Choose a suite amidst the waves, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean
Old-style cruises are a thing of the past. Luxury hotel groups have reinvented the concept of a holiday at sea. On board, you’ll find everything from multi-starred cuisine to a cinema inspired by the Gilded Age and even a library of rare books.
It’s not just about geographical coordinates. A holiday destination can also be defined simply by its longitude and latitude, the horizon and the open sea. “Tranquillity and peace are increasingly rare commodities, along with space, perspective and meaning,” says Anna Nash, CEO of Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s luxury cruising brand. “Disconnecting from the hustle and bustle and rediscovering a way of life more in tune with natural rhythms, without sacrificing the amenities of an exclusive hotel, is the new trend, alongside privacy and personalisation.” In July, Explora III – the third ship in the fleet – will set sail on a Mediterranean itinerary; designer Patricia Urquiola has also contributed to the project by designing the new 280-square-metre Owner’s Residence, featuring works of art, large windows, a sauna and a large terrace, ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. “A superyacht that embodies the concept of a private residence and offers something that even the most exceptional hotel cannot provide: movement and change. Waking up to a different view every day, not being tied to a single destination. The ocean is the destination; a sense of fluidity defines the journey; the mooring spots are gradually revealed as you approach them, viewing them from the deck,” continues Nash, who has a long career in luxury hospitality at Aman Resorts behind him. It is no surprise that some of the leading hotel groups are launching floating extensions of their properties, taking their distinctive DNA out to the high seas. Hospitality begins with listening, with understanding the guest as an individual – ideally through service that is not overly scripted, but attentive, personal and human. “It’s a conviction born of experience: people choose to travel at specific moments in their lives; often, their time is their most precious resource, and that implies a responsibility on our part,” concludes Nash.
Aman Resorts also offers a sailing yacht, the Amandira, which in Sanskrit means ‘brave and calm’. Inspired by the ancient Indonesian Phinisi vessels, it is built by Konjo master craftsmen with two masts and three king-size cabins: it combines the charm of ships on trade routes with state-of-the-art facilities. As it sails through Indonesia, between Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands and the Raja Ampat Biosphere Reserve, the concept of wellness is interpreted holistically on board, with natural treatments, healthy menus and daily meditation sessions.
The retro trend in high-end yachts is an interesting phenomenon in contemporary yachting: a deliberate return to the elegance of the past, reinterpreted with modern technology, comfort and sustainability. Take, for example, the new Orient Express Sailing Yachts: the first, the Corinthian, set sail in June 2026 in the Mediterranean before heading for the Caribbean in October. It is a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetics, holding the record for being the largest sailing yacht: 220 metres in length, three tilting masts, and 1,500 square metres of rigid sails powered by the SolidSail propulsion system. On board, the furnishings are by B&B Italia, there is a Guerlain spa and 54 suites, the largest of which – at 240 square metres – is dedicated to Agatha Christie and evokes the pure Art Deco style of the Orient Express, owned by the Accor group. The interiors were designed by architect and artistic director Maxime d’Angeac and include a library housing 1,500 rare volumes, a cinema inspired by the Gilded Age, and a lounge for social gatherings and cultural events. As for the food, the cuisine is created by multi-starred chef Yannick Alléno. ‘The Corinthian sailing yacht, designed according to the principles of sustainability and powered exclusively by LNG – the greenest fossil fuel – is a cross between a cruise ship and a yacht, sharing the latter’s craftsmanship and bespoke details. It can also be chartered privately, and we’ve already had plenty of enquiries,” says Philippe Hetland-Brault, CEO of Orient Express Sailing Yachts.
There is also some news from Fasano, the historic Brazilian luxury hospitality brand owned by JHSF. Guests at the Fasano Al Mare Hotel & Beach Club, situated opposite the island of Tavolara, now have the opportunity to stay on one of the Fasano Yachts – a new fleet of five Seadeck vessels, designed by Azimut, set to redefine the luxury experience between land and sea. Guests can sail and explore islands and coves, whilst enjoying access to a range of facilities on the mainland, from the beach club to the spa, the tennis and padel courts, and all other amenities.
Among luxury superyacht hotels, the Maltese Falcon – 88 metres in length, accommodating 12 guests, and one of the most innovative and award-winning vessels in modern sailing – forms part of the Jumeirah Privé Experience. Its sails, spread across three rotating masts, cover thousands of square metres. The lower sail transforms into an open-air cinema screen – the largest ever used at sea. It will be cruising the Mediterranean until October and is the ideal choice for those seeking, at least for part of their holiday, an exclusive offshore retreat.
