Restrictions on travel over the past year have instilled in us all a new found love for our home turf but, if you’ve found yourself tiring of the capital’s packed bars and crowded restaurants, there is a different, more serene way to experience the best London has to offer: from the Thames. There is, after all, nothing quite like the allure of water – especially in a big city – and even if you’ve lived in London your whole life and think you’ve done it all, we bet you’ve never seen it from the deck of your own private yacht.

Based in Imperial Wharf, Chelsea, Illuminate is a 15-metre Azimut Flybridge yacht available for private charter, making for quite possibly the chicest day out London has to offer. Equipped with everything you need for your dream cruise, a meander along the Thames on Illuminate is every bit as glamorous as sailing the Cote d’Azur. In fact, offering a full range of custom charter options coupled with the iconic London skyline, we’d go so far as to say it’s even better.

Accommodating up to 10 guests and with a full crew to look after you, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne on Illuminate’s aft deck before touring the light-filled open-plan main saloon, serene master cabin and open-air top deck which boasts 360-degree views of the capital.

Of course, when it comes to organising a truly memorable day out, food is paramount and, when it comes to dining on board Illuminate, the world is (literally, should you choose) your oyster. Illuminate’s connections with a wide roster of world-class chefs means the yacht can cater for anything from canapés and bowl food to a full-service fine dining meal for up to six people. Have a bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion? The team can create a wine pairing menu to go with your food but are also happy to give your favourite tipples the professional treatment. Cheers!

Representing a new way to explore the city, a private cruise on Illuminate is a fantastically luxurious day out for tourists and locals alike – and a number of charter packages have been devised to help you really make the most of it. Perhaps you’ll invite a leading London mixologist aboard to create bespoke cocktails while you cruise to the soothing tunes of a saxophonist? Or maybe you’ll use your charter to seal the deal with an important client – the yacht’s three distinct areas provide ample space for negotiation and celebration.

Itineraries typically take guests east to see the sights of central London but, with the Hammersmith Bridge now reopened, Illuminate is also able to take a more relaxed route towards Richmond, where water sports can be arranged for those who want to get even closer to the water. Just try not to be too smug as those stuck on land look on in envy.

Of course, it goes without saying that, should you be planning to pop the question, you’d be hard pressed to create a more memorable proposal. The crew will give you plenty of privacy when the big moment arrives and can even arrange for a small band to appear as if by magic to serenade your special evening. Plus, with the Illuminated River Project currently lighting up nine of London’s 14 major bridges, this is undoubtedly the most unique and romantic backdrop in the city. Instagram feeds at the ready…