Water babies

On board, the master suite sprawls across 1,300 square feet, with windows looking out over its private deck and boasting 180 degree views.

In total, this majestic vessel houses five decks connected by elevator, and includes a sundeck with a barbeque, bar and a main deck saloon replete with grand piano.

Relaxation can also be found below deck, with the entire midsection devoted to a ‘spa' room, housing a gym, beauty salon, massage room, suites devoted to facial treatments and hydrotherapy, a mud bath suite, saunas, steam rooms and a main spa area with a queen-sized Jacuzzi.

However, it won't be a long reign for Alysia because yacht builder Fincantieri is hot on its heels and set to deliver a record breaking US$278million vessel in 2010.

The yacht, currently known as "Hull 6154", will measure 438 feet, holding 15 state rooms fitted with high-tech entertainment systems, marble bathrooms with gold finishings and Jacuzzis.

Its top deck will have three sections; a sun deck, a helipad and a gym with 360 degree views, while inside it will boast a sea-water swimming pool and storage for a small submarine, should you feel the need to submerge yourself.

What's more, the undisclosed future owner has decided that one extraordinarily large boat is simply not enough, and so the vessel has been customised to carry either five jet skis or two reasonably sized speed boats. And that's just the exterior.

Every luxury yacht needs as much attention to interior design as it does to the outward façade. Hull 6154 is set to be designed by Pascale Reymond, a man with an impressive portfolio of over 16 private yacht projects, while Alysia was given the greatest care and attention Alpha Marine Design could offer.

Top-end yacht building companies usually employ specialised designers to deal with high-spec requests from their clients. Some companies will offer a range of services, while others may only cater to one aspect of the design.

For the most part, these companies provide everything from full interior architectural design and concept design, through to interior decorating. Surprisingly, the process is similar to having the family home redecorated by a professional.

If the boat is being custom-made at the request of a client, the design company will meet directly with the future owner to discuss ideas, preferences and, quite possibly, whether a solid gold mast is feasible. After this, a written quotation is presented to the client with a scope of the works to be done and a tentative timeframe is set.

While many interior design companies offer special ranges such as custom-made linen and marine mattresses, owners are increasingly choosing to install homely furnishings in their yachts. Amid rapid advances in construction technology and the sheer availability of luxury, proprietors are keen for their vessels to be as opulent as their stately homes.

This means that it's out with the generic leather yacht sofa, and in with the gold footed, antique chaise lounge. No-one wants the specially sprung, latex mattress anymore, because it's all about the king-sized Californian mattress and the 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.

READERS' COMMENTS

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM