Milanese design studio Hot Lab has offered a first look inside the 49.9-metre Bijin following her nine-month refit at Monaco Marine. Previously known as Sibelle, this superyacht was the first unit in Dutch yard Heesen's 50-metre fast-cruising series. All-aluminium and highly efficient, her Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) won her a Neptune at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards for its engineering prowess.
After eight years of cruising, Bijin was sold in October 2024 to a buyer represented by Burgess and seller represented by Ocean Independence. Her new name (a Japanese term meaning "beautiful woman") is reflective of her transformative works, according to Hot Lab.
Her exterior design has been lightly refreshed, with Bijin now styled in shades of white, jet-black and sunfast red (as seen on her bootstripe and name plate). The new Hot Lab interiors are where Bijin really shines, however, with all works completed in close collaboration with her owners.
"We have known [the owners] for many years, which naturally led to a relationship of trust and open communication," explained Hot Lab co-founder and design director, Enrico Lumini. "Their participation went far beyond simply providing feedback. They were active supporters at every stage, offering practical help and valuable insights."
As Bijin had been well maintained since her 2015 delivery, she did not require major alterations. Living spaces were tweaked – namely through curtains, carpets, loose furniture and other furnishings – to create a calming and Japandi-inspired atmosphere. The colour palette was shifted towards lighter tones and softer shades of brown, while "gentle oriental touches", such as the design of the headboards, were woven throughout.
Standout areas on board Bijin include her expansive sundeck, which offers "enough space to comfortably host dozens of friends and guests", as well as the upper deck bar which serves as a central gathering point. The owner's suite is also worthy of note for its unique layout, which has two his-and-hers bathrooms that act as a "buffer zone" before entering the main cabin.
"The end result lives up to, and even exceeds our expectations," said Augustin Fabre, project manager at Monaco Marine. "Bijin has a new visual identity and optimised functionality, in compliance with the most demanding standards."
"I've had the pleasure of knowing the owner of Bijin for over 20 years," added Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group. "Creating something together was not just a collaboration, but a deeply emotional journey. Sometimes, a project is more than just work."
Bijin will now be used privately and as a yacht for charter, with her first upcoming season in the West Mediterranean already fully booked.