Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

Francesco Pitea CEO SF Yachts draft of 2.1m allows her to travel safely in shallow waters, too. Geometric lines shape the open-plan interior and the minimum of fixed furniture contributes to the homely atmosphere. Hard wood is paired with a plentiful use of bamboo – “the owner really liked the clear structure of bamboo” – and an exposed floating staircase featuring a semi-transparent art installation ascends all the way to the sun deck. Commissioned from a Dutch artisan the artwork is made from wool and sandwiched between two glass plates. When lit up at night it becomes a vibrant focal point of the room. The generous owner’s suite benefits from a split-level bathroom, open- plan stairs, and a private 4m pool on the foredeck. The bathroom glass wall is again made semi-transparent by way of silk fabric captured in acrylic in the glass, while large windows all around the master suite allow for sunrise and sunsets to be viewed directly from bed. Carefully implemented lighting throughout the interior provides a soft and welcoming ambience, enriched by a specially-conceived, optimised night mode. “The night mode provides softer lighting,” explains Bouwhuis. “The darker materials within the interior aesthetic absorbs the light, so the requirement was to brighten up the rooms without lighting itself becoming a dominant feature in the evening.” Accommodating 14 guests within seven guest cabins, including the owner’s suite, AlWaab II also benefits from an optional extra guest room by easily transforming the lower deck gym.