In an age where extreme luxury travel brings to mind Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s $500 million plane, Steven Spielberg’s 86m Seven Seas yacht, and the Bugatti La Voiture Noire (whose owner remains anonymous), then it may come as a surprise that this private yacht concept hasn’t been snapped up yet.

The concept

Norway-based firm Hareide Design unveiled plans for what may become one of the most luxurious vessels on the high seas. “May” because the yacht is still a concept and will only be built at the request of a serious buyer. Called the “108M” after its extraordinary size (108 meters, or around 350ft), the work of art fits perfectly in the bracket of mega yachts designed to be floating extravagant hotels with incredible interiors and a fantastic amenities.

What’s on-board?

The six-level yacht comes with a tranquility garden bordering a 65-foot infinity pool, another 20m pool at the bow, and a two-story grand hall that offers unbelievable views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The“108M” also has a heliport since it’s unlikely that the owners or their guests will be taking a taxi from the airport.

The vessel’s distinguishing feature is the simulated beach with a saltwater wading pool that gently laps the “shore.” Other impressive design elements are the elevated viewing and dining area.

Environmentally friendly

For those who are eco-conscious, the ship boasts 300 m2 (around 3,230 square feet) of energy-efficient solar panels that power lithium-ion batteries. This energy can provide the yacht with sustainable energy and sufficient power to cruise along relaxing shorelines. For higher speeds and longer distances a diesel part of the engine kicks in.

The experience

The yacht is designed to capture the splendor of nature and to convey the sense of the different elements. The seamless transition from indoors to outdoors brings passengers in touch with nature. This is mainly captured by offering passengers views of the ocean from anywhere within the extravagant interiors.

Destination dilemmas? 

So you have your floating mansion, but where do you sail it to? New destinations are catching the eye of the ultra-rich superyacht set. By offering substantial tax incentives, they’re going head-to-head with old-time favorite glitz and glamor marinas like Porto Cervo in Sardinia and Port Hercules in Monaco. Here are some of them:

• With its beautiful historic buildings, Malta’s Grand Harbor Marina sits smack in the center of the Mediterranean. It’s a perfect starting point for cruising to the French Riviera and Spain, or Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus. The waterfront offers berths for yachts up to 135m.

• The Yalikavak Palmarin in Bodrum, Turkey, is a relatively new kid on the block having been unveiled in 2013. The marina sits along the stunning Turkish Riviera and can host 70 superyachts of 50m and up. 

• Also new (opened in 2014) and high up on the list of exciting destinations, is the Limassol Marina in Cyprus. The marina has 650 berths and can house motorboats and superyachts of up 155m. It features luxury residential estates, cafes, restaurants, and offers ultramodern facilities.

• Croatia, especially the ACI Marina Split, is a burgeoning in popularity amongst the superyacht crowd. Yacht owners can explore cobbled streets, visits restaurants and shops, take in the remarkable architecture, visit the Diocletian’s castle, and enjoy an exciting nightlife. With 350 berths for yachts of up to 90m, we’re sure they’ll find room for yours.

• The international yacht crowd is being drawn to the luxurious new Porto Montenegro marina (developed in 2008) and resort village, which offers visitors an opportunity to explore the tiny coastal state with its breathtaking landscape and remarkable architecture. There are currently 450 births, but that number is supposed to reach 800.

• The yachting elite has long been drawn to the marinas of Portofino and Capri in Italy, but now they can also head to the new (unveiled in 2013) Marina di Scarlino in Tuscany. The coastline offers a unique beauty and is conveniently close to Siena, Pisa, and Florence. Created by Leonardo Ferragamo, business magnate, and son of famed shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, the marina offers 950 berths and 42 residences with more being planned for 2016. 

• The Vilanova Grand Marina, just outside of Barcelona, Spain, opened its doors – or berths – in 2009 and is the first marina in the Mediterranean designed exclusively for superyachts. With 48 berths for yachts up to 130m, the luxury wharf offers choice shops, superb restaurants, amazing architecture, and breathtaking views. 

What can one say? It’s always good to dream big and aim high!