Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

2 1 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The requirement was for TIS to feel light, fresh and open, but with a classical twist. Calacatta Vogli marble is used throughout, while the walls and ceilings have been given a cream hand-dragged paint effect with 23.8 carat gold ceiling profiles. “This is not a nouveau riche yacht, it is a sophisticated, gentle classic yacht,” says Winch. “There is no shiny gold on this entire boat. Every piece of gold is antique – a muted, softened, old gold. Because it’s elegant to have that. We went with great length to look at all the finishes, and there are about 25 different gold finishes featured on board.” Amidships on the main deck is a grand, formal entrance lobby. A sweeping marble staircase with ornately carved brushed steel – expertly matched to that from the Le Bristol in Paris – sets the design tone. Suspended above the lobby are the hanging balconies of the upper decks, allowing for a quadruple-height ceiling. A lift shell also inspired by Le Bristol Hotel provides accessibility to all decks. Warm creams, dark oak Palais de Versailles-style parquet and rich blue tones in the salon are complemented by traditional carved furniture in the classic Louis XIV to Louis XVIII style. Painted faux mahogany. A large winter garden-style aft deck, with sliding glass doors and heating keeps the elements at bay. “The idea is for the owner to enjoy the space in Alaska or wherever, in comfort and feel outdoors”, says Winch. Another of the owner’s requirements was for the yacht to feel and look elegant and female, and to have the aforementioned qualities of a home. The transom was designed from day one to be the “front door”, says Winch – the “portico to the chateau”. Having never owned a yacht previously but chartered plenty, the lower deck beach club was to be a waterside area that offered seclusion and privacy. More akin to a sports bar than a beach club, the area possesses three TVs on which to watch live sports, a sauna (with views out to sea), an ice fountain, loungers, and underfloor heating. Faux painted walls have been matched to resemble limestone. A second guest spa located on the bridge deck features a citrus theme. The Lemon Grove is a dedicated relaxation room, with carved stone lemon trees climbing the walls. There is a Hammam, a hair salon, a massage room with Capri-themed painted walls, a steam room, juice bar, and an 8m swimming pool with contra flow jets. This is entirely independent of the beauty room and massage parlour located in the master suite, intended purely for the owner’s wife. A serene haven away from the world, the full-beam master suite takes in his-and-hers bathrooms and dressing rooms. A private terrace wraps around the exterior, while from the inside the owner can enjoy 180-degree views over the bow.