palm trees and a vibrant rainforest, the alfresco dinner was hosted at Pool Lanai where a bounty of fresh seafood and French Champagne was enjoyed (supported in part by Volvo Penta).

After the golden sunrise the following morning, guests prepared to cruise to Chance Bay – just north of Hayman Island, where Princess Yachts’ signature event awaited.

The beach lunch by Fish D’Vine (supported in part by Seakeeper) provided another unique opportunity for guests to experience the stunning boats firsthand, all the while learning expert tricks from seasoned crew. For the thrillseekers, adults and children tried their hands at jetskiing, kneeboarding and flyboarding, while others spent hours enjoying some of Queensland’s finest seafood. If that wasn’t enough, guests also got a feel for the new Bentley Continental GT, which shone in the warm golden hues of the Queensland sunshine.

After two jam-packed days, the third day of the exclusive event was one for guests to explore the resort. Children were entertained by Planet Trekkers Kids Club where the youngsters fed fish, enjoyed beach activities and made wood-fired pizza with the chefs at Amici Trattoria.

The relaxing day was topped off the only way it can be on a tropical island – with a cocktail party beside an infinity pool. As the sun went down across the Whitsunday Islands, guests enjoyed cocktails, signature tangerine flutes bubbling with crisp Veuve Clicquot and delectable canapes at the Bam Bam Lawn, hosted by Hayman Estates and the Sanctuary Cove Marina.

And as a blissful way to ease back into reality, guests spent their final morning lounging in the cabanas gazing out at the ocean before grazing on a hawker-style lunch boasting fresh seafood, sushi, cured meats including salami, and a barbecue of smoked lamb cutlets, chicken, prawns, steak and sausages accompanied by the fruity Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé (supported by The CEO Magazine).

Attracting a number of leading business executives, the annual event gave a taste of what life with Princess Yachts can offer. For many, the British-crafted vessels provide the ultimate escape from the stressful C-suite environment as well as giving children’s little eyes a break from technology.

The 55-year-old ship brand creates lifelong memories through exceptional adventures. As a way to protect the fragile oceanic ecosystem, Princess Yachts became the first luxury yacht manufacturer to officially partner with the Marine Conservation Society, where it’s working to safeguard the ocean for future generations – continuing the mission of celebrating friends, family and the finer things in life.

Want to turn your Princess Yachts dream into reality? Surround yourself with like-minded people at the Princess Yachts Australia Rendezvous 2022 here, or explore what it’s like to own a luxury yacht with The Voyage video series.