YACHT HAVENS

FROM INDONESIA TO THAIL AND AND MYANMAR, ENJOY EXPLORING SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENERY IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING CHARTER YACHTS.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

FROM INDONESIA TO THAIL AND AND MYANMAR, ENJOY EXPLORING SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENERY IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING CHARTER YACHTS.

<b>PHOTO:</b> BOAT LAGOON YACHTING
<b>PHOTO:</b> BOAT LAGOON YACHTING

FOR MOST OF US, the millions of dollars it would cost to buy a superyacht is a little out of reach, but the experience of chartering a yacht for a few days or a week – and briefly living the life of a billionaire – doesn’t have to be.

Southeast Asia offers some of the world’s best cruising locations if you’re looking for pristine natural attractions, whether that’s tracking down Komodo dragons in Indonesia or exploring caves in Thailand. The region also has some of the most luxurious charter yachts, including traditional Indonesian Phinisis.

As Rico Stapel, Charter Manager at Boat Lagoon Yachting, says: “You can find some of the top charter yachts here and choose from a good selection to suit all different needs.”

Choosing the most suitable charter yacht depends on a number of factors including when and where you want to go, what you want to do, and who with. Ultimately though, it’s an experience that can and should be tailored to you.

Nikko Karki, Director of Indo Yachts, which specialises in liveaboard charters and diving in Indonesia, says: “Remember that charter yachts are designed to offer you an exceptional experience tailored specifically to what you enjoy, so don’t be shy about letting the crew know.”

As well as the destinations and the company, another attraction of chartering is the variety of activities available, so Stapel recommends looking out for some of the fast-growing trends when choosing your luxury yacht.

“We are seeing new features like balconies or beach clubs, and innovative toys such as motorised surf boards, sea bobs and underwater bikes,” Stapel says.

“To make the most of your charter experience, it’s always a good idea to look out for a charter yacht that has these facilities and equipment on board.”

<b>PHOTO</b>: DUNIA BARU
<b>PHOTO</b>: DUNIA BARU
DUNIA BARU 

51m Phinisi (2014)

14 guests / 7 cabins 

18 crew 

Indonesia / Thailand / Myanmar

US$96,250/week

Meaning ‘New World’ in Bahasa, Dunia Baru is one of the crown jewels of Indonesian-built Phinisi sailing yachts. This three-deck superyacht is well used by its owners but also available for adventure charters through the year.

Always immaculately maintained, the incredible woodwork and astonishing décor throughout leave a lasting impression. She took eight years to build, and when considering the fact that even the hinges and door latches were hand-crafted, you can see why.

The yacht – which has a range of over 5,000nm – is managed and looked after by 18 crew, many of whom helped build the vessel, and are all proud to share their creation.

Inside, the impressive master suite features 190-degree views, a private deck and a bathroom with an oversized shower. The teppan-style aft galley features a big open cooking range and a wine cellar, which can be enjoyed while listening to your favourite songs on the Sonos 14 Zone Integrated Sound System.

The touch-screen controlled platform covers every room and outside area with 30 hi-fi quality speakers and sub-woofers, plus iPod docking systems which can all be controlled from an iPad.

For playing in or on the water, Dunia Baru has four RIBs, two 900cc Seadoos, waterskis, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, a banana boat, diving gear, two air compressors and a separate nitrox compressor.

https://duniabaru.com

http://www.indoyachts.com/dunia-baru/

<b>PHOTO</b>: SILOLONA SOJOURNS
<b>PHOTO</b>: SILOLONA SOJOURNS
SILOLONA 

50m Phinisi (2004)

10-12 guests / 5 cabins

17 crew 

Southeast Asia 

US$119,000/week

Launched in July 2004 and refitted in 2009, the majestic Silolona was a forerunner of the many Phinisis that cruise to Komodo and other remote areas of Indonesia today. A powerful hand-crafted traditional wooden sailing vessel, Silolona was built from tropical hardwoods by the Master Konjo boat builders of the Sulawesi to German Lloyd’s specifications.

From day one, her owners have always emphasised local culture in their onboard activities and choice of cruising destinations, and the yacht performed a huge service in the aftermath of the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004.

Silolona has five classically decorated, romantic guest cabins – three with king-size beds and additional lounge areas, and two with double beds. All are adorned with traditional woven textiles and Indonesian artefacts, and feature air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

The yacht features expansive decks, delicious Asian fusion cuisine and a full range of aquatic activities, including diving, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, donuts, sport fishing, windsurfing and snorkelling.

Silolona Sojourns also operates a smaller sister yacht, the 40m Si Datu Bua, which accommodates up to eight guests and is operated by 12 crew.

http://www.silolona.com

http://www.indoyachts.com/silolona/

<b>PHOTO</b>: INDO YACHTS
<b>PHOTO</b>: INDO YACHTS
LAMIMA 

65m Phinisi (2014) 

14 guests / 7 cabins 

19 crew 

Indonesia / Thailand / Myanmar

US$126,000/week

Designed by Marcelo Penna of Barcelona and built of iron wood in Ara, Sulawesi, the 65m Lamima is one of the world’s largest wooden sailing yachts available for private charter. The light-coloured, seven-cabin megayacht travels around Indonesia for most of the year and in late November relocates to Phuket for visits to Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago.

On the main deck, the spacious salon is furnished with a bar, lounge and a vast 14-seat dining table. Forward, shaded by a fabric bimini, is a large communal area for al fresco dining and lounging, where the seats and table can convert to large sunpads.

At the stern is the relaxation quarter where qualified masseuses operate in privacy, a welcome relief after a day of watersports. For intimate conversations, there’s a small private zone far forward, at the base of the bowsprit. The upper deck extending forward of the pilothouse is furnished with Indonesian sun mattresses and dedicated to inactivity.

The spacious, luxurious accommodation comprises an enormous master cabin with dressing room, four doubles and two twins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Internet is available in every cabin along with HD TV, IPod docking stations and an extensive movie library.

Three experienced PADI Divemasters are supported by a well equipped dive centre, while two watermakers are able to produce 12,000 litres of fresh water per day.

http://www.lamima.com

http://www.indoyachts.com/lamima/

<b>PHOTO</b>: INDO YACHTS
<b>PHOTO</b>: INDO YACHTS
AMANDIRA

52m Phinisi (2015)

10 guests / 5 cabins

15-18 crew

Indonesia

US$91,052/week (6 guests/3 cabins)

Owned by the Aman Group, known for providing secluded resorts for a discerning clientele, the 52m Amandira is similarly spacious and serene. Handcrafted by the Konjo tribe and launched in 2015, the two-masted Phinisi sails from the Amanwana resort in Moyo to Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat.

The iconic master stateroom is bathed in natural light, benefiting from windows along three sides and a great view of the aft deck, which features a full-beam couch. Like the master stateroom, the two VIP cabins each have a living area with sofa, coffee table and writing desk, as well as a large bathroom with shower and twin vanities. The other two guest cabins are furnished with double bunks.

The yacht features a bar, library, lounge, entertainment room, a long dining table and sunbathing areas on the teak foredeck, and a spacious, open top deck.

Diving equipment includes nitrox, enabling longer bottom time for experienced divers, while new divers have the opportunity to gain PADI certification under the guidance of a certified instructor. Crew also include an onboard masseur. The Aman Group also operates Amanikan, a 32m custom-built coastal cruiser with three cabins for six guests.

http://www.aman.com/resorts/amanwana/amandira

http://www.indoyachts.com/amandira

<b>PHOTO</b>: INDO YACHTS
<b>PHOTO</b>: INDO YACHTS
ALILA PURNAMA

46m Phinisi (2012)

10 guests / 5 cabins

18 crew

Indonesia

US$97,300/week

Alila Purnama, translated as ‘The Full Moon’, is one of the most luxurious Phinisi liveaboards, providing ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation. The classic lines of a traditional Indonesian Phinisi combined with Alila’s signature minimalistic Asian influences create a blissful ambience.

Alila’s hospitality pedigree brings onboard the amenities of a resort, while the yacht’s divemasters are fluent in Indonesian, English, Italian and Chinese.

The highlight of this majestic vessel is the beautiful master cabin which is set above deck and has wraparound windows offering 270-degree views, a private balcony with a large terrace and daybed, and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub, shower and two washbasins. The other four cabins all feature queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms.

A large bar and lounge area lead to the dining room, while other areas of interest include a well stocked library. The sustainable furniture has been custom-made with locally sourced materials such as rattan and teak.

http://www.alilahotels.com/purnama

http://www.indoyachts.com/alila-purnama

<b>PHOTO</b>: OCEAN EMERALD
<b>PHOTO</b>: OCEAN EMERALD
OCEAN EMERALD

41m Motoryacht (2009) 

12 guests / 5 cabins 

9 crew 

Southeast Asia 

US$100,000/week + APA

Designed by Sir Norman Foster, built by Rodriquez Yachts in Italy and launched in 2009, the 41m Ocean Emerald could be described as unique except for the fact she has two identical sisters (Ocean Emerald, Ocean Sapphire).

Based in Pattaya, Ocean Emerald charters primarily in the Gulf of Thailand and around Phuket, but is also available for charters throughout Southeast Asia and further afield. For overnight trips, she accommodates up to 12 guests in five cabins and nine crew, and up to 40 guests for day charters.

Ocean Emerald, which has benefited from a 2016 refit, is immediately distinguished by her space-age design, most notably the arcing lines of her eye-catching grey exterior and continuous stairways that sweep up from the lower deck to the sundeck, where you’ll find a bar and jacuzzi.

The interior also has a very modern feel and features bright, lively colours. The main salon has a lounging area and large dining table, while forward on the main deck is the full-beam master suite, which has a king-size bed, 60-inch TV, ocean-view sofas, en-suite bathroom and two private terraces. The lower deck houses two double-bed VIP staterooms and two twin cabins with Pullman beds.

The main deck, upper deck and sun deck all have large outdoor areas, offering plenty of options for sunbathing, drinks and alfresco dining. The yacht also has a gym, jacuzzi and home cinema, and a range of toys, tenders, jet skis, kayaks and sports equipment.

http://www.oceanemerald.com

<b>PHOTO</b>: ASIAMARINE
<b>PHOTO</b>: ASIAMARINE
DOLCE VITA

33m Numarine 105XL (2016)

8 guests / 4 Cabins

3 Crew

US$$93,940/week (Thailand, Nov-Apr) US$66,365/week (Hong Kong, May-Oct)

One of Southeast Asia’s newest luxury charter options, the 33m Dolce Vita offers three, five and seven-day itineraries from Langkawi to Phuket from November to April. Only launched in 2016, the Numarine 105XL has already been chartered by an NBA star and a famous Chinese actress, and is skippered by an Italian with two decades of superyacht experience in Europe.

Dolce Vita has a state-of-the-art inverter-based electrical system, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Andaman Sea or Phang Nga Bay for prolonged periods of quiet-boat anchor.

Meaning ‘good life’ in Italian, Dolce Vita offers a range of activities for the adventurous including diving and snorkelling. Water toys including sea kayaks, wakeboards and jetskis are on hand for exploring secret coves and pristine white-sand beaches. The yacht has a Williams DieselJet 505 tender and the crew can bring you ashore for barbecues on the beach.

http://asia-marine.net/charters/

<b>PHOTO</b>: ASIAMARINE
<b>PHOTO</b>: ASIAMARINE
MIJA

14.35m Galeon 460 Fly (2016)

6 Guests / 2 Cabins

2 Crew

Thailand

US$26,180/week

Based at Yacht Haven Marina, the first Galeon 460 Fly in Asia only arrived in Phuket at the end of 2016 and offers all the innovations of the award-winning 500 Fly but in a more compact frame. Mija features Galeon’s iconic Beach Mode, where the wings fold down to extend the beam and provide a large beach club area and an open portside bar.

Other clever designs that make the most of her space include the 360-degree rotating cockpit couch and the bow settee area that can swiftly morph into a sundeck.

The main deck features a dining area and a full-sized kitchen, while accommodation comprises three cabins on the lower deck. The spacious master suite is located midships and has an en-suite bathroom.

http://asia-marine.net/charters/

<b>PHOTO</b>: SIMPSON MARINE
<b>PHOTO</b>: SIMPSON MARINE
GB ODYSSEY

19m Lagoon 620 Catamaran

8 Guests / 4 Cabins

3-4 Crew

Thailand / Malaysia

US$32,998/week

Based in Phuket’s Ao Po Marina, GB Odyssey is a large, user-friendly charter vessel and the ideal choice for a sailing holiday. This Lagoon 620 has excellent stability plus huge indoor and outdoor areas for extra comfort during long charters.

Specially designed for charter, the shallow draft of this 62ft sailing catamaran allows you to reach beautiful moorings in exclusive locations that may be inaccessible to other yachts.

Standout features are the enormous cockpit, the luminous salon and four luxurious cabins including the master suite, which is accessed from both the cockpit and the salon.

The flybridge is beautifully welcoming and perfect for entertaining guests, while the forward trampolines and outdoor deck areas also offer nice sunbathing and lounging areas. The well designed transom offers easy access to the water for swimming or boarding the tender.

http://www.simpsonyachtcharter.com

<b>PHOTO</b>: SIMPSON MARINE
<b>PHOTO</b>: SIMPSON MARINE
LAGOON 450

14m Lagoon 450 Catamaran

10 Guests / 4 Cabins

Crew Optional

Thailand

US$12,310/week (high season)

US$5,360/week (low season)

The Lagoon 450 can be chartered either with or without crew and is also based at Phuket’s Ao Po Marina like GB Odyssey, her 62ft ‘big sister’.

Lagoon states that the 450 is the only catamaran of her size (14m) offering four independent living sections; the saloon, rear cockpit, forward cockpit and the flybridge. She offers a high level of comfort in both the saloon and in the four cabins, while the steering station on the flybridge is accessible from both sides of the cockpit.

Fully air-conditioned, the yacht is also self-sufficient for water, with a production of 100l/h and energy thanks to her 11kv generator. Activities available on-board include a dinghy, an outboard and snorkelling equipment.

http://www.simpsonyachtcharter.com

<b>PHOTO</b>: BOAT LAGOON YACHTING
<b>PHOTO</b>: BOAT LAGOON YACHTING
REIGNWOOD SENIOR 78 

22.3m Princess 78 (2011)

8 Guests / 4 Cabins

3 Crew

Thailand / Myanmar

US$37,193/week (high season)

US$35,067/week (low season)

Reignwood Senior 78 is a high-performance charter yacht based in Phuket, with the Princess 78 offering a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 20. The 78-footer’s most frequent destinations include Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Phi Phi and the Similan Islands, while it also cruises up to Myanmar.

The yacht’s main outdoor areas are the large aft deck, the foredeck and the fantastic covered flybridge, which has sunpads, plenty of seating and a bar area.

Inside, the elegant salon offers great views through long windows and leads to a dining table for eight on the starboard side, opposite the galley, which can be opened or enclosed. Side doors to both the galley and helm also allow discreet access for crew. The four cabins, including a full-beam master’s suite, are on the lower deck.

The yacht has a barbecue and a hydraulic swimming platform, houses a tender, and offers snorkelling and other activities including, upon request, diving and fishing.

http://www.boatlagooncruises.com

<b>PHOTO</b>: BOAT LAGOON YACHTING
<b>PHOTO</b>: BOAT LAGOON YACHTING
DESTINY

19.7m Princess 64 (2015)

8 Guests / 4 Cabins

3 Crew

Thailand / Myanmar

US$30,710/week

Destiny is as swift as her 78ft sister Reignwood Senior 78, with the Princess 64 also boasting a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 20. She also accommodates eight guests overnight, in two doubles and two twins.

This 2015 model has a good flybridge with bimini, an aft cockpit and lounging space on the foredeck.

The yacht has a submersible swim platform, carries a RIB and snorkelling equipment, while diving, fishing and other activities can be arranged.

Indoors there’s plenty of seating in the main salon, which steps up to a dining area to port and the galley and helm station to starboard.

http://www.boatlagooncruises.com