The launch vessel for Four Seasons Yachts, Four Seasons I, has a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, next-gen spa and suites with plunge pools. Jenny Southan reports

Four Seasons has officially entered the maritime sector with the launch of Four Seasons Yachts, as its first vessel, Four Seasons I, sets sail on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. The debut marks a major expansion for the hospitality brand, extending its hotel experience onto the water for the first time.

The inaugural sailing, which departed on March 20, 2026, coincides with the company’s 65th anniversary. The date reflects a symbolic link to the opening of the first Four Seasons hotel in 1961, positioning the launch as both a milestone and a new direction for the brand.

Designed as a purpose-built vessel, Four Seasons I has been developed to reflect the layout and feel of a high-end residential property rather than a traditional cruise ship. The yacht measures 207 metres in length and features just 95 suites, all with outdoor space and no interior cabins. A one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio is intended to support a highly personalised level of service.

Ben Trodd, CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts, says: “Today’s luxury traveller values time, trust, and authenticity above all. With the confidence our guests place in Four Seasons comes an equally high expectation for excellence. At Four Seasons Yachts, we answer that call by combining our global standard for luxury hospitality with renowned maritime leadership, inviting our guests to explore the world from an entirely new vantage point."

Interior and exterior design has been led by a group of international studios, including Tillberg Design of Sweden and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, with construction by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The design focuses on open, light-filled spaces with large windows and terraces that connect guests to the surrounding sea.

Accommodation includes large suite options such as the Funnel Suite, which spans nearly 930 sqm at the front of the vessel, and the Loft Suite at the rear, which measures almost 743 sqm. Many suites also include private plunge pools.

Food and drink form a central part of the onboard experience, with 11 restaurants and lounges offering a range of dining styles. A rotating chef-in-residence programme will bring chefs from Four Seasons restaurants around the world on board, including Christian Le Squer from Paris, Luca Piscazzi from Athens and Guillaume Galliot from Hong Kong. These chefs will create limited-time menus that reflect their individual culinary approaches.

Wellness is another key focus, with facilities centred around the L’Oceana Spa. The spa includes features such as a hammam, sauna, steam room and cold therapy areas, alongside treatments including cryotherapy and infrared therapy. Guests can also take part in activities such as yoga, meditation and personalised fitness sessions.

A distinctive feature of the yacht is its transverse marina, which opens across both sides of the vessel to provide direct access to the sea. This space will be used for swimming, water sports and other activities during dedicated “marina days” when the yacht anchors in quieter locations.

Shore experiences are tailored to individual guests rather than pre-set excursions. These can include private cultural visits, coastal exploration or customised dining experiences, depending on personal preferences.

The yacht’s inaugural season will focus on the Mediterranean, with itineraries including destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Bodrum and Hydra, alongside routes through the Greek islands and Croatia. In its first year, Four Seasons I will operate 32 voyages across 52 sailings, visiting more than 130 destinations in over 30 countries. Winter itineraries will shift to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons, says: “Four Seasons Yachts debuts on the same day that the very first Four Seasons hotel opened, 65 years ago, making this milestone even more meaningful as we celebrate the history of our company, while looking forward to the bright future ahead.

"Four Seasons Yachts is a continuation of the pioneering ambition on which Four Seasons was built, and will reflect the same genuine care, service excellence, and exceptional moments we create for guests on land. We are proud to introduce a new expression of our brand at sea, opening an entirely new horizon for our guests.”

The launch signals a broader trend of hotel brands expanding into maritime travel, as demand grows for more personalised and experience-led journeys. A second vessel, Four Seasons II, is already planned for 2027, indicating that the company sees long-term potential in the sector.