On-Board ZALIV III

Unsurprisingly shortlisted for prestigious awards at both the World Superyacht Awards and the Showboats Design Awards, motor yacht ZALIV III has thankfully been afforded a degree of the attention she deserves.

Built in 2011 by Mondo Marine, she is assuredly one of the most refined deliveries from the award-winning Italian shipyard. Indeed, beginning life as a private family yacht, she is replete with a range of features and subtle touches which anticipate the needs of charterers of all ages.

As will become clearer later on, she is a motor yacht composed of sentiments which, though selected by a single discerning owner, reflect those of the modern charterer more generally.

Perhaps the most striking thing about entering the main salon of ZALIV III for the first time has to do with how boundless she feels. Optimising the amount of room offered by her 9m beam, cream coloured sofa seating on the port and starboard sides offers a nicely symmetrical setting for both socialising and hosting.

Such a stirring first impression, of course, has everything to do with the relationship between the owner’s vision and the man responsible for bringing it to life.

In order to fully crystallize this particular vision, Mondo Marine once again worked in close collaboration with Florentine designer Luca Dini. Something of an interior savant, Dini has developed a reputation for producing harmonious arrangements which fuse traditional and contemporary materials.

No exception to such excellence, ZALIV III is distinguished by a consistent use of whitewashed woods lined with recessed lighting. Producing an aesthetic which is both effortlessly cool and warmly inviting. What's more, such mid-range tones likewise enlarge the sense of space felt throughout the yacht.

To simply describe the design of Zaliv III as minimalist would seem to be somewhat insufficient. Whilst it’s true that the interior privileges sparse decor over an abundance of furnishings and artwork, the atmosphere on board is so much more intimate than such a term might imply.

Indeed, a feature such as the discreetly placed and retractable television screen on the starboard side of the main salon means that kids can enjoy playing games whilst remaining in close proximity to their family- an outstanding balance of style and substance.

A masterclass in light and decoration, superyacht Zaliv III artfully captures the sense of space which is the ambition of all superyachts

Moving through the spacious formal dining area which would later play host to a variety of refreshing dishes, the team was once again struck by the amount of room on offer. Compounding this impression, we found that when sat with a further twelve guests for lunch, both the meal and service could be enjoyed without compromising an inch on comfort.

An additional feature of this space is a television screen which can be used to view photographs taken throughout the day, or provide quiet background music to set the tone for when guests choose to eat inside- for those who prefer not to have a television in this area, the screen can also be instantly concealed by a black and gold casing,

Furthermore, after the dishes have been cleared away for the evening, the dining table can be divided and turned over to become two superbly styled backgammon tables- a perfect excuse for parties to remain gathered deep into the night.

Entering the private office attached to the full-beam VIP suite on the main deck, the team were impressed to find a pullman berth located above the immaculate desk.

Allowing parents or indeed a nanny to rest in a stateroom equivalent to a master suite, all whilst being close to the children, the layout could not be more ideal for families.

For parties which do not include any younger charterers, the space can be used to attend to any necessary business whilst out on the water, or simply closed-off to create an even larger sleeping area.

Composed of numerous subtle touches, the design and amenities of superyacht Zaliv III combine to produce a wholly modern masterpiece

Connecting the four cabins on the lower deck, an almost zen-like corridor has been fitted with a discreetly placed fridge which provides guests access to refreshments without disrupting the elegant flow of the interior design.

Comprised of two doubles and two twins, all of the cabins found on this deck benefit from en suite facilities, with a shower and steam bath available in the doubles.

With none of these suites being beneath the waterline, each guest onboard is also treated to plenty of light in their chosen berth.

Heading back up the broad and illuminated staircases, the next stop along the tour was the dedicated massage parlor adjacent to the cockpit.

Attended by an experienced spa therapist capable of offering guests a range of traditional treatments, it was clear that the wellness aspect of Zaliv III has been provided special attention.

Indeed, with variable lighting setting an appropriately relaxed ambience, the team were lucky enough to experience the technical finesse of the English speaking therapist who has acquired her skills by working in luxury resorts the world over.

With carefully arranged woods complemented by an array of soft textures, the aesthetic of Zaliv III is at once calming and inviting

Owing to her origins as a family yacht, Zaliv III features an owner’s deck which feels entirely like a contemporary penthouse.

Before making their way into the master suite, the team spent some time learning more about the expansive office which occupies the space amidships.

With a large desk occupying the port side, and a deep sofa and humidor found opposite, even those who have work to carry out will never struggle to mix business with pleasure.

The master suite itself is arranged around a large four-poster bed, with an assortment of neutrally toned soft furnishings creating a nicely intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Consistent with the yacht's general aesthetic, the master suite is decorated with expertly patterned woods and boasts immaculate ‘his and hers’ bathrooms separated by a sizeable Jacuzzi.

Complete with a private terrace equipped with its own television, the owner’s deck ultimately provides a veritable sanctuary which can be closed-off for guests who require their own space whilst away on charter.

Stepping outside, the team enjoyed getting a closer inspection of the exterior design carried out by the prolific Giorgio Vafiadis.

Starting at the top and working their way down, the team were foremost impressed by the amenities available on the sundeck. Indeed, with a ten person Jacuzzi featuring a service button, and food and drinks arriving by elevator, guests are treated to only the best when it comes to being outdoors.

The addition of a furnished Portuguese bridge with surrounding Bose speakers is likewise an impressive touch. With such an exceptional setting found towards the fore, it’s easy to imagine how the experience of being underway on Zaliv III would be all but unrivalled.

Descending to the dining table found on the main deck aft, it was no great surprise to learn from the friendly and knowledgeable crew that eating al fresco is the most popular choice amongst charter guests.

Offering a wealth of wellness options, a host of original dishes, and a finely designed environment in which to enjoy them, Zaliv III is every inch the perfect charter yacht

After concluding our tour of Zaliv III, it was time to enjoy a spot of lunch prepared by the chef who was otherwise busy preparing his entry for the popular competition which takes place at the Mediterranean Yacht Show each year.

Evidently keen to impress, the young chef treated his guests to a variety of dishes which combined outstanding flavour with a highly innovative approach to presentation.

Indeed, for the appetizer, everyone was presented with a vase, inside which there was a single carved-out rose containing some finely prepared tuna.

Perhaps the crowning touch of the meal, however, was the chocolate surprise dessert which was served on a dish layered with dry-ice, an imaginative touch which revealed volumes regarding the detail the chef puts into his creations.

Ultimately, the lunch was a spectacle which reflected in every respect the unique brilliance of Zaliv III.

That is to say, Zaliv III is a superyacht which is forever one step ahead of her charterers, anticipating and deeply satisfying all of their needs.

In order to find out more, or to make enquiries regarding a charter with M/Y ZALIV III, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.