Standout Superyacht Aft Views

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.

Icon Yachts’ inspired 62.5 metre Party Girl features classic exterior lines courtesy of British studio RWD. Party Girl has become a charter favourite since her launch in 2012.

Why we love it: The yacht’s emphasis on outdoor living and socialising is infectious. From her large superyacht beach club to her various alfresco dining, bar and lounge spaces, she has been designed to enjoy with company.

Design genius: Cristiano Gatto was responsible for her unique interior, which offers art deco vibes with Oriental touches. Highlights include a 17 metre main saloon, perfect for entertaining, and a large owner’s penthouse with spectacular 180 degree views.

Perfect for: As her name suggests, having a good time.

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.

Built by Lürssen in Germany, Kismet is 95.2 metres and five decks of fantastical and highly personal design.

Why we love it: The aft decks become one big party loop: start in the main aft deck bar, move up to the bridge deck lounge and helipad, and then up again to the sundeck for a dip in the pool. And that still leaves two decks as a chill-out zone. She can host parties for 270 guests.

Design genius: The owner’s ideas are woven through this highly collaborative and unusual project, from Espen Øino’s height-disguising black mast and stainless steel flourishes, to Reymond Langton’s interior box of delights, with a video wall, a piano, four fireplaces, spectacular atrium stairs — plus a quiet exterior nook with a hanging seat.

Perfect for: Design aficionados who like to socialise al fresco.

The 85m motor yacht Ace was penned inside and out by Winch Design and launched in 2012 at Lürssen’s yard in Rendsburg, Germany.

Why we love it: The most striking features of this seriously big boat are massive, sculptural superstructure arches that sweep from foredeck to stern platform, topped with huge oval balconies. Can’t see them here? No, but you can see the aft deck layout they usually conceal.

Design genius: Those arches, in combination with the yacht’s 14.5m beam, allow for dramatic staircases that sweep up to the first three aft decks. They give an open, relaxed air to these exterior spaces but, thanks to Winch’s unusual superstructure, they remain private-feeling.

Perfect for: Design junkies or shameless show-offs – there’s no way this distinctive profile will escape attention from the dock.

The 81.27 metre motor yacht Alfa Nero, with exteriors by Nuvolari Lenard and interiors by Alberto Pinto, launched in 2007. She was at the vanguard of a new “Y Generation” of massive and technically spectacular boats from Oceanco, which positioned the yard firmly among the big boys of 80 metre-plus yacht building.

Why we love it: Think that low, sprawling aft deck and stern look cool now? In 2007 they were unlike anything yet built. She’s a trailblazer.

Design genius: The floor of the 7 x 3.5 metre pool lifts hydraulically to deck level and turns the aft deck into a dance floor or helipad.

Perfect for: Parties. As well as the aft deck there’s a club-like upper saloon. You just have to remember if you are choppering your guests home at midnight or inviting them to stay on for a late-night swim...

The 66 metre motor yacht Elysian (ex-Ester III) was launched in spring 2014 by Lürssen. She features an angular design by Espen Øino and ornate “French classical” interior styling by Reymond Langton.

Why we love it: Priorities. Øino put a helipad and tender garage forward on the yacht so that arrivals and departures wouldn’t break the spell back here, lounging by the water in seclusion and peace.

Design genius: Exterior spaces have been planned as carefully as interiors, with protection from sun, wind, rain, heat and cold, a stunning bar up top and a large glass-backed pool on the main deck.

Perfect for: A-list soirées and private family time. Although Espen Øino left the toy store in the stern in case it gets too quiet. Don’t tell the kids.

Galactica Star is Heesen’s award-winning 65 metre extravaganza.

Why we love it: The whole stern is devoted to a palatial beach club, with tenders and toys relegated to a forward garage, giving designer Frank Laupman maximum space for his imagination.

Design genius: The space is backed by cascading LED lights, while a skylight in the roof opens onto the pool on the main deck above – a feature that helped her pick up a World Superyacht Award in 2014.

Perfect for: Watching the sun go down at anchor, thanks to folding platforms at the rear and port quarter, opening the whole space up.

Anything else? Access to the main deck is made easy thanks to two brilliantly lit stairways either side of the beach club, so water – either in the main-deck pool or off the bathing platform – is never out of reach.