How odd that the inspiration for a yacht as contemporary and aesthetically assured as the latest Oceanco Nirvana came from something whose origins are lost in the pre-Jurassic. “It was the owner who suggested that we have a vivarium hosting lizards and water dragons. The theme of the yacht developed from there,” says Sam Sorgiovanni, who designed the interior and exterior.

“The design intent was to create the kind of relaxing and refreshing feeling you get when visiting a tropical island. For example, the aft deck and main salon represent the transition from water to beach, and as you enter the dining room you are walking into the seclusion of a forest,” he says. Shut your eyes and you can imagine that the teak of the uncluttered aft deck is the finest sandy beach. The keynote of the yacht is in the name: something heavenly in the mind, a relaxed and higher space.

 

For guests, Nirvana presents an impressive array of outside choices, whether you want an open-air gathering for a large group, or more intimate, private spaces. Shady areas are available, but all the decks have exposed exterior places for proper sun-worshipping. On the vast aft deck, you can swim in the elliptical 7.5-metre counter-flow pool, the floor of which rises to give some additional deck space.

Nirvana’s impressive scale means a towering sundeck, 12 metres above the water, offering incredible views from the powder blue sunpads forward – an easy body roll into the three-metre whirlpool. The removable furniture means that the area aft can be quickly converted into a fully certified touch-and-go helipad, with inset lights in the deck and folding wings to make landing easier.

The bridge deck aft is free from clutter with plenty of removable furniture and bimini shading, whether you want a sociable gathering of friends or just a quiet moment on the sunlounger with a book. The bridge deck also houses one of the biggest gymnasium and spa areas you’ll find on a superyacht. Large windows make for unrestricted views as you exercise.

On the owner’s deck, you are still on your tropical paradise island. With the master suite forward, there is access to a hot-tub and seating areas, while aft there is a dining table for up to 18 guests in an area that can be screened off to make it totally private.

For more images, click here to see our gallery

There is a sense of the transition from beach to rainforest in the owner’s lobby, with its rich green silk carpet offering a surprising dash of colour. Indeed, flashes of green are used to refreshing effect throughout the interior. The owner’s lounge has a games table surrounded by bespoke chairs upholstered in green material. In the main deck dining area, encased in glass, is a display of green foliage – comprising real bamboo stems, but with synthetic leaves in order to ensure that colour and appearance remain stable over time at sea. The dining room carpet, created in rich, pure silk, is sculpted with the motifs of mosses and ferns. And, of course, the vivariums and their live reptiles provide a direct link with the tropical rainforest theme. (For an image of the vivarium, see the full-page photograph reproduced on page 81.)



 

A further surprise in the owner’s lounge is the two folding terraces to port and starboard, which unexpectedly open the area up and provide a real connection with the outside. The lounge also has a media area for viewing movies, if you fancy something more informal than the dedicated lower-deck cinema.

“The owner had very specific requirements for his deck,” says Sam, and that’s particularly apparent in the master suite. “A rare white onyx of exceptional quality has been extensively used in the bathrooms. We visited the Italian suppliers on many occasions in order to ensure the quality and quantity,” he adds. Golden onyx with hand-chiselled edges is utilised in the stateroom on all of the furniture tops. The bed is offset to port to create a large seating area to starboard, and a skylight above brings in natural light. Dressing rooms adjacent to the bathroom are decorated in black onyx and sobrano wood, while there is also a separate lounging and office area. The deck as a whole is a sumptuous space and once again there are so many options that
it would be tempting to stay on this deck almost exclusively when you are on board.

A deck below in the main salon the rainforest theme is clearly apparent, with hints of Bali and Indonesia wherever you look. Ten different wood veneers and finishes have been used, including eucalyptus, oak, teak and palm wood. The flooring is made from bamboo, and exquisitely detailed to visually resemble ripples in sand, though under bare feet the surface sensation is that of very smooth silk.



 

Eye-catching elements that continue the natural theme are Balinese artworks produced in layered wire, bamboo design wall panels, a Brazilian fossil, and a metal sculpture inspired by cumulus cloud. Amidships and to port is a sitting room, easily convertible to a massage room.

The colour palate for the furnishings leans towards earthy tones with more splashes of that minty green in the upholstered chairs, leafy-designed custom carpets, silk throw pillows and the many objets d’art. Perhaps the biggest surprise in a yacht full of pleasing
moments are those two main deck vivariums, housing
a couple of water dragons, turtles, frogs, bearded lizards, and a chameleon. The vivariums act as separation walls between the main salon, the dining area and that cosy separate sitting room-cum-massage room. These vivariums perfectly fit the jungle/green rainforest theme.

With a dedicated owner’s deck there is room for plenty of accommodation forward on the main deck with five double cabins, including a forward-most VIP suite, with a lounge to starboard that can be screened off and easily converted into another twin cabin (with its own ensuite), which means considerable flexibility for charter parties. All the cabins are equipped with Crestron panels from which the guests can easily access the internet, follow Nirvana’s itinerary via GPS, call crew, operate the blinds, turn the lights on, and select a movie or music.

Overall in the interior, there are over 200 materials used, with the emphasis on the natural, although artistry is never far away. The central staircase, curving around the glass tube of the elevator, is a fine example. Stone, timber, veneer, leather and special paint finishes have been used, but it’s the stainless steel piece of art, snaking around the glass surround of the central elevator, that sets the pulse racing. “It was created by an Indonesian artist whose work caught my eye,” says Sam. “It is made from smaller segments of stainless rode that have been welded together to create an amazing organic form fretting over four decks.” The eye follows it up and down the decks as it spirals around the lift like a double helix.



 

One thing you won’t find on a tropical island is the yacht’s true entertainment hub on the lower deck – a dedicated 3D cinema. The amazingly comfortable seats recline at the touch of a button and there is a self-service area for guests to get that most important of cinematic accessories, fresh popcorn – bucket holders are built into the arms of the seats. When the sun goes down, this will be a popular area.

Nirvana’s tender garages and toy cupboards are full of on-the-water accessories, with two 11-metre tenders, a ski boat and ten Waverunners among the inventory. Guests who want an active time will find plenty of diversions. With enormous fuel, water and food reserves giving her a trans-Pacific range, Nirvana has the capability to cruise the globe in serene self-sufficiency. Exclusive Yacht Management managed the build of this yacht and she’s available to purchase through Edmiston.

Ancient seers will tell you that in reaching nirvana you come to a state of ultimate freedom. Perhaps you get a hint of what that means on board Oceanco’s Nirvana, a truly life-enhancing yacht that offers you the chance of freedom on your terms.

Nirvana is for sale through Edmiston.