Wednesday, August 31, 2022

The Rolex Lady-Datejust

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from LUXUO

Hyundai’s 2023 Santa Cruz Night Edition Is A Sporty Blackout Compact Pickup Truck

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Night Edition touts a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and can handle payloads of up to 1,906 pounds.

from Men's Gear

Cathead Bristow Barrel Aged Reserve Gin: Three Age Statements For You To Enjoy

Catheads is aging its gin in new American Oak Barrels and bottling three different expressions for unique drinking experience.

from Men's Gear

Northern Allure — GuocoLand’s Lentor Modern

GuocoLand Lentor Modern

GuocoLand Lentor Modern. Image: GuocoLand.

The future of Lentor will be transformed with Lentor Modern’s integrated mixed-use development that’s touted to provide residential living, F&B, retail, supermarket, and childcare facilities. Developer GuocoLand will proudly erect three steely, modern buildings where some 605 homes will provide havens for future individuals, couples, and families.

Situated next to Lentor MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line, the tranquil precinct will offer some vibrancy once it is completed in 2026. Designed by ADDP Architects with landscapes sculpted by Ortus Design, each well-appointed home will be kitted out in high-quality Smeg devices while Hansgrohe and Roca provide luxurious sanitary wares. Being the first private condominium launch in Lentor precinct will afford a sense of modern, luxury lifestyle for future homeowners. The architecture is poised to be timeless and classic, yet efficient and flexible to create layouts for hybrid work, play, and entertaining scenarios. Accessibility to nature with a strong focus on wellness is no exception in any of GuocoLand’s “Modern” residential series. There will be shared amenities to cater to social activities, thereby allowing families and couples to bond better. The one thing that will attract future homeowners to Lentor Modern is the elevated level of convenience and connectivity by being directly linked to an integrated shopping mall and MRT station.

Water-based activities ensconced in nature-scapes abound at Lentor Modern.

Water-based activities ensconced in nature-scapes abound at Lentor Modern. Image: GuocoLand.

Nature Bound

Well-sculpted gardens ensure nature is all around you at Lentor Modern.

Well-sculpted gardens ensure nature is all around you at Lentor Modern. Image: GuocoLand.

Get set to have an adventure every weekend as families can partake in exploring nature enclaves in the nearby Hillock and Linear Parks in the future. The connectivity continues through green respites such as Lower Pierce Reservoir Park, Upper Pierce Reservoir Park, Thomson Nature Park, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, and Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. The landscape architects at Ortus Design will also include a stream on the site of the project. History and hiking buffs would attest there was a nearby freshwater stream in the precinct. The 200-metre winding stream in Lentor Modern’s landscape design means amenities such as gardens, pavilions and outdoor wellness zones will allow residents to keep fit, recharge or relax while taking in the verdant views and idyllic scenery.

Sophisticated Features

Lentor Modern is directly above Lentor MRT

Lentor Modern is directly above Lentor MRT. Image: GuocoLand.

Weekends or off days for families will never be the same again as these individuals will get to enjoy water-based activities on Level 4 which includes a 50-metre and a 25-metre Lap Pool; a Leisure Pool, Spa Pool, and Jacuzzi Alcove; two signature lawns; a tennis court; a Grand Clubhouse (with two function rooms, Business Lounge, Games Room and Dance Studio); indoor and outdoor gyms; as well as multiple dining and entertainment spaces and pavilions. Residents can even use the specially-designed glamping tents to sleep under the stars while the Allotment Garden will allow farming junkies to dabble in some farm-to-table experience by growing their favourite fruits and vegetables in the community planters. Furthermore, at level 14 of each of the three residential buildings is a Sky Club where individuals can do a bout of exercise, relax with a book, meditate on their own, partake in some entertaining at the two dining rooms or even catch up on work in the conducive and naturally ventilated work zones. The air-conditioned Club Lounge will offer work/study spaces where individuals can hold private calls, and meetings, or conduct private study groups or even tuition classes. On the other hand, the Business Lounge in the Grand Clubhouse will accommodate private booths for hot-desking, and informal meetings, or hold a meeting for up to six persons.

Living Luxe

The Flex Room configuration.

The Flex Room configuration in all 2- to 4-bedroom units of Lentor Modern. Image: GuocoLand.

Unique to the residential configuration of Lentor Modern is the versatile Flex Room which is offered in all 2- to 4-bedroom units. The Flex Room can be converted into a nursery, study space, walk-in wardrobe, playroom, small guest bedroom, or workshop space for budding entrepreneurs. The second key highlight of the property is the “One Lift Ride Lifestyle” — owners can literally take the lift from their condominium straight down to the integrated mall were the spoils of F&B and retail options, as well as a 12,000-sq-ft supermarket beckons. Lentor Modern’s sophisticated living proposition will definitely set the bar high in the sleepy, verdant north of Singapore.

To discover more properties from GuocoLand, click here.

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from LUXUO

This 1981 Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 With A Tropical Dial Is Selling For $298,550

An appraisal from Tropical Watch notes that this 1981 Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 is in remarkable condition.

from Men's Gear

ASICS JOGGER X81: Gear Up For Comfort, Performance, And Style, Sustainably

The Japanese sportswear group takes the recyclable route as it outfits the JOGGER X81 with a mixed material upper.

from Men's Gear

Best Places In Leeds For Travellers

If you are planning to spend your holidays in Leeds or Manchester, you are going to need a list of the best places to visit. With this in mind, we’ve pointed out some of the most interesting things in Leeds for you to see. But let us warn you in advance: the choice is going to be tough because this city has so many great places, and you will need to look at the details to make up your mind.

Here are some places in Leeds that you should visit:

Briggate

Briggate
Briggate, Leeds. Image: Puripat Lertpunyaroj

Briggate was built in 1897 and it is another place you should visit. We believe that this place is ideal for people who like architecture, old buildings and unique attractions of this kind. There are a lot of boutiques here that will keep you busy and make you want to buy something as soon as possible. Try to enjoy and focus on the architecture, the impressive overall design, and the details that are present all around this place.

We must add that here you can enjoy Queen Victoria Street. A fun fact here is that this is the biggest expanse of glass anywhere in Europe so it may be a valuable place to visit. 

The Royal Armouries Museum

The Royal Armouries Museum

Besides that this is one of the most exciting places to visit in England, there are a few other reasons why you should see The Royal Armouries Museum: 

  1. This is a museum of armour and weapons and we all like that
  2. Here you can see over 8,500 objects that were used all over the world which makes things even more appealing 
  3. The museum also hosts six galleries, and every one of them is impressive. Some of the items exhibited here are over 3,000 years old, so you will want to check them out

One of the most impressive details here is that the museum has weapons and armour used in the “Lord of The Rings” movie. Of course, these are replicas but they truly sound and look impressive. Live demonstrations are a thing here as well and these just make all the things even better. 

Last but not least, the museum is home to real armour Henry VIII wore! 

Victoria Gate Casino

victoria gate casino

Victoria Gate Casino has been known as one of its kind places, and a must-see point of interest for any tourist. The place is big — around 4,645 square feet  —  and there is room inside for 1,400 people. 

Of course, casinos are becoming more and more obsolete. Today, you can just pick an online operator and use your mobile phone to gamble. But a real, old-fashioned, classy casino with traditions is something different, and any tourist should visit one.

A restaurant called V Restaurant is a thing here and is known for delicious meals. In addition, you can also find a champagne room and all sorts of other places here.

The casino is best known for poker and some of the best games and tournaments are held here. Of course, if you like table games of other kinds you can play them. Cash games are available as well so you can find almost anything you want. The casino is also loaded with slots if that is your thing. 

In general, this place is a nice choice to visit if you want to have some fun, see the interesting design, and gamble. Don’t forget to follow general dress-code rules, as you might not be allowed to enter the casino otherwise.

The Headrow

Leeds Town Hall

The Headrow is simply one of the places you have to visit, and you should do it as soon as you arrive. It is a place that combines modern tech trends and old English architecture, so there is a lot to see for you here.

First of all, here you can see Leeds Town Hall. It was opened in 1858 and was used as a template for many other buildings of the same kind and purpose. It is truly one of a kind building that deserves your attention. This is also located within half a mile of a pedestrian-friendly area.

Here you get a lot more. The area is loaded with shopping, civic, and a lot of cultural attractions. In other words, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Leeds so make sure to include it on your list. 

If you want, even more, you will get it. There is a Grand Theatre located here and you can enjoy the opera house like no other.

St. John the Evangelist’s Church

St. John the Evangelist's Church, leeds

St. John the Evangelist’s Church is old. It was built in 1634 and is the oldest in the city. The interior is still old and looks like nothing you have ever seen. Stalls, pulpit, and rood screens are just some of the things you will want to find here.

The church is located at 23 New Briggate, Leeds and it deserves your attention. If you like old things or you just want to see something special, make sure to come here. As we have mentioned, the interior is the key element here. It also has two naves, which makes it special and one of a kind.

The Final Word

If you are coming to Leeds and you want to know which places are the best for you and deserve your full attention, now you have the answer. We have listed the top five places in the city that are more than just popular and will remain popular for as long as possible. Try to visit all of them if you can and take tons of photos. You will enjoy it today and later when you look at the photos.

For more travel reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Nuvolari Lenard-Designed Luxury Hybrid Water Taxi Secures Approval

Thunder, the first unit of the 14-seat luxury hybrid water taxi designed by Venice-based studio Nuvolari Lenard, has “obtained complete approval by the classification bodies” after a test period of about a year.

Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard designed the luxury hybrid venetian water taxi

Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard designed the hybrid venetian water taxi

Built at Cantieri Vizianello in Venice, the 9.2m luxury water taxi was conceived by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, who organised a forum at last year’s Venice Boat Show to discuss potential designs for a hybrid luxury watercraft that could help solve the city’s pollution problem.

“As Venetians, Dan and I feel a strong connection with the city and have experienced first-hand the damage that is being caused to its delicate structures, through air and noise pollution as well as physical erosion,” Nuvolari said.

“We felt that it was crucial to address the problems facing our beautiful hometown, and that Nuvolari Lenard was well placed to lead the charge in finding a solution.”

The 14-seat luxury water taxi features luxurious style and design

The 14-seat water taxi features great comfort, luxurious finishes and elegant design

The new luxury water taxi is focused on the use of green technology and uses a hybrid engine that combines electric propulsion, for use within Venice’s low-speed waterways, and diesel propulsion, for higher speeds to and from the airport. Cantieri Vizianello developed the mechanical and electronic coupling system.

“Diesel-electric hybrid propulsion seemed to be the most efficient solution for Venice’s particular requirements,” Nuvolari said.

“Short battery life is a common concern for many hybrid propulsion systems. However, in Venice, the water taxis make regular trips to the airport in open water where they travel at higher speeds using diesel, which gives the batteries time to recharge, even if not completely, for when the vessel returns to the low-speed confines of the city’s waterways. In these areas, it will only draw on the stored electric power.”

The luxury water taxi features a mix of wood and modern technology including hybrid power

The water taxi features a mix of wood and modern technology including hybrid power

Nuvolari Lenard has received a request for the water taxi to be used as a limousine tender for a superyacht client, but is also hoping the design will eventually be mass produced and set an example within Venice.

“We hope that this progressive model for transportation in the city will change the mindset of the historically conservative transport companies in Venice,” he said.

“Although the technology on board is ultra-modern, we made every effort to respect the stylistic heritage of the classic water taxis for which Venice is famous, and so the new designs use traditional wooden materials with some modernisation.

“Nuvolari Lenard is very proud to be doing something for Venice, as it is so close to our hearts and a stunning place that we want to help preserve for future generations.”

www.nuvolari-lenard.com

For more yacht reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Yachts to Debut at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival

Cannes Yachting Festival 2021
Image: Cannes Yachting Festival

Boat show season kicks off next month with the arrival of the Cannes Yachting Festival. The annual event — which takes place from 6-11 September — is set to host one of the biggest selections of world debuts seen in recent years. Founded in 1977, it remains a prestigious event for yacht connoisseurs. This year, there are scheduled to be more than 400 motorboats on show, including 135 world premiers, with the visitor attendance expected to hit a record high.

Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic and supply chain chaos, shipyards have continued to roll out the finest superyachts against all odds, and potential owners are keen to catch the first glimpse of the latest launches from the world’s top shipyards. Here are some boats making world premieres in the French Riviera.

Sanlorenzo SP110

Sanlorenzo SP110 Yacht
Image: Sanlorenzo

The SP110 is the first in Sanlorenzo’s “Smart Performance” range, representing the shipyard’s entry into the sports yacht market. Featuring a jet-propulsion system, split-level interior and radical design, it’s bound to be a game-changer in the sports yacht category. Besides this, the SP110 is also notable for its top speed of 40 knots, making it the fastest Sanlorenzo to date.

The SP110 is one of two Sanlorenzo boats debuting at Cannes this year. The other is the third model in the shipyard’s semi-displacement SD fleet, the 79-foot SD90.

Aquila 54

Aquila 54 yacht
Image: Aquila

The new power catamaran model, Aquila 54, is a mega yacht vessel. Sporting a 25-foot, 2-inch beam, the Aquila 54 power catamaran is not lacking when it comes to room for long-distance cruising and entertaining. Elegant and dynamic, “The list of standard features aboard the 54 will impress anyone familiar with vessels of this size,” said Aquila President Lex Raas.

With large outdoor and interior spaces, including a vast beach club, cockpit bar and full-beam master suite, the Aquila 54 has established itself to be one of the world’s best-selling power catamarans.

Fairline Phantom 65

Phantom-65-Exterior-CGI-01_resize-1600x1068 (1)
Image: Fairline

Sporting a majestic profile and sculpted lines, the Fairline Phantom 65 is a boat that focuses on great liveability of the exterior spaces. Based on the technical platform of its Targa 65, the new model marries the streamlined proportions of the Targa series with the generous interior volume of its Squadron. The final design includes sleek lines, large hull windows and a deep-set flybridge for gracious outdoor living.

The designer, Alberto Mancini designed the 65-ft tri-deck with flexibility in mind, it consists of a wraparound galley, oak flooring and a sunroof that bathes the interior in natural light. As the Phantom name suggests, the boat backs up its sporty looks with two engine options — twin Caterpillar C18-1150s with a 31-knot top end, or the Caterpillar C32-1622s with an estimated top end of 35 knots.

Gulf Craft Majesty 120

Gulf Craft Majesty 120
Image: Gulf Craft

The new 37-metre tri-deck Majesty 120 is the result of design and engineering work that began in early 2019. Designed by Cristiano Gatto Design Studio, it boasts an impressive 8.1 metre beam and could accommodate up to ten guests in five staterooms and seven crew members.

Stretching over three decks, its stand-out features include a jacuzzi, beach club and vast sundeck. In addition, the Majesty 120 is the first model of the series to feature fully electric-powered onboard equipment, producing much less noise pollution and demanding less maintenance.

Azimut 30 Metri Magellano

30 magellano metri yacht
Image: Azimut

In early January, the Italian builder, Azimut, launched the first Magellano 30 Metri, the flagship of the Magellano series, at its shipyard in Viareggio. As the moniker suggests, the superyacht spans 30 metres from tip to tail, featuring a mould-breaking interior by artist and architect Vincenzo De Cotiis along with an exterior by Dutch naval architect Ken Freivokh.

Complete with sleek, modern lines, the 30 Metri sports cast glazed surfaces and teak louvres, which have become signatures of the series. Equipped with more than 750 square feet of glass, the superyacht was designed to be at one with its surroundings, with the Italian builder claiming that seafarers will have a view of both the sky and the sea from every point on the yacht.

The vessel sports a second-generation Dual Mode hull that ensures stability even in tough seas while reducing fuel consumption by 15 per cent compared to a traditional hard-chine planing hull.

Sunreef 70 Power

Sunreef 70 Power
Image: Sunreef

With the optimised engines and propellers and very performant, marine hulls — as well as solar panels and wind propelled alternators — the expedition version of the Sunreef 70 Power will be able to navigate far with relatively low fuel consumption and reach the range of 8,000 nautical miles while cruising at eight knots, which is certainly an incredible quality for long travels in the most remote spots of the world.

First released in January of 2022, the Sunreef 70 Power is designed for yachtsmen with a predilection for lengthy global voyages. Slightly smaller than her sister, the Sunreef 80, the yacht comes with accommodation for up to 12 guests and features an extensive flybridge, a large main salon and plenty of exterior spaces in the cockpit for guests to enjoy the warm climate.

Baglietto Dom 133 “Attitude”

Baglietto Dom 133 yacht
Image: Baglietto

Baglietto announced the launch of the first unit in its all-new 42 metre DOM 133 series back in May. Named Attitude, it was sold by Camper & Nicholsons and marks the first of at least five units currently sold and under construction at the Carrara Shipyard.

Attitude’s exterior design was crafted by Stefano Vafiadis, with interiors by Ezequiel Farca. Its design is defined as a flexible, split-level beach club with an infinity pool, with the pool’s floor able to be raised or lowered to increase the use of space in the cockpit as needed. Other highlights include a U-shaped seating area down on the swim platform, a second pool placed on the sundeck and an interior layout that is designed to enhance the flow between the interior and exterior with the help of floor-to-ceiling windows. Equipped with a pair of Caterpillar C32 engines, it delivers a top speed of 17 knots.

Attitude hit the water at Marina Di Carrara before being moved to La Spezia to complete outfitting, where it’ll be making its international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival this September.

Wellcraft 355

Wellcraft 355 yacht
Image: Wellcraft

After more than six decades of building boats, Wellcraft has unveiled a new model and a new approach with the 355. The company says it’s broadening its offerings with the new Euro-style boat that’s built for adventures. The 50-knot sport cruiser can withstand any weather thanks to the dual-reinforced hull by world-renowned Michael Peters Yacht Design, offering stability and control through the roughest conditions.

Wellcraft teamed up with the renowned yacht designer, Pawel Denert and Camillo Garroni to create a spacious wheelhouse with a fully equipped galley. One of the most extraordinary features of the Wellcraft 355 is the connection between the wheelhouse and the aft: simply open the top-hinged window and entrance door and it creates a seamless feel of an indoor-outdoor space.

For more yacht reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Corsair’s XENEON FLEX Is A 45-Inch Bendable Ultra-Wide Gaming Display

Corsair uses LG's flexible OLED panel to give the XENEON FLEX gaming monitor unique properties for immersive gaming and more.

from Men's Gear

The National Geographic Power Rocket Launcher Can Fly Up To 200 Feet

National Geographic lets you live out your space flight fantasies albeit at a slightly smaller scale with the Power Rocket Launcher.

from Men's Gear

Rolls-Royce Clinched the Gold Award at the 2022 IAI Advertisement Awards

IAI Awards 2022

Rolls-Royce has already advanced well beyond the automobile industry and dominating the luxury sector, and introducing a fresh image of Rolls-Royce to the younger generation of the Chinese market through inspiring, educating and enhancing lives via emotive experiences.

Through new cross-industry collaborations and omnichannel campaigns both online and offline, Rolls-Royce’s “Infinite Time in This Space” campaign successfully resonated with a broad range of audiences, especially the younger generation. This helped to expand the prestigious brand’s horizon and diversified its impression.

As one of the pinnacle luxury brands with over 100 years of history, Rolls-Royce never stops playing the leading role. The brand perfectly combines its digital platform, innovative technology, creative marketing approach and immersive omnichannel experience to be the benchmark for not only auto brands but also all the luxury brands on how to engage the younger generation. Doing so, it helps to reshape the luxury sector’s image in the new era and for its efforts, Roll-Royces won the gold mental in the IAI Advertisement Awards 2022.

Over the years, Rolls-Royce has earned praises for being at the forefront of being innovative and is ambitious with crafting excellent marketing and communication strategies. It has utilised all the potential opportunities in the market to continuously interact with its audiences and clientele, and the result is high sales growth in China.

On 16 April, 2021, Rolls-Royce launched a new collection, the Phantom Tempus. Limited to 20 models worldwide, the car is inspired by the concepts of time and celestial objects. A pop-up was organised in Shanghai to promote brand awareness and it amplified Rolls-Royce’s reach to more dynamic groups in society. Located in a mysterious Space Station along the prosperous business district of Plaza66, the event space tells the bespoke story behind the masterpiece while further appealing to the theme of space and time.

The “Tempus — Infinite Time in This Space” offline experiential campaign was further elevated with a partnership with China’s top electronic music agency, “Fever Family”. Taking this opportunity, Rolls-Royce’s Phantom Tempus directly engages with the auditory senses of on-lookers through music as the brand believes that of all the art forms, music can effectively affect human emotions. The arrangement and superposition of sound waves with various rhythms create the music, which is in perfect synchronicity with the pulsar signal’s electromagnetic wave rhythm.

A testament to the ingenuity of Rolls-Royce, the campaign was widely covered through diversified channels and leverage a matrix of various media platforms. Going with a two-pronged approach, the online and offline events were held simultaneously, and these initiatives effectively increased the audience’s awareness of brand activities and greatly expanded the publicity of the events.

During the event, more than 5,000 people engaged with the space capsule. The official reading volume has reached more than 3.8 million, and the number of fans on WeChat and Weibo platform increased by 900 per cent for that time period last year. The electronic music album launched concurrently on various music platforms also saw more than 80,000 subscribers. Lastly, it only took one minute that two Phantom Tempus deals were sealed online by the first two clients followed by many more.

For more car reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante: Get Ready For More Power And Performance

Exclusive to the 2023 Urus Performante is the Rally Mode setting for the adrenaline junkies who want ultimate off-road performance.

from Men's Gear

Invisible Studio Revamps A Vintage Cottage With An Extension And Two Detached Offices

A playwright and filmmaker bought a rustic home in England which was given a modern retouch by Invisible Studio.

from Men's Gear

CADEX’s New Tri Frameset Offers Triathletes A Competitive Edge

The Tri Frameset features a bladder system within the downtube, while a straw extends from the head tube so you can take a sip hands-free.

from Men's Gear

Monday, August 29, 2022

Look Ruggedly Stylish With Relwen’s Cord Trap Blazer

Like a jean jacket, Relwen's Cord Trap Blazer features a cotton sateen interior for durability and softness and a wale cord exterior made from cotton for breathability.

from Men's Gear

Hit Up To 16 Mph With The ESCEND BLADES Electric Inline Skates

Buyers can pair their ESCEND BLADES electric inline skates with custom Doop or Metro boots courtesy of Powerslide.

from Men's Gear

Aston Martin Shares Thrilling Updates About The Upcoming Valhalla Hypercar

Aston Martin claims the Valhalla PHEV hypercar can manage a 0-62 mph sprint in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.

from Men's Gear

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Pepper Tree Passive House: A Sustainable Detached Home By Alexander Symes

The Pepper Tree Passive House is a detached eco-friendly building adjacent to a modern home in Unanderra, Australia.

from Men's Gear

LUXUO Travels: Cruising Along on a 48m Croatian Superyacht, Freedom (Part 2)

Freedom Jacuzzi
Image: Goolets

The sun deck is Freedom’s winning card, an adult’s playground with world-beating views. The raised jacuzzi at the aft end is a firm favourite, especially since being surrounded by sunpads following the refit.

Otherwise, the deck is dominated by a remarkably long U-shaped arrangement of sofas, with space for up to 20 people to sit within reach of one of four coffee tables along the centre line. To port is the staircase from the upper deck, two sun loungers and a hanging chair, while to starboard is another hanging chair and six sun loungers.

Freedom Sun Deck
Just some of the seating on the sun deck. Image: Goolets

All the seats and sun loungers have a forward view of a well-stocked bar, which can become a social hub before dinner and even livelier afterwards when the two huge speakers come into play.

There’s more fun up ahead. The air-conditioned gym offers sea views forward and to both sides, and a good range of equipment including a treadmill, exercise bike and rowing machine, as well as free weights and more.

Freedom Gym
The sun deck has an air-conditioned gym. Image: Goolets

In front of the gym is the pool, which is about 5m wide and has a forward-facing bench seat inside and a feature ‘tap’ to port. Even with 20 or so guests on this deck alone, there’s enough space and activities for people to have as much or as little company as they want.

Freedom Pool
The 5m-wide pool is at the forward end. Image: Goolets

Furthermore, the layout is flexible enough to have a ‘zen’ theme as a health and wellbeing area for yoga, fitness and smoothies, or as a lively entertainment venue for sunbathing, swimming, music and cocktails. In fact, Freedom even has a fifth level, with a large roof deck above accessible by ladder and used to carry the two tenders (4.8m and 6m) and two jetskis, which can be deployed by a crane.

That’s not all. The full menu of water toys includes an electric foil board, motorised surfboard, Seabob, several paddleboards, kayak, wakeboard, waterskis, inflatables and huge waterslide. And thanks to the amazing crew, you’ll find many of these in the water before you even dive off the back of Freedom after anchoring.

Island Attractions

Goolets’ wide range of seven-day itineraries for Freedom or their other CA yachts include starting and finishing in Split, and a one-way route from Split to Dubrovnik. This year it even has two-week and three-week charter bookings for groups wanting more of Freedom and Croatia.

Brac Zvonimir Brasin Pucisca settlement
Aerial view of the island of Brac. Image: Goolets

A typical week-long round trip can include the islands of Brac, Vis, Hvar, Korcula and Pelješac, then stop at different parts of Hvar and Brac on the way back to Split or even nearby Trogir, just a half-hour drive away.

A Split-Dubrovnik route could also take in Brac, Hvar and Korcula before continuing to the likes of Mljet and Lopud on the way to Dubrovnik, about 112nm southeast of Split.

Freedom exterior at Brac
The 48m Freedom berths in Bol on Brac. Image: Goolets

Brac is typically a first stop as it’s just 10nm south of Split and well worth a visit for Zlatni Rat, billed as Croatia’s most famous beach and otherwise known as the Golden Horn or Golden Cape.

Dock in the southern harbour town of Bol and it’s a 15-minute walk along a tree-covered promenade beside some exclusive homes to this iconic beach, a stunning spit of land that offers clear water on both sides and plenty of space for sunbathing, bars and restaurants. Other spots in Brac include the pretty fishing village of Milna in a protected harbour on the west coast.

Brac
On Brac, Zlatni Rat is Croatia’s most famous beach. Image: Goolets

Hvar is just south of Brac and its attractions include the quaint town of Jelsa on the north, but the island is most famous for the port town of Hvar on the west.

One of the most popular destinations for day trips from Split and busy during the summer, Hvar has an historic ‘old town’ and many visitors enjoy a walk up to the 16th-century Spanish Fortress for great views of the city.

Hvar Jelsa
Hvar is one of Croatia’s most famous islands. Image: Goolets

It also has a beautiful waterfront packed with shops, restaurants and bars, while there are beach clubs and swimming spots within walking distance. Just off Hvar town are the Pakleni Islands, a chain of wooded islands where you can enjoy wonderful beaches or anchor in the bays to enjoy watersports in clear, protected waters.

Vis is the small island southwest of Hvar where they shot the 2018 hit Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, with Goolets staff saying Pierce Brosnan enjoyed it so much that he never wanted to leave. Nearby attractions include the Blue Cave to the west and Green Cave to the south.

Panorama view of Dalmatia, Croatia
The Mamma Mia sequel was shot in Vis. Image: Goolets

Yachts typically berth at the town of Vis in a beautiful, protected bay in the northeast, and there’s an air of ‘time stands still’ in this postcard-perfect coastal town. On our penultimate day, we anchored just off Vis town for a fantastic few hours of swimming and trying to use every water toy on board Freedom.

Yachts can also visit the western port town of Komiza, where the Jastoreza restaurant doubled as the ‘Greek Taverna’ in the Mamma Mia sequel.

Waterfront of Korcula town in Croatia
Korcula is home to a stunning historic fortified town. Image: Goolets

Korcula is the island south of Hvar and home to Korcula, a stunning historic fortified town described by Goolets as ‘one of the most breathtakingly beautiful towns imaginable’. Known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, it has themed shops and a museum in his honour, and offers another mesmerising on-land experience.

Goolets, the Super Host

These are just four of the Dalmatian islands and the options are almost endless. Goolets’ existing routes are all proven winners, but the company can tailor an itinerary for each charter, which also includes booking all restaurants and on-land activities, sometimes months in advance.

Watersports on Freedom
Freedom is packed with water toys. Image: Goolets

“In the last couple of years, Goolets has made an extra effort to integrate itself into the local communities and become close with all the service providers on all the islands and cities we visit,” says Ivan Ramljak, Goolets’ Country Manager for Croatia.

“We know the owners of the restaurants and the wineries, even the fishermen, so we go the extra mile to create a special occasion for the client.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a nice place to finish a charter. Image: Goolets

“Sometimes a special meal for 35 people can be a two-month process to prepare the food, the tables and set-up, the music. We must consider the weather to know if it should be indoors or outdoors, or if it’s right season for the seafood. The clients appreciate this care and so do the restaurants.”

For each trip aboard Freedom, Goolets offers guests a private ‘concierge assistant’ who prepares daily suggestions on how to maximise the charter experience based around the structure of each group, whether it be families with young children, teenagers, active seniors, couples only, or mixed groups of all ages, which you’re likely to have in a group of 20 or so.

Vis
Freedom guests walk around Vis. Image: Goolets

It’s an exciting time for Goolets, whose name is a ‘Google’-inspired twist on gulets, the classic wooden Turkish sailing craft, an equivalent of Indonesia’s phinisis.

The company started 17 years ago by focusing on gulets and chartering them in Turkey and later in Italy, Greece and Croatia, which has now become its leading market.

Sun deck, Freedom
Sunbathing on the sun deck of Freedom. Image: Goolets

Goolets still operates many gulets, but has expanded and diversified to include many modern motor yachts in its CA fleet, which now numbers about 20 and ranges in size up to the 52m, 18 cabin Alfa Mario. Business is good overall and this year’s bookings on Goolets yachts in the Med even include a five-week multi-country trip and a nine-week journey through the Greek islands.

However, following its refit, Freedom is the company’s leading light and was quickly booked out for the season, which in Croatia usually runs from April through to October.

Watersports on Freedom
Freedom offers multiple ways to relax. Image: Goolets

Her facilities, cuisine, crew and water toys make Freedom a match for most sub-50m yachts on the charter circuit. And from 2023, she’ll be available to charter from €100,000 per week, so you don’t need the bank account of a rock star, NBA legend or Microsoft founder to afford her.

This article first appeared on Yacht Style.

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