Below Deck: I spent two hours on a luxury superyacht and this is what it was

I don’t belong on superyachts.

Sure, I sail around the Waitematā Harbour on keelboats in action packed races but luxury superyachts? It’s hard enough affording a healthy Auckland rental to live in, let alone rent a night on a superyacht.

But it’s a life I can at least pretend I enjoy thanks to the magic of social media and a travel writer’s press trip.

When an invitation landed in my inbox to experience a mini yoga class on Boutique Superyachts’ gorgeously renovated Sea Breeze III, my rubber arm was twisted instantly.

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But having watched too many episodes of reality show Below Deck, I wondered if it would be a bit stuffy, and whether I’d have to suffer through an afternoon with a group of posing influencers dressed to the nines. Would there be a snooty uber rich atmosphere? A drunken feud? Some salacious scandal among the cabin crew? Most importantly, what on earth was I going to wear?

An email arrived the day prior to setting sail, outlining the time and location to meet with important details such as the dress code.

“You might like to wear stretchy clothes for the yoga class, and don’t forget to bring a jumper in case it gets chilly.” Perfect.

On top of that, the boat was also a shoe-free yacht, and we’d be given fluffy slippers to wear around the deck instead. It was sounding more and more like my dream scenario – a luxe setting in the comfort of my activewear.

Boutique Superyachts is reimagining the luxury superyacht scene, moving away from the party boat feel and into wellness, offering tailor made excursions, day trips, overnight stays and three-day winter wellness retreats.

The retreats include yoga, massage therapists, personal chefs and wellbeing experts who are there to guide you into an ultimate state of relaxation with all your needs being taken care of by the specialists.

Stepping a slippered foot onto the five-level 105-foot yacht, it was luxury, but hardly the pretentious environment showcased on reality TV. Sea Breeze III sleeps six guests with five crew, so it’s designed to be a small and intimate setting. With just five invited guests on this media preview, we could experience a realistic example of what would be on offer for those who were paying the $10k to $20k for a three-night wellness retreat.

Owner Charlotte Devereux was warm and welcoming, laidback and personable – the complete opposite of a stereotypical snooty luxury yacht owner that I know for sure many middle class New Zealanders imagine.

Previously owned by Graeme Hart, the boat was originally named Ulysses and built in 1976 – but Devereux and husband Simon Greenwood have transformed the yacht into a more contemporary, sustainable space, while still retaining a mid-century and Regency feel in the decor.

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