Magic Johnson, the NBA legend and business mogul, has once again captured the spotlight with his annual summer vacation, a luxurious Mediterranean adventure that has become the stuff of legend. In 2022, Johnson, along with his wife Cookie and a star-studded group of friends including Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson and rapper LL Cool J, embarked on an unforgettable journey aboard the Solandge, a 279-foot superyacht that charters for a staggering $1.1 million per week. This opulent getaway, centered around the sun-drenched Greek islands, offered a blend of extravagance, cultural exploration, and A-list camaraderie, as documented through vibrant social media posts that left fans in awe.
The Solandge, a masterpiece of maritime engineering built by Lurssen in 2013, served as the perfect floating palace for Johnson and his entourage. With a crew of 29 catering to up to 12 guests, the yacht boasts an array of amenities designed for indulgence. From a spacious sundeck with a jacuzzi and day bar to a cinema room with an 85-inch flat-screen television, the vessel transforms effortlessly from a serene cruiser to a pulsating nightclub, complete with a DJ booth, smoke machine, and light show. The interior, crafted by Rodriguez Interiors, exudes elegance, while the exterior, designed by Espen Oeino, ensures the yacht stands out as a beacon of luxury on the Mediterranean waters. For Johnson, who has made these summer voyages a tradition, the Solandge provided an ideal base for exploring Greece’s iconic destinations.
The journey began in Athens, where Johnson and LL Cool J embraced the city’s rich history. The group posed for a memorable photo outside the Acropolis, wielding swords, spears, and shields alongside a man dressed in ancient Greek warrior attire. Johnson shared his appreciation for Greece’s culture, history, and warm hospitality, noting a personal call from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who inquired about their experience. “I told the Prime Minister it’s been amazing and life-changing!” Johnson tweeted, highlighting the profound impact of the trip. From Athens, the group sailed to idyllic islands like Zakynthos and Santorini, where they dined at local gems such as Komis Fish Tavern and enjoyed breathtaking views.
The vacation was not just about sightseeing but also about celebration. One highlight was a lively Soul Train-themed party on the yacht’s deck, where Johnson, Jackson, and LL Cool J donned colorful wigs and ties, dancing under the Greek sun. Social media captured the infectious energy, with LL Cool J’s videos showcasing the yacht’s amenities and the group’s high spirits. The rapper’s captions, such as “You have limitless potential,” added an inspirational twist to the lavish displays, while Jackson’s humorous hashtags like #yachtyyachtyyachty brought a playful vibe. The group also marked special occasions, including a barbecue on a private beach and a fireworks display orchestrated by the Solandge’s crew, ensuring every moment was unforgettable.
Johnson’s vacations are known for their star-studded guest lists, and this trip was no exception. Alongside Jackson and LL Cool J, the group included their spouses, LaTanya Jackson and Simone Smith, as well as friends like Richard and Tina Lawson and John and Vicki Palmer. The camaraderie was evident in group photos, whether overlooking Zakynthos or enjoying a meal at a seaside tavern. These annual trips, which Johnson has organized for over a decade, often feature other celebrities like Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete, and in previous years, stars like Steve Harvey and Michael Jordan. The 2022 voyage, however, stood out for its vibrant blend of cultural immersion and unrestrained luxury.
The Solandge’s price tag of $1.1 million per week reflects its status as one of the world’s most exclusive charters, yet for Johnson, a billionaire with investments in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sparks, and Commanders, it’s a worthy splurge. The yacht’s water toys, including jet skis and kayaks, and its wellness facilities, like a massage room, ensured every guest’s comfort. As the group sailed from Greece to other Mediterranean stops, they indulged in local cuisine, from fresh sea bass to lobster, making each port a culinary adventure. Johnson’s social media posts, filled with gratitude and enthusiasm, painted a picture of a man savoring life’s finest moments with those closest to him.
This lavish Greek vacation underscores Magic Johnson’s knack for blending extravagance with meaningful experiences. His ability to bring together friends, family, and cultural exploration on such a grand scale is a testament to his larger-than-life persona. As fans followed along on Instagram and Twitter, the trip became more than a getaway—it was a celebration of friendship, success, and the beauty of Greece, all aboard a $150 million superyacht that epitomized the pinnacle of luxury.
