Four Seasons to Enter Yacht Market To Be Headed Up By Larry Pimentel
Main Photo: Four Seasons Yachts – image envisaged
Date: October 2022
Name: Four Seasons Yacht – to be up and sailing by end 2025
Location: TBA
Number of Keys: 95 suites
Seller: Brand New Vessel
Buyer: Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, owner and joint operator of Four Seasons Yacht
Yet another hotel brand is entering the yacht market. Four Seasons recently announced the launch of “a new and exciting business extension—Four Seasons Yachts,” created in partnership with Nadim Ashi and Philip Levine, luxury entrepreneurs, as well as Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups. Veteran luxury travel industry expert Larry Pimentel, whose career includes time with Seabourn, Cunard, SeaDream Yacht Club and Azamara is responsible for leading the new enterprise as CEO and president of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, owner and joint operator of Four Seasons Yacht.
The line’s first vessel is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. The order, which was announced last July, includes the option for two additional vessels and amounts to approximately €1.2 billion.
“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,” said Christian Clerc, president, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
With it’s inaugural journey anticipated for late 2025, the first Four Seasons vessel will be 679 feet long and 89 feet wide with 14 decks. At a cost to build of $4.2 million per suite, no expense is being spared in terms of the design. The first Four Seasons Yacht, the company said, will offer nearly 50 percent more living space per guest than currently available, offering additional privacy, flexibility and spaciousness in an all-suite nautical residential setting.
The vessel’s 95 accommodations will offer a network of adjoining suite combinations that can create “adaptable, villa-like residences.” Each suite will offer floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light and access to expansive terrace decks. Taller ceilings (nearly eight feet), plus “generous” indoor and outdoor private guest space “will achieve a new level of guest comfort.”
Suite accommodations will start at an average of 581 square feet (54 sqm) of indoor/outdoor living space. Sixty percent of the vessel’s inventory is in excess of 818 sqf (76 sqm) of total space. The most expansive residence, the “Funnel Suite” will be spread across four levels, offering more than 9,601 sqf (892 sqm) of combined indoor/outdoor living space, including a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area.
Globally renowned design partners have been engaged, 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 the design of many of the yacht’s spectacular guest areas. These design partners will be paired with the creative direction of Prosper Assouline.
The vessel’s restaurants, lounges and bar concepts will offer a range of experiences, such as a cappuccino in the lobby, a Mediterranean-inspired lunch, a dinner tasting at the sushi bar or a glass of champagne on the terrace. The Four Seasons Yacht will also offer guests a full-service spa, salon and wellness programming.
The classic canoe-shaped aft will be home to an expansive pool deck. This area will also transform into an outdoor movie theatre or space for an array of private events. The “industry-first” transverse marina is an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the water, sunbathe or explore the specially designed aqua leisure toys and accessories. Many more of the vessel’s amenities and programming will be revealed in the coming months and up to the vessel’s delivery in late 2025.
Price: €1.2bn for the first yacht and two more
Price Per Key: $4.2m per suite
THPT Comment: Can hotel companies be sucessful yacht owners? Why not…though sadly Ritz-Carlton have only just seen the launch this week, three and half years behind schedule, of their Evrima yacht….We wish Four Seasons the best, with the launch of their new CEO, Alejandro Reynal, hot from the Hyatt world as boss of their Apple Leisure, also this week
First Seen: Luxury Travel Advisor
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