The Belmond Orient Express has historic trains, Virgin Airlines has futuristic spaceships and now the Four Seasons– widely known as a top global hospitality brand from hotels to restaurants, spas and even private jets will be taking to the high seas with the launch of Four Seasons Yachts. The brand has partnered with luxury shipping experts Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD and acclaimed Italian shipbuilders Fincantieri to create the very first Four Seasons Yacht, anticipated to set sail in 2025. This will solidify the next chapter in the brand’s industry-leading innovation and introduces a new category of lifestyle and wellness travel.
As the first of a fleet of Four Seasons Yachts planned over the next five years, the first vessel is currently being designed in Trieste, Italy and will be 207 meters (679 feet) long and 27 meters (88.6 feet) wide with 14 decks. No expense will be spared in terms of the bespoke craftsmanship and personalized service that will be offered to discerning guests looking to reimagine their love of travel.
The plan for the first vessel, which includes the option for two additional vessels, amounts to approximately EUR 1.2 billion. Globally renowned design partners have been enlisted, including Tillberg Design of Sweden as lead architect responsible for the design of exterior and guest suites, and London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio for guest areas. These design partners will be paired with the creative direction of Prosper Assouline.
The vessel’s restaurants, lounges and bar concepts will be led by a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio and there will also be a full-service spa, salon, and wellness programming – from fitness to health and nutrition, all inspired by the splendor of modern sea voyaging. The classic canoe-shaped aft will be home to an expansive pool deck, allowing for moments of relaxation. This area will also transform into an outdoor movie theatre or space for an array of private events. The elegant and industry-first transverse marina is also an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the inviting water, sunbathe or explore the specially-designed aqua leisure toys and accessories.
Whether you are seeking a perfect cappuccino in the lobby, a Mediterranean-inspired lunch, a dinner tasting at the sushi bar or a glass of champagne on the terrace – guests will never be far from the renowned Four Season’s intuitive service.
The Yacht’s 95 spacious suites will contain floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed natural light and nearly 50 percent more space per guest starting at 54 square meters (581 square feet) of indoor/outdoor nautical villa living space with and access to expansive terrace decks. At a cost to build of USD 4.2 million per suite, no expense is being spared in terms of the custom design.
The most expansive residence, the “Funnel Suite” will be an impressive four levels, offering more than 892 square meters (9,601 square feet) of combined indoor/outdoor living space, including a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area, creating a sea view home away from home.
“Four Seasons Yachts represents the next chapter of our long history of industry-leading innovation, and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalize on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons,” says Christian Clerc, President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “True vision rests in the ability to imagine the possibilities while always remaining loyal to one’s values. Our vision for this new venture does exactly that. Together with our partners at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, we are creating something extraordinary that combines their expertise with what Four Seasons does best – delivering unmatched quality and excellence, surrounded by beautiful acts of service and love for our guests.”
Veteran luxury travel industry expert Larry Pimentel is responsible for leading the new enterprise. “In partnership with Four Seasons, we are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests. We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering through world-class design, curated experiences, and truly exceptional service,” says Pimentel. “When we launch in 2025, there will be nothing else like it on the open seas. Our shipbuilding partnership with Fincantieri rounds out a triumvirate of industry leaders in this unprecedented luxury lifestyle project.”
Planned as the first of a fleet of Four Seasons Yachts over the next five years, the first vessel is currently being designed in Trieste, Italy by leading shipbuilders Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups.
“We are excited to embrace this new opportunity with Four Seasons that will allow us to strengthen our global leadership position,” says Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director. “With a reputation built on innovation and reliability, Fincantieri combines groundbreaking engineering and technology to create the finest vessels in the world, ensuring sustainability practices are integrated throughout the design and guest experience.”
With a distinct focus on guest-centric luxury finishings, Fincantieri has received global acclaim and achieved industry awards. “This project is in a class of its own, combining the best of passenger ship construction and yacht design to create a new benchmark for ultra-luxury vessels” adds Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri.
