Wellness takes to the skies and the high seas in this concept superyacht and private jet retrofit

First up is Dutch Design’s new yacht concept, The Sea Rover. The studio, founded by Scott Blum and naval designer Bernd Weel, makes its debut with this project, which splices together ‘decades of personal yachting experience and a passion for mindfulness’ to create the ‘world’s only wellness-first yacht.’

Most high-end yachts aren’t exactly lacking in amenities, from infinity pools to onboard spas and treatment rooms. Where Dutch Design are different is their emphasis on tranquillity and refinement, as opposed to all-out immersion in luxury. That’s not to say the Sea Rover is small. At 42.5 metres (140-foot), it easily qualifies for the ‘superyacht’ label, but the designers are hoping to compress the ‘grandeur of a 300-foot mega yacht in a far more compact size.’

All this is expressed through a commitment to minimalist lines and maximal craft and material quality. Dutch Design evoke Californian modernism as a starting point, with the aim of creating a yacht that’s effectively a wellness retreat at sea. In addition to a spa, there’s also a fully equipped gym up on the bridge deck, not tucked away in the bowels of the ship.

Alongside the gym there’s an adaptable sport court, with enough space for pickleball and basketball. The beach club in the stern has unfolding areas that create a large swimming platform, and there’s also a wet bar and dining space alongside the standard sunbeds.

Other aspects of the Sea Rover are notable for their sense of transparency, as opposed to the rigidly hierarchical nature of a traditional superyacht, with its service areas hidden from view. The dining room and entertaining space is open to the kitchen, replicating a fine dining experience and even the engine room is revealed via a glass hallway alongside it that transforms a quotidian passage into a journey through the heart of the ship.

Naturally, there is opulent accommodation. The owner’s cabin is set forward of the main deck and includes a Japanese onsen-style tub and steam room in its separate bathing area. The yacht includes four additional guest cabins, while a dramatic central staircase – the Sky View Stairwell – serves as the heart of the ship and brings light down into the lower decks.

Dutch Design hopes to build ten examples of the Sea Rover, with these indicative renders demonstrating the core approach. As with every ultra-bespoke project, however, personal requirements will usually override the purity of the original design vision.

Estel Arapoglou
estel@shaminabas.com
+1-561-676-3173