Luxury Lifestyle, Design & Architecture blog

Gibraltar has found a way to overcome the scarcity of land. They are putting up a five star yacht hotel to meet the growing need for luxury hotels. Gibraltar is a tiny British territory on the southern tip of Spain. The yacht hotel being built has been named Sunborn Gibraltar. When completed, it will cost around $200 million and will be moored permanently to function practically as an extension of the land. Gibraltar is an idyllic destination which is very popular with the tourists. Sunborn Gibraltar CEO, Brian Stevendale believes that this is the most effective way of meeting the huge demand for hotels. It is the only way forward for land scarce cities around the world. Yacht Hotel Anchored in Gibraltar’s Ocean Village Marina The advantage of creating a yacht hotel instead of a regular brick and mortar hotel is that there is no disruption during the construction. The megayacht is built elsewhere and brought in to be moored at the desired location. The Sunborn Gibraltar which will b...

Tartan 5300 is a treat for both an experienced sailor and layman alike. The people at Tartan Yachts achieved that by brining the best of both engineering and interior design. Many of you must have seen pictures of the most expensive yachts in the world or those super expensive yachts to charter and might find this one much less imposing, but the thing to remember here is not the size but the quality of craftsmanship that has gone behind this beauty. The yacht has 46.5 feet of waterline plus a displacement to length ratio of 165 feet. Let us first take a peek at the technical details. Novis Cruise Control Rig has been used to make sailing a cakewalk on Tartan 5300. These guys have partnered with High Modulus Engineering and used some of the lightest and most high grade materials available in the market to achieve the excellent aforementioned displacement ratio. The ship’s rigging is such that it can manage upwind as well as offwind sails with equal ease. While sailing upwind, 105...

Philippe Starck is not a yacht designer but has designed a luxury yacht that is turning heads. It doesn’t have the traditional look of a yacht but one feels that it could be a submarine or even a space ship. Philippe Starck is a generalist but over the past 25 years of his active career he has managed to touch almost every aspect of daily life. His range is unmatched as he has designed houses, hotels, schools, motorcycles, airplanes, boats and even pasta. However, he is basically an architect and about the yacht he said, ‘Physically it is more a fish than a building.’ He had designed the yacht with Martin Francis in 2008. The Design of the Mega Yacht Will Set New Standards Philippe Starck has made his creativity compatible with naval architecture. He says that he his secret of success is that he has rigor with his creativity and he totally understands and accepts the beauty, elegance and philosophy of engineering. He has designed sailboats for French builder Beneteau, collaborat...

One of the most flamboyant and richest names in Russia, Roman Abramovich, has for the first time has given an insight into his mass fortune, that is now estimated at a whopping $11 billion. The Russian oil magnet, who is also the owner of one of the most renowned football clubs in the world, Chelsea, had to declare his assets and worth due to his current election campaign.  As per the reports, Mr. Abrmaovich own an astounding array of 16 homes, along with $116 million in 22 bank accounts. Apart from his property assets and the liquid capital, the Russian oil magnet also owns a fleet of some seven cars, including a standard Volkswagen Golf. In the year 2010, Roman Abramovich became the owner of the world’s biggest megayacht, the Eclipse, that has been designed with the most luxurious features and state of the art security systems along with a massive price tag of $ $400 – $800 million. As per the declaration, Mr. Abarmovich currently owns seven luxury apartments in Knight...

Ready to take a cruise in a world’s giant cruise ship? But hang on as it hasn’t yet hit the seas. Called the “Project Genesis” cruise liner, Royal Caribbean is engaged in raising this 1,180 feet long water gargantuan.  Weighing 220,000 tones and valued at $1.24 billion, the ship claims to be the world’s priciest ship as well. But if besides the ‘est’ factor, figures do make a difference to you then read further. Alleged to be 43% wider than Queen Elizabeth II, it can house 5,400 sea lovers and sponge 6,400 under Sardine circumstances. It sports a Central Park, an AquaTheater along with seven different “neighborhoods” offering lodging to people. This move can be witnessed as another milestone by Royal Caribbean International, courtesy Genesis fall of 2009. Via Gizmodo/ Official Site

The Group Overmarine continues its process of expansion in the world. Several agreements signed in the strategic markets of the various continents, to consolidate and extend commercial presence in the areas of opportunity. One of the most recent agreements have been signed with Scud Marine for ' India , Sri Lanka and Pakistan.   This actually belongs to the Capital Group and focuses his interests in the marine industry, which represents the leading manufacturers of luxury yachts , offering a full service marine solutions with the help of a team of experts.   Scud Marine offers complete solutions for the management of a vessel, such as government approvals, customs operations, technical assistance, financing, maintenance. A good partner for Overmarine, which takes a first step of long-term strategy to reach the area of ​​Asia.   Via | Overmarine.it

Chartering a megayacht is no longer an impossible monetary dream as it used to be. Apparently, there is a particular one that goes by the name of Katania. It was once chartered by Hollywood actress Hilary Swank and her hubby Chad Lowe. At that, you can safely assume that it would have come for a high price of more than $49,500. But not anymore. In fact, the rate is a little less than $3,000 per day. This is not the only one. In fact, CEO Expeditions, which is a Seattle-based megayacht rental business, charges around $100,000 a week for a 100+ foot yachts. But even those guys have sloshed their prices heavily. So no extra service costs and hidden taxes, one just has to pay enough for the running of the yacht alone. Coming back to Katania, pay $2950 per day for four people. Two more can be accommodated at $450 extra per person. A great idea for getaway with a bunch of your favorite peoples. And if you don’t have enough moolah, you can always go dutch. The kitchen ...

Osama Bin Laden and his killing in Abbottabad, Pakistan by American Navy Seals in a special operation, elbowed the Royal Wedding out of the television screens. Millions of viewing public were left guessing as to where the royal couple would be going for their honeymoon. There was an element of secrecy because of the security issues and the threat perception. Some details about their honeymoon are coming out now. The couple is reported to be honeymooning in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. They have rented a private island with all luxurious amenities for ten days. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as the couple is now addressed as after the wedding have chartered a £2 million luxury yacht in order to take a private tour of islands in the Indian Ocean. The plush boat called Sea Stream is supposed to be the fastest luxury crewed boat for rent in the Seychelles and costs approximately £26,000 per week to rent. The Sea Stream comes equipped with its own jet skis and ...

The recession has hit everyone rather differently. The rich are ok but the poor are getting poorer. Let’s take the example set by German billionaire Reinhold Wuerth. He is number 93 on The Forbes 2009 list and has made all the moolah thanks to his screw manufacturing business. That apart, the man has been in news for laying off his workers by faking a recession. And now, he has gone on to buy a $100 million yacht. Touted as a convicted tax evader, this man is busy celebrating the christening of his newly-acquired super yacht, the Vibrant Curiosity. This 85-meter yacht was built at the Oceano dock near Rotterdam. Two diesel engines generate 4,680 horsepower and make it achieve a speed of 18.5 knots. The interior is also very luxurious. There is a large master cabin accompanied by opulent a VIP suite and several other luxury cabins for 14 guests. Wuerth is keeping mum about his new purchase. The liner is impressive but the infamous history of the owner is diffic...

Superyacht Dubai is amongst the largest yachts in the world. At 162 meters it is the second largest yacht in the world. The large private yacht was launched by Platinum Yachts in 2006. Lot of hard work has gone into making this superyacht.  In fact, the work on the yacht had started ten years before its launch. Andrew Winch has designed the yacht and the interiors have been designed in-house by Platinum Yachts. Its steel hull and aluminum superstructure makes an imposing site on the water. The megayacht was made for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. The construction of the yacht was initially taken up as a joint project between Blohm & Voss and Lurssen shipyards. However the construction was halted until 2001. Subsequently the hull was taken over by Platinum Yachts on behalf of His Highness Sheik Mohammed Rashid al-Maktoum.  The name of the yacht has undergone changes during the long construction period. It was initially named Platinum Panhandle and then it was called G...

Told U So, the name of the yacht might sound a bit odd to you, but it promises the most luxurious experience you ever had at sea. Summer is upon us and it is the time to head to the beach and perhaps take off in a yacht for a memorable vacation. Cruise in the deep blue sea in some of the most expensive yachts and indulge in exciting water sports.  Told U So 145 super yacht offers you the experience of a home away from home. The luxury yacht has been made with great care and a lot of imagination. It is an exclusive creation of entrepreneur, hotelier, and designer Kirk Lazarus who collaborated with the Italian firm Molori Design for this exclusive project. Long Yacht with Luxurious Accomodation The yacht is 145 feet long and the space has been innovatively and optimally used to accommodate many features you might not find even in mega yachts. Told U So features five sleeping cabins that offer luxurious accommodations for ten people. However, the living, dining and bar areas are ...

Would you like to vacation on the sea this summer in your own yacht? If you are one of those who are not looking for a yacht for charter but are actually in the market for a yacht for sale you have a very good option that you must consider seriously. Laurel, a 73.15 meters or 240 feet superyacht is available for sale for a new piece which is only $79.5 million. If you consider the price in the context of the shape, size and the features of the yacht, the price is a bargain if you are serious about owning a luxury yacht. The blue and white elegantly designed Laurel is basically a motor yacht that was built by Delta Marine in 2006. The hull of the yacht is bright blue that really stands out. The interiors are very elegantly done and offer spacious and luxurious accommodation for 12 guests. The master suite is large and comes with a private deck. Apart from the master suite there are four double staterooms and a twin cabin. The accommodations can be reconfigured to accommodate five mo...

The photo spread of the latest Vanity Fair shows Darwin Deson aboard his 205 foot mega yacht in a Monte Carlo harbour together with a drink and some very good company. After a glance at the picture it is hard to believe that it’s the same Darwin Deason who never attended college and grew up as a farm boy in Arkansas. A billionaire now he sold out his business process outsourcing company Affiliated Computer Services to Xerox in 2005. His net value now is slated to be worth $1.1 billion. Although born in a landlocked city, Darwin always sought pleasure at a lake, river or a beach. When he left Arkansas for the city of bright lights, Tulsa he had only $50 in his pocket. Driven by this passion he bought his first 14 foot boat named the AristoCraft when he was only in his twenties. The zeal to own more such boats elevated to a whole new level when he bought the latest 205 feet mega yacht.  Well it surely is one of its kind for it’s not the kind of yacht that you would see every day. L...

Are you by any chance a billionaire loaded with cash? Do you enjoy sailing in a super yacht? And after indulging in all the pleasures of the rich and famous do you find time for issues such as environment sustainability and care about our blue planet? If yes is the answer to all our questions then we have just what you were looking for. A super yacht that is fancy meant exclusively for the affluent and also saves the planet from all the poisonous fumes that we emit every day. It is the first eco friendly yacht that the world has ever seen and don’t think it will come with a price that just about anyone can afford. Meant only for billionaires whose bank accounts are over flowing with cash, this first go green super yacht known as the Columbus Sport it comes for a whopping $30 million. The yacht starching 130’ and hybrid is however not the first super luxury yacht despite its unique eco friendly features. It is Paul Allen’s’, billionaire and the co-founder of Microsoft, Octopus that i...

Owning a yacht definitely adds a new dimension to your lifestyle. New entrants to the millionaire’s club want to acquire a luxury yacht to announce to their peers that they have arrived. The boat shows attracts millionaires and billionaires in large numbers looking for the ideal super yacht. However even if you don’t own a luxury yacht you need not despair as some of the finest vessels are available for charter rental. Just sometime back we had talked about the Super yacht Adastra and its high tech features. We now have another super yacht called Mabrouk available for charter rental this season. The 38 meter long yacht has a minimalistic design with straight lines. The interiors are luxuriously done with the best of materials. Color has been used intelligently to infuse life in the interiors. Milan-based Porfiri Studio has designed the interiors of the yacht. The main deck has a bright and spacious room. The lounge like space boasts of Zebrano wood floors and wall paneling. The clas...

The economic uncertainty and stagnation plaguing the major economies of the world has had practically no effect on the yacht industry, particularly the high end superyacht segment. No wonder, a total of 262 super yachts worth US $3.5 billion were sold across the world last year. One of the stunning vessels with breathtaking design and cutting edge technology cost as much as $300 million. Earlier this month Istanbul hosted the World Superyacht Awards which is considered the Oscars of the luxury boating scene. The prestigious awards judge both motor and sail yachts in various categories. Superyacht owners and experts from the industry form the panel of judges. Çırağan Palace Kempinski hotel was the venue of the grand awards event where each winner was given a King Neptune statuette, custom-made by Baccarat. We have brought together the major award winning vessels here for you. Motor Yacht of the Year & DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT OF 1,300GT TO 2,999GT M/Y Tango: Made by Feadship, th...

Luxury yachts are making news even as London readies for the Olympics, which starts on 27 July. News reports claim that many billionaires will be bringing their super yachts to float along the river Thames. The obscene display of wealth is sure to draw click-happy locals and tourists who might want to get a closer look at the wealthiest and most famous people of our time. Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich will be sailing in on the Eclipse, a £520 million super yacht that is considered the largest in the world. Measuring in with a length of 563 feet, this super yacht houses a pair of helicopter pads, a couple of swimming pools, bullet-proof windows and even a missile defense system. Giving the Russian billionaire competition will be no less an individual than Bill Gates, who will be bringing his super yacht Gogypus.  Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, is also expected to sail in on Octopus, his 414-foot superyacht. We might also spot Greek millionaire Elena Ambr...

Ulysse Nardin have been known and respected for the manufacture and design of marine chronometers since 1846. They are, perhaps the oldest and the most experienced in this field and have been called the king of the seas as they expertly steer captains and their crews with faultless precision for over a century and a half. They have not only been in the business of horology but have always stood up for and supported the related industries. To show its solidarity with the yachting community and highlight its history in high horology and above all to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Monaco Yacht Show, Ulysse Nardin proudly announces  its official sponsorship of this monumental event scheduled for September 22 to 25th at Port Hercules, Monaco. To make the event unforgettable Ulysse Nardin has created, exclusively for the occasion, a limited edition timepiece. The 100 pieces only that are being manufactured will be unveiled during the show and will go a long way in...

The fans of speed in water must try their hands at an Agouti yacht. Just do it once, and you will know just what you have been missing out on. Well, each of these have been crafted from solid wood and measure up to 20 to 40 meters in length.  As a matter of fact, the Agouti Yachts are quite proud of their traditional boat building methods that seamlessly absorb the modern technologies as well. And all the credit for it goes to the two visionary brothers- Michael and Andreas Grieger. By the way, it took 50,000 hours of handwork on 40 cubic meters of mahogany, 50 cubic meters of cedar wooord, 650 square meters and two tons of carbon-epoxy resin to make their most recent and spectacular 20 m yacht. This one draws its strength from a two 10-cylinder MAN diesel engines that have more than 2,200 bhp. In other words, Agouti can go real fast, to the effect of 32 knots. However, the ambitious designers are aiming to increase the capacity such that the max speed can be 50 kn...

 A look at the Schöpfer Infinitas Yacht.   Did someone say yacht?  Yes please.  This 300 ft (91 m) mega yacht by Schöpfer was inspired by the symbol of infinity.  Branded the “Infinitas”, the beautiful yacht with looks straight out of a video game boasts a swimming pool, helipad, a captains suite, and six guest suites.   The Infiitas yacht is large enough to comfortably host 16 guests, as well as crew members within its sleek and defined walls, ensuring for an unforgettable yachting experience. On the main level, you’ll find the dining room and living room separated by the pool, kitchen, storage, the main salon, and the helipad.  Schopfer Infinitas Yacht, Main Level Salon  On the second level are the six guest suites and bow deck.  The owner’s suite, pilot house, upper deck, and “sky bridge” are located on the third level.  Below the yacht’s main level are the engine, crew, storage, and mechanical rooms.  If...