On the run up to the World Superyacht Awards 2025, the annual judging weekend took place from 27 February to 1 March at La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel in St. Martin, where the judges convened to determine the winners for this year. The event was sponsored by Maddox and Moët Hennessy Private, who joined the judges on the weekend trip.
The 20th edition of the World Superyacht Awards, in association with Acquera Club and The Italian Sea Group and Maddox, will return to Venice, Italy, on 2-3 May 2025, and the nominations have now been announced.
The welcome dinner
Guests were welcomed to the island with an intimate evening hosted by Belmond at Laplaj, the resort’s beachside restaurant. A selection of welcome cocktails was served, followed by a classic Caribbean barbecue and live music.
The judges’ meeting
The following day, the judges gathered for a full day of intense deliberations, evaluating the most outstanding superyachts of the year to determine who will take home a coveted Neptune.
Partners’ day
While the judges were deep in discussion, their partners embarked on a morning of rejuvenation at the La Samanna Wellness Studio with Christine Caruso, a renowned medical intuitive, healer and writer whose work has been featured in Forbes and Grazia. Caruso led the group through a pranayama session, followed by a sound bath designed to restore balance and clarity. After a light lunch, the partners were free to explore the resort’s facilities, from the pristine, cabana-lined beach to inviting pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
The judges’ dinner
As evening fell, guests were treated to an exclusive dining experience curated by Moët Hennessy Private at La Samanna’s L’Oursin restaurant. Two-Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin served up a menu that combined Provençal and Caribbean flavours, while Moët Hennessy Private’s expert sommeliers guided guests through the intricacies of oenology. The night culminated in La Cave, the resort’s renowned wine cellar, where guests were treated to a tasting of Dom Pérignon’s second life.
The cultural activity
On the final day, judges and guests embraced their creative side during a “paint and sip” session. Hosted by Sir Roland Richardson - known as the “Father of Caribbean Impressionism” - the session allowed guests to capture the island’s beauty through art, using the iconic Ruinart champagne bottle and its sustainable “second skin” packaging as their canvas.
Afterwards, guests made their way to the beach, where a tender service whisked them away to 60-metre Constance and owner Alan Dabbiere hosted a private lunch.
A limited number of tickets is still available for the World Superyacht Awards 2025. For more information, contact the BOAT International events team.
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