The rise of the sabbatical at sea
The rise of the sabbatical at sea
Published 29 October 2026
Discover the rise of immersive, purpose-driven yacht experiences, as sabbaticals at sea become the ultimate way to explore, learn and reconnect.
Gone are the days when sabbaticals were reserved for academics. Today, more individuals are stepping away from the demands of daily life not simply to disconnect, but to engage more deeply with the world through adventure, education and personal reinvention.
Unlike traditional vacations, these journeys are often shaped around pivotal life moments, from selling a company to taking a pause between ventures. Rather than rushing into what comes next, clients are choosing to invest in time: to explore, learn, reset and return with a renewed sense of perspective.
For those considering a sabbatical, taking one at sea offers something genuinely different. With a yacht at your disposal, you have unmatched flexiblity, privacy, access to remote destinations and the ability to tailor experiences. No unpacking and repacking at each destination, no lengthy journeys between accommodation – everything travels with you, seamlessly.
When travelling as a family, spending an entire summer at sea is a compelling alternative to traditional camps and short-term travel, creating immersive shared experiences that leave a lasting impact. For children, the global perspective shaped by real-world exposure offers something a classroom cannot: the chance to study marine ecosystems firsthand, explore ancient civilisations or navigate remote coastlines. In many ways, these journeys provide an opportunity for children to unlock a depth of understanding and curiosity that cannot be replicated in a classroom
The Burgess | JORO partnership
‘Today’s travellers are seeking more than escape, they want meaning,’ describes Tim Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at Burgess. ‘This partnership with JORO allows us to curate experiences that are intellectually and emotionally enriching, all while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and service.’
In a world where time is the ultimate luxury, sabbaticals are no longer simply extended journeys. They are carefully structured ways of living across time, place and pace. Burgess provides freedom, access and expertise at sea, while JORO ensures the same level of intent carries beyond the coastline, shaping each inland chapter, transition and shift in rhythm.
As Henry Comyn, Managing Director of JORO, explains: ‘The partnership adds another layer of flexibility and access. It allows us to select the right yachts in the right locations and combine them with exceptional properties and experiences on land. Moving between the two creates natural shifts in pace and experience. Each chapter feels distinct.’
With Burgess’ access to the yachting industry’s most exceptional charter fleets and JORO’s approach to experiential travel, this partnership allows clients to enjoy deeply customised journeys that blend adventure, culture and intellectual discovery into a seamless experience. Whether travelling alongside scientists and naturalists, gaining rare access to cultural institutions or exploring remote regions of the world, each itinerary is shaped around the client’s interests and pace.
Sabbatical inspiration
Your sabbatical might begin cruising Croatia aboard KOGO before continuing into the Swiss Alps, then onward through Greece aboard CLELIA III. From there, the journey could unfold across East Africa, Madagascar and Bhutan, before returning to sea aboard OCTAVE in South East Asia. French Polynesia and Australia are explored aboard AIX, while New Zealand’s landscapes of contrasts are discovered from the comfort of a luxury lodge, concluding your sojourn on board the iconic catamaran HEMISPHERE in the Caribbean.
With a Burgess sabbatical, each chapter is connected as part of a larger narrative rather than a series of separate bookings.
With JORO connecting land and sea, each destination becomes part of one cohesive journey, linking experiences on shore with time on board to create a deeper sense of place. From yoga instructors and marine biologists to wildlife photographers, local specialists can join at key moments, bringing a different perspective to the places you visit. Your personal chef can continue that connection on board, tailoring menus around the flavours and ingredients of each destination. The result is a journey that feels connected from beginning to end, with each experience naturally shaped by the place you are exploring.
Behind the sabbatical
We go behind the scenes with Elise Ciappara, Senior Travel Designer and Yacht Expedition Specialist at JORO and Burgess Partnership Lead, as she discusses what it takes to plan these incredible extended trips.
What defines a well-designed sabbatical today?
At its core, it is about transformation, gaining knowledge and shared experiences. For many clients, particularly families, it is one of the few times they’re able to be together meaningfully, without the usual pressures of daily life.
The starting point is the big picture: how long do they want to travel for and what do they want to get out of it? Whether that is time together as a family, or something more personal. There are always non-negotiables, sometimes very simple ones like avoiding cold weather. From there, it becomes about shaping something that works over time, not just in moments.
How do you structure something that has to flex over time?
We start with a concept that spans the full length of the trip. We then break that into chapters, often by country or month. Each has its own personality and level of structure. Some things are planned well in advance. Others are left open. That balance allows us to secure key moments while leaving space to adjust as things evolve.
What allows that flexibility to work in practice?
It comes down to how the journey is managed. We’re effectively project managing the entire sabbatical, often alongside a family office and support team. That includes everything from flights and visas to practical considerations like managing different sets of luggage.
It also means being ready to pivot. Weather changes. Circumstances change. The chapter-based structure allows us to adapt quickly, whether reshaping part of the journey or finding alternatives through our global network. The goal is that the client feels none of that complexity.
What do people underestimate about travelling for months at a time?
How tiring it can be. There is often an assumption that longer travel means easier travel, but extended time away brings its own challenges. People miss being at home more than they expect. We think carefully about how to make that manageable. That might mean building in slower periods, staying longer in one place, and creating a sense of rhythm.
We also think about small, familiar details. Things that anchor people. That might be ensuring they can receive a particular newspaper, or that regular calls with family are protected. It’s those details that stop a six-month journey from becoming overwhelming.
Unlock the world with Burgess | JORO
To explore what travelling differently with Burgess and JORO could look like, and to begin planning your own sabbatical, get in touch.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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