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These Luxury Hotels Have Their Own In-house Yachts

Don't forget to pack your nautical ascot.

Get a little more from your next seaside getaway by booking a luxury hotel with the ultimate swanky amenity: an in-house yacht .

Seriously, why just gawk at the ocean views when you can be whisked away for an immersive, open-water experience instead? From Thailand to Turks and Caicos, Marbella to the Maldives, these opulent hotels offer charters on private yachts for hourly, daily, and multiday itineraries, with excursion options that only add to the dreamy experience.

7Pines Resort, Ibiza

Ibiza may be best-known for its parties, but it can also be a prime place for relaxation, as exhibited by 7Pines Resort , where nature and luxury define your stay. This cliffside property over the Mediterranean Sea provides guests with sweeping views and a further opportunity to be among the vista in one of its Pershing Yachts. The Pershing 5X and Pershing 9X combine futuristic elements courtesy of the Ferretti Group and Fulvio de Simoni, ensuring aerodynamic, incredibly smooth sailing. One of the most popular charters runs to Formentera Island, considered Ibiza's little sister, where guests can enjoy a sleepier, coastal atmosphere, with lunch at a beachside restaurant.

InterContinental Hayman Island, Australia

A trip to the Whitsundays puts you in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef — a natural wonder stretching over 1,400 miles. Therefore, a yachting adventure is not just recommended but inherently mandatory. At InterContinental Hayman Island — the Whitsundays' northernmost inhabited island — a range of private vessels from 50- to 100-feet, await to bring you even farther out to sea. Yachts like the Ocean Affinity run excursions to the region's most popular attractions, including diving the Great Barrier Reef, a leisure day anchored along the powdery white shore of Whitehaven Beach, or a sunset cruise with Champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos

There's something about the luxury of a hotel brunch that's indescribable. The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos elevates that feeling by offering Sunday brunch cruises aboard its sailing catamaran, Lady Grace . Named after the hotel's location along Grace Bay — known for shallow, warm, aquamarine waters — the 64-foot catamaran glides through the waters gently enough to not disrupt your eggs Benedict. Lady Grace is also available for bespoke tours and activities from reef snorkeling, sunset cruises, gourmet picnics, and visits to deserted beaches.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Thailand

In the Andaman Sea, the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort provides access to the dozens of islands found here with its 36-foot Sunseeker 90 Yacht, Major Affair. Running private trips for up to eight passengers, Major Affair offers a variety of unique packages, from a day anchored at Phi Phi Island, to snorkeling around the Similan Islands, to a visit to Phang Nga Bay, where the 1974 James Bond Movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun," was filmed — or simply a day lounging on the sundeck as you putt through a landscape punctuated by mountainous limestone karst.

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Spain

Along the Costa del Sol of Spain, Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa offers not one but two sailing yachts for guests to charter. Lacruz and Revolution are a hybrid of luxury and sport, featuring contemporary amenities like a spacious outdoor shower, guest cabins, and a large solarium. There are also paddle boards and surfboards, among other water sports accessories for exploring the Mediterranean, on board. Daily experiences on both luxury vessels are powered by the wind, allowing a serene sail against the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca Mountains, Gibraltar rock, and even the African coastline on the horizon.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Ithaafushi

Over-water villas are a renowned stationary way to experience the Maldives' vast marine life, but for a more immersive opportunity, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers its 56-foot yacht. Available for day charters, experiences range from cruising to private beaches for a day of relaxation, coral conservation activities, diving with manta rays, and private sunset charters where guests can sip Champagne as the fiery sun melts into the atolls.

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Pangkor Laut Resort offers unparalleled views and access to the Straits of Malacca on this privately owned island of Malaysia. Its in-house yacht, YTL Lady II , can be chartered for custom itineraries throughout the year, but perhaps its most famed offering is The Straits to Luxury Experience, a five-day, four-night charter that cruises guests from the Pangkor Laut property to Phuket. Only available from December to May, the 85-foot boat is staffed with a private hostess and a chef.

D-Hotel Maris, Turkey

The Datça Peninsula is recognizable as the place where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. D-Hotel Maris honors this by providing guests with three yachts to charter to experience the aquatic destination to its fullest. The 53-foot Alia Open Sea motor yacht offers speed for day outings, as does the 55-foot Azimut , while the 100-foot wooden sailing yacht, Ubi Bene , is suited for a relaxing sail to sights like the Blue Lagoon and the Sunken City of Kekova. Aquatic sports like kayak tours, wakeboarding, and diving are also available, so building a personalized open-water itinerary is encouraged.

Rosewood Baha Mar, Bahamas

Stationed along the fine-sand beaches of the Bahamas' New Providence Island, Baha Mar encompasses three hotels: SLS Baha Mar , Rosewood Baha Mar , and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar . With a total of 2,300 rooms, a multitude of restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as pools and beachfront, there's certainly no shortage of activity on land, but the at-sea experiences on offer are unmatched. Guests at any of the properties can choose from two luxury yachts available for private charter: the 213-foot super yacht, Eternity I , ideal for larger groups and longer excursions (including multiday trips around the islands), and the 65-foot Eternity II , which typically runs leisure day trips that include diving, fishing, and cruising around the Bahamian waters.

Canaves Oia, Santorini

A collection of five hotels throughout Oia, Santorini, Canaves Oia is a family-owned brand offering something for everyone, including yachting getaways. The brand's fleet of yachts includes three luxury vessels that are exclusively accessible for guests staying at any of the properties on Santorini, from its newest property Canaves Oia Epitome to its founding hotel, Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel. Various journeys include tours to the Santorini volcano, snorkeling at the red beach, or wading in the azure waters of the white beach, as well as planning for experiences on board, like romantic proposals surrounded by the Aegean sea and private parties. Once the guest decides on their activity, all they need to choose is the yacht: 73-foot Alexandros , 55-foot My Way , or 43-foot Pardo .

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• Luxury Yacht Hotels...

Luxury Yacht Hotels

Last updated on Jun 27, 2022

For many, spending a night on a yacht is a refreshing break from the norm. The breeze is fresh, views are stunning, and you get to experience various destinations from a unique perspective. While all of this can be enjoyed from most boats, it is all the more worthwhile aboard a luxury yacht hotel. 

On board a yacht hotel, you are able to enjoy the freedom of the ocean, as well as the elegance and comfort of a  luxury resort  or hotel. It also offers a sense of tranquility and exclusivity as the yachts are often docked in a secluded location. 

Around the world, there are a number of lovely accommodations on the sea. From a two-bedroom private yacht hotel to a high-end superyacht, we will highlight some of our best picks.   

So, grab your flip-flops and your sunnies and get ready for an adventure like no other. 

• Royal Victoria Dock, London, United Kingdom

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

For those seeking a luxury experience, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is a great option. Sunborn pioneered the original floating hotel in 1988 and has since created a number of bespoke yacht hotels.

This yacht hotel is docked in Royal Victoria Dock in London, just 7 minutes by airport shuttle from London City Airport and the Canary Wharf. The Sunborn London boasts a sleek exterior, showcasing polished decks and dazzling walls of glass. Inside, each space is thoughtfully designed for luxury and comfort.

The Sunborn London provides around 10,000 square meters of floor space. On the yacht, you will find a range of high-end suites and restaurants, as well as conference and event facilities.

The Sunborn hotel London is also a great spot for a midweek staycation. Leave all your worries behind, relax and enjoy a peaceful retreat aboard one of the world’s best luxury yachts. From the decks of this yacht hotel, take in sweeping views of the London town and Royal Docks, along with your beverage of choice.

• Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Aphrodite Cruise Luxury Yacht

Named after the Goddess of Beauty, the Aphrodite Cruise boasts an irresistible charm and elegant appearance that can mesmerize even the pickiest of tourists. This luxury yacht hotel sits comfortably in the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

Since its establishment in 2013, the Aphrodite Cruise continues to grow in popularity and has become a favorite amongst many luxury travelers.

The Aphrodite Cruise is a wonderful boutique yacht hotel housing 17 comfortable and stylish cabins. There are both “Suite” and “Luxury” cabins available, all featuring a balcony. Each of the cabins features a stunning, handcrafted wooden design paired with various Vietnamese themes.

Aboard the Aphrodite Cruise, you will find unparalleled serenity as you immerse yourself in a landscape distinguished by limestone, islets, and karsts. Enjoy two to three days taking in the surrounding scenery, enjoying some delicious Vietnamese food and some refreshing drinks. Other amenities and activities include free movies, board games, Tai Chi, and kayaking.

• Marina Bay, Gibraltar

Lady Anita Luxury Yacht Hotels

The Lady Anita is a 54ft luxury yacht, comfortably docked in a peaceful and exclusive location within Gibraltar’s prestigious Marina Bay. From this luxury yacht hotel, you can enjoy the warm Mediterranean weather and views of the picturesque surroundings.

The yacht has two bedrooms, one of which has its own en-suite. Each room is well-equipped with the latest technologies, boasting a classy yet modern design. Amenities include a large salon with a wrap-around sofa, a kitchenette, a top deck sun terrace, free wifi and an external swimming platform.

From Lady Anita, you can enjoy the calm waters of Marina Bay or visit the popular Ocean Village resort, which is right on your doorstep. The yacht is also five minutes away from the city center, where you will find a lovely selection of restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs.

This yacht hotel is ideal for couples who wish to be near to the local amenities but away from all the noise.

• Ocean Village, Gibraltar

Sunborn Gibraltar

Another luxury yacht hotel on Western Europe’s southernmost tip is the magnificent five-star Sunborn Gibraltar. Under the same company that introduced the well-renowned Sunborn London, you can expect nothing but elegance and class from this accommodation. This superyacht takes full advantage of Marina Bay’s exclusive setting, providing guests with a luxury experience like no other.

This 142-meter yacht houses 189 lavishly appointed rooms together with banqueted suites, a restaurant, bars, and a cocktail lounge. Other amenities this yacht offers include a lovely, tranquil pool, spa and wellness center, and a sun deck. Guests at Sunborn Gibraltar are provided an opportunity to enjoy the ultimate indulgent luxury yacht hotel experience.

Surrounding the yacht, you will discover panoramic vistas. These can also be viewed from the summit of the rocks nearby, which is within 15 minutes from the yacht hotel, the beach, and ancient lime caves.

• Mediterranean, Caribbean, and several other locations

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Set sail on a trip on board one of the Ritz-Carlton yacht cruises. This luxury yacht hotel combines the prestige of the Ritz-Carlton hotels with the casual freedom of a boating vacation.

Ritz-Carlton offers three bespoke voyages, exposing passengers to some famous international locations. Options include the Luxury Caribbean Voyage, Luxury Mediterranean Voyage, and Luxury Crossing Voyage. Each of these offers an unforgettable trip, exploring various hidden luxury travel hotspots .

The Ritz-Carlton cruise offers a number of spacious and luxurious suites. Each suite features a private terrace, a stunning living and dining area, a bedroom, and a double-vanity bathroom. Guests staying on board the Ritz-Carlton yachts are appointed a personal concierge who will see that your trip is flawless from start to finish.

There is also a range of different restaurants on the yacht, each with a unique theme and delicious gourmet food. And if you’d prefer a night in, there is an in-suite dining option so you can enjoy these delicious meals from the comfort of your room.

For more information, or to book a room, visit the Ritz-Carlton website.

• Los Angeles, California

The Queen Mary Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Long Beach is The Queen Mary Hotel. This large ship was constructed in Scotland in the 1930s. Today, it sits in Los Angeles and continues to showcase its rich history, elegance, and grandeur. For those looking for someplace central from which to explore the famous city, this is an ideal spot.

This iconic floating hotel is home to 346 bedrooms. Each of these rooms is tastefully furnished and provides everything you will need for a comfortable stay. And while the rooms are great, what’s outside of it is even better. Throughout the yacht is a wide selection of top-class facilities, including a restaurant, a spa, a fitness center, and plenty more.

Guests are also able to organize tours through the hotel. Some popular nearby Los Angeles attractions that can be enjoyed are the Aquarium of the Pacific, Catalina Island, Modern Emporium, and One Dollar Bookstore.

The Queen Mary Hotel is also one of few pet-friendly boat hotels. This service is available to cats and dogs under 25 lbs and costs $75 USD (flat-rate). This way, you will not have to leave your furry friends at home.

• Chobe River, Namibia

Zambezi Queen

Experience the magic of Africa on board this luxury, all-inclusive hotel. The Zambezi Queen is a luxurious floating hotel located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. With 14 tasteful and elegant rooms, all with outer decks, take in uninterrupted views of the unique African landscape and beyond.

The Zambezi Queen provides a safari experience like no other. When you wake up in the morning on board this floating home, you can expect to see an array of animals – all from the comfort of your bed.

You can choose between two packages when planning a vacation on the Zambezi Queen – namely the Two Night Stay and Three Night Stay. Each of these packages follows a flexible itinerary comprising a range of activities. Some of these activities include game viewing, bird watching, and fishing.

While you are spending two to three days in the wilderness, the Zambezi Queen ensures you have a comfortable stay. With its standard and master suites, the boat aims to provide a luxury boutique hotel experience to guests. Each of the rooms is thoughtfully designed and features plenty of amenities, including a front-facing balcony and free wifi. From here, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, take photos and gaze at the elephants on the riverbank.

• Mykonos, Greece

Boat Aiolis

If you’re seeking something romantic, then be sure to check out Boat Aiolis. This sailing boat provides a luxurious home just off the coast of mainland Greece. While it is far smaller than most of the ones covered in this list, it provides a unique and secluded experience – perfect for couples and honeymooners.

This cruise aims to provide guests with what its founders call the Aiolis Experience. This experience involves introducing guests to the traditional Mediterranean beauty of the Greek islands. Stunning vistas, traditional Greek gastronomy, and a secluded beach that can only be reached by sea are some of the things you can enjoy on this trip.

The Boat Aiolis features three rooms – a deluxe suite and two standard double rooms. Each room boasts an elegant design and includes everything you’d expect of a luxury cruise accommodation. Guests can also enjoy the sun terrace or hop off and go snorkeling in the Greek sea.

• Lymington, United Kingdom

Y-Knot Boatel

The Y-Knot is a luxurious 34-foot, two-bedroom cruiser that sits in one of the finest marinas on the south coast – Lymington Yacht Haven. The Y-Knot stays securely tied up in her berth and is all yours for the duration of your stay.

However, if you wish to get out onto the water, the Y-Knot is available for half and full-day private charter trips. This comes at an additional cost and is carried out by a professional skipper and crew. So, you can easily combine a luxury vacation and a pleasure cruise, enjoying all that Lymington and New Forest have to offer.

The Y-Knot is a relatively small boat and is best suited to couples or small groups. There are two rooms available, both sleeping two people. The rooms are not the most spacious, however, they offer everything you will need for a comfortable night on the dock’s calm waters. On the deck, the Y-Knot Boatel can seat up to 10 people and features a dining table and stereo system.

• Sheffield, United Kingdom

Houseboat Hotels

Another unique floating hotel in the United Kingdom is the award-winning Houseboat Hotels. These three-star homes are comfortably docked in Sheffield’s Victoria Quays. These cozy, individually decorated houseboats are an ideal spot for anyone visiting Sheffield, as the city center is just 5 kilometers away.

There are two houseboats on offer – Laila Mai and Millie Grace. These boats are newly refurbished and individually designed to provide guests with all the comforts of a home. Each of the boats is heated and features a fully-equipped kitchen for self-catering. At an additional cost, guests can enjoy full English or continental breakfasts.

From the Quays, there is plenty to see and do. Follow the towpath walk along the Sheffield Canal river system, admiring the city’s beauty and industrial heritage. Guests are also provided discounted entry to the Hilton Hotel’s Living Well Health Club, which includes a pool, gym, steam room, and hot tub.

If you do not wish to head out, simply relax and dine on the boat’s large canopy. Eat delicious food, drink good wine, and enjoy stunning views of the Sheffield city center oasis.

• Fuzeta, Portugal

Barco Casa Fuzeta Luxury Yachts

Anchored amidst the Ria Formosa Natural Park in Portugal are several lovely self-catering boats. This yacht hotel offers a unique sense of tranquility as you sit surrounded by calm turquoise waters. And above you, a clear sky that is scattered with stars at night.

Barco Casa Fuzeta offers three houseboats, each offering something different. The Barra Velha is the largest, sleeping up to six adults and four children. Following this is Culatra Island, which sleeps up to two adults and two children. And lastly, for couples and honeymooners, there is the wonderful Barra Nova, which sleeps a maximum of two adults. Each of these floating homes is eco-friendly and is thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable stay. The boats generally feature an indoor dining area, kitchenette, and an outdoor terrace with a solarium. The Barra Velha boat also features a mini swimming pool. While the other two do not have pools, the water surrounding the boat is more than inviting.

There are also a number of complimentary activities, so you can enjoy the Ria Formosa to the fullest. These can be added to your stay when making your booking. Activities include dolphin watching, observation of marine life, sport fishing, and tours of the Natural Park. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, Barco Casa Fuzeta has something for everyone.

• Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hotel Asile Flottant

Asile Flottant is a collection of characteristic luxury hotel boats docked in the shallow waters of the Ceuvel, a former shipyard located in Amsterdam. This creative hotspot provides an ideal location, just minutes away from the historic city center. This way, you are able to enjoy all that the city has to offer, without getting caught up in all the noise. After a thrilling night out, come back and enjoy a drink before dozing off in your vintage cabin.

In total, there are six boats and luxury yachts from which you can choose. These vary in size, with some sleeping two to four guests and others sleeping between six and eight people. Each of these historic vessels boasts a unique design that wonderfully embraces the Dutch heritage.

For couples, we recommend staying at the Anneliese boat hotel. Like the other boats, the Anneliese has a stunning exterior. While the exterior comprises mostly industrial steel and ancient wood, the inside is a lovely romantic bubble. This luxury yacht hotel provides a secluded spot, perfect for a spontaneous getaway.

Other boats include De Amsterdam, Les Six Frères, De La Soul, Holland VII, and UK 85. These boats are larger than the Anneliese and are best suited to families or groups of friends. Regardless of which boat you decide to stay in, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience amidst the aura of Amsterdam.

• Bastimentos, Panama

Domicil Yacht Hotel

On board the Domicil luxury yacht hotel, you can enjoy the absolute luxury of a private yacht with the services of a five-star hotel. Docked at the five-star Red Frog beach resort in Panama, you get the best of both worlds. An exclusive yacht experience, as well as full access to one of the best resorts in Panama.

This is a highly secluded hotel as it only caters to two adults at a time. During your stay, you will have a personal chef who will attend to your every need. In the mornings, enjoy your breakfast alfresco on the deck. During sunset and in between meals, enjoy a fixed selection of appetizers and wines, all while marveling at panoramic views of the horizon.

Guests staying on board the Domicil yacht hotel are provided exclusive access to a lovely selection of activities. This includes board games, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboards. For prudent drivers, the yacht’s tender is available for private rides in the area. Note that some of these come at additional charges.

Surrounding your yacht hotel are the isles of Bocas del Toro. Here you will find an array of upscale villas, stunning beaches, and natural wonders – all of which can be enjoyed throughout your stay.

• Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

Le Pirate Boatel

Le Pirate Boatel brings you a refreshing floating escape from reality, located just 10 minutes from Labuan Bajo. This boat has 10 absolute waterfront cabins, each fitted with a private deck, hammock, and a swim ladder. On-site, on the upper deck, is a lovely BBQ restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy.

Le Pirate Boatel is connected to the harbor and has a free shuttle boat to take guests back and forth. From the harbor, guests can venture into the bustling city or take part in a variety of fun activities on the mainland. Some of these include canoeing, paddleboards, rock fishing, snorkeling, beach explorations, and day tours.

After a fun day out, return to your cabin, kick back with a drink, and watch the sunset. Once night falls, enjoy a good night’s sleep under the stars.

Summary: Best Luxury Yacht Hotel

The luxury yachts covered in this article each offer a unique experience and provide a lovely escape away from the everyday norm. Whether you’re planning a long trip aboard a luxury all-inclusive cruise or a midweek staycation, the options provided are sure to have you covered. 

Whichever yacht hotel you choose to visit, we encourage you to relax, eat delicious food, and enjoy good company. And remember to bring along your sunscreen. 

For another unique and peaceful retreat, check out these amazing  luxury snow hotels . 

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MEET US IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Whether the sophistication of Cannes is calling or you crave the seclusion of a secret cove in Malta, our new Rivieras and Adriatic voyages unveil jewels of the Mediterranean.

Featured Voyages

The Rivieras featuring Cassis and Portofino

Available dates.

Lesser Antilles featuring Curaçao & Martinique

Grand Atlantic featuring Madeira & Gibraltar

Explore Our World-class Suites

Designed by style visionary Prosper Assouline, each of the suites aboard our yacht features decor inspired by the sea and sky. The largest of their kind within the yachting class, these residential accommodations will make you feel at home with spa-like bathrooms, experience-enhancing amenities, spacious private terrace decks, and panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Exceptional Design

Inspired by the bygone era of yachting, our spectacular, all-suite yacht will debut several industry firsts. Like a cutting-edge transverse marina perfect for leisure, lounging, and late-night revelry. Expansive suites that can be connected both vertically and horizontally. And every comfort you could dream of, meticulously curated to elevate every aspect of your voyage.

Discover a World of Difference

Embark on a journey of unmatched luxury, where every yacht moment is elevated, and your every need is anticipated. Explore the world’s wonders by yacht, visit iconic isles, and discover remote locales. Combining legendary service and marvels of innovation, this is Four Seasons Yachts.

The Regions

Exploration meets exclusivity.

Explore our yachting destinations as you embark on a journey of discovery. Gain entry to harbours, uncover secluded coves, immerse yourself in tightly knit coastal communities, and unearth the essence of some of the world’s most iconic isles and off-the-beaten-path gems.

Welcome to the Adriatic Sea, a maritime sanctuary where history, culture, and natural beauty sail in harmony. Here, the enduring legacy of Venetian grandeur, the enchanting Croatian coasts, and the captivating allure of Montenegro’s landscapes intertwine to deliver unforgettable memories. From the storied cloisters of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to the secluded coves of the Dalmatian Islands, each destination beckons with a bespoke journey of discovery.

Embark on a voyage along the Rivieras, where the French appeal, Italian charm, and Spanish vibrancy come together against a backdrop of stunning beaches and awe-inspiring mountains. Step into a world of ancient heritage, gastronomic delights, and refined luxury, with summer days soaked in dolce far niente and evenings sparkling with Mediterranean glamour.

Grand Atlantic

Traverse the Atlantic in a voyage of cultural contrasts and experiential dichotomies. From Medieval architecture and volcanic landscapes in the Canaries to tiki huts and waterfall-laced rainforests in the Lesser Antilles—with leisurely sea days in between—this journey combines the best of all worlds.

Grand Mediterranean

Embark on a luxurious Mediterranean odyssey where each port of call promises a beguiling blend of rich history, stunning views, and cultural wonders. From the cerulean waters of the Atlantic to the enchanting shores and charming towns of the Adriatic, discover the allure of coastal gems steeped in tradition and beauty.

Lesser Antilles

Secluded beaches and pastel ports await in the Caribbean, where culture-rich capitals, hidden coves, and dense archipelagos provide the ultimate yachting playground. With its year-round sunshine and blue skies, calm waters, and abundance of lagoon-like marinas, the Caribbean is a tropical dream come true.

Greek Isles

Yachting the Greek Islands is a foolproof way to upend the typical rules of leisure. While Mykonos and Santorini may be the marquee names, an archipelago of lesser-known isles awaits, offering a quieter, equally captivating slice of Hellenic bliss defined by unhurried taverna feasts, and azure bays where solitude is the sweetest luxury. Here, you'll find the concept of philoxenia—the art of Greek hospitality—lingering in the soul long after departure.

Our Stories

Featured stories to inspire your journey.

Within the pages of these stories, the genuine passion of our yachting endeavor comes to life, unveiling the meticulous consideration woven into every aspect, from design and itineraries to the overall experiences and beyond. Whether you are in the reflective stage, have confirmed your sailing, or are on the verge of embarking on your journey, these narratives beckon.

From Dubrovnik to Valletta, A Soulful Mediterranean Journey

Venture Beyond The Beach To Find Greece's Best-Kept Secrets

Curating the Quintessential Rivieras Circuit

The Loft Suite: A Tranquil Haven on Four Seasons Yachts

Unparalleled Luxury: The Signature Suites Experience on Four Seasons Yachts

All suite configurations, floor plans, and features depicted in these artistic renderings are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

These Luxury Hotel Brands Are Bringing the Resort Experience to the High Seas

Ritz-carlton, four seasons, and aman are all launching yacht cruises that aim to offer an over-the-top, luxurious oceangoing experience akin to their high-end hotel offerings..

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On the newly launched Evrima there are Ritz-Carlton touches throughout, including in the sprawling suites.

Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Last month, as I boarded the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural vessel, the 298-passenger Evrima , docked in Tenerife, Spain, I found guests sipping complimentary bespoke cocktails and Moet & Chandon on a platform a few feet above the water. With a DJ spinning tunes, the scene was reminiscent of a chic beach club—only better since this beach club can sail. Ultimately, this floating oasis would take the prosperous crowd all the way across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is the first of the world’s ultra-luxury hotel brands to broaden its reach to the sea, but it won’t be the last. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences are developing new yacht-style offerings, too, and more hotel companies could follow suit.

For these well-recognized and -respected hotel brands, one major benefit of entering the cruise market is that they already have a huge list of potential seagoing clients in their hotel guests. Another benefit is the possibility of combining resort and cruise experiences. For instance, Ritz-Carlton expects to see pre- and post-cruise bookings as a result of the new yacht sailings. “On cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, there are five Ritz-Carlton hotels nearby,” says Chris Gabaldon, senior vice president of luxury brands for Marriott International, which owns the Ritz-Carlton collection. “Having a yacht is significant.”

Cruising the Ritz-Carlton way

The Evrima will be in the Caribbean during the first half of 2023 before moving to the Mediterranean next winter.

Photo by Christopher Cypert/Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a co-owned venture between serial marine entrepreneur Douglas Prothero’s company the Yacht Portfolio and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. And both maritime and hospitality expertise are on display throughout the 624-foot Evrima . Guests stay in sprawling suites with high ceilings and outdoor terraces and enjoy such Ritz-Carlton flourishes as marble bathrooms, fine linens, and a Ritz Spa with top-notch skincare products and services. Dining takes place in five restaurants and includes the option of paying $285 per person to eat at S.E.A. and have a culinary experience curated by chef Sven Elverfeld, who earned three Michelin stars for his restaurant Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany.

Passengers lounge in cushy spaces such as the Living Room, a common area that resembles a spacious resort lobby, and around an infinity pool and several dipping pools. They can also borrow kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats from the drop-down marina when the ship is anchored in sunny locales.

It’s all very impressive, but where the yacht especially shines is in service. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton name, the brand had its pick of top talent from both luxury hotels and top-flight cruise lines. Some 50,000 people applied for about 300 jobs on the ship at a time when some other cruise lines are suffering from ongoing pandemic-related staffing shortages.

And Ritz-Carlton isn’t stopping with one vessel. It already has plans to expand with two more 456-passenger yachts that are on order from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France and scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. As for whether these vessels technically qualify as yachts, super-yachts, mega-yachts or something else entirely really comes down to the size. According to YachtWorld , an online marketplace for boats and yachts, a super-yacht is typically more than 80 feet in length; a mega-yacht is more than 200 feet long; and a giga-yacht is more than 300 feet in length. So, at 624 feet, the Evrima is really a small cruise ship designed to look and feel like a yacht. For their part, the hotel brands launching these new vessels refer to them as yachts, super-yachts, and mega-yachts interchangeably.

So, who’s cruising with Ritz-Carlton? Based on the initial bookings for Evrima , which launched in October, most passengers are new to cruising and are members of Marriott International’s Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program , says Gabaldon. A major advantage of cruising with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is that travelers can earn Marriott Bonvoy points . They can also use points for discounts or to pay for a sailing—about 2 million points for a 10-day cruise. For those who aren’t using points, most fares start at about $7,000 per person per week.

If Ritz-Carlton sees continued success in the cruise space, Gabaldon says there are other names in Marriott’s portfolio of luxury brands worldwide (including St. Regis, JW Marriott, the Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and Edition) that could be contenders for an expansion into cruises. “We see significant growth in the luxury space in general,” says Gabaldon. “Depending on the success of the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection in the cruising space, we’re always open to opportunities.”

As for where you can sail on the Evrima , the vessel will be in the Caribbean during the first half of 2023 and will then move to the Mediterranean for the winter. In 2024, Evrima will extend its Mediterranean season to run from April through November and will stop in 14 new ports, including Seville, Spain; Sardinia, Italy; and Monte Carlo.

Four Seasons unveils its plans for an ultra-luxury yacht fleet

The first of Four Seasons’ new yachts is slated to launch in 2025.

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Not to be outdone, Four Seasons is entering the realm of luxury cruising in late 2025, with the first of three planned 190-passenger, all-suite super-yachts to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Four Seasons Yachts , as the new cruise division has been named, is helmed by luxury cruise industry veteran Larry Pimentel, who helped launch Seabourn and Azamara, among other cruise lines.

The new cruise company is a partnership between Four Seasons and luxury shipping experts Marc-Henry Holdings LTD, founded by Nadim Ashi, who created the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, and Philip Levine, the former mayor of Miami Beach and a real estate and cruise entrepreneur.

“Four Seasons Yachts is a natural extension of our brand,” Marc Speichert, chief commercial officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, tells AFAR, noting the company has also expanded into residences as well as private jet and luxury driving experiences.

“What makes our yachts so special and differentiated will also be the Four Seasons–trained people who will bring these experiences to life,” he says. “The vessels will have an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio to deliver Four Seasons’ standards of highly personalized service—always with a distinctly human touch.”

Among other ultra-luxe features, Four Seasons is touting that its first 679-foot yacht will have soaring ceilings and nearly 50 percent more living space per guest than any other luxury ship currently sailing. The company says each suite will cost $4.2 million to build with “no expense spared.”

The average starter suite will have 581 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, and 60 percent of the suites will be at least 818 square feet, the company says. The big splash will be a 9,601-square-foot “Funnel Suite” on four levels, with a huge terrace, private wading pool, and dedicated spa area.

Four Seasons’ first yacht will feature a four-story “Funnel Suite.”

The yacht will have a spa and wellness program and five “original concept” restaurants, including a sushi bar. The pool deck will transform into an outdoor movie theater, and two marinas will serve as launch points for water toys.

“The design acumen of Four Seasons gives the project a desired bias of expansive space, privacy, comfort and innovation to the yacht guest experience,” Thatcher Brown, chief commercial officer and head of joint yacht operations for Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, tells AFAR. “It’s not a mega-yacht, it’s not an ultra-luxury cruise. It’s something unique.”

Aman aims to offer tranquility at sea

A rendering of the interior of Aman’s forthcoming super-yacht.

Courtesy of Aman

Also joining the yacht trend is hotel and resort company Aman, which announced in late 2021 its Project Sama , a joint venture with Cruise Saudi that has Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as a shareholder. The plan is a 2025 launch of a 600-foot, 100-passenger yacht, with 50 spacious luxury suites that have private balconies.

Designed in partnership with the yacht firm Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, the super-yacht will reflect Aman’s Eastern heritage, with “serene and spacious” features, such as an Aman Spa complete with a Japanese garden, according to a statement from the company.

The yacht will have “a harmonious balance between exterior and interior spaces,” the company says.

On board will be a variety of international dining options, a club and lounge, and at the stern of the yacht an expansive beach club with direct access to the water. There will also be two helipads.

Expect “Aman’s core values of privacy, peace, generosity of space, and unparalleled service,” the company says.

According to Vlad Doronin, Aman’s chairman and CEO, “Project Sama will provide transformative experiences within the revered Aman setting and service, which is unlike any other yacht experience, ultimately creating a whole new category in on the water discovery.”

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Four Seasons’s Gargantuan 679-Foot Cruise Ship Is Basically a Suites-Only Resort for the Water

The hospitality brand says it'll create a new category of yachting., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

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The shipyard that built the ‘titanic’ has filed for bankruptcy.

“We’re a hybrid, a new category of yacht,” said Pimental, when asked about whether this should be called a yacht rather than small cruise ship. “When you look at the space per person, it’s the highest space ratio in the passenger-shipping industry. We’re spending $4.3 million per cabin. There’s nothing that’s remotely close to that.”

Four Seasons’s chefs and staff, added Pimental, will be crewing the vessel. That will differentiate it from private superyachts .

The company revealed more details about the design, including its four-deck “Funnel” suite at the front of the boat, which measures more than 9,500 square feet, with the largest curved glass structure of any leisure vessel. The Funnel’s bottom floor is a full-deck apartment that has a private kitchen and access to the private deck outside. Sliding walls allow living spaces to be converted across the yacht.

The Four Seasons did not release renderings of the staterooms or other interior areas, but Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal told Robb Report the interior designs are near completion. “We’re planning the final sign-off soon,” he said. The Four Seasons Yacht is attracting attention among the brand’s leading clients, added Reynal, and many will be the among the first guests to cruise on the vessel.

Italian shipyard Fincantieri will be building the vessel. Technical breakthroughs will include what the company calls the world’s first “variable-speed diesels,” advanced stabilization, and the ability to convert to green methane power when that technology advances. The yard has tested more than 1,000 hull shapes for optimal performance.

The yacht will also have two “marinas,” which fold out from opposite sides of the vessel so guests can access launches or engage in water sports.

The clientele won’t necessarily be yacht owners or other boat lovers, but Pimental said the target audience will be high-net-worth individuals who engage in luxury travel. “We’re really in a category of one,” he says. “The flexibility of the design, the type of luxury, the size of the staterooms set this apart.”

The first season will include winter and spring cruising in the Caribbean. The boat will then move to the Mediterranean, exploring the French and Italian Riviera, and then the Greek islands. The first year’s itinerary includes visits to 33 countries and 137 destinations. The first vessel will be joined by two other yachts in 2026 and 2027.

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Superyacht Ilma is just about ready for its maiden voyage.Photographer: Eric Bartolo/Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton Launches Ilma: World’s Largest Hotel-Branded Superyacht

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By Fran Golden (Bloomberg) When Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection finally unveiled its 298-passenger  Evrima  in 2022 after a few years of high-water drama involving  construction delays at a Spanish shipyard , it blazed a trail as the first hotel-branded superyacht. Two years later, the brand is established as a posh option for cruise skeptics: 50% of its guests are first-time cruisers and 20% have already booked repeat trips. By those metrics, the yacht line is a success.

But that doesn’t mean it’s been smooth sailing. When Ritz-Carlton officially debuts its second yacht, the 448-passenger, $600 million  Ilma , on Sept. 2, it will represent a pivot for the brand.

It wasn’t totally intentional. First there was the shipyard drama, which necessitated a switch to a more experienced boat builder called Chantiers de l’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France . Then there was a move to a hybrid liquid natural gas system, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions and allows  Ilma  to switch to sustainable fuels in the future—but requires a larger ship to be built. And last came a leadership shuffle for the nascent company—which licenses its name from  Marriott International  and is run as a separate entity—that brought in a new chief executive officer, Jim Murren, formerly of  MGM Resorts International .

As a result, the 790-foot  Ilma  is a substantially larger ship than the intentionally intimate, 628-foot  Evrima . And the stakes are substantially higher, too. Murren says he hopes this second vessel will cement Ritz-Carlton’s leadership of the ultra-luxury cruise market as its hotel brand rivals—Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman—prepare to sail in with their own ships in 2026 and 2027.

All that upcoming competition adds urgency to Murren’s plans: He aims to add three more ships to Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, broaden the concept to other Marriott luxury hotel brands  and go public .

 The company recently accessed public markets for the first time and raised $300 million in a senior secured bond issue, which Murren describes as “oversubscribed.” He says that’s  enough to wrap financing  for  Ilma  and a sister ship,  Luminara , due next July, and still have some funds left. Talks with shareholders about ships No. 4 and No. 5, also set to be built in France, start in the fall. 

But for now, all eyes are trained on  Ilma , which reflects many tweaks made in response to results of  Evrima  guest surveys and offers more space per passenger than any other ship in the world. It commands rates of $2,600 per cabin per night—an enviable fare even in luxury cruising. This market, Murren says, has an estimated potential of more than $5 billion per year and is barely tapped. With only 50,000 suites a year to fill on two ships, he says the Collection doesn’t “have nearly enough suites to sell.”

What it does have is plenty of Champagne: The Collection expects to pour 6,000 bottles of complimentary Moët & Chandon a month on its two ships combined.

Here’s a first look at what to expect from the Collection’s latest ship—all good indicators of what to expect in the company’s future.

A Stellar Pool Deck

The yacht’s name means “water” in Maltese, and the Malta-flagged  Ilma  is designed to max out views and water experiences—something guests on the smaller  Evrima  said they wanted more of.

The most significant addition is a main pool set above the top deck. Surrounded by daybeds, it replicates the above-the-world experience of a rooftop pool at a swank hotel—and the number of loungers around it was determined by studies conducted on  Evrima  so guests won’t have to fight for a prime spot.

As for the expected crowd: Like  Evrima ’s passengers, the ship likely will draw high-net-worth North American travelers, especially Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members, ready to show off their designer swimwear. Some will come with their progeny, attracted by a Ritz-Kids program , but most will be adults, average age 53, and no matter their age, many are retired. Based on the  Evrima experience, they’ll be looking to let loose and have a good time at sea.

Bells and Whistles at Sea Level

A favorite spot on the earlier ship is the Marina, a cocktail lounge whose tiered terrace has a bottom section that can be lowered to sea level and hover over the water. When the yacht is at anchor, guests can jump off the back for a swim or launch paddleboards and other equipment.

Ilma ’s Marina will be larger and have an even more striking entrance to the sea, thanks to a floating platform created out of inflatable and rigid pieces by superyacht toy company AquaBanas. Think a floating catwalk that leads out to a netted swimming area with floating chairs. (Some even have a canopy above them.) It takes the  overwater hammock trend  to a whole new level.

Multiplying the Suites  

The two oversize “owner suites,” the top category on  Evrima,  were oversubscribed, so  Ilma  has eight. While all suites have a private outdoor terrace, these $80,000-per-week accommodations have outdoor living areas with whirlpool, shower, couches, loungers and dining space. Indoors, there’s Calcutta marble on the bar, emerald marble on the dining table and bespoke sofas by French designer Ligne Roset.

Concierge Suites are another new suite category, all four topping 1,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space. All suites come with king-size beds, double-sink bathrooms and personalized concierge service. As on the  Evrima , there are practically as many crew members as guests.

More Space for Wellness 

Guest feedback also led to the decision for a bigger Ritz-Carlton Spa on  Ilma , with 11 treatment rooms compared to  Evrima’s  five and some of those are equipped for outdoor massages. A 12-part, six-foot-long David Hockney swimming scene lithograph greets guests at the entrance, and dim lighting sets the mood for treatments such as a stretching-massage combo called the Ultimate Bamboo Experience ($420), which according to its description in the spa’s brochure, “is perfect for slowing busy minds.” Products throughout are from 111SKIN and ESPA. The spa also has a cycling studio.

Michelin-Quality Meals

The open-air, pan-Latin Beach House restaurant on Deck 5 is among five dining options. Done by Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design, it’s likely to be the buzziest, since it has its own infinity splash pool. Evenings here may begin with sunset cocktails, live Latin music and ceviche. The menu is by James Beard Award-winning California chef Michael Mina. Over at Seta su Ilma, the ship’s most intimate restaurant, the 11-course modern Italian tasting menu ($350 with wine pairings) comes courtesy of another Beard winner, Washington, DC-based Fabio Trabocchi.

Doubling Down on Nightlife

Even though  Ilma  is a larger ship, its designers took care to stay away from anything deemed overly cruise-shippy and maintained a few spaces that will be recognizable from  Evrima . One of them is the Living Room, a meeting spot for both day and night inspired by a high-ceilinged hotel lobby bar. But  the designers have added an oval-shape dance floor where a DJ can spin tunes late into the night. The other nightclub spot is Mediterranean-inspired Mistral—the restaurant’s outdoor terrace will take on a sultry vibe once the last courses are served.

Expect high-end art throughout. An art history major in college, Murren helped choose the pieces to adorn the public spaces, including an original Andy Warhol sea turtle silkscreen above a banquette in the Living Room.

New Itineraries and Destinations

Like  Evrima ,  Ilma  will leave the Mediterranean for the Caribbean for the winter season and head back in the spring. In July,  Ilma  will sail around Northern Europe and the Baltic region—a first for the company—with varying itineraries that are set to include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and Riga, Latvia.

While most of Ritz-Carlton’s cruises are seven nights long, the company is also ramping up five-night sailings for busy executives who can’t take a whole week off. This coming Caribbean season, it’s additionally testing three- and four-night voyages from Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, in hopes of engaging even more new-to-cruise guests. On those trips and other Caribbean sailings, ultra-luxe excursions will include helicoptering from Antigua to Barbuda for a master sushi class at Nobu ($2,900 per person) or sunset sailing with a private chef from Bonaire ($1,250 per person).

Up next for the line will be the 452-passenger  Luminara,  which after a few inaugural months in the Mediterranean will begin exploring the Asia-Pacific region in December 2025—another common request from the passenger surveys.

As for  Ilma , shakedown cruises, as rehearsal-style family and friends trips are called, are happening this month, and the first paying guests will come onboard on Sept. 2, for a seven-night jaunt from Monte Carlo to Rome.

© 2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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Meet Ilma, Ritz-Carlton's New Superyacht

Spacious suites and michelin-level dining are great ways to see the world.

Cruising is a polarizing vacation.

Some people love it; others hate it with commendable passion.

But everyone likes luxury, ocean-view suites and top-notch food.

So when you can find such things aboard a floating vessel that's more yacht than massive cruise ship, and one that's carrying some serious hotel bonafides, it's worth taking notice.

Ilma is the newly launched superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . It measures 790 feet and sports just 224 suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea.

It's stopping at ports of call in coveted destinations across the world, including iconic yachting playgrounds in the Mediterranean, the white sand beaches of the Caribbean, and historic cities of Northern Europe.

Onboard, you’ll find a max of 448 guests and one of the highest space ratios at sea. For even more space, book one of the larger upper category suites, which measure more than 1,000 square feet.

The ship has fine dining venues, including restaurants conceptualized by Michelin-starred  chefs.  Seta su   Ilma   by Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant, and The Beach House is an indoor/outdoor restaurant offering 180-degree views of the sea   and Pan-Latin cuisine developed in   collaboration with chef Michael Mina. Naturally, there’s also plenty of terrace space, with a pool, pool bar and live entertainment.

Ilma embarked on its maiden voyage on September 2. Plenty more journeys are coming up, in case you enjoy feeling the fresh sea breeze on your face while sipping champagne on your balcony.

On September 26, Ilma takes off on a 12-night voyage from Athens to Rome, stopping in Crete, Mykonos, Sicily and more. On October 22, you can set sail from Barcelona to Lisbon, with stops in Palma de Mallorca and Tangier. 

Other itineraries feature trips in the Caribbean, where you can see St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Martinique. Take a wine-soaked trip from Lisbon to Portsmouth, England, that stops in Porto and Bordeaux. Or book the voyage from Amsterdam to Copenhagen that swings through Oslo and Gothenburg, Sweden. You've got options, and none of them are the cookie-cutter cruises you'll find on the massive, name-brand ships hosting spring breakers and conga lines.

Kevin Gray lives in Texas. He likes whiskey, weekends and hammocks, often at the same time.

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10 of the best luxury hotels in the Americas

Looking for the best hotels in the US or the wider Americas? Whether you want to cruise the East Coast or sip mezcal in Mexico, these luxury hotels in the USA, North America and South America are worth stepping ashore for this winter. If you're heading to Florida, make sure to read our roundup of Miami's best hotel spas .

White Elephant Palm Beach

Old Florida vibes mesh with Mediterranean revival-style architecture at this 32-room boutique gem. The stately property was built in the 1920s and has been brought back to vibrant life after a full overhaul that finished late last year. A sister hotel to its much-loved namesake on Nantucket, the four-storey property has a two-metre white elephant statue – designed by Santa Fe-based artist Fredrick Prescott – to greet arrivals. Once inside, hardwood floors, Carrara marble, woven rugs and original features including the lobby fireplace create the aura of a grand private residence. Continuing this vibe at the heart of the property is a U-shaped outdoor courtyard, with a sparkling pool and al fresco dining area. The hotel’s Lola 41 restaurant serves up an eclectic menu, with plates ranging from sushi and sashimi, to beef bulgogi, and duck and waffles. It sits bang in the middle of the island, just two blocks from the Atlantic, so an exclusive partnership with Barton & Gray Mariners Club ensures access to a fleet of yachts available for charter. Alternatively, the hotel also offers guests access to a fleet of BMWs to explore terra firma.

Ocean House

Located in the affluent coastal village of Watch Hill, the buttercup-yellow Ocean House has been the centre of social life for this exclusive New England community since 1868. Entering the hotel you feel a sense of the life that was captured when the hotel featured in the Douglas Fairbanks silent movie American Aristocracy (1916), albeit with a modern twist. Croquet players in white still do battle on the pancake flat lawn but sunbathers now recline in beachside cabanas decked out with the latest Bose speakers. Afternoon tea is still served on the balcony but guests can also sip chilled Veuve Clicquot at the Secret Garden champagne lounge.

With the harbour of Watch Hill a five-minute stroll down the hill, Ocean House also acts as a perfect jumping off point to explore the surrounding coastline. If you aren’t visiting on your own yacht, you can take advantage of the hotel’s partnership with Barton & Gray, which allows guests to use its fleet. Alternatively, you can hope to be invited on board the private yacht of the owner of Ocean House, 22.5 metre Aphrodite . Launched in 1937, she was commissioned as a Coast Guard auxiliary vessel in 1942 and has carried dignitaries including President Franklin D Roosevelt and Hollywood celebrities such as Spencer Tracy, Sir Laurence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn.

The Setai Miami Beach

East meets West and old meets new at The Setai. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy and designer Jaya Ibrahim brought Asian influences to their restoration and update of this 1936 landmark building. Their Asian-American fusion concept extends to everything from the grey bricks used in the lobby – saved from crumbling art deco buildings in Shanghai – to the pan-Asian menu at Jaya restaurant. Fitting, considering that setai is a contraction of selatan pantai , which means “south beach” in the Bahasa Indonesia language. The result is a peaceful haven in a busy city – no wonder it has attracted everyone from Malia Obama to Jay-Z and Bella Hadid. Book the 930-square-metre, four-bedroom penthouse suite for privacy – it also has five bathrooms, wrap-around balconies with 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach and Miami, and its own lap pool. Just before sunset, head down to the three temperature-controlled garden pools, which have been laid east to west for prime views of the sun dipping below the horizon. To finish off your stay, book in to the recently opened Valmont for The Spa at The Setai for its signature $1,000 Master of Time treatment developed specifically for this hotel, which features top-tier products and specialised techniques promising a new-found feeling of youth.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Built along winding lagoons and a mile-long arc of pristine beach, the Rosewood Mayakoba takes its eco responsibilities seriously. The hotel was recently awarded the Rainforest Alliance Certification, but that’s not to say there’s any shortage of indulgence on offer. Moor out or drop your yacht at nearby Puerto Aventuras Marina, which can take boats up to 45 metres, and jump in a chopper to the hotel.

When you’re not chilling in one of the two-person hammocks in the new family-friendly Beachside Lagoonview Suites, you can kick back in the Sense Spa, built on a sacred water well of the ancient Mayans, or join the kids on a boat Eco Tour with a biologist who will explain the awe-inspiring flora and fauna.

Four Seasons at The Surf Club

American tyre mogul Harvey Firestone was on his yacht off Miami Beach when he spotted the perfectly private strip of sand to build a prohibition-era hideaway. Tucked beneath the palms, the Surf Club opened to a roaring crowd on New Year’s Eve 1930 and soon became synonymous with glamour, attracting guests from Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill.

The Four Seasons moved in in 2018, opening a luxurious new hotel with 72 rooms, five cabana suites and a residence tower with one-to four-bedroom suites. By day, bask in the sun on the wide beach or swim in one of three sparkling pools. As the sun sets sip a speciality champagne cocktail at Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar – formerly the ballroom where some of the most famous parties of the 1930s were held. Don’t leave without trying the spa – sample the tropical hammam experience with hydrating coconut and orange, giving your body a reviving taste of Florida before heading home.

The White Elephant

The White Elephant has been a feature of the Nantucket waterfront since the 1920s. The hotel was the passion project of Nantucket socialite Elizabeth T Ludwig, who decided to buy a collection of ramshackle houses and buildings clustered on the shoreline. Her intention was to create a fine harbour-side hotel but her fellow islanders were doubtful and, predicting its failure, nicknamed the project “Ludwig’s White Elephant”. The name stuck but Ludwig had the last laugh. The now celebrated White Elephant consists of the main hotel, the White Elephant Village (a 20 room inn and 25 one, two and three bedroom residences) and two spacious lofts in the centre of town.

The cosy rooms, with harbour views, fireplaces and a sheet thread count to die for, are booked months in advance during peak periods. Highlights include a luxurious spa, the dedicated sunbathing lawn, and an elegant library which serves complementary cheese and port to guests. the hotel looks out to the Nantucket Boat Basin marina, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Nantucket summer regulars include popular charter yacht 49 metre Zoom Zoom Zoom , and 50 metre Westport Annastar .

The powder-white sands of Miami Beach are already packed with ultra-luxurious hotels , but there is always room for another – especially when the latest addition is chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro’s Nobu. Decked out in cream tones with understated Japanese-inspired oral touches, the stylish pied-à-terre is just a short hop along the oceanfront from Miami’s superyacht marinas , among them One Island Park.

It goes without saying that foodies are well catered for here. The hotel’s David Rockwell-designed signature restaurant serves up Matsuhisa’s greatest hits – including black cod miso and Miami-exclusive Glacier 51 sea bass with yuzu kosho aïoli and truffle honey – to diners in softly lit, high-backed booths. Alternatively, American classics with a healthy twist are on the menu at the hotel’s whitewashed, seafront Malibu Farm, where chef Helene Henderson’s dishes include cauliflower-crust pizza and blue corn nachos.

To ensure that, after eating so well, you can still keep up with the city’s svelte artistic crowd, the gym, with views out to palm-tree-lined terraces and the ocean beyond, offers complimentary exercise classes, including radical kick-boxing and cardio dance. Alternatively, bike down to the beach and harness your inner Floridian with one of its al fresco yoga sessions in the sand. Later, take a dip in one of the hotel’s four pools or enjoy a sip from a whole fresh coconut, its water infused with pineapple rum, amid the tropical garden’s fountains and cherub statues.

Puyuhuapi Lodge

Slowly but surely, venturesome superyachts are straying off well-worn paths and discovering the dramatic fjords and hanging glaciers of Chilean Patagonia. Nestled in emerald vegetation around Dorita Bay, Puyuhuapi Lodge is an exclusive haven accessible only by boat. The lodge’s protected anchorage has hosted well known yachts, such as 85 metre Vibrant Curiosity and 63 metre SuRi , and its main dock can host tenders up to 18 metres to drop off guests to visit its lush waterfront hot springs and spa. Try the Queulat (“waterfall sound”) massage, and sample the bar’s exceptional pisco menu, from rhubarb to traditional sour.

The restaurant serves a fusion of Patagonian, Chilean and Mediterranean dishes, featuring homegrown produce and fresh king crab and salmon caught in the fjords. For a night onshore, stay in the captain’s suite – its balcony opens out to dazzling fjord views and, with no television, phones or internet, you can totally disconnect.

Faena Hotel

Perched on Miami’s beachfront, Faena is a fantastical vision in ruby and turquoise with glittering chandeliers and even a golden unicorn. It’s a wonderland for the art-inclined : a gilded Damien Hirst sculpture of a woolly mammoth dominates the garden; director Baz Luhrmann consulted on the jaw-dropping interior and the Faena Theatre puts on spectacular shows.

Dedicated butlers service every floor and doting pool attendants wash the sand off your feet while you lounge. Indulge in the Tree of Life Vibrations therapy at the Tierra Santa Spa – a blend of sound healing and massage – then take in ocean views and award winning Asian fusion fare at chef Paul Qui’s Pao restaurant, where fresh fish and meats are seared at your table over Japanese binchotan charcoal. Beyond the hotel an art gallery and a high-end shopping bazaar await.

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Closed for 17 years, Palm House luxury hotel in Palm Beach to open soon, owner says

A long-shuttered hotel on one of  Palm Beach ’s most prominent streets will open as the luxury Palm House Hotel in November, according to a statement released exclusively to the Palm Beach Daily News. 

The statement was issued on behalf of Iconic Luxury Hotels, a British brand affiliated with the company that  bought the hotel property at 160 Royal Palm Way out of bankruptcy in 2019  and has spent about three years renovating it. 

The ocean-block property hasn’t welcomed any guests since it closed 17 years ago. 

“This marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s history as we announce our first Iconic Luxury Hotel in the United States,” said Andrew Stembridge, the brand’s executive director. 

The brand is part of L+R Hotels, a London-headquartered hotel investment and management company with a portfolio of more than 105 hotels worldwide, including the Marriott Hotel in West Palm Beach. Francisco Macedo, senior vice president of Iconic Luxury Hotels, called the planned opening “an exciting step for L+R Hotels as we continue to grow our Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio internationally.” 

Among the brand’s other properties is England’s Cliveden House, which drew international headlines when  Meghan Markle stayed there on the night before her wedding to Prince Harry  in 2018. 

Palm House luxury hotel in Palm Beach will feature a courtyard anchored by an expansive pool

With 79 rooms, including 21 suites, the Palm House will feature a courtyard anchored by an expansive pool, and a function room with a garden terrace and a poolside lawn. Double-occupancy room rates will start at $1,289 during the “peak season” and drop to $499 for the off-season, according to hotel officials.

The statement released Sept. 12 did not say anything about a restaurant at the property, although plans call for an on-site dining room with a bar area. 

The opening would be a day many Palm Beachers thought might never arrive. 

“It’s been a long time coming,” Town Council President Bobbie Lindsay told the Palm Beach Daily News. “I think it’s great. We look forward to the opening.” 

She added that the present owners “seem like a competently good group,” who  during the planning process  worked to ease concerns — including light spillage and noise — from residents whose homes back up to the hotel property.

Once known as the Heart of Palm Beach, the property was bought in 2007 by a company controlled by developer Robert V. Matthews, who was at the time a Palm Beach resident. Matthews is today serving  a 65-month term in federal prison  in Pensacola after pleading guilty to charges that included conspiring to commit fraud and money laundering while using investor funds earmarked for the renovation of the property.

Years of sputtering construction under Matthews and, briefly,  another owner  came to an abrupt halt in 2014 amid an ownership fracture. The property's tangled journey included not only criminal charges but  municipal   code violations ,  SEC investigations  and  bankruptcy . Work did not resume until after L&R bought the property for a recorded $39.6 million  in a court-sanctioned deal  five years ago.

The latest renovations at the Palm House were carried out with the goal of turning the property into what L+R Hotels managing director  Desmond Taljaard has described as a “spectacular” destination hotel . 

The accommodations will include three especially large suites along with a “Presidential Suite”with a double-height living area opening onto a balcony overlooking the pool deck. 

The town’s Architectural Commission  approved the bulk of the renovations  in late 2020. Plans were for the hotel to open as early as November of 2022, a representative of the hotel’s ownership  told the Town Council in March 2021 . 

But by August 2022, the project’s architect, Sean McLendon of Atlanta-based Cooper Carry,  told the Palm Beach Daily News that progress on construction had been delayed  by supply-chain issues related to coronavirus pandemic. He also attributed the delay to unanticipated — and extensive — remedial projects related to the removal of unauthorized renovations carried out before the property changed hands in 2019. 

Like Lindsay, Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore told the Daily News she was looking forward to the opening.

"And I think the residents will be happy to see the departure of the construction (crews)," she added.

Seven other properties operate under the Iconic Luxury Hotels brand, including Italy’s Excelsior Venice — home to the Venice International Film Festival — and Mayfair Townhouse in London.

Palm Beach is famous for the island's luxury hotels

Since the 1890s, Palm Beach has been famous for its hotels, including the town’s oldest and largest —  The Breakers , about a mile north of the Palm House property. Also in Midtown is the former Chesterfield, which is under renovation and expected to reopen as  The Vineta .

The list of Palm Beach hotels also includes  The Brazilian Court ,  The Colony ,  The White Elephant ,  The Palm Beach Historic Inn  and The Palm Beach Hotel Condominium. Farther south, guests can choose to stay at resort-oriented oceanfront properties such as the  Tideline Ocean Resort and Spa , the  Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach  and  The Ambassador Palm Beach Hotel & Residences .

More news on hotels in or near Palm Beach making headlines

Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly “Beyond the Hedges” column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email [email protected] , call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz.   Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

Monaco Yacht Show 2024: The Biggest, Boldest and Most Expensive Superyachts To See

Even in its 33rd year, Monaco Yacht Show continues to break its own milestones.

By Ellys Woodhouse and Toby Louch

The principality of Monaco has a calendar that’s filled with major events. While the financial benefits of this little tax haven ensure its population remains fairly well stocked with super-rich and socialites year-round, it’s these events that truly bring the masses. April calls for the tennis at The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters; in May it’s time for the Formula One Grand Prix ; June brings the world-famous car show Top Marques ; and summer draws to a close with perhaps the most glam of the bunch, the Monaco Yacht Show, which this year falls on September 25 – 28.

For those interested in gazing upon some of the finest yachts that can be found anywhere in the world, Monaco ’s Port Hercules is a pretty good spot year-round, but for the weekend of the Monaco Yacht Show, things enter a different league.

The Monaco Yacht Show is essentially a gathering of the global superyacht community. From owners to innovators, manufacturers and brokers, all head to the principality. Each year, builders and brokers present around 120 superyachts and 60 luxury tenders , with many of these reflecting current industry trends and revealing the potential future direction of the industry. These vessels boast an average length of around 160 ft, with a sprinkling of superyachts that top the 320 ft mark – with this year’s headliner clocking in at 400 ft.

Aside from the yachts themselves, visitors can expect countless designers improving yacht interiors and engineers working to ensure the industry becomes more sustainable. There’s sure to be a lot going on.

So ahead of this year’s event, Elite Traveler has looked into which yachts will be on display at Port Hercules and curated a list of some of the show’s unmissable vessels. So blow the dust off your Panama hat and add a few zeros to your credit card limit, because these are some of the biggest, boldest and most expensive boats attending the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show.

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The undisputed biggest headline of this year’s show – in every sense of the word – Lürssen’s Kismet will be the largest yacht to go on display in Port Hercules. While the previous title holder was another from Lürssen, the 377.6-ft Ahpo, the Kismet takes its victory by a considerable mile, clocking in at 400 ft. Previously known as Project Jag, the Kisamet was handed over to owner Shahid Khan in May 2024, making it one of the show’s newest deliveries, too. 

With exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard and naval architecture by Lürssen Yachts along with Reymond Langton Design working on the yacht’s interiors , Kismet is decked out with a helipad, beauty salon, indoor and outdoor cinema, dance floor and gym. Perhaps unsurprising, but all this makes Kisamet one of the most expensive yachts to charter , too, asking for €3m (approx. $3.4m) per week with Cecil Wright & Partners. 

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Delivered in 2019 by SilverYachts and refitted in 2024, the almost 280-ft, self-described ‘sports activity vessel’ Bold takes center stage at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Designers Espen Øino created the superyacht’s striking, military-inspired exterior, creating a unique glass-enclosed loft on the upper deck that covers over 3,200 sq-ft of interior space. Meanwhile, Vain Interiors has created an opulent, New York-style loft, which is built to accommodate up to 12 overnight guests in eight luxurious staterooms and can carry up to 96 passengers while cruising.

With a a huge selection of water toys, a vast outdoor entertaining area with a bar and Teppanyaki grill, a cinema, an eight-person hot tub and a lounge surrounding a firepit, it’s no surprise that the Bold is a popular charter yacht, with Holl Robinson asking €875,000 ($972, 800) per week. 

Following an extensive, three-year rebuild, the most expensive superyacht on the market has returned to Port Hercules for 2024, complete with a new look – and price tag, too, asking for €295m ($328m). The 344.5 ft Oceanco H3 superyacht has already picked up a handful of international awards for the new look and is expected to impress many fans at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. 

In addition to the extra 10 meters that were added to the H3 ’s hull, the rebuild – from the likes of Reymond Langton Design, which worked on both the exterior and interior redesign, and the collaboration between Lateral Naval Architects and Oceanco on its naval architecture – also saw a pool deck, huge spa and wellness area and climate-controlled winter garden added to H3 ’s numerous amenities. 

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With its distinctive, shark-like exterior design, the 295-ft superyacht DAR will be hard not to miss at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Built by Oceanco with exteriors designed by Luiz de Basto Design, the glossy black silhouette was inspired by the look of the hammerhead shark, with sinuous lines, wide set wing stations and a mast modeled after a dorsal fin. 

Meanwhile, renowned Italy-based studio Nuvolari & Lenard has crafted swooping, contemporary interiors. DAR’s impressive features include a complete owner’s deck, complete with a private salon and jacuzzi, a wellness area, an impressive beach club, and two helipads for private use. Offering grandeur and complete privacy in equal doses, DAR can accommodate up to 14 guests in overnight accommodation, with separate living quarters to host as many as 31 crew members.

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Despite only hitting the waters in June this year, the first wallywind110, Galma , is set to make its global debut at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Measuring almost 110 ft, Galma ’s naval architecture comes from German studio judel/vrolijk & co while interior and exterior lines are designed by Wally in collaboration with Santa Maria Magnolfi. With a design that offers the comfort of a cruising yacht while maintaining the performance of a racing boat, Galma is characterized by the 22.6-ft telescopic keel and an all-carbon hull that has been painted in light metallic blue.

Other highlights of Galma include an 860-sq-ft full-beam cockpit with seating and dining for up to 15 people, as well as an open-plan raised saloon. Galma can accommodate up to eight guests overnight, with five crew members. 

monacoyachtshow.com

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Ellys Woodhouse

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British tech magnate Mike Lynch, 2 US citizens among missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily

15 people were rescued and one body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, by andrea rosa and nicole winfield | the associated press • published august 19, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 6:21 pm.

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury sailing yacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was  acquitted in June  in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.

One body was recovered, and police divers spent the day trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. They returned to the site after 10 p.m. to see if it would be possible to search through the night, when weather conditions were expected to worsen, said Luca Cari, spokesman of the fire rescue service.

It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn't as badly damaged and helped rescue some of the 15 survivors, who included Lynch's wife Angela Bacares.

The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast — one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Golunski, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. The father, James Emsley, also survived, said Cocina.

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Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, said he had noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realized the ship had simply disappeared, ANSA and the Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported. Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Eight of those rescued were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Cari, the fire rescue spokesperson. The rescue operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

#Palermo , naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all’esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [ #19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. “I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said.

Among the dead and missing, four were British, two were American, and one was a man with dual citizenship from Canada and Antigua, according to Luciano Pischedda, the Italian Coast Guard official overseeing the rescue operations.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was “providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families.”

Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in life-threatening condition.

Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HP’s  2011 acquisition  of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch.

The  fraud accusations  represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain — a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale.

The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck.

“I’m looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

AP writers Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui contributed from London.

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British tech magnate Mike Lynch, 2 US citizens among missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily

15 people were rescued and one body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, by andrea rosa and nicole winfield | the associated press • published august 19, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 6:21 pm.

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury sailing yacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was  acquitted in June  in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.

One body was recovered, and police divers spent the day trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. They returned to the site after 10 p.m. to see if it would be possible to search through the night, when weather conditions were expected to worsen, said Luca Cari, spokesman of the fire rescue service.

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn't as badly damaged and helped rescue some of the 15 survivors, who included Lynch's wife Angela Bacares.

The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast — one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

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One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Golunski, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. The father, James Emsley, also survived, said Cocina.

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Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, said he had noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realized the ship had simply disappeared, ANSA and the Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported. Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Eight of those rescued were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Cari, the fire rescue spokesperson. The rescue operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

#Palermo , naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all’esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [ #19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. “I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said.

Among the dead and missing, four were British, two were American, and one was a man with dual citizenship from Canada and Antigua, according to Luciano Pischedda, the Italian Coast Guard official overseeing the rescue operations.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was “providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families.”

Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in life-threatening condition.

Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HP’s  2011 acquisition  of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch.

The  fraud accusations  represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain — a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale.

The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck.

“I’m looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

AP writers Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui contributed from London.

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