A superyacht charter is many things. An escape, a luxury, an adventure and, if you’re one of the fortunate few to charter the 90m yacht NERO, it’s a journey back in time to the halcyon, golden days of yachting.

Luxury yacht NERO

I had the pleasure of a mini-charter aboard this mighty motor yacht whilst she reclined at anchor off Monaco last month. Stepping aboard, I was immediately transported far from the stresses of modern life and cocooned in comfort, with deep-cushioned sofas and inviting aft deck seating simply waiting to offer their embrace.

Jacuzzi and the sunbathing area

In a more unusual approach to these charter experience trips, rather than rushing through an itinerary testing the yacht’s water toys and tasting the chef’s culinary showcase, I was encouraged to take my time, unwind, and make myself at home.

My time was mine to spend as I chose. I read in the sun on the aft deck loungers, I dipped a toe in the gently bubbling Jacuzzi, I observed the coastline of the glamorous Côte d’Azur, and I perused the menu of spa treatments before deciding on a 60-minute massage prior to dinner.

Beauty spa

And this quiet sense of wellbeing is Nero’s USP amongst the charter fleet. During the yacht’s extensive refit in 2020/21, the sun deck ‘sung’ was transformed into a state-of-the-art gym and a dedicated massage/spa treatment room created.

Interior designer, Laura Pomponi, joined me for dinner to share how she set about achieving this. “An important part of the refit brief was to provide the right dynamic for healthy living onboard,” explains Pomponi. “Being able to offer a full suite of spa treatments was an aspect we knew would further expand Nero’s charter success.” As onboard wellness becomes a more and more common request on the superyacht charter wish list, these modern amenities have been incorporated aboard Nero in a fashion that’s sympathetic to her classic aesthetic.

Beautiful and elegant accommodation

Whilst Nero measures 90m in length, the internal layout sees this utilised in a different way to most yachts of this size. Multiple lounges and seating areas have been created on different decks, each with a different ambience and purpose. The main saloon features huge sofas and a coffee table with armchairs, there’s a library lounge adjacent to the sweeping wooden staircase, an upper deck cocktail bar, and an enormous cinema/family room with direct access from the owner’s suite.

Saloon

The owner’s quarters feature another lounge and study space that can be closed off as part of the private section or shared with guests as desired. The result is an enormous self-contained apartment with access to the deck. Guests are catered for in similarly indulgent fashion, with three doubles and two twin suites, all with full ensuite baths.

Bar in the saloon

Nero has a stately formal dining room on the main deck, but the crew advise this is rarely used with guests favouring to dine al fresco at either of the aft deck tables. The sun deck offers a more intimate setting for meals, with a smaller table that’s cosy for couples.

Al fresco dining area

Delicious dishes on board

Nero runs with a crew of 20 and is equipped with Jet Skis, SeaBobs, a Flyboard, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and an inflatable slide that runs from the sun deck to the ocean. The yacht is served by three tenders, including a beautiful Corsair limousine for stylish transfers between superyacht and shore.

On board bar

Pairing all the mechanics, operational systems, and luxuries of modern-day superyachting with a design that would have you thinking this graceful lady of the sea was significantly more advanced in her years, is a remarkable achievement. Designed to emulate yachts of the 1920s and ‘30s, in particular the Corsair vessels owned by American financier J. P. Morgan, Nero is a nod to a more romantic maritime heritage.

Superyacht NERO with her tender

This superyacht reimagines the word superyacht and the very notion of 21st-century superyachting, reminding us where this stature, grandeur and celebration of success all began.

Written by Roxanne Hughes

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