A Spa At Sea - Heesen Reveals Wellness Temple MOSKITO
Now more than ever, superyachts afford the privacy, luxury and freedom to escape the trials of the shore that many of us are craving. Offering a safe controllable environment, “the yacht” is a haven to cocoon inside – with the heady possibility of waking up in a new destination each morning and no concern of mixing with other travelers; providing a true home away from home to relax and unwind.
This September, leading Dutch shipyard Heesen has revealed it will debut the newest in its 55m Steel Class – Moskito – at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show 2021 (22-25 September). Despite her name, this yacht is a wellness temple on water boasting fluid exterior lines penned by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects and chic interiors by renowned British studio Bannenberg & Rowell.
Exuding an air of calm authority, extensive use of glass throughout provides an abundance of natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open bulwarks illuminate interior amenities, whose sweeping sea-to-sky vistas immerse guests in the beauty of the environment. British design duo Bannenberg & Rowell have created sophisticated, bold interiors that use a blend of natural, noble tones with a tailored spatial arrangement to creates a sense of gravitas and ease. Traditionally crafted smoked Oak chevron parquet flooring, white Thassos, grey St. Laurent and ivory Travertine marble are used throughout, with warm bronze accent that underwrite fine workmanship and furnishings that Heesen are so well known for. “We wanted to take the breath away, without being aesthetically intimidating,” says Bannenberg. “That fine line between approachability and comfort. Something cool and interesting, but subtle.”
On the main deck lies the owner’s apartment, spanning a luxurious eighty-two square meters. The bespoke furnishings, of which there are many, include a special desk commissioned from GMS joinery in London. Oak parquet and eucalyptus veneers add a sense of continuity to the main deck color palette – which is soft, easy going and light in tone. A spiral staircase leads to four sumptuous ensuite cabins on the lower deck, to welcome guests on board.
Designed to offer her visitors the best of yachting lifestyle, Moskito’s exterior guest spaces add up to some two hundred and fifty square meters. The sizeable sundeck will no doubt be the focal point at anchor or in port – complete with a pool, bar, seating and sunbathing areas. For dining and entertaining, the central table on the main deck can seat twelve, for relaxed or formal occasions with family and friends. “Our guiding philosophy was that the owner should be as happy hosting a black-tie dinner as lounging in their shorts,” says Bannenberg. Artworks have been sourced from British talents – from flowing porcelain forms by Fenella Elms, to Rose Vickers’ marquetry mosaics, and intricate paper collages by Hormazd Narielwalla.
Moskito’s crowning jewel is a unique dedicated wellness area is accessible via the opulent beach club, complete with sauna, seating, shower and shade – for spa treatments, rest and recovery. Teak decking underfoot and textured limestone panels contrast with reeded glass, creating a rich, intimate and relaxing environment. Hidden from view, down by the water, it offers every comfort imaginable, with a life-enhancing swim in the sea just a few steps away. High up on the bridge deck, a secluded skylounge offers a secret spot for periods of calm and meditation.
The epitome of elegance on the water, Moskito also features the latest iteration of the ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form. Developed by Heesen in partnership with Van Oossanen naval architects, this offers a high cruising speed, long range, and excellent hydrodynamic efficiency. Powered by IMO III-compliant MTU 8V 4000 M63s, she offers frugal fuel consumption of just 150 litres per hour at 11 knots. Arthur Brouwer, CEO of Heesen comments “The 55m is a very popular class and we are the only Northern European shipyard to offer such a yacht on spec. We are proud to be presenting such a fine example of Heesen’s DNA. Moskito is sporty, sleek, and timelessly elegant in design, while offering the best in performance and efficiency. She has the right balance of indoor and outdoor space – meaning ultimate interior comfort and luxury, with spacious alfresco spaces to enjoy the best of yachting lifestyle.”
For a few lucky selected guests, Moskito will be available for charter via International Yacht Collection in the Mediterranean in summer and in the Caribbean in winter.