Looking for an adventurous destination for your next superyacht charter? Join 65-metre superyacht Sea Rhapsody as she emerges from a refresh to embark on an exhilarating itinerary through the secluded islands of the Seychelles.
When Major General Charles Gordon visited the Seychelles for the first time in the summer of 1881, he declared that the country’s Praslin Island must have been the original site of the biblical Garden of Eden. With its white-sand beaches, lush jungles and pristine waters, it’s easy to see why Gordon was so moved by the beauty of this place – though he certainly would have arrived in less comfortable accommodations than those travelling by superyacht.
Charter guests with a sense of wanderlust will have the opportunity to explore these Edenic islands off the coast of East Africa by hopping on board Amels superyacht Sea Rhapsody. First delivered in 2012, the Tim Heywood-designed superyacht underwent a comprehensive refresh during the past winter and has just had her 10-year survey, meaning she is now ready to welcome guests back on board as she cruises the Indian Ocean with Captain Cameron Moore at the helm.
"With ribbons of powder-white sand lapped by warm, crystalline waters, the Seychelles deliver an idyllic barefoot getaway," says Ocean Independence senior charter manager Stephanie Archer. "Cruising this yachting haven on board Sea Rhapsody to discover scenic islands strewn with granite boulders, tropical palms and verdant peaks, is the ultimate luxury escape," she adds.
Scattered with World Heritage Sites, the Seychelles comprises over 100 mostly uninhabited islands decorated with picturesque bays and striking scenery. Underwater pursuits such as diving and snorkelling can be combined with on shore activities such as rock climbing and hiking during a charter holiday. Guests should also not miss an opportunity to enjoy a beach picnic with the chance of being joined by a local sea turtle.
With her toybox stocked with Jet Skis, kayaks, paddleboards, SeaBobs, waterskiing and wakeboarding gear as well as three tenders, Sea Rhapsody is more than prepared for guests to enjoy the island’s crystal-clear waters. Sea Rhapsody also offers a range of inflatable toys including towables and a slide, perfect for keeping children entertained on a family charter.
When it’s time to step back on board, Sea Rhapsody’s stylish interiors by Winch Design provide the perfect spot for up to 12 guests to unwind, waited on by 18 crew members. Each of the six versatile staterooms, set up as five doubles and one twin or three doubles and three twins, have been artfully decorated with colourful furnishings. The communal spaces are similarly glamorous, with a perspex piano and marble-topped drinks bar in the lounge areas.
Up on the deck spaces, guests will find a large infinity pool surrounded by sunpads for taking in the views, as well as a gym area, al fresco dining space and even a cinema for an outdoor movie night under the stars. A spacious area aft offers a place to lounge closer to the waterline – an ideal spot to relax with a drink in hand while the night calls of local birds signal the end of the day.
"Sea Rhapsody has received glowing reviews from charter guests in the beautiful Seychelles," says Archer. "They have all appreciated her luxurious interior, array of water toys and top-level service. She really is an outstanding charter yacht with an amazing crew who offer a wealth of knowledge and are proud to welcome guests on board."
Sea Rhapsody will be cruising through the Seychelles until May 2022 before heading to the Mediterranean in June for the summer. She is managed for charter by Ocean Independence with a weekly charter rate starting from €525,000.