How the super-rich fork out over R200k a night for bespoke yacht trips
A new era of luxury travel is unfolding as the world’s most prestigious hotel brands move beyond land, offering curated yacht collections that blend the comfort of five-star resorts with the freedom of yachting.
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As travel evolves, the elite are embracing an exciting fusion of five-star hotel comfort and the allure of yachting.
A new trend has emerged within the luxury sector, where renowned hotel brands now offer bespoke yacht trips that promise to elevate holiday experiences for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs).
The industry heavyweight Four Seasons has launched its own fleet of yachts, taking guests on unforgettable journeys to breathtaking locales, such as the Galápagos Islands, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean and the Grand Atlantic.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection also operates state-of-the-art superyachts that offer unparalleled privacy and comfort.
The Aman Yachts are also joining this race, focusing on eco-friendly luxury trips that promise unforgettable experiences.
"This is not just a trend; it’s a complete change in how high-net-worth travellers explore the world," said Roxy Robinson, founding director of Roxstar Luxury Travel.
Robinson explained that the synergy of hotel hospitality and yachting creates an avenue for guests to uncover secluded coastlines, private islands and charming harbours that larger cruise ships struggle to reach.
The superior calibre of hotel-yachts instils confidence in guests, who can rest assured that their journeys are orchestrated by renowned hotel brands.
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"UHNWIs crave more than a destination when they travel; they want to know that their spending will result in an unbeatable experience," she said.
As for pricing, those seeking to embark on these exclusive voyages can expect to pay a premium for such bespoke travel experiences.
The costs often vary depending on destinations, length of the journey and the level of service offered, with many packages starting at several thousand dollars per person.
For example, Aman Yachts has three exclusive private charter yachts in Indonesia: Prana, Lamima and Aqua Blu, which will set you back about $12 000 (R211K) to $40 000 (R699K) per night.
Meanwhile, their luxurious private charter yachts: Oracle, Samsara Samudra and Rascal & Rebel cost anywhere from $5 950 (R104K) to $13 500 (R236K) per night.
What can guests expect from their time onboard these hotel-yachts?
Travellers can expect dedicated concierges and personalised itineraries.
With only a small number of suites available, these journeys offer a sense of intimacy and privacy that is often missing from bigger cruise ships.
There is also gourmet dining, premium beverages, in-suite dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, onboard entertainment and water sports.
Guests also have access to a full-service spa, fitness studio, a beauty salon, a humidor for cigars, and luxury suites with personal assistants, custom amenities like luxury bed and bath linens and private terraces.
Despite the top class amenities, sustainability remains a crucial aspect of these new yacht offerings, with many vessels now employing eco-conscious technologies, such as hybrid motors.
This commitment allows guests to relish their luxurious excursions while upholding a duty to protect the environment.
The Four Seasons I unfolds as a journey through the year’s shifting moods, capturing the beauty and rhythm of nature from the crisp blooms of spring to the golden warmth of summer, the fiery hues of autumn and the quiet stillness of winter.
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For the UHNWIs, the investment promises not just a holiday but a luxurious adventure woven with exclusivity and enchantment.
Robinson noted: "It’s not just about luxury; it’s about living a story that very few will ever get to tell."