Dolce Vita And Gulf Of Thailand

Dolce Vita, as the name implies, is set up for those who want to enjoy the good life, and her cruising waters alternate between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, depending on the monsoons.

Much has been written about Phuket already in this Charter Focus, but little about Ko Samui and the Gulf, which actually boasts many more attractive offshore islands than better known ones off Thailand’s West Coast.

Lovely beaches of Ko Samui

A few large yachts have previously based at Ko Samui and Ocean Marina south of Pattaya, but it is taking time for the Gulf to become a really regular charter market.

From Ocean Marina in Jomtien-Pattaya, for example, one could voyage across the Gulf to the delightful summer royal capital of Hua Hin, where anything from extraordinary hedge-shaped topiary to elephants playing polo can be found.

Or voyage up the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok, as writer Joseph Conrad once did when he was a sea captain, savouring the vibrant riverbank scenes and perhaps arranging to tie up at a rice barge pier outside the charming Oriental Hotel, scene of many important episodes in the city’s past and present. There is indeed a Joseph Conrad Suite in the Old Wing, and one dedicated to another golden era writer and traveller, Somerset Maugham.

Ko Samui, most famous of the Gulf islands and like Phuket boasting an airport with connections to Bangkok and elsewhere, has its own stable of five star resorts, and is popular for regattas.

Chumpon (northwest of Ko Samui) is developing a marina, and the islands between Ko Chang and Cambodia are very spectacular and attracting cruising yachts and charters.

Omer Malaz’s Numarine, located across the Bosphorus from Istanbul, is a large modern yard going from strength to strength, and which now has a global marketing footprint. There are a wide range of models. First two of the Numarine 105 Hardtops were delivered last year. The yard says they have “assertive elegance” and “virile bravado”. How could one possibly disagree with such a description?

“You’ll be proud to welcome your discerning guests aboard the 105 Hardtop, which combines graceful aesthetics, ultra-modern interiors and advanced high-tech engineering to deliver the ultimate luxury performance with a sensory experience like no other”, says a spokesman.

“The luxurious custom finishes and hand-selected high-end materials used throughout the Numarine 105HT offer an absolutely first-class experience, and the impressive exterior provides plenty of refined al fresco space to entertain those on board.”

Designer Can Yalman, who has been with Numarine since it started, is once more responsible for the distinctive exterior styling and sophisticated interior. Eight guests can be accommodated in the ensuite cabins and a full-beam master stateroom with sofa, dressing table and large en suite bathroom.

For more information on the location and rates, please visit www.asiamarine.com.

Words by Joe Lim | Images courtesy of Asiamarine

*** This article is republished from Issue 42 of Yacht Style.