The America’s Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup trophies have been presented in both Rome and Naples, with the latter hosting the 38th edition.
Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth; Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand; Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, with the America’s Cup trophy; and Gaetano Manfredi, the Mayor of Naples
Italy welcomed the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup competition to the country with formal trophy presentations in Rome and then the host city of Naples. The 38th America’s Cup regatta will take place in Naples in 2027, marking the first time that the competition will be held in Italy since it began in 1851.
In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended a ceremony in the grounds of the historic 17th-century Villa Doria Pamphilj and set against a backdrop of the Vatican’s famous St Peter’s Basilica.
“Today we celebrate the arrival in Italy for the first time in history of the America’s Cup – the oldest, most famous, most prestigious sailing trophy in the world – a global event that involves millions of enthusiasts all over the world and that represents a unique, extraordinary synthesis between tradition and the future between cutting-edge engineering and competitive spirit,” Meloni said.
The America’s Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup trophies in Naples
The Prime Minister added that she was “honoured to welcome to Rome the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, as well as the America’s Cup and the Louis Vuitton Cup trophies”, calling the trophies “global symbols of sporting passion and excellence of innovation”. Meloni was presented with a model of Taihoro, the winning boat of the last America’s Cup regatta.
Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand; Gaetano Manfredi, the Mayor of Naples; and Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth, were also among VIPs at the trophy presentation.
Dalton stated: “Naples is passion, Naples is history … and it is our honour to bring the America’s Cup to Naples.” Manfredi described Naples as “one of the great seaside cities of the Mediterranean”.
The Naples presentation was held inside Castel dell’Ovo
In Naples two days later, the iconic Mount Vesuvius looked over the 38th America’s Cup presentation at the historic Castel dell’Ovo. The event featured the unveiling of both the America’s Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup trophies alongside presentations by key figures including Manfredi, Abodi, Dalton and Marco Mezzaroma, President of Sport and Health.
The evening concluded with a drinks reception on the Castel dell’Ovo rooftop, which offered guests a chance to survey the racecourse of the next America’s Cup regatta, which will be set in the Bay of Naples between the castle and the western headland of Posillipo.
Club Marina Cove in Hong Kong is hosting the Asia Yachting Brokerage Boat Show, with a reduced-price Prestige 680 among the highlights.
Absolute 60 Fly
The Asia Yachting Brokerage Boat Show will be held at Club Marina Cove from June 6-8, with the event starting on Friday afternoon from 2-6pm before opening from 10am-6pm on both Saturday and Sunday. For event details and to register, visit: https://asiayachting.net/news/invitation-asia-yachting-brokerage-boat-show-2025/
Kelly Yeung, Asia Yachting’s Senior Marketing Manager, said: “We’ve had a strong start to the summer and I’m confident this brokerage boat show will be another great success. Following the brisk sales of new yachts over the past few months, we’re optimistic about reaching new clients through events like this.”
Prestige 680
A Prestige 680, the former flagship of the French brand’s F-Line of flybridge motoryachts, will be a highlight of the line-up following a recent price reduction from €1.7 million to €1.35 million. This makes it “one of the most competitively priced second-hand 65ft-plus motoryachts in Asia-Pacific launched after 2020”, according to Asia Yachting.
“The Asia Yachting Brokerage Boat Show will showcase an impressive selection of pre-owned yachts, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore a diverse range of vessels and discover unbeatable deals just in time for the summer season,” Asia Yachting stated. “Enjoy the chance to experience these stunning boats up close and connect with fellow yachting enthusiasts at one of Hong Kong’s top marine venues.”
Moonstone has been redelivered to her owners after a 26-month refit project by Amels and Harrison Eidsgaard.
Damen Yachting has announced the re-delivery of motoryacht Moonstone, following the completion of a significant refit project at the Amels shipyard in the Netherlands. Originally delivered under the name of Albatross by Delta Marine in 2016, the refit works took place over a total of 26 months.
Overseen by British design studio Harrison Eidsgaard, the project featured a major overhaul of both her interior and exterior features. The most substantial alteration was a 7m extension of the yacht, giving her a new overall length of 79.2m and a volume of 2,149GT.
The extension allowed the existing spaces on board to be enhanced with new amenities. A swimming pool was added to the main deck, a private jacuzzi was included on the owner’s deck, and the lower deck now features a generous aft platform designed to offer waterside lounging and easier access for swimming and watersports.
The sundeck was also refreshed, with the addition of a new cocktail bar and winter garden for indoor and al fresco entertaining. To complete her new look, Moonstone was also given a fresh coat of paint across her exterior.
“After months of work on this beautiful project, we proudly bid her farewell,” commented Daan Langezaal, the Project Manager of Moonstone’s refit. “The collaboration with the owner’s team ran like clockwork, and challenges were successfully overcome. A big thank you to everyone involved in this beautiful project.”
Following her departure from Amels’ Vlissingen City shipyard in the Netherlands, Moonstone’s owners plan to privately cruise the yacht throughout summer 2025. Moonstone can accommodate 12 guests, looked after by a crew of 19 with an additional two staff members.
Damon Smallwood, the owners’ representative, stated: “We are proud and pleased with the intensive and effective collaboration that led to this result. The owners have a beautiful yacht to cruise around the world for years to come.”
Organised by The Superyacht Life Foundation, the second edition of World Boating Day featured events across 16 boat-loving countries.
Bilgin Yachts in Turkey
The second World Boating Day, held on May 24, featured more than 100 events across 16 countries in key boating destinations around the world. Founded by The Superyacht Life Foundation in 2024, the World Boating Day invites shipyards, dealers, marinas, sailing clubs and other yachting bodies to celebrate of life on the water.
Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, said: “World Boating Day isn’t just about celebration – it’s a global invitation to experience the joy, connection and wellbeing that life on the water offers. It’s a moment to open our world and share the spirit of boating with everyone.”
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia
Events in Asia included the Asia Superyacht Night Hong Kong on May 8, held during the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit. Later in the month, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Benoa Marina in Bali also honoured World Boating Day.
In Australia, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show celebrated the occasion on the Saturday of the four-day event, while Riviera opened its doors to the public, hosting curated tours and discussions on future-focused yacht building.
Cantiere Rossini’s refit facility in Pesaro, in the Marche region, also celebrated World Boating Day, while TEDx Forte dei Marmi – co-hosted by Next Yacht Group and WOSA – invited guests to kick off the summer season and celebrate Italian yachting ahead of its official event on August 30.
In the Netherlands, the 7 Dutch Shipyards Press Tour gave media exclusive access to leading builders, with a focus on sustainability and next-generation design, while Royal Huisman, VMG Yachtbuilders and Vitters also offered a unique look at their heritage and upcoming projects.
Pulina Exclusive Interiors studio in Italy
In France, the historic Port Vauban in Antibes invited schoolchildren to the port to find out more about sustainability. Young Professionals in Yachting Monaco hosted a thought-provoking session introducing students and young professionals to the diverse world of nautical careers. In the UK, the UK Sailing Academy highlighted career pathways in the maritime industry.
In Turkey, Bilgin Yachts, Ses Yachts and Mengi Yay made a splash with immersive events to raise awareness of the superyacht industry, while the Turkish Shipbuilders Association hosted a showcase for students, bringing along some of the key personalities from the country’s shipbuilding industry.
The Turkish Shipbuilders Association
West Istanbul Marina invited local boating fans to an open day, calling on the public to come and enjoy a day by the docks, and Emre Boyoglu Media gave a yacht photography workshop at Sunseeker Turkey.
Freedom Boat Club, in Australia’s Brisbane and Sydney locations and across Spain, welcomed new boating enthusiasts with special events aimed at demystifying boat ownership. In the US, MarineMax and Pier Sixty-Six Marina in Florida held family-friendly events blending entertainment and education on the boating lifestyle.
MB92 Group in Spain
Based in Amsterdam, The Superyacht Life Foundation is a non-profit industry body that champions positive people, places and projects in the superyacht industry, and is supported by almost 30 multi-sector partners including the likes of Lürssen, Benetti, Sanlorenzo and CRN.
Lantau Yacht Club, in Hong Kong receives 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina status
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The five-year-old club becomes Hong Kong’s first marina to achieve this highest rank of international-standard accreditation, and the fifth in Asia.
Lantau Yacht Club (LYC) has achieved the coveted official recognition of excellence by becoming Hong Kong’s first marina to achieve the coveted 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina accreditation from the Marina Industries Association (MIA).
The global accreditation is the highest accolade awarded in the industry, reserved for marinas “that offer their customers a comprehensive and unique marina experience by providing unparalleled boating facilities, tailored and personalised service, and an outstanding array of high-quality amenities”, as MIA defines this top-tier status.
This elevated recognition places LYC among a group of just five marinas across Asia to receive the highest distinction in marina quality.
The 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina accreditation follows an exhaustive assessment process that evaluates 90 stringent criteria, from infrastructure and environmental management to customer service excellence, along with feedback from berth holders, and LYC scored an impressive 95.24 per cent overall.
LYC’s achievement is furthered by its simultaneous MIA recognition as Hong Kong’s sole Superyacht Ready Marina, affirming its elite status in meeting the most demanding requirements of superyachts.
The MIA assessment report highlighted LYC exceptional standards that included: impeccably maintained, world-class facilities; state-of-the-art superyacht infrastructure; thoughtfully designed on-water facilities in excellent, as-new condition; high-quality amenities in the clubhouse and marina office; premium member amenities including high-end concierge services; 24/7 dockside assistance and personalised meet-and-greet services; and a vibrant social calendar and exclusive member events.
This latest honour adds to LYC’s growing collection of prestigious accolades, including for Best New Marina in Asia, in the Yacht Style Awards 2024.
LYC’s 100m pontoon
Lantau Yacht Club is certainly built to a very high standard and features a state-of-the-art, typhoon-sheltered marina with 148 berths. It is the first and only yacht club in Hong Kong with berths catering to superyachts up to approximately 100m in length.
The Marina offers upgraded meter-controlled water and shore power, ensuring optimal supply for the most demanding superyachts. Unique to Hong Kong, the 5m-wide concrete pontoons at LYC allow for two-way passage of golf carts, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
As the newest marina in Hong Kong – operating its first phase in 2020, with clubhouse completion in 2021 – LYC combines modern design with advanced infrastructure.
The Platinum and Superyacht Ready accreditations come as LYC completes a comprehensive enhancement programme designed to meet the growing demand from superyacht owners in the region.
“This dual accreditation represents the culmination of our relentless pursuit of perfection,” said Franklin Mak, Executive Vice President of Hospitality at HKR International Limited. “We are very proud to be Hong Kong’s first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina. Our unparalleled facilities and services, combined with our location at the heart of the Greater Bay Area, create unprecedented opportunities to connect yachting enthusiasts from Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and beyond.”
The Lantau Boat Show 2023
Looking ahead, Mak shared LYC’s ambitious vision: “After nearly five years of operation and continuous enhancement, we’ve moved beyond simply operating a marina – we’re now curating a complete yachting ecosystem that will cement Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s definitive superyacht hub.
“Our strategic evolution focuses on three key pillars: first, reinforcing our position as the homeport of choice for international superyachts through premium berthing solutions and exceptional services; second, driving industry advancement by establishing Asia’s leading platform for maritime innovation and lifestyle experiences; and third, boosting Hong Kong’s global nautical standing by hosting prestigious regattas and marine events.
“This Platinum accreditation both recognises our journey so far and propels our mission to redefine luxury yachting standards across Asia.”
Michael Bognier, with the help of Jeffrey Chan, recently closed the sale of Never Say Never Again, a 2022 Benetti B.Yond 37M in immaculate condition. Photos: TWW Yachts
The five-deck 121ft 1in Never Say Never Again, formerly named Goga, had a last asking price at closing of US$22.995 million.The international brokerage, charter and yacht servicesNorthrop & Johnson’s Hong Kong office, where Bognier and Chan are based, is represented by NextWave Yachting. Its other Asia-Pacific operations are in Thailand and Taiwan.
Expansive outdoor areas include a handful of relaxed lounging and dining areas that spread across the maximum beam of 8.6m (28ft 3in). There is a completely covered dining area on the upper deck, and a bar counter with plenty of seating on the sundeck.
The spa pool at the bow, and its seating built around it, make a serene focal point on board.
The upper-deck dining room features a sculptural contemporary chandelier and has access from either the foredeck or the saloon.
Five cabins include the master suite on the upper deck (pictured below), four main-deck doubles and one lower-deck double. There is crew accommodation for eight in five cabins.
Never Say Never Again, with its twin MAN V12-1400 engines, cruises at 11 knots, with a maximum speed of 14.5 knots. Range in Diesel Mode is 5,000nm at 11 knots, 7,000 at 9 knots and ECO Transfer Mode (running on one engine) at 10 knots reaches 5,600nm.
New Ferretti Yachts and Pershing motoryachts are among world premieres at this year’s Venice Boat Show.
Ferretti Yachts 940
Ferretti Group is displaying seven yachts including two world premieres at the Venice Boat Show, which will be held in the heart of the Arsenale over four days from May 29-June 2. The Ferretti Yachts 940 and Pershing GTX70 are both marking their global debuts at the sixth edition of the Venice show, which has been strongly supported by Ferretti Group since its inception.
The Ferretti Yachts 940 is making her first public appearance after the hull’s launch in January from the Cattolica shipyard. Ferretti Yachts’ second-biggest Flybridge model, the 940 is another design collaboration between Filippo Salvetti for exterior styling, IdeaeItalia for interiors, Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee chaired by Piero Ferrari, and its Engineering Department.
Featuring an overall length of 95ft 1in (28.97m) and a beam of 22ft 3in (6.78m), the Ferretti Yachts 940 has a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 21 knots with twin 2,000mhp MAN V12 engines. Like on the flagship 1000, the master suite is forward on the main deck, while the four lower-deck guest cabins include one with sliding beds.
Featuring an overall length of almost 72ft and a near-18ft beam, the GTX70 is another collaboration between Vallicelli Design and the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee and Engineering Department. Ferretti Group’s seven-boat line-up in Venice also includes a Pershing 8X (84ft), wallywhy100 (70ft), Riva’s 68’ Diable and Dolceriva (48ft), plus an Itama 45RS.
Ferretti Group’s participation at the show includes collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana, Hotel Gritti Palace (home to a Riva Lounge), Lavazza, Range Rover, La Scolca, Aperol, Seabob, Frette, Lanerossi, Zimmer + Rohde, Atelier Rebul, Venini/Murano, Zanta, Bang & Olufsen, Flexjet and Torello.
Asiamarine is hosting the Lagoon Open Day Hong Kong on June 6, when Hong Kong’s first Lagoon 51 and a Lagoon 46 will be on display at the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter from 3-7pm. To register and book a viewing, sign up at https://lagoon_open_day_hk_2025.eventbrite.hk.
The Lagoon 46 is a compact yet versatile coastal cruiser featuring a fractional sloop rig, twin Yanmar engines, and efficient accommodation ideal for shorter voyages.
Asiamarine, which has represented Lagoon since early 2024, is offering one-on-one consultations at the Lagoon Open Day, allowing guests to engage directly with specialists “to tailor a yachting solution that aligns with your aspirations”.
The dealership will also be explaining fractional ownership and how to embrace the yachting lifestyle without the full financial commitment, presenting flexible co-ownership options that make luxury yachting more accessible.
Sharing costs with co-owners allows guaranteed usage, professional yacht management and flexible scheduling, offering “all the benefits of ownership without the complexities”.
Asiamarine stated: “The Lagoon Open Day Hong Kong is an exclusive event designed for sailing enthusiasts, aspiring yacht owners and curious explorers alike, offering the opportunity to explore these award-winning vessels, uncover the advantages of fractional ownership, and discover new horizons in luxury yachting.”
Developing new berthing facilities and a cruising network would pave the way forward for more yachting and tourism industry growth, explains Lawrence Chow, Chair of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, in a Yacht Style column.
Proposed Hung Hom marina development in Victoria Harbour; CGI image: Hong Kong Government Development Bureau
It is positive news that the Chief Executive of Hong Kong has shifted the spotlight to support yacht tourism and the pleasure boating industry. As an industry, we fully agree with the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, who urged to “Make good use of Hong Kong’s 1,180km of coastline and 263 islands, and develop wellness tourism, vacation tourism, cultural tourism and cruise tourism”.
It has been close to 20 years since a new marina was built in Hong Kong. The four identified sites for development in Hong Kong would pave the way forward for more growth for the boating industry and the local community. Each of the four sites has its merits, but should be studied in detail to maximise their full potential.
Chow and a panel at the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025, in May, discussed making Hong Kong more yachting-friendly
Hung Hom Marina: This is ideal for a landmark marina as it is in the harbour, enhancing the image of Hong Kong. It will be a natural extension of the Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars, encouraging the public to enjoy the waterfront.
Floating structures or platforms along the sea wall could enable more activities, shops or restaurants along the boardwalk. A marina with watersports facilities in this location would enable Hong Kong to host mega watersports events, which could reactivate Tsim Sha Tsui East. The proximity to The Polytechnic University could open the potential for more marine research or to provide technical courses.
Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter: An Aberdeen marina development expansion would enhance one of the most established boating hubs in Hong Kong. The enlarged sheltered water area could accommodate larger yachts above 30m to berth, and provide a new maintenance yard. It would also provide an alternative means to access the iconic Ocean Park and new Fullerton Hotel.
Airport Marina: The marina and watersports facilities in Skytopia have advantages in capturing the residents in Tung Chung, Tuen Mun and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Yacht owners from the GBA could cross the border by car and hop on their yachts to cruise in Hong Kong. Visitors could fly in, charter a yacht, and discover Hong Kong.
Alternatively, local yachts could berth at the airport marina and visit the various Lantau
attractions such as Tai O, Ma Wan, Discovery Bay, and Disneyland.
Lamma Island: A marina may not be appropriate here as there are not enough existing supporting facilities – such as water, electricity and sewage – and with no ground transportation, it is too far for the boat owners, captains and crew to provision the boats.
However, Lamma has merits in being a cruising destination with existing restaurants and cultural/tourist attractions like the fisherman village in Picnic Bay/Sok Kwu Wan, as well as plenty of beaches and walking trails.
CREATE A CRUISING NETWORK
For Hong Kong to be a yachting destination, we need to look beyond marinas and try to build a cruising network. We should upgrade and extend the landing platforms or berths at various island locations, while new and existing marinas should allocate a certain number of berths for visiting yachts.
The convenience of berthing at Hong Kong’s outlying islands could be improved
BIG ECONOMIC IMPACT
Based on Hong Kong Census figures, the Hong Kong boating industry has an average import value of US$285 million per year (2020-2024), ranging from canoes to superyachts.
The boating industry doesn’t just stop at boat sales. The local economic impact continues throughout the lifespan of the boat; on average,owners need to spend about 10 per cent of the boat value every year on maintenance.
This translates to jobs and revenue for many businesses and individuals – including captains/crew, berthing/mooring fees, shipyards/mechanics/electricians, insurance, spare-parts sales, transportation, training, fuel stations, restaurants and even the local supermarkets.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Hong Kong has a rich maritime history and is also perfect for ecotourism, as we are blessed with beautiful waters and islands, as well as a Unesco Global Geopark. Many islands have cultural and tourist attractions, as well as great local seafood restaurants.
WAY FORWARD
The pleasure boat industry has grown significantly in recent decades, but has been stifled by the lack of berthing space. To ensure these proposed marina developments are designed with the correct berthing mix, sufficient facilities, and can cater to the boating industry, we believe a government task force or committee for the pleasure boating industry is necessary.
Chow is Chair of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association and the Icomia Asia Working Group. He is founder and Director of Marine Asia, a marina consultancy representing Poralu Marine in Hong Kong and Macau, and the Manager of China Pacific Marine, a family-run boat dealership in Hong Kong that represents Jeanneau, Boston WhalerYanmar, Honda Marine, Sunstream and Yachtwerft Meyer.
Galleria Vik Milano turns hospitality into an immersive art form
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Galleria Vik Milano redefines luxury stays by transforming a historic landmark into a living art gallery, offering an immersive experience where culture, creativity, and hospitality intertwine.
By Florence Sutton
Nestled within the heart of Milan’s historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Galleria Vik Milano is not just a hotel — it is a masterpiece. With over 400 artworks, bespoke interiors and a bold vision that fuses hospitality with artistic expression, this extraordinary property sets a new standard for immersive stays in the Italian city. A striking blend of past and present, it invites guests to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage through a uniquely curated lens. LUXUO speaks to operations manager Jesica Garcia Falcone on how Galleria Vik Milano exemplifies luxury hospitality by seamlessly blending art and history to create an exquisite stay in Milan that is unlike any other.
Tell us about the history and DNA of Galleria Vik Milano.
Galleria Vik Milano is a luxury hotel with a unique and incomparable experience located in the very heart of Milano inside one of the most iconic historic buildings in the world the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. We had the courage to break with convention and focus on a completely innovative idea, one that could offer something unique, transform a luxury hotel in a contemporary art gallery. This approach allowed us to combine hospitality with art, creating an unprecedented experience for our guests.
The hotel features uniquely designed rooms and suites reflecting Milan’s rich artistic heritage. It is a true celebration of history, culture, art, architecture and spirit through its distinct design, highlighting artistry from the past and present to create a singular escape.
As the Operations Manager, what is the first thing you notice when you enter a hotel and which details do you pay particular attention to?
The first thing every person notices upon entering is the overall ambiance and the first impression it creates, Galleria Vik Milano entrance is already a reflection of what guests will find all over their stay. Guest’s are welcomed by a replica of The Thinker by Rodin and will be immersed into a large-scale artistic installation, painting 220 square meters with striking depictions of titans, atlases and mythical figures, adorned with unique punched gold leaves.
The guest experience begins the moment they step inside, so I also focus on the warmth and professionalism of the staff. The way they greet guests and their level of attentiveness are key indicators of the quality of service we provide.
How do you maintain consistent service standards at the property?
To maintain consistent service standards at the property, we rely on a combination of strategies. First, we hold regular staff meetings to ensure that everyone is aligned on expectations, updates and any changes in our service protocols. This helps us maintain a high level of communication and ensures that the team is always aware of our standards.
Additionally, we actively seek feedback from our guests, whether through direct interactions or review platforms. This feedback is invaluable in identifying areas where we can improve and ensuring we’re meeting the needs of our guests consistently.
We also sponsor mystery guest inspections, which allow us to assess our services from a guest’s perspective. These inspections provide an objective evaluation and help us identify any areas for improvement that may not be immediately visible to the team. By combining these approaches, we ensure that our service remains consistently high across all touchpoints.
Galleria Vik Milano is only a short stroll from the Duomo, which is must-see in Milan. Do you have other favourite cultural destinations close by?
Milan has an incredible concentration of cultural destinations, especially around the Duomo area. Here are a few more spots to add to your list:
Teatro alla Scala (5-minute walk)– One of the world’s most famous opera houses, offering an unparalleled cultural experience.
Museo del Novecento (3-minute walk) – A hidden gem of 20th-century Italian art, located right next to the Duomo. The museum hosts a wide range of modern masterpieces, perfect for art enthusiasts.
Palazzo Reale (3-minute walk)– Once the royal palace of Milan, this impressive building now houses a rotating selection of art exhibitions, including major retrospectives and temporary shows.
Pinacoteca di Brera (15-minute walk)– Milan’s premier art gallery, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and other Italian greats. It’s a must-see for those wanting to dive deeper into Milan’s art heritage.
Additionally, if you’re in the mood to explore:
Sforza Castle (15-minute walk)– This grand historic fortress is home to several museums and art collections.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio (20-minute walk) – A beautiful, historic church, one of Milan’s oldest and most significant religious sites, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle.
These cultural spots, all within walking distance, offer a deep dive into Milan’s rich artistic and historical heritage.
How do you create a genuine Italian look and feel at Galleria Vik Milano?
At Galleria Vik Milano, we create a genuine Italian look and feel primarily through our culinary offerings. The Italian touch is reflected in our gastronomic experiences, where guests can indulge in authentic flavors that represent the essence of Italian cuisine.
Our restaurant, Vik Pellico Otto, serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Milanese twist, showcasing fresh, local ingredients and traditional Italian recipes reimagined with modern flair. Meanwhile, our pizzeria, I Dodici Gatti, brings the taste of Naples to Milan, offering traditional Neapolitan pizza with a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic preparation methods.
These gastronomic experiences help immerse our guests in the true spirit of Italy, making them feel connected to both Milan’s rich heritage and the broader Italian culinary tradition.
Tell us more about the artistic collaboration between modern artists and Galleria Vik Milano?
Our artistic collaboration at the hotel is truly a reflection of our commitment to blending hospitality with art. Our art collection boasts over 400 works by more than 100 national and international artists, ensuring a diverse and dynamic atmosphere throughout the property. Each room is a unique experience, with its own artistic style and distinctive design, telling a different story, much like a work of art that reveals something new every day.
What sets our collaboration apart is that many of the artists actually stay at the hotel while they’re working on their pieces, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the environment. This creates a unique bond between the artists and the hotel.
In addition, we host temporary art exhibitions that change every month, offering our guests fresh opportunities to experience new works of art. We also provide special experiences related to these artists, allowing guests to engage directly with the creative process, attend artist talks, or even participate in exclusive art-related events. This constant evolution of our art offerings ensures that every visit to the hotel feels like a new, inspiring journey.
What makes a hotel stay an unforgettable experience?
I believe that the answer to this question is directly related to the previous response. An unforgettable hotel stay is all about creating a unique, immersive experience that goes beyond just comfort. At our hotel, we elevate this by offering guests an opportunity to engage with art in a way that few other hotels do.
What is your outlook on growth for the property?
Our outlook on growth for the property is very optimistic. As the first city hotel of our group and the first in Europe, it marks an exciting milestone for us. We see this property as a key stepping stone in expanding our presence in the luxury hospitality sector, both within Europe and globally.
With its unique blend of art, culture, and luxury service, we believe the hotel will continue to attract both international travelers and local guests looking for an elevated experience. We’re focused on building brand recognition in Milan and beyond, and we’re confident that as we expand our reach, we will solidify the property’s position as a destination in itself.
Looking ahead, our goal is to leverage this success and expand to more locations, while continually elevating our offerings to ensure that each stay is unforgettable. The growth potential is immense, and we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
What is the key focus for the property in 2025?
In 2025, our key focus for the property is to strategically increase RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) and strengthen our rate positioning. We aim to continue enhancing the value we provide to guests while ensuring that we remain competitive in the luxury market. This will be achieved through refined pricing strategies and personalised guest experiences.
Additionally, we are putting significant emphasis on expanding our marketing and social media exposure. We want to ensure that our brand reaches a wider audience and remains top-of-mind for travelers globally. By investing in targeted campaigns and digital marketing, we aim to engage with potential guests more effectively.
Another major focus is expanding our reach into the Middle East, Asian and Indian markets. These regions are experiencing increasing demand for luxury travel, and we plan to cater to these emerging markets by offering tailored experiences that resonate with the cultural preferences of these travelers. This expansion aligns with our overall goal to grow our presence internationally and attract a more diverse clientele in 2025.
Blending 19th-century grandeur with modern artistry, Le Meurice Hotel is a sanctuary of elegance where Salvador Dalí once roamed and Michelin-starred cuisine continues to evolve.
By Florence Sutton
For nearly two centuries, Le Meurice has epitomised Parisian luxury, drawing royalty, artists and discerning travellers into its world of refined splendour. Nestled between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this legendary palace hotel blends 19th-century grandeur with contemporary artistry, all while upholding the highest standards of service. Deputy general manager Christophe Chopineau offers a glimpse into the hotel’s unique character, from its ties to Salvador Dalí to its Michelin-starred dining experiences and commitment to sustainability.
Tell us briefly about the history and specific DNA of Le Meurice?
Le Meurice is strategically located opposite the Tuileries Gardens and has held its sway as one of the first Parisian luxury hotels dating back to 1835. Reflecting its uninterrupted attachment to the French art of living, Le Meurice is a magical, serene and elegant place, where the refined splendours of 19th-century architecture meet the design of Philippe Starck and Charles Jouffre, the French artisan-designer who created the sumptuous drapes and hangings of the Grand Foyer at the Opéra Garnier. It is also where Alain Ducasse, the most Michelin starred Chef in the world, celebrates the seasons with his culinary creations. His heavenly cuisine elevates Parisian gastronomy to the rank of art. He brings past and present together with flavour and flair. As for Cédric Grolet, elected the world’s best Pastry Chef in 2018, the lines in front of his shop within the hotel speak for themselves!
In the heart of Paris, a minute’s walk away from Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré, where luxury stores and boutiques showcasing young designers flourish, Le Meurice gradually unveils its secrets, as a haven of peace where you can truly be yourself.
As the deputy general manager, what is the first thing you notice when you enter a hotel and which details do you pay particular attention to?
This is difficult to explain as it is all about feelings and perception. When entering Le Meurice for example, you immediately feel a sense of belonging. You get like magically attracted by every place and the warm welcome of the people. That’s what it is all about! Each palace has its own story and Le Meurice, which is part of the iconic hotels of Dorchester Collection, has always stood out as the jewel among French palace hotels since 1835. It reflects elegance and stays true to its philosophy of the art of living à la française. It is also the place where you can be yourself, where there are no dictates. Maybe it is because since its creation, it has nurtured intimate links with artists leaving behind wonderful stories, all witness to its legendary extravagance.
How do you maintain consistent service standards at the property?
I would say that our profession is made of passion and transmission, both of which have always been of paramount importance to us. They have undergone a vertiginous evolution in recent years, not only in terms of service excellence, but also in terms of guest experience and staff development thanks to cutting-edge training initiated by Dorchester Collection. Training is consistent throughout your journey with the Collection, internal promotions are frequent and encouraged, and there are several programs tailored for junior staff to help them evolve within the Collection as well as for more senior staff members to allow them to become inspirational leaders and/or ambassadors to the Collection.
Le Meurice is only a short stroll from Le Louvre, which to most visitors is the must-see Paris art institution. Do you have other favourite cultural destinations close by?
A short 2 minutes’ walk away from the hotel, on place de la Concorde, is the Hôtel de la Marine, the former ministry of the French Navy. The building was entirely renovated between 2015 and 2021 and displays the Al Thani Collection presenting international and inter-cultural works of art from the extraordinary collection of Sheik Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, representing civilizations around the world. The building is absolutely stunning and the exhibition art at its finest.
Tell us more about the unique art collection at Le Meurice?
As soon as you enter the lobby, you are in front of “The Kiss”, a monumental artwork by Zoulikha Bouabdellah who was awarded the very first Meurice Award for Contemporary Art in 2008 and which is now part of the hotel’s artistic DNA.
Salvador Dalí is very present of course, the Suite he occupied for at least a month every year still displays some of his original furniture he brought by himself.
In almost every corner of the hotel, you will be discovering smaller or larger artworks and it is a real pleasure sitting in one of our restaurants or in the bar and let your eyes stroll through the room, coming across so many features and spotting some hidden secrets!
What can visitors to Le Meurice expect in terms of dining experiences?
As you know, we are working with Alain Ducasse and I would consider him as a pioneer and visionary. His culture and curiosity allow him to be always ahead of the curve. As a skilled and decisive captain, he federates our teams led by Executive Chef Amaury Bouhours who takes them constantly up to the next level proposing new challenges. His focus is on the product and those who provide it; he always would prefer seasonal culinary experiences to exotic creations and is adept of authentic taste while offering a global experience where every detail counts. Alain Ducasse and Amaury Bouhours aim to defend the culinary French heritage that is similar to the identity of Le Meurice where we strive to combine tradition and modernity.
The dining experience is of course about what is on the plate – and Chef Clémentine Bouchon from Le Dalí masters this art at its finest by sublimating and transforming the best ingredients into tasteful dishes – but also about the ambience. Whereas Le Dalí is the vibrant heart of the hotel and offers the guest a magnificent spectacle of palace life, the gastronomic restaurant elevates the dining experience to another dimension.
Of course, competition in this field is growing constantly in Paris, but I believe we have solid assets to be competitive. Our offers between the fine dining restaurant, the Dalí restaurant, the Bar 228 and the banqueting reflect a great variety allowing to meet every guest’s expectations. Cédric Grolet’s pastry masterpieces are another asset to the hotel and the Michelin Guide obviously plays an important role at Le Meurice, as we have always stood out among the best.
How important is sustainability in your culinary approach and how will you reflect this across the hotel’s dining venues?
At Le Meurice, every outlet – from the Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse to the staff restaurant – focuses on local and seasonal products. This is one of our top ESG priorities: we aim to be proactive in reducing our environmental impact as much as we can. We want to play our part in contributing to decrease noxious emissions.
Whenever we can, we process locally grown products. All of our suppliers are asked to sign our ESG charter to ensure our and their commitment to sustainability and responsible procurement and cultivation. We are also the first Palace hotel to be awarded three stars from the Ecotable label for our gastronomic restaurant, a French distinction for sustainable F&B management of which we are very proud.
How much of a focus has your spa product been?
We are having a strong partnership with Valmont since 2008, culminating in the opening of La Maison Valmont in 2020, the brand’s Parisian flagship retail store. Valmont are pioneers when it comes to continuous cutting edge training for their therapists, be it for innovative treatments such as Hydrafacial technology or the modern lympathic drainage by Renata França.
Our Spa has 4 treatment rooms, 2 of which are double rooms, and all benefiting from natural light.
The hotel has hosted many renowned artists in the past, most famously Salvador Dalí. Were any of the current staff around when he was still a regular?
Unfortunately not. The employees with the highest seniority – nearly 40 years – arrived just after Dalí’s last stay with us. However, when I arrived, there were still some people who had known him. For more than 30 years, he spent a least one month per year at Le Meurice, bringing his own furniture, sometimes his pet, an ocelot called Babou, or even a Harley Davidson motorbike into the living room! He always rented the same Suite, as he heard that King Alfonso XIII of Spain had been there once. In addition, Dalí was a monarchist. His excentricity was somewhat exhausting, but he turned out to be nice and friendly with the staff, even offering them lithographs he produced here. Today the Suite bears his name.
What makes a hotel stay an unforgettable experience?
Le Meurice has an amazing historical background anchored in art and culture. It is true to the 19th century French spirit with no display of style, but with true elegance and chic. It is all about sophisticated details that are skilfully arranged in each of the rooms and suites providing a very authentic environment. When you wake up at Le Meurice, you definitely know you are in Paris!
Ideally located opposite the Tuileries Gardens, between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, Le Meurice provides a haven of tranquillity to countless important personalities since it opened in 1835. As for the distinguishing characteristics, it is not that much about the hotel’s material features, it is more about the staff!
Le Meurice is part of Dorchester Collection. What kind of value does this bring to the property?
Guests have references and they know in advance that the employees will take care of them, be always available for special requests and make them feel secure. Dorchester Collection focuses on the human dimension with our “We Care” approach, and our leitmotiv is treasured by guests, cherished by employees, celebrated worldwide. That says it all! The special way to create a home away from home for your guests can only consolidate your relationship and enhance loyalty. We have guests who have been coming to Le Meurice for more than 30 years, passing on their passion to their children and grandchildren.
What is your outlook on growth for the property and what is the key focus for the property in 2025?
2024 has been an exceptional year for Paris, the impact of the Olympics was very positive in terms of image (remember the great views of Paris’ iconic landmarks during the sport events!), organisation and security. Many of those who did not travel during the last summer and who saw the beautiful pictures of Paris and its surroundings on TV would now like to catch up their stays. The reopening of Notre Dame in December was another highlight: visits of the rebuilt cathedral are skyrocketing (I was lucky to be able to go and must admit that it is absolutely stunning!). Hence reservations increase steadily and I am confident that this trend will continue throughout the year. At Le Meurice, everyone is prepared and we are looking very much forward to welcoming regular and new guests from all over the world as we have been doing for 190 years!
The 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia featured over 800 boats on and off the water.
The 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in late May featured a record 824 boats, according to Mulpha Events, owner and organiser of the Queensland event. Marking an almost 10 per cent increase on last year, this year’s line-up comprised 422 boats on water and 402 on land.
“We’ve had an incredible 824 boats in total, an unrivalled display for our tens of thousands of visitors and the biggest number ever for the show,” said Corey Rattray-Wood, Head of Events at Mulpha Events.
“Our exhibitors continue to invest in SCIBS as the number one show on the marine lifestyle calendar. The result is not only a win for them but for all of those who enjoy a truly elevated show experience across all segments.”
Phil Candler, Maritimo’s Operations Manager, said: “The atmosphere was vibrant and engaging, and it was perfect Gold Coast weather. We’ve had lots of engagement from new and existing customers, with nearly 1,000 guests visiting our stand, and great leads and sales being processed.
“Maritimo has found strong ongoing brand recognition for the quality, product and presentation of our boats. This is always gratifying for our team, who work so hard to achieve perfection.”
Other show highlights included Riviera’s 12-boat display including two global debuts, the 35m Pazienza by Cantiere delle Marche, and Candela’s C-8, a fully electric, all-carbon hydrofoiling vessel.
The 37th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be held from May 21-24, 2026.
Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth; Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand; Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, with the America’s Cup trophy; and Gaetano Manfredi, the Mayor of Naples
