My First Experience on the Four Seasons Yacht: A Journey through the Mediterranean

Embarking on a New Journey

In March, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the opening of the very first Four Seasons hotel, the Four Seasons I yacht officially set sail in the Mediterranean. I had the opportunity to board the ship a few days prior, when the founder of Four Seasons, Isadore Sharp, and his wife Rosalie held a naming ceremony for the vessel, complete with a spectacular champagne display.

The scenery around us was bathed in the golden sunlight of Malaga, creating a truly magical moment. After the ceremony, a select group of guests boarded the yacht to enjoy a lavish dinner. Everything was elaborately decorated, featuring long, wavy tables adorned with peony petals and plates that held real oyster shells with pearls inside.

Exceptional Culinary Delights

The meal I experienced was among the finest you could enjoy onboard, crafted by talented chefs from around the globe. The Four Seasons’ chef residency program ensures that diners can indulge in unique dishes, from Florence to Hong Kong.

For the grand opening, they invited Christian Le Squer, who has earned three Michelin stars for Four Seasons George V in Paris. He prepared a magnificent four-course meal, which included wild-caught sea bass paired with truffle mushrooms and potatoes. The caramelized onion tart with Parmesan ice cream received rave reviews; my traveling companions declared it the "best onion tart we’ve ever had."

Relaxing Comfort

The following evening, we had the chance to enjoy another meal from Christian Le Squer at the Sedna restaurant, where stunning sea views complemented impeccable service. Speaking of wine, it was truly impressive, but I couldn't stop thinking about his special spaghetti gratin—so good that I would travel on the Eurostar just to savor it again.

As for my accommodations, I stayed in a suite (of which there are only 95 on the ship, all with ocean views), featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace for sunbathing. The room also boasted a walk-in closet, a coffee table filled with books, an iPad to control everything, a luxurious Four Seasons bed, a double shower and bathtub, as well as a Dyson hairdryer.

Relaxation Services

I was also impressed by the completely transparent Bang & Olufsen TV designed not to obstruct the ocean view. I watched “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” just to relive the beautiful Mediterranean scenery, reminding myself that I was living in a dream—even if only for a few short nights.

The next day, I spent several hours at the spa. The La Mer facial and Margy’s Monte Carlo body treatment were absolutely wonderful. The spa also offered a variety of other services, including a hair and nail salon, infrared rooms, a sauna, and cryotherapy. The gym was stunning, featuring ocean views and fully equipped with Technogym equipment.

Unique Design

The yacht's design is inspired by the golden age of travel in the 50s and 60s, but I believe that Tillberg Design from Sweden has surpassed those comparisons. There’s a sparkling cigar bar, a modern omakase restaurant, and even a 4,000-year-old fossil located just outside the restroom—no joke!

The Loft Suite spans nearly 743 square meters and includes a private deck and pool. The Four Seasons I is sure to attract discreet wealthy clients as well as celebrities each summer.

Interesting Tidbits

During my trip, no one stood out more than Captain Kate McCue, the first woman to captain a mega-cruise ship and a strong advocate for women working at sea. Every detail, from the staff to the design, reflects the expansive vision of the cruise industry, which is still in this fresh, evolving phase.

This summer, Four Seasons I will be cruising throughout the Mediterranean and heading to the Caribbean and Bahamas in the winter, with numerous voyages to 130 destinations across more than 30 countries and territories. I can’t wait to step aboard again to relive that incredible experience.