Where did 2019 go? As another year draws to a close there is still time to cut ties to the office and disappear into a world of vibrant landscapes and even more colourful wildlife on a luxury yacht charter in Seychelles.
Photo © Seychelles Tourism Board
The 400,000 km² territory consists of more than 155 islands – most of which are uninhabited – that make disappearing from civilisation and returning again when you desire effortless. Mahé is the main entry point to the Seychelles and the centre of its social scene, where quality restaurants, beach clubs and bars provide a night of fun and adventure through the tropical night.
Luxury catamaran yachts in the Seychelles – Photo © Seychelles Tourism Board
There are plenty of luxury yachts to choose from for your holiday or special event charter: Those looking for rest and relaxation might prefer a motor yacht with spa facilities and a Michelin-quality chef on board, while multi-generational families might want to explore the environment at a slower pace on a catamaran with excellent stability and plenty of water toys. Regardless of which vessel you choose, everyone onboard will receive the first-class service from a professional crew throughout the charter. Below are eight examples of the lavish amenities that await on a charter in Seychelles, each offering something unique.
Photo Seychelles Tourism Board
Katharine – Timeless charm, cutting-edge entertainment
Superyacht KATHARINE was built in 2000 and last received an extensive refit in 2017, updating her technology as well as her appearance inside and out. The welcoming environments include a spacious lounge that doubles as a cinema or library, and the sundeck Jacuzzi is the perfect place to sit back, relax and admire the colours of paradise.
Classic motor yacht KATHARINE
For entertaining the main salon is furnished with a wet bar and the sky lounge comes with a fireplace and self-playing grand piano for music whenever you desire – ideal for celebrating Christmas and the New Year or your own special occasion. This 61.3m/201ft superyacht will then send you off to sleep in her six plush cabins, designed for a total of 12 guests.
As an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre, there is also the opportunity to earn a jet ski license while on your week-long charter, so when you end you return home you’ll have a new skill as well as a new tan.
St. David – Stately serenity from a bygone era
60m/196.10ft superyacht ST. DAVID is a beautiful vessel that was only just refitted in 2019, giving her classing interiors that polished look deserving of a wedding, honeymoon or other special event, though no excuse is needed to charter this outstanding choice: Onboard she has a Jacuzzi on the massive sundeck, a massive array of water toys which includes dive gear, status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre, an outdoor cinema, an onboard spa with massage facilities and a well-equipped gym. No wonder, then, that she has been awarded ‘Best Charter Yacht’ by the Robb Report.
Luxury yacht ST DAVID
Up to 12 guests can appreciate the old-world charm and modern craftsmanship of her 6 en-suite cabins as they wake up to topaz blue waters, emerald green islands and sands that sparkle like diamonds.
Formosa – Modern and majestic
Luxury yacht FORMOSA is a sistership to ST. DAVID and also has status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre, a wide array of water toys, a sundeck Jacuzzi, sky lounge cinema and gym, however, her decor is decidedly contemporary for charter groups who want light and bright without the details.
Luxury superyacht FORMOSA
On board is a spa therapist and masseuse to ease away the year’s troubles and rejuvenate you for the next, and the private observation room is unbeatable for those hours when you want to hide away with a good book and watch the world go by. M/Y FORMOSA is equally prepared to host a marvellous quayside bash and her highly experienced crew will ensure that the event is executed flawlessly.
Spacious sun deck for an ultimate yachting experience
A lift (elevator) provides access to all decks and the onboard accommodation provides 12 guests with six sumptuous cabins with en-suite facilities and TV entertainment – were it not for the spectacular outside world beckoning through the large windows every morning, guests might never want to leave their beds.
Lili – Elegance for anywhere
Motor yacht LILI is one of the popular AMELS 180 hulls that possess one of the largest sundecks for a 55m/180ft vessel currently on the market at 180m²/1937ft², plus plenty of fold-down balconies, a beach club with a steam room and a swimming pool with current. Despite all the external deck spaces that promote outdoor living as much as possible, the interiors have received just as much attention to detail from renowned designer Laura Sessa, and charter groups who prefer striking monochrome styling will fall in love with the broad, bright white living rooms contrasted by striated dark wood and other top quality materials.
Luxury superyacht LILI
The accommodation sleeps up to 12 guests in six lavish en-suite cabins, most notable of which is the bridge deck Master suite that has 180° views through the aft windows and a private aft terrace just for the occupants of the suite. The main deck VIP stateroom has its own fold-down terrace too.
Sundeck Jacuzzi hot tub
Her range of 4,500 nautical miles would take you across the Atlantic Ocean, so you’ll have no problems reaching the farthest untouched islands in Seychelles, or continuing on to the Maldives, Madagascar and more of the unusual and unique destinations the Indian Ocean contains.
Akiko – Awards and artwork in abundance
At 34m/112ft luxury yacht, AKIKO has a more intimate atmosphere onboard compared to the larger vessels on this list, and she is also more capable of accessing the narrow bays and shallow waterways around the archipelagos. At the time of her launch, she won the World Superyacht Awards 2008 category for Best Displacement Motor yacht of below 500GT (30m to approximately 49.9m), and her refit in 2016 has ensured her enduring appeal on the luxury yacht charter market.
Explorer yacht AKIKO with tenders
The Owner is an avid art collector and the 10 guests onboard will find themselves as immersed in art from Australia, and the South Pacific region just as much as the incredible Seychelles lagoons and beaches.
Pale and fresh interiors are designed for laid-back living aboard this expedition-style motor yacht, however, adrenaline seekers, Scuba divers and sport fishers have a well-stocked collection of water toys for days spent in the sunshine.
Sea Jaguar – When you want time on your side
When you want to ‘do it all’ and speed is an important factor in your choice of a luxury yacht, then 31m/101.8ft sports yacht SEA JAGUAR is the best combination of power and luxury: She has a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. Superyacht SEA JAGUAR sleeps 10 guests over five en-suite cabins and is ideal for extended families with younger children in the group.
Motor yacht Sea Jaguar – Cruising on charter
This classically-styled open yacht proudly displays its namesake motif inside and out, and while the sumptuous lounge and cabins have their entertainment systems, the focus is far more on guest interaction, relaxation and exploring the world around you: The shallow draft of 1.5m/5.1ft makes accessing the pristine shallow beaches a breeze, taking you to shallow anchorages to dine alfresco on the beach as the stars come out in unpolluted night skies.
Ti Zourit – Take your time to indulge
Luxury yacht TI ZOURIT might seem like the odd one out as the only sailing yacht on this list, but this 2016-built 17.4m/57ft catamaran is mention-worthy for her pristine interiors and amenities designed as a home away from home. Cut yourself off from the rest of the world and spend quality time with family and friends as well as hobbies and interests.
TI ZOURIT sailing catamaran
Catch your lunch using the onboard fishing gear and dine alfresco on the flybridge, where the wet bar and grill will provide refreshments to accompany your memorable meal.
The two hulls create greater stability than monohulls for onboard living and rest, and five double-sized en-suite cabins will sleep up to 10 guests.
La Datcha – The ultimate adventure from winter 2020
If you’re planning for next year instead, yet to be launched luxury yacht LA DATCHA is the highly anticipated 77m/252.7ft expedition yacht from Amels and Damen. Once launched she’ll take guests on an unforgettable adventure with a submersible on board in addition to a dive centre, two commercially certified helicopters, spa massage facilities, an observation lounge, a Jacuzzi and two Master suites among the six en-suite cabins to accommodate up to 12 guests.
LA DATCHA superyacht
Her broad 14m/45.11ft beam creates ample storage for an exhaustive selection of water toys and vehicles that are far from your average charter yacht selection, and her warm and welcoming lounges and alfresco living areas have much to keep guests occupied while cruising and once at your amazing destination.
