Luxury gulet yachts offer a charter experience unlike anything else in the Mediterranean. They are built on a tradition of wooden boat-building that stretches back generations along the Turkish coast, yet the finest examples today rival modern superyachts for space, comfort and service. Imagine a 45-metre yacht with gleaming varnished teak decks, a master suite with panoramic windows, a dedicated crew of six or seven, an outdoor lounge large enough for twenty people and a collection of water toys that would keep any family busy for a week – all wrapped in the warm, characterful elegance that only a hand-built wooden yacht can offer. This combination of soul and sophistication is exactly why luxury gulets have become such a sought-after choice for discerning British guests.
The story of the luxury gulet begins in the boatyards of Bodrum and Bozburun, where master shipwrights have shaped wooden hulls by hand for centuries. Traditionally, these builders worked largely by eye, selecting timber such as iroko, mahogany and local pine, steam-bending frames and laying planks with extraordinary precision. Over the last two decades, the most ambitious yards have combined these skills with modern naval architecture, epoxy laminating techniques, powerful engines, stabilisers and sophisticated electrical systems. The result is a new generation of gulets and motorsailers that keep the classic lines and the warmth of wood, but sail more efficiently, run more quietly and offer levels of comfort that would have been unthinkable on the original Blue Voyage boats.
Luxury gulet yachts – exteriors and decks
What Makes a Gulet Truly Luxurious?
Size is only the starting point. A luxury gulet is typically 35 to 55 metres long, but what really defines it is the quality of the space and the service. The cabins are generous, with king-size or queen-size beds, high-quality linen, individually controlled air-conditioning, large en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and premium toiletries, and plenty of storage. The master suite often occupies the full width of the yacht, with its own lounge area and wide windows. Common areas are designed like a fine boutique hotel: an air-conditioned saloon with comfortable sofas, a formal dining area, a fully shaded aft deck, a huge forward sun deck with sunbeds and cushions, and sometimes a flybridge with a jacuzzi, bar and outdoor cinema screen.
Equally important is the crew. On a luxury gulet you can expect a crew of five to eight professionals, including an experienced captain, a talented chef who has often trained in high-end restaurants, a chief stewardess and dedicated deckhands. They anticipate your needs without being intrusive, prepare beautiful meals tailored to your preferences, keep the yacht immaculate and organise everything from sunset cocktails to beach barbecues. Water toys usually include a powerful tender, jet ski or sea bob, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling and diving equipment and towable inflatables, while Wi-Fi, a sound system and satellite TV keep everyone connected when they want to be.
Strong Sailing Performance – Not Just a Floating Hotel
One of the most appealing qualities of a modern luxury gulet is that it is a genuinely capable yacht at sea. Motorsailers in particular are built with deeper keels, more powerful engines and efficient sail plans, which means they can cover longer distances comfortably and handle the summer Meltemi wind with ease. On a breezy afternoon the captain may raise the sails and let the yacht heel gently as she glides across the Gulf of Gökova or towards the Greek islands – a memorable experience that guests rarely get on a motor yacht. At the same time, stabilisers and modern hull designs keep the ride smooth and steady, so even guests who worry about seasickness usually feel completely at ease.
Where to Charter a Luxury Gulet
Bodrum has the largest concentration of luxury gulets and motorsailers in Turkey, which makes it the natural base for a high-end charter – see our best luxury gulets in Bodrum. From here you can explore the Gulf of Gökova, the Datça peninsula and the glamorous D-Maris Bay, or cross to the Greek Dodecanese. Göcek and Fethiye, with their twelve islands and pine-covered coves, are another superb cruising area, while Marmaris and Bozburun offer easy access to Symi and Rhodes. Wherever you start, your captain will tailor the route to your group, and we can arrange VIP airport transfers or even a helicopter arrival.
Inside a luxury gulet – suites, saloons and dining
What Does a Luxury Gulet Charter Cost?
Luxury gulet yachts are priced per week for the whole yacht and crew. In our fleet, high-end gulets of around 40 metres start from about €55,000–€85,000 per week, while the largest and most exclusive motorsailers of 50 metres and more range from around €110,000 to €180,000 or above in peak season. Food and drinks, harbour fees and the crew gratuity are additional. While these figures may sound significant, a luxury gulet accommodating twelve guests can compare very favourably with booking several suites in a top Mediterranean resort – and it includes your own private crew, chef and floating villa that moves to a new bay every day. For full details, see our 2027 charter price guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gulet and a motorsailer?
A motorsailer is a larger, more powerful gulet built for better performance under both engine and sail, usually with more modern interiors and systems.
How many crew are on a luxury gulet?
Typically five to eight, depending on the size of the yacht.
Are luxury gulets suitable for families?
Absolutely – their space, safety features, water toys and attentive crews make them ideal for multi-generational families.
Can we cross to Greece?
Yes, with the correct transit paperwork, which we arrange in advance.
Planning your own week at sea? Discover our gulet and yacht charter in Turkey – private gulets, motor yachts and superyachts from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye, arranged by our team since 2001.