Beyond the Horizon: What’s New in Luxury

What’s New & Noteworthy in the world
of luxury yachting this season

SIMENA

The 203’4” (62m) ketch SIMENA is the flagship of the Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts. Built on speculation under the supervision of experienced sailor and broker Sean McCarter, she made her official debut at the Palma International Boat Show in May, where she was presented to the market for the first time. Now offered for sale through Northrop & Johnson, with Sean McCarter and Deniz Kaymaz acting as her central agents, SIMENA marks a rare addition to the market to acquire a newly delivered sailing yacht of this scale without the wait of a new build.
With exterior lines by Taka Yacht Design, and interiors by Design Unlimited, she balances contemporary design with the proportions and detailing of a classic ketch. Conceived as a family yacht, her layout prioritizes versatility and ease of use, with open, flowing spaces that encourage social living both inside and on deck. At a time when newly delivered large sailing yachts remain exceptionally rare, SIMENA stands apart, combining pedigree, scale, and immediate availability.

Assouline:Yachting Editions

Assouline has released three new yachting titles – Beken of Cowes, Feadship, and Disdale, expanding a portfolio that already includes Yachts: The Impossible Collection. That earlier volume remains a useful reference point, charting some of the most notable yachts ever built, and setting a tone that these latest publications continue in different ways. Beken of Cowes draws on over a century of maritime photography, focusing on sailing yachts. The largely black-and-white imagery captures the transition from classic racing yachts to more contemporary forms, with
an emphasis on movement and proportion.Feadship takes a different approach, centered on the Dutch yard’s design and build process. Archival material and recent photography are combined to show how the yard has evolved, with as much focus on engineering and detail as on the finished yachts. It reads more as a record of development than a simple portfolio. With Disdale, the focus shifts onboard. Terence Disdale’s interiors are presented in a way that reflects their intent – balanced and considered. The book examines interiors designed to outlive trends, where materials, light, and layout work together. Taken together, these titles document different aspects of yachting – how it looks, how it is built, and how it is lived in. They sit naturally onboard, whether in a yacht’s library or owner’s suite.
assouline.com

Navigator Excellence Awards

Navigator has introduced its Excellence Awards, with the inaugural Destination award presented to VisitMalta at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami. The awards are intended to recognize
excellence across the wider yachting ecosystem, not limited to destinations but extending to shipyards, designers, suppliers, and associated services, including areas such as private aviation. The aim is to reflect the full scope of the industry rather than focus on a single segment. The inaugural award was presented to VisitMalta, recognizing Malta’s role within
Mediterranean cruising. Its central location, established infrastructure, and year-round accessibility continue to support both operational use and cruising itineraries. The launch of the awards provides a new platform for recognizing contribution and consistency across the sector. Future categories are expected to broaden in line with the range of disciplines that define modern yachting.

Aquavistas ExpandsOnboard Experiences

Yacht entertainment specialist Aquavistas has expanded its yachting program, introducing new international performers and extending the reach of its destination-led experiences. Joining the lineup are Mind2Mind, a mentalism duo named World Champions of Magic in 2025, alongside Markobi, who previously held the title in 2021. Their inclusion reflects a continued focus on curated, high-impact onboard entertainment tailored to private yachts. Alongside new talent, Aquavistas has also introduced additional locations for its established Treasure Hunt experience, with recent rollouts across the Greek island of Paros, the French Lérins Islands, and the Aeolian Islands in Italy. Designed to be adapted to each destination, the adventure blends explorationwith fun, offering owners and guests a more interactive way to engage with cruising grounds. The additions reflect the continued shift toward experience-led programming within Northrop & Johnson charters.

Polar Insight

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has expanded its collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), launching a new Polar Ocean Image Collection designed to support research, education, and broader awareness of polar environments. The initiative adds more than 500 images to the existing Ocean Image Bank. The collection provides a rare visual record of polar regions,
offering insight into environments that remain largely inaccessible even within expedition travel. Alongside the image archive, the partnership extends into onboard research. A suite of technologies is being deployed across select vessels, including AI-enabled whale-detection systems, underwater robotics, and advanced sensor platforms. These tools enable real-time data
collection in remote regions, while also supporting more informed and responsible wildlife observation. For owners and charterers increasingly drawn to experience-led travel, the initiative reflects a wider shift toward deeper engagement with remote destinations. Elements of this model can be translated into yachting, where specialist guides, research partnerships, and educational programming can add a more considered layer of depth in destinations where access remains limited.

From headline hotel debuts to new restaurants and reimagined icons, a wave of exceptional stays awaits.

Maldivian Debut
Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, Maldives

Bvlgari makes its long-awaited Maldives debut later this year with Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, bringing the brand’s distinctly Italian design language to the Indian Ocean. Set across a private 20-hectare island in Raa Atoll, the resort comprises 33 beach villas, 20 overwater villas, and the ultra-exclusive Bvlgari Villa on its own private island. Four signature dining concepts, including Il Ristorante Niko Romito and Japanese concept Hōseki, reinforce its high-end positioning. Sustainability also forms part of the wider concept, reflecting the evolving priorities
of luxury hospitality in the region.
bulgarihotels.com