AMADEA: A NEW ICON – Force One

No truer word can be said than “a picture speaks a thousand words” when discussing the newest masterpiece from the powerful combination of Imperial Yachts and Lurssen: 106m M/Y AMADEA. It is almost impossible to capture the essence of absolute excellence that the quality of this yacht embodies. From the choice of wood for a particular grain to the inspiration taken from the fins of sperm whales for the design of the pitch propellers, AMADEA is pure floating ingenuity.

To put it almost crassly, AMADEA is how you would expect Louis XIV to commission a yacht; filled with white marble, gold, and exotic woods, as much as the exterior design is utterly – and equally – superb, the interior of this yacht is simply breath-taking, and a game changer in the definition of luxury. It is Nice-based designer Francois Zuretti’s background in his work in the architecture and design of Middle Eastern palaces (as well as his various commissions for the King of Morocco) that can be clearly seen throughout. The level of intricacy in every detail screams opulence, regality, and pure hedonism. One need only look at any one inch of the interior to garner an understanding of the sheer levels of sumptuousness the design exudes, and also the intelligence behind the layout; the owner and guests’ every comfort is predicted, catered for, and surpassed – something for which Imperial is very well known for. The sea terrace, for example, not only offers a dedicated area from which to leap into the cooling waters of the sea, but leads directly into a relaxation area with daybeds and a white marble staircase that allures one to ascend into the spa area. After a day spent exploring coves on a paddleboard, who wouldn’t want to come straight back in for a massage?

The mixture of light woods, leather, gold detailing and geometric marble is as if you have wandered directly into the most luxurious of Moroccan riads; the hammam, sauna, chromotherapy and massage room – illuminated by scented candles and aromatic teas – provides the perfect combination of relaxation and luxury after a day spent on the water, or indeed, as a way to start the day in style. The furnishings throughout are, as expected, palatial, a mixture of fabrics and woods to compliment the ambience of each area on board; from velvet and leather, to silks and suede, the varying textures are as pleasing to the touch as they are the eye. AMADEA has to be one of the finest examples of owner-focussed extravagance on the water, especially for those who value privacy above anything else. With a deck dedicated in its entirety to the owner – ranging from their very own entry/exit to the Helipad, to the fire-pit relaxation area aft, if it weren’t for the sun and swim deck pools they need never leave. The owner’s stateroom must be seen to be believed, just forward of a shimmering gold bathroom and separate dressing room. Not quite full beam, the outer decking allows for a greater feeling of space while also allowing the ability to step right into the sun for a gentle stroll around the yacht. A large oval silk ceiling centrepiece and fireplace at the foot of the bed creates an ambience of relaxation and romance, perfect for retiring after a busy day.

Moving after, the owner is also treated to their own private beauty room as well as an office filled with every amenity imaginable with an opulence one can only dream of. The owner’s mezzanine living room and whisky bar is to port of the starboard gym, whose facilities are so state-of-the-art they entice you to workout. A private dining area and lounge scream NYC-style penthouse luxury, every area connected by marble-clad corridors with gold accents and a mix of art deco and classical motifs. The guests do not suffer from any decline in this awe-inspiring owner’s interior, their VIP ensuite cabins of equal luxury and grandeur. Not that you would want to spend much time in bed when there are so many places on board to find a private area to lounge and enjoy the ever-changing scenery outside. PYC-compliant, AMADEA can welcome up to 22 guests cruising and 16 guests sleeping in her 8-cabins layout.

The exterior areas of the yacht are also, simply put, utterly superb. From the ever-talented pen of Espen Oino, the elevation of the yacht, every single deck, is designed to perfection. AMADEA is as much a delight to see off the water as on. The tip of the bow is just the tip of the iceberg… A large steel albatross forms the head of the bow setting AMADEA immediately apart from any other yacht on the water. Watching the yacht glide across the waves, the mighty albatross – whose wing span is the greatest of any bird – flies above the water, steering a clear passage. This motif is continued on the limo tenders in a stroke of design genius. The curvature of the yacht’s aluminium superstructure gives protection to each balcony, while the long and wide side decks give an ever greater sense of outside space. The capabilities for outdoor living on this yacht are simply astounding; one need only approach from the aft to see the main deck infinity swimming pool (with stunning mosaic tiling) jut out and down the swimming platform, surrounded by sunbeds, as well as a swim up bar. All 18 meters of AMADEA’s beam is fully accounted for when it comes to providing space for relaxation al fresco, as well as the fold down balconies allowing for a fully immersive experience. Every one of the five decks provides ample outdoor space for making the most of the ever-changing sea view and gentle breeze. Central to each deck aft are seating and dining areas giving unprecedented panoramic views. It would be easy to list the facilities and amenities on board, yet that would not give a true picture of just how incredible AMADEA is. Every sense must be stimulated in order to fully appreciate the absolute magnificence of Imperial’s latest project and collaboration, their finest to date. No wonder the yacht’s name translates to “God’s Beloved”.