Below Deck: I spent two hours on a luxury superyacht and this is what it was like

I don’t belong on superyachts.

Sure, I sail around the Waitematā Harbour on keelboats in action packed races but luxury superyachts? It’s hard enough affording a healthy Auckland rental to live in, let alone rent a night on a superyacht.

But it’s a life I can at least pretend I enjoy thanks to the magic of social media and a travel writer’s press trip.

When an invitation landed in my inbox to experience a mini yoga class on Boutique Superyachts’ gorgeously renovated Sea Breeze III, my rubber arm was twisted instantly.

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But having watched too many episodes of reality show Below Deck, I wondered if it would be a bit stuffy, and whether I’d have to suffer through an afternoon with a group of posing influencers dressed to the nines. Would there be a snooty uber rich atmosphere? A drunken feud? Some salacious scandal among the cabin crew? Most importantly, what on earth was I going to wear?

An email arrived the day prior to setting sail, outlining the time and location to meet with important details such as the dress code.

“You might like to wear stretchy clothes for the yoga class, and don’t forget to bring a jumper in case it gets chilly.” Perfect.

On top of that, the boat was also a shoe-free yacht, and we’d be given fluffy slippers to wear around the deck instead. It was sounding more and more like my dream scenario – a luxe setting in the comfort of my activewear.

Boutique Superyachts is reimagining the luxury superyacht scene, moving away from the party boat feel and into wellness, offering tailor made excursions, day trips, overnight stays and three-day winter wellness retreats.

The retreats include yoga, massage therapists, personal chefs and wellbeing experts who are there to guide you into an ultimate state of relaxation with all your needs being taken care of by the specialists.

Stepping a slippered foot onto the five-level 105-foot yacht, it was luxury, but hardly the pretentious environment showcased on reality TV. Sea Breeze III sleeps six guests with five crew, so it’s designed to be a small and intimate setting. With just five invited guests on this media preview, we could experience a realistic example of what would be on offer for those who were paying the $10k to $20k for a three-night wellness retreat.

Owner Charlotte Devereux was warm and welcoming, laidback and personable – the complete opposite of a stereotypical snooty luxury yacht owner that I know for sure many middle class New Zealanders imagine.

Previously owned by Graeme Hart, the boat was originally named Ulysses and built in 1976 – but Devereux and husband Simon Greenwood have transformed the yacht into a more contemporary, sustainable space, while still retaining a mid-century and Regency feel in the decor.

Geometric-designed carpet in the main cabin is made of recycled fishing net, lighting and art has been carefully curated and statement furniture has been upcycled to give a more boutique look and inject new life into original pieces. It’s a cosy space inside, as well as several spacious outdoor areas and large deck spaces to enjoy the fresh air.

As is the case on most boats, the crew quarters are much squishier and tighter than the guest rooms, which had the elegance and grace of a bygone era and beautiful pops of colour in the bed linen.

As we set sail, we headed upstairs for a mini yoga session on the deck, balancing to the gentle loll of the boat on a calm harbour. Already the work day felt like a distant memory and the sunset rays poking through the boat helped transport us somewhere far away from city life.

Kombucha is on offer for the non-drinkers, but there was also plenty of bubbly to go around too at the conclusion of our yoga, as well as healthy snacks like spring rolls and homemade crackers and dips. There’s no judgement here and I like to think that having a yoga mat in one hand and bubbly in the other is a picture of perfect balance. There’s also a hot tub spa which sounds like a dreamy way to spend an evening under the stars.

Cosying up in the front nook at the top level wrapped in cuddly blankets with fluffy slippers, I feel quite at home and relaxed on the superyacht. It’s not at all contrived or overly pretentious and I can’t help but contemplate how I might be able to incorporate this sort of life into my future – if not the yacht, then at least the relaxed state of mind.

I may not belong on superyachts, but I’d definitely like to belong to this one.

A three day, three night retreat will set you back $12,220 each for a couple in the master suite, $9000 for a single bed in a twin room with ensuite – or go the whole hog and take out the entire boat for $68,000 for you and up to five other guests and five crew to look after you.

Worth saving up for?