SuperYacht World’s Charlotte Bailey takes a tour of the cool and contemporary 55-metre Benetti Ocean Paradise…

“My real job is heavy and boring – this yacht is my escape!” says the owner of Ocean Paradise. He’s not just talking about the experience of being on board his 55-metre Benetti, finished in the summer: this owner designed the yacht himself, using the creative process as an antidote to office life and simultaneously realising his personal idea of what truly constitutes escape.



“The owner has been deeply involved in all the phases of design and construction, which is the most useful, efficient and appropriate way to create a yacht full of personality and distinction,” says Benetti interior designer Mauro Izzo. “To put it another way: on this yacht you can feel the owner’s soul.”

“The owner’s request was for a cool, contemporary and original interior, and above all a one-of-a-kind design, different from what you see in the magazines, but at the same time he wanted a timeless, long-lasting look and feel that goes beyond current design trends or ‘instant’ fashion,” says Izzo.

And this approach seems to have worked – when the yacht was unveiled at the Genoa Charter Show, it was one of the most popular with the charter trade, taking its first summer bookings.

“I think little details add to the charter appeal – lots of movie screens and a good-sized dining table,” says the owner.

“All the couches are great to lounge around on watching films, but there are good bars as well and a DJ booth on the sundeck. It’s designed so that a group can have a party or hang out with their kids.”

The yacht spent the summer cruising the Balearic Isles with Ibiza as its base, and has stayed in the Med since appearing at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Ocean Paradise charters from $300,000pw through Y.CO.

You can read the full feature in issue 34 of SuperYacht World magazine.

Check out our gallery below:



Photos: Jeff Brown