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Be it chasing the thrill of the elements, stepping into centuries-old traditions or finding peace in nature’s quietest corners, solo travel is about disrupting the rhythm of everyday life to transform and empower the individual. For those seeking both adventure and luxury, this curated selection of extraordinary experiences offers the perfect balance of thrill and comfort, ensuring a journey that is both exhilarating and safe. From truffle hunting in Tuscany’s misty woodlands to sandboarding down the fiery dunes of Namibia, these exceptional escapes redefine what it means to explore alone — where independence meets indulgence. These adventures offer a welcome disruption from traditional holiday getaways, taking solo travellers to unconventional, out-of-the-box destinations that elevate the luxury travel experience.

Truffle Hunting in Tuscany, Italy

Where To Do It: COMO Castello Del Nero

Tucked away in the heart of Tuscany, COMO Castello Del Nero offers an extraordinary opportunity to engage in one of Italy’s most coveted traditions — truffle hunting. Set against the backdrop of a 12th-century castle surrounded by lush, fragrant woods, this unique experience invites one to embark on a journey in search of one of nature’s rarest and most prized delicacies.

Led by Mattia — a seasoned truffle hunter — and his expert Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, guests are immersed in a centuries-old tradition, learning how to identify the ancient trees that harbour these subterranean gems. With their finely tuned noses, the dogs play a pivotal role in unearthing these elusive treasures, offering a fascinating glimpse into the art of truffle hunting. The hunt itself is a blend of excitement and discovery. As Mattia shares his expertise, visitors can delve into the nuances of the truffle world — from the challenges of cultivating these culinary treasures to the deep-rooted history of the hunt. Stories of past hunts and rivalries between truffle hunters fill the air, providing context to the pursuit of this earthy treasure. The thrill comes not just from finding these elusive treasures but from discovering the profound connection between the land, the dogs and the rich culinary heritage of Tuscany.

Once the dogs find their quarry, the thrill of discovery is palpable. The freshly unearthed truffle is gently cleaned and passed around, allowing everyone to appreciate its earthy aroma and smooth texture — a true “diamond of nature,” as the locals call it. The find — a black truffle — is known for its rich, robust flavour, perfect for enhancing the most sophisticated dishes.

After the hunt, guests are treated to a sumptuous, truffle-inspired lunch at the hotel’s Pavillion restaurant. The culinary team — led by Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro — incorporates the freshly gathered truffles into each course, from homemade taglioni with butter to a perfectly grilled Chianina steak. The meal is complemented by expertly paired Tuscan wines, adding an extra layer of richness to the experience. At COMO Castello Del Nero, the truffle hunt offers more than just a culinary adventure; it is an immersion into the heart of Tuscany’s landscape, culture and food philosophy. It is a rare chance to take part in a tradition that has been passed down through generations while savouring the fruits of the land — quite literally — just an hour after they have been unearthed.

Find out more about this venture here.

Read More: Experience Tantalising Tuscany with COMO Castello Del Nero

Sandboarding in the Namib Desert

Where: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Nestled within the vast expanse of the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge — situated in the heart of the world’s oldest living desert — guests are invited to explore the Namib Desert in unparalleled luxury. Spanning 12,715 hectares of private desert reserve, this remote retreat offers an exclusive setting for adventurous travellers seeking both serenity and thrill. The landscape is an ever-shifting sea of towering dunes, rocky outcrops and sweeping gravel plains, all bathed in an extraordinary clarity of light. As the sun sets, the skies transform into a celestial canvas, perfect for stargazing. Bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve, this reserve guarantees a night sky experience like no other.

The &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers an exciting array of bespoke activities, including an unforgettable sandboarding experience. Guests can venture into the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, guided by expert instructors who ensure a thrilling yet safe experience. In addition to sandboarding, the lodge offers a host of immersive experiences that allow guests to connect with the desert landscape.

Embark on the “Big Dune Walk”, traversing the ancient sands of the Namib or join a half-day “Sossusvlei Excursion” — where one can marvel at the striking beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Namib Sand Sea. As guests drive through towering red dunes, one’s guide will share insights into the geological processes that have shaped this desert ecosystem. At Deadvlei — a surreal clay pan dotted with ancient camel thorn trees — visitors have the opportunity to capture the perfect photograph of a landscape frozen in time. Be it sandboarding down the towering dunes or simply enjoying the serenity of the desert, this lodge provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Namibia.

Find out more about this venture here.

Read More: Awaken Your Spirit: Five Transformative Travel Destinations for 2025

Ice Floating in Finnish Lapland

Where: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a luxurious retreat known for its glass igloos and unique experiences that include ice floating. Float in total serenity while suspended on a frozen lake in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Wearing an insulated dry suit, one will drift weightlessly on the crystal-clear ice — an experience enhanced by the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights or the quiet snow-covered surroundings. Afterward, one can enjoy warming saunas or a private dinner by the fire.

Ice floating is an incredibly peaceful, almost meditative activity that offers a unique connection to nature, allowing solo travellers to experience the cold, the sky and the stillness in an entirely new way. Ice floating is not just any recreational activity — it is a transformative moment of solitude, where one can float in the heart of the Arctic, disconnect from the noise of the world and find peace in nature’s untouched quiet.

Find out more about this venture here.

Foraging & Wild Cooking in Scotland

Where: Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire

Scotland’s landscapes tell a story — one of rugged coastlines, ancient woodlands and an untamed wilderness that has sustained communities for centuries. Foraging and wild cooking bring this story to life, offering an immersive way to experience the land’s natural abundance. At Glenapp Castle — a five-star retreat tucked away in Ayrshire — the journey begins with a deep dive into the region’s wild larder. Led by an expert forager with decades of experience, the excursion unveils a world of seasonal delicacies — aromatic herbs nestled in the undergrowth, mushrooms thriving beneath the forest canopy and seaweed swaying along the coastal fringes. Every step is a lesson in the delicate balance of nature, from the health benefits of wild plants to their role in Scotland’s culinary heritage.

The experience culminates in a fireside feast, where foraged ingredients are transformed into a meal that distills the essence of the land. Paired with Scotland’s famed hospitality, it is an invitation to slow down, savour the moment and embrace the art of outdoor dining. Foraging and wild cooking in Scotland is more than just a culinary journey — it is a place for quiet reflection, where the rhythm of nature sets the pace and solitude is savoured as deeply as the flavours on the plate. Whether exploring the castle’s sprawling estate or venturing further into the Highlands with guides from Wildwood Bushcraft or Galloway Wild Foods, this is nature’s kitchen at its finest — a sensory, solitary escape into Scotland’s wild heart.

Find out more about this venture here.

Read More: A Festive Escape: Luxurious Hotel Getaways That Redefine Holiday Magic

Sound Healing & Gong Baths in Nepal

Where: Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel

Perched in the Himalayan foothills, Dwarika’s Resort blends Vedic and Buddhist traditions with a deep commitment to holistic wellness. Designed as a sanctuary for introspection and renewal, the resort’s wellness offerings include immersive sound healing experiences that tap into the body’s natural energy flow. The Chakra Sound Chambers harness the power of sound therapy to restore balance, using light, crystals and vibrations to align the body’s energy centres. The experience is not simply about the indulgence of relaxation but rather an opportunity to recalibrate the mind and body, using sound to achieve deep physical and spiritual healing.

Each chamber is dedicated to one of the seven chakras, creating a deeply meditative environment where frequencies encourage relaxation and clarity. Nearby, the Meditation Maze — surrounded by 84 Shiva Lingas — provides a sacred space for silent contemplation. Carpeted with dubo grass, which holds significance in Nepali rituals, the maze is particularly revitalising in the early morning, when the earth’s energy is at its most potent.

For those drawn to the elements, the Ping Area sits at the highest point of the property, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. A place to embrace stillness, this open-air space is ideal for sunrise reflections or quiet evenings beneath a sky ablaze with stars. The Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa — set within lush woodland — extends the resort’s holistic philosophy with Ayurvedic treatments and herbal therapies, enhancing the restorative power of sound healing. Dwarika’s Resort provides private activities designed to nourish the body and mind, making it an ideal retreat for solo travellers seeking tranquillity and renewal.

Find out more about this venture here.

Urban Night Photography Tour in Tokyo

Tokyo’s dazzling cityscape comes alive after dark, offering an exhilarating playground of neon-lit streets, futuristic backdrops and hidden alleyways. A guided night photography tour with experts from EYExplore Tokyo, Japan Dreamscapes or Aperture Tours offers up the chance to capture the city’s pulse through light and movement. Whether framing the organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing, the cyberpunk allure of Shinjuku or the quiet serenity of Senso-ji temple after dark, these curated experiences are aimed at ensuring every shot tells a unique story. The experience is also about immersing oneself in the dynamic beauty of Tokyo’s illuminated streets, learning to freeze the electric pulse of the city in a photograph.

Aperture Tours, for instance, offers a private Tokyo Night Photo Tour designed to help photographers of all skill levels master night photography. With a professional mentor providing guidance, the experience refines techniques for shooting long exposures, enhancing luminosity and composing striking cityscapes. Fully tailored to individual preferences, the tour accommodates those drawn to the vibrant energy of neon-drenched streets as well as those seeking the tranquil charm of Asakusa’s temple pathways. For solo travellers, this experience offers more than just the opportunity to sharpen photography skills — it is an immersive way to engage with Tokyo’s nocturnal magic at a personal pace. Be it a novice looking to build confidence behind the lens or an experienced photographer chasing the perfect shot, this journey through Tokyo’s illuminated landscape is a visual masterclass that is as culturally enriching as it is visually captivating.

Find out more about this venture here.

Silk Road Train Journey in Uzbekistan

How: Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

Read More: Unusual destinations try to lure tourists

Travelling solo along the Silk Road is an invitation to step back in time, following the paths of merchants, explorers and storytellers who once connected East and West. The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express offers a seamless way to experience this legendary route, weaving through Uzbekistan’s most mesmerising landscapes without the need for complex planning. From the majestic domes of Samarkand to Bukhara’s labyrinthine alleyways, this journey is a deep dive into the heart of Central Asia’s cultural crossroads. The thrill comes from experiencing the mystique of the ancient Silk Road without the stress of planning or logistics, while the stunning landscape of desert dunes and historic monuments is a visual feast.

For solo travellers, the luxury of a private cabin, expert-led excursions and communal spaces like the bar car creates the perfect balance between solitude and connection. Days are spent exploring UNESCO-listed mosques, bustling bazaars and ancient caravanserais, while evenings unfold with gourmet dinners and conversations with fellow adventurers. The ever-changing scenery — desert dunes, silk-clad minarets and Soviet-era relics — transforms the train itself into a moving observatory of history. With exclusive itineraries returning in 2026, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express brings the Silk Road’s mystique to life in a way that suits independent travellers seeking both comfort and discovery. This is not just a train journey — it is a solo adventure through time.

Find out more about this venture here.

Glamorous Desert Glamping in Morocco

Where: Agafay Desert Luxury Camp, Morocco

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For solo travellers seeking a blend of adventure, luxury and serenity, glamping in Morocco’s deserts offers a truly unique escape. Whether nestled in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech or in the vast Sahara, luxury desert camps provide guests with plush, tented suites adorned with elegant Moroccan décor and outfitted with modern amenities, including private terraces and ensuite bathrooms. Agafay Luxury Camp — a short drive from Marrakech — offers a secluded oasis set within the dramatic landscape of the Agafay Plateau. With 600 acres of untouched red-rock country, it combines the wilderness with the comforts of a five-star retreat. The tents feature elegant touches, such as outdoor bathtubs overlooking the dunes and a range of luxury services — including pools, a jacuzzi, and concierge-curated activities like camel rides, hot air balloon trips and stargazing. For solo female travellers, the camp provides a safe and tranquil environment with a touch of glamour. The solitude of the desert offers spiritual reflection, while the luxurious amenities ensure every need is met. This alternative luxury experience allows solo adventurers to unwind in one of the world’s most remote and stunning locations, where nature and nurture come together seamlessly.

Find out more about this venture here.

For more on the latest in lifestyle and travel reads, click here.

The post Adventures for One: Thrill-Seeking Solo Experiences appeared first on LUXUO.

As spring draws to a close, the warm golden light and crisp sea breeze create the perfect setting for an exquisite escape to Ha Long Bay aboard Grand Pioneers. Here, the breathtaking grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is seamlessly intertwined with world-class hospitality, offering discerning travelers an unforgettable retreat. As the sun sets, the emerald waters reflect towering limestone karsts, painting a mesmersing panorama that can only be fully appreciated from the deck of Grand Pioneers.

A Luxurious Escape for Couples and Families

Designed for romance, relaxation, and discovery, Grand Pioneers HaLong Bay Cruise provides an ideal retreat for couples, families, and groups of friends seeking an extraordinary getaway. Lovebirds can revel in the serenity of the open sea, indulging in private moments amidst the vast horizon, while families create cherished memories in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.

For groups of friends, the cruise is a playground of indulgent experiences — from unwinding at the Sea Spa, savoring world-class cuisine, to embarking on exciting excursions such as kayaking through crystalline waters or exploring mystical caves. Every corner of the cruise ship is a visual masterpiece, offering countless opportunities for stunning photography and treasured keepsakes.

The “End of Spring Deal” – An All-Inclusive Indulgence

To mark the season’s transition, Grand Pioneers presents the ‘End of Spring Deal’, a meticulously curated all-inclusive package that guarantees a seamless and immersive experience in Ha Long Bay.

A refined culinary journey, featuring gourmet fine dining and buffet selections masterfully crafted by our talented chefs, blending the finest Asian and European flavors.

Unlimited access to signature experiences, from kayaking on the tranquil bay and discovering hidden caves to rejuvenating Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck at dawn.

Exclusive discounts on additional services, ensuring guests can elevate their journey with bespoke indulgences while enjoying exceptional value.

Easter Festivities and Special Spring Offers

March – A Tribute to Women with Exclusive Spa Privileges

As March honors the grace and strength of women, Grand Pioneers introduces “Lady First”, an exclusive offer granting a 20 percent discount at Sea Spa for all female guests throughout the month. Nestled in the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay, this rejuvenating spa experience provides the perfect sanctuary to unwind, restore balance, and indulge in ultimate relaxation, all within a serene and luxurious setting.

April – An Elegant “Eggciting Easter”

Welcoming the new season, Grand Pioneers hosts a special Easter Dinner on April 20, featuring a curated menu that blends international sophistication with local flavors. Guests will be treated to succulent roasted lamb, perfectly paired with a decadent carrot cake, ensuring a harmonious fusion of European culinary finesse with a Vietnamese touch. As part of the festivities, every suite will receive a thoughtful Easter surprise — Vietnamese egg candies, symbolising renewal, prosperity, and new beginnings.

With its seamless blend of elegance, adventure, and impeccable service, Grand Pioneers invites travelers to experience Ha Long Bay in the most refined and luxurious way. Reserve your exclusive journey now at www.grandpioneers.com and make the most of this limited-time offer!

For more on the latest in lifestyle and travel reads, click here.

The post Celebrate the End of Spring with an Exclusive Voyage Aboard Grand Pioneers appeared first on LUXUO.

Brand CEOs often have to embody the spirit of the companies they lead. This can be challenging because most of these C-suite people are not watchmakers or engineers who can dazzle with their technical knowledge, experience with industrial or artisanal production and sense of love for the craft. Yet, watchmaking skills do not serve well in the CEO role, which tends to require business acumen and charisma. This is most evident at a brand such as Franck Muller, where the master watchmaker himself is not in the captain’s chair, so to speak. Happily, Nicholas Rudaz has just the right vibe for the top job here.

Rudaz is one of the watch brand leaders we typically meet more than once a year, and who is also happy to spare a little time for the press. Regular readers will be quite familiar with him and his style of communicating; key Franck Muller collectors will be even more familiar with the man. Nevertheless, as we discussed on his visit to Singapore late last year, we can always be surprised, as we were to discover that he once tended bar at the Sydney Opera House…

Rudaz has charted a remarkable journey from his early days in hospitality to leading one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary watchmaking brands. Franck Muller is also a favourite of this magazine, by tradition because it has been on numerous covers and, generally, it has been one of our strongest supporters over the years. Rudaz is relatively new to us in the CEO role, having taken the top job in 2021, the 20th anniversary of WOW.

Rudaz was born in Switzerland but raised in England, and we imagine that his diverse background must have significantly influenced his professional trajectory. In the early 1990s, at the age of 20, Rudaz found himself in Australia, working behind the bar at the aforementioned Sydney icon. This experience was more than just a job; it was a formative period that honed his interpersonal skills and deepened his understanding of luxury service. Reflecting on this time, Rudaz told Harper’s Bazaar Australia/New Zealand, “Working in luxury hospitality is about selling a dream, which is exactly what we do in watchmaking.”

That statement is a fine summation of a point Rudaz likes to make, which was particularly relevant on the occasion of his visit this time, which was to launch a special watch for the 70th anniversary of Sincere Fine Watches: the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition. Rudaz’s sentiment goes a little like this, and we are paraphrasing here: making watches is an art but selling them is another kind of art. That is a fine tribute to pay to Sincere Fine Watches, which opened the first mono-brand Franck Muller store in the Asia Pacific region, right here in Singapore back in 1992. Franck Muller had just established his brand the year before and Sincere had just become the exclusive distributor in Southeast Asia.

Our story picks up in 2007, with Rudaz’s entry into the world of haute horlogerie when he joined Franck Muller as a director. Over the years, he ascended the corporate ladder, culminating in his appointment as CEO. Under his leadership, Franck Muller has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking with releases such as the Aeternitas Mega 4 and the recent Long Island Evolution Master Jumper continuing to build on the brand’s reputation as the Master of Complications. Joining these watches to celebrate Sincere Fine Watches’ birthday is the world’s first watch to include movement elements crafted in Damascus steel.

As a quick note on the watch in question and the vaunted Damascus steel here, Rudaz notes that Franck Muller has used this material before, but just for cases. We recall these as the Vanguard Damas watches and Rudaz frequently referred to the new watch in the same way, even though this is not the current naming convention of the 28-piece Platinum Jubilee Edition. We have altered this in the interview that follows.

On a further note about Damas and Damascus steel, what Franck Muller has done here is to use two steel alloys in one, shall we say, ingot; this accounts for the two distinct grains seen in the metal of the case and the movement. Rudaz explained that the pattern emerges after a chemical treatment (an acid bath) causes a surface reaction in the two different types of steel (316L and 304L), and this is consistent with other reports on the subject. As you may already know, true historical Damascus steel is not extant because no one knows how exactly to recreate it. Everything that looks and even functions like preserved examples is an approximation.

With that said, we invite you to read on for Rudaz’s point of view on the watch and Franck Muller’s many years working alongside Sincere Fine Watches n this region.

Welcome back to Singapore! Tell us about the milestone you are here to celebrate and the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition?

Well, I think it’s a wonderful milestone and effectively it’s an incredible 70th anniversary for Sincere; we’ve been sharing 32 of those years with them so we’ve grown together mutually, hand-in-hand, and we have had many milestones together. I’m very happy to be celebrating this specific one with this wonderful Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition. It has a seven-day power reserve and, at 43mm, is a great size for the local market. It’s exclusive to the Asia Pacific region of course. While we have used Damascus steel in our cases before, this will be the first time it has been used in the movement. Damascus steel is very hard and strong, and using such a material for the watch movement is very difficult. Since every Damascus steel pieces has a different pattern, there are 28 unique watches in this edition. It took us about one year to master using Damascus steel in this way, and the watchmakers, for sure, needed special tools to work the material and to decorate it (the bridges and plates are skeletonised and have clearly been beveled and chamfered).

With this watch, Sincere and Frank Muller have become one family, as represented by the mixture of different materials here (the different steel alloys and the rose gold of the case middle and crown). It is really about two entities, Sincere and Franck Muller, becoming the Yin and the Yang, as embodied in the intricate mix of materials seen in each Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition.

Tell us more about the partnership then! It is a fascinating story that spans more than 30 years, as you noted.

Well, effectively there’s a million and one aspects to look at when you sell a watch, that’s for sure. We are Franck Muller, and we concentrate on designing and producing beautiful watches. We are then only as good as the agent, our partner in any given country. And with Sincere, we’ve been growing together for all these years and we’ve gone through ups and downs together. Sincere is very creative, just like we are creative. As I said, selling a watch is another craft, which is beautifully mastered by Sincere. I like to say it’s like bread and butter; one without the other is not so good.

So, the fact is, over the years, we have a proven track record together and this is because there a lot of similarities between us. We are both family companies and Sincere is very good at promoting our own values (because they are close to if not actually Sincere’s own values) in the market with clients. I think they have done a particularly good job in specializing in watch collectors and connoisseurs; they really take the time to educate their clients, as we were saying before and I think clients appreciate that. It’s one thing to learn about watches (and get) information on the Internet or social media, if it’s the right information, and another thing having a great personal experience inside the shop…and a beautiful shop as well!

That’s a wonderful segue, because now I can ask why Damascus steel here?

Well, first of all, why not? Secondly, because in the past, since we have had many milestones together, we’ve done tourbillons, the Cintree Curvex, and gem-set pieces. It was only appropriate for us to expand on this new material which we had presented in 2023 for the first time. This was a novelty for us, and we were all very excited about this great new material. And together we pushed it even further by using it inside the movement! I think it’s also appropriate for the market today because we don’t want to be doing so many tourbillons right now.

And it’s also a very creative experience for young watchmakers to enjoy a new material. We’ve seen a big trend in in the market enjoying new materials so yeah, it was just a natural step forward.

So, it was not a special request from the market then?

Well, Sincere is very good at bringing the information from the market up to us in Geneva so we appreciate the feedback and the knowledge of the local market. Of course, they listen to watch collectors everyday. From time to time, they send us this important information, but to be honest in this case (of the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition), we did not respond to the market; the watch was a result of us being creative and wanting to do something different in our watchmaking. Creativity, complications and designs are our number one priority. Because we have no shareholders, we also don’t need to worry about chasing margins every quarter. It is really about (the watchmaker) Franck Muller’s DNA, which is strongly embedded in the Watchland manufacture and the spirit of the brand itself. Many of our staff have worked with him (he retired in 2002), and we all treasure that.

This article first appeared on WOW’s Festive Issue #76

For more on the latest in luxury watch reads from WOW, click here.

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The Asia-Pacific yacht brokerage market continues to flourish, bolstered by increasing wealth in the region, a growing passion for the yachting lifestyle, world-class cruising grounds and a wide selection of good brokerage deals available on the market.

Within this arena, through our insistence on transactional ethics and help for clients to navigate their selection, purchase and aftersales needs, Simpson Marine has emerged as a leading regional brokerage in yacht sales. A closer look at the state of the market, from my point of view, follows.

REGIONAL APPETITE INCREASES FOR PRE-OWNED YACHTS

The APAC region has seen exponential growth in yachting over the last decade, particularly with the exceptional demand during the pandemic years. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines offer stunning cruising destinations.

At the same time, markets like Hong Kong and Singapore continue to serve as key hubs for new yacht ownership and brokerage for both in-region purchases and outbound to the Middle East, Turkey and the West Mediterranean.

Demand for premium yachts, particularly in the 60-100ft range, remains robust, catering to affluent individuals keen to embrace the ocean-going lifestyle. Larger superyachts are also gaining traction, especially for Chinese customers buying for berths abroad, and in Australia where we have just opened our Sydney office.

Growing numbers of ultra-high-net-worth individuals are entering the APAC market, despite its temporary slowdown overall, because of socio-political conditions.

Alongside these promising trends, buyers and sellers face challenges such as regulatory differences across jurisdictions and navigating a highly competitive marketplace. This is where regional expertise from a brokerage becomes invaluable for potential brokerage buyers.

A BROKERAGE WITH A TRACK RECORD MAKES FOR CALM CRUISING

It instils confidence in potential owners of pre-owned yachts and in brokers serving them to know that a brokerage is constantly keeping up to date with the ever-evolving processes across buying and selling, and yacht ownership in markets within a region.

With 40 years of experience in the Asian market, spanning Japan to Indonesia and down to Australia, Simpson Marine has facilitated over 3,500 successful transactions across the APAC region. From Hong Kong to Singapore, and extending to burgeoning markets like Vietnam and Malaysia, the company’s extensive network and in-depth localised knowledge give us an advantage.

Recent standout brokerage sales include luxury motoryachts from renowned shipyards like Sanlorenzo, Riva, Majesty and Benetti, to mention a few.

In addition, Simpson Marine’s status as the regional brand representative of Sanlorenzo allows us to offer a curated selection of vessels from the shipyard that have been originally sold and cared for by our team, and hence their condition is well maintained and extremely attractive for sale on the brokerage market.

As Simpson Marine now has offices in 13 key APAC locations, we formulate a well-segmented and curated database of customers, with a large pool of buyers and sellers ensuring optimal exposure for every yacht listed.

BROKERAGE SALES AND BUYER PURCHASES RELY ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS

In the brokerage field, comprehensive marketing is essential and should use – as ours does – a mix of traditional and digital strategies, including tailored campaigns, professional photography, videos and virtual tours, as well as B2B2C in-person open days to showcase yachts at their best.

Technical expertise is also vital with brokerage yachts. In-house expert service teams should offer technical assessments and maintenance support, ensuring all listed yachts meet the highest standards of readiness, and post-survey remedies are carried out professionally and efficiently.

Years of excellence in brokerage sales have earned Simpson Marine a trusted reputation for transparency, professionalism, results-driven service, and for being capable to handling complex high-value deals, including via cryptocurrency transactions.

Buying must be made straightforward, to help simplify the complexities of yacht acquisition. It should be part of the whole service at a brokerage to offer everything from expert guidance on selecting the perfect yacht to assistance with financing, insurance and registration. A brokerage should ensure a seamless process.

At Simpson Marine, it helps that as well as offering this complete range of services, our extensive brokerage portfolio includes everything from sleek motoryachts to family-friendly catamarans and expedition vessels for the adventurous.

POPULAR YACHTS AND DESTINATIONS

Currently, some of the most tempting yachts that Simpson Marine offers in the APAC region include:

A 2019 Sanlorenzo SX76, lying in Hong Kong. Designed by Studio Zuccon International, with an interior by famous Italian designer Piero Lissoni, the SX76 is a crossover model that sits between a traditional classic flybridge and explorer yacht, packaged into a distinctive silhouette.

Also in Hong Kong, a 2023 Lagoon Sixty 7, a 20.15m powercat with a massive 10m beam. The yacht offers great comfort, panoramic views, four en-suite cabins and vast living spaces inside and out for rest and privacy.

A standout in Phuket is a 2023 custom-built Seacrest Marine 52m, called Vanora, a yacht where sophistication meets adventure. Its aluminium hull and build meet the high standards of Lloyd’s Register.

Outbound yacht sales frequently venture to renowned cruising grounds. These include the East Mediterranean, particularly hotspots like Turkey – a very popular destination in the past 12 months – Montenegro and Greece. The Maldives is a haven for those seeking turquoise waters and pristine atolls, and is a convenient cruising location between Asia and the Middle East.

The Middle East itself has become a very active market, with its local governments supporting and facilitating their regulations to attract more yachts to visit and stay in the region. World-class facilities, simple and transparent regulations, with no tax on yachting and a convenient location make the Middle East an attractive winter destination for Mediterranean-based superyachts.

For buyers looking to keep their yachts closer to home, destinations like Phuket in Thailand, Langkawi in Malaysia, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands offer unparalleled experiences here in the APAC region.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR YACHT

Purchasing a second-hand yacht is no small undertaking, and we as yacht brokers must support and advise our clients to the best of our ability. After over eight years working for Simpson Marine in Hong Kong, I’d like to share some of my thoughts and advice to yacht owners regarding selling their yachts.

If you take care of your yacht, it will take care of you in return. We sometimes see owners trying to cut corners when it comes to crewing levels and ongoing care and maintenance of the vessel. Since yachts in Asia often have low engine hours, some owners think this means they can retain a smaller team to take care of the yacht, and maybe defer servicing engines, a generator, and other aspects aboard the yacht.

Compound these practices over a few years, and a toll is taken on the overall condition and presentation of the vessel – both above and below the surface. First impressions are valuable. When knowledgeable yacht brokers and their clients visit a yacht, often flying a long way to do so, it’s easy for them to see if the yacht has been well cared for or not.

The world has a bountiful supply of second-hand yachts in all shapes and sizes. If your yacht does not meet a potential buyer’s standards, chances are they will make a lower-than-expected offer on yours, or simply move on and find a better yacht elsewhere.

MARKET TRENDS AND PRICING

Yachts in Asia tend to be high-specification and have relatively low engine hours, making them desirable on the global market. As a result, we have seen a recent influx of interest from overseas clients and brokers, mainly from Europe and Turkey. Sales have been active in these markets, with motivated buyers looking to Asia to find high-quality yachts with motivated sellers.

For Asia-based sellers keen to agree a deal, when considering pricing it’s worth mentioning two key costs that a buyer in Europe or Turkey must bear. The first is transport – usually around US$100,000-$200,000 depending on the yacht’s size – and the second is VAT of up to 20 per cent. As a result, offers may seem low, but they are just factoring in the total cost of transport and the admin needed to establish new ownership.

It is always tempting to wait for a better offer, but I advise sellers to accept the first solid offer. Six months down the road, a better offer may be submitted, but that must be balanced against a further six months of incurred ownership costs.

BROKERAGE FUTURE IN APAC LOOKS BRIGHT

I’m pleased to see vibrant inbound and outbound markets across the APAC region, and that we at Simpson Marine continue to inspire confidence among yachting enthusiasts. If you’re considering entering the yachting world or are ready to upgrade your vessel, trust us to guide you on this exciting journey – you know where to find us.

simpsonmarine.com

TOM ALLEN

Allen, Simpson Marine’s Head of Sales for Hong Kong, joined the company in 2016. Born in London, his childhood included time on the northeast US coast of Maine, sailing dinghies and small keelboats. After university, working in coastal cities around the US, time off was spent sailing, fishing and power-boating. In Hong Kong, he enjoys time off on the water, exploring on his Highfield RIB.

This article was first seen on yachtstyle.co.

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