5 luxe hotel brands sailing into the cruise scene
A swag of top-tier properties now offer exclusive experiences afloat.
1. SONEVA IN AQUA
The clear waters of The Maldives are legendary for their marine life, clarity and paintbox palette of blues. Guests at sister resorts Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi can take the tropical experience to another level by booking a day trip or extended private charter aboard Soneva in Aqua. The 23m yacht accommodates up to four adults and two children and features elegant decor, Jacuzzi with glass floor, and a fun boom swing on the upper deck for Indian Ocean plunges. Expect the services of a chef and spa therapist (sunrise yoga on deck is a must) as well as full crew of skipper, fishing guide and butler, plus a divemaster on request. One of the most popular options is a four-day hop from either resort exploring the Baa, Raa and Noonu atolls with opportunities for snorkelling, diving and paddleboarding. Highlights include spinner dolphins and manta rays in abundance, vivid sunsets and dinners by candlelight.
2. RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION
This international hotel group’s 298-passenger Evrima and its brand-new
448-passenger Ilma are classified as superyachts but that much-used tag refers to a boutique cruise ship rather than a boat under sail. What this category does offer is yacht-style exclusivity, expeditionary itineraries and access to smaller ports denied to megaliners, particularly in the Caribbean and the less-visited Mediterranean isles. Round-trip and one-way voyages from bases such as San Juan in Puerto Rico or Bridgetown in Barbados are typically seven nights, while sailings in the northern summer from Civitavecchia (Rome) and Valletta (Malta) range between five and 10 nights. Berths aboard Ilma’s sister ship Lumina, due to launch in 2025, are now on sale. The collection is all suite-style, with generous balconies, including two-bedroom configurations. A day/night dress code of “yacht casual” and “yacht sophistication” sets the tone.
3. FOUR SEASONS
The much-anticipated Four Seasons 14-deck superyacht under construction at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyards is due to launch in 2025, with options for further orders. Think top-tier luxury, with 95 massive suites featuring full-length windows, including one premium offering with multiple levels and a dipping pool on its private deck. A watersports marina will occupy the width of the stern and all the expected aquatic toys are to be offered. Four Seasons top-tier loyalty members are being given first dibs to book and the rush is on. Meantime, the Canada-based group operates Four Seasons Explorer around Palau in Micronesia. The petite three-deck cruiser has 11 suites and staterooms, daily excursions and a focus on conservation in this World Heritage-listed marine preserve. Guests are transferred from Palau airport to Koror Marina and then via speedboat for embarkation.
4. AMAN
Launch date for Aman’s Project Sama is still two years away but devotees of the brand are lining up to book. The 183m luxury motor yacht will feature 50 suites, all with balconies and the streamlined, muted decor that’s the hallmark of the group’s hotels, resorts and new portfolio of city-based Aman Residences. Aman has always had a strong focus on wellness across its portfolio and, accordingly, guests afloat can expect spa treatments and health-conscious cuisine to be integral to the experience. Meantime, Amandira, a custom-built, wooden two-masted vessel fashioned in traditional Sulawesi sailing ship style, offers adventure itineraries focused on underwater adventures around Raja Ampat, the Alor Islands and Flores Sea in conjunction with stays at Aman’s properties in Indonesia, including tented Amanwana on Moyo Island. There are five spacious cabins and a crew of 14, including a divemaster.
aman.com/amandira/voyages
5. SATORI
Borgo Santa Pietro hotel and estate, southwest of Siena in the heart of Tuscany, offers its guests charters with tailored itineraries in the Mediterranean aboard its exclusive Satori for a maximum of 10 passengers. The 41.5m vessel’s racing-yacht style and decor pay homage to a traditional schooner but the facilities are five-star contemporary standard. Think: teak, walnut and mahogany trimmings, plus huge cabins in country-house style, cushioned reclining steamer chairs on deck, and indoor or al fresco dining tables set with fine linen and silver. There are two 600hp engines for motoring jaunts, and the option of unfurling the sails for up to a 10-knot clip on open water. Adventures can also be designed for Italian, French, Greek, Turkish, and Croatian waters. And that Japanese name Satori? It means “instant enlightenment”. So perhaps add a prayer for Zen-calm seas.
