Standout Superyacht Aft Views

The 88.5 metre Oceanco superyacht Barbara features exterior styling and a nature-inspired interior design by Sam Sorgiovanni — a master at creating tactile spaces inspired by the natural world.

Why we love it: The incredible luxury is understated and discreet rather than in your face, and fun is built right in with a formal saloon that transforms into an amazing party space, complete with light and laser show and a cinema with supremely comfortable seats.

Design genius: Extending over two decks is an office and master suite at the centre of the yacht. The extraordinary ceiling height of the office is put to good use with enormous glass doors that slide open on to side balconies.

Perfect for: Active adults. Aside from the cinema and disco, Barbara holds a plethora of fun toys housed in a large garage forward.

What is it: The brand new 85 metre Lürssen Areti, which was delivered in 2017. 

Why we love it: Areti is a Lürssen with interior and exterior styling by British studio Winch Design — what’s not to like?

Design genius: She sports “traditional but fresh” interiors and through that transom door you can expect to find one of the most comprehensive superyacht beach clubs on the high seas.

Perfect for: The modest. That might seem crazy to say, but at 85 metres, Areti is almost entry level when measured against the giants seen regularly slipping out of Lürssen’s sheds. But we all know size doesn’t matter, right?

The 98 metre Aviva from Abeking & Rasmussen was designed inside and out by Reymond Langton.

Why we love it: Aviva has one very special bonus room on board — a full-size padel tennis court.

Design genius: That sculpted silver superstructure and blue hull. The almost canoe stern is pretty tasty, too.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to stay in shape while cruising the world’s party hotspots.

Launched in 2010, 67.5m motor yacht Icon was the first yacht by Dutch yard Icon Yachts, with design by RWD and Studio Linse.

Why we love it: The top two decks essentially hold a two-level sundeck, with sunbathing areas spilling down on to the bridge deck aft, with a bar and other treats.

Design genius: The beach club is gorgeous — the casual oak and teak space includes a bar, sofas, gym and scuba room — and there’s direct access to guest cabins so that water babies can head straight to the ocean waves.

Perfect for: Those who like a refreshing morning dip — or a midnight cocktail on the water.

One of the most famous yachts in the world — 119 metre Motor Yacht A was designed by Philippe Starck with technical and naval design by Martin Francis, and launched by Blohm+Voss in 2008.

Why we love it: Look at her. There is simply nothing as original on the water — except perhaps the yacht that has followed her, Sailing Yacht A, which also comes from the fascinating mind of Starck.

Design genius: Her exterior may be the showpiece but her interiors don’t disappoint, from a loft-like owner’s suite that also includes an aft facing balcony to her multiple superyacht swimming pools, one of which has a glass floor.

Perfect for: Those who don’t mind camera flashes — this slice of superyacht history will be recognised in every port. 

The shiny new 70 metre Joy is the first exterior project by Bannenberg & Rowell, with interiors by yachting newcomers Studio Indigo. It was delivered by Dutch powerhouse Feadship in 2016. 

Why we love it: She may be big, but she has the interior volume of a smaller yacht because vast swathes of space have been given over to exterior decks, putting the focus firmly on outdoor living.

Design genius: If maximising exterior space sounds like you’ll miss out on design treats, think again — there’s a basketball court on the huge foredeck, some gorgeously angular styling and, when you eventually head inside, a spectacular movie lounge, bar area and much more.

Perfect for: Fans of fresh air.

Does she really need an introduction? 25 this year, it is, of course, Zeus, one of the greatest modern superyachts. Built in 1991 by Blohm+Voss to a design by Martin Francis, she has been known as Eco, Katana and Enigma.

Why we love it: If the 74.5 metre was launched today, she’d still demand attention. You can’t say that about too many yachts of her vintage.

Design genius: Can you imagine how radical those convex superstructure windows were at the time? They lavish the interior with light. The destroyer-like form packs a punch, too, hitting 34 knots at the top end, thanks to twin diesels and a gas turbine collectively outputting a massive 28,500 horsepower.

The superyacht everyone is talking about — Dilbar was built by Lürssen, and delivered to the Mediterranean in June 2016 for her debut season.

Why we love it: She is huge at 156 metres LOA, but it’s her gross tonnage that’s really making headlines. At a reported 12,917GT, she is officially the biggest superyacht in the world in volume terms. Squint and you might just be able to spot the crew member on the bathing platform.

Design genius: Exteriors by Espen Øino and an interior by Winch Design make her a yacht with some serious design pedigree. She also features the largest diesel electric set-up ever installed on a yacht.

Perfect for: When you’ve got this much space — everything!

This is the curvaceous rear end of Okto, ISA’s 66 metre steel and aluminium head-turner.

Why we love it: Wedding cake? Forget it. This platform could easily have taken another deck, but the designers have kept things cool – with the result that there’s nothing else quite like it out there.

Design genius: It takes skill to make 66 metres of yacht look like a low-slung sportsboat, but designers Andrea Vallicelli and Alberto Pinto, working closely with the owner, managed it. We’re also promised stellar performance thanks to four months of tank testing.

Perfect for: The highly sensitive. Vibration and noise levels have to be experienced to be believed, we’re told.

The 115 metre Luna  was built for Roman Abramovich as a replacement for his explorer Le Grand Bleu in 2010. 

Why we love it: Luna may be hard as nails – built to Ice Class at the German commercial yard Lloyd Werft in 2010 – but her graceful lines by Newcruise could still turn heads on the dock at Monaco.

Design genius: Her main aft deck is vast – about a third of the yacht’s length overall – but when the weather cools the massive beach club provides a chic shelter with an on-deck feeling.

Perfect for: Voyaging into the wild; making other explorer yachts look dull; then amping up the envy by inviting their owners on board for a cocktail party. You’ll have them weeping into their martinis.