Explore a yacht that costs $1.4 million per week for a vacation.

In 2023, the 255-foot superyacht Malia was sold for $120 million.

For a fraction of the cost, she can be yours for $930,000 per week.

With many large yacht charters, surcharges for fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, onshore activities, and special requests are typically an additional 35% of the base price.

The value-added tax for cruising in Europe is approximately 20% of the base fee, although this may differ by country. Crew gratuities range from 10% to 20% of the charter fee.

A week-long cruise on Malia in the French Riviera costs a staggering $1,441,500.

Malia offers breathtaking tours of the Mediterranean, including stops in Monaco, the Italian Riviera, Sardinia, and the Maddalena islands, as well as iconic French destinations like Saint-Tropez, all for a reasonable price.

The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in its eight luxurious state rooms, including a master VIP suite with an attached bathroom.

"The bedrooms are similar to hotel rooms, but you don't feel like you're on a yacht," said Sacha Williams, global charter marketing director at Northrop & Johnson, Malia's broker. "It's like you're in a floating hotel."

The upper deck lounge boasts a striking glass chandelier and an extensive audio-visual system, while the main deck has a saloon with a bar and dining area that is illuminated by full-length windows.

The decks are connected by an elevator.

The yacht, like a hotel, features a gym and spa with a massage room, sauna, and Turkish hammam bath.

"On larger yachts, it's becoming increasingly common to have a hammam, steam room, or sauna," Williams stated. "Wellness is a major trend on all yachts now. The onboard spa therapist offers a range of treatments beyond just massage and facials, including beauty-related treatments. You could easily spend an entire day in that space."

An infinity pool with glass edges and a glass-bottomed Jacuzzi are available on the main and sundeck, respectively, along with an outdoor theater.

Tenders and toys

Few travelers remain on the yacht for a full week, despite the high cost of seven figures.

Malia offers various leisure boats, including tenders for guests to use for shore excursions.

Besides going on a deep-sea fishing trip on Malia's 46-foot-extreme sportfishing tender, guests can also take a submersible ride in a shark-shaped submersible made by Seabreacher, which can seat one pilot and one passenger.

"The fishing tender is quite unique in the Mediterranean, as you tend to see these a lot more in the Caribbean and Bahamas, where sportfishing is no big deal. However, imagine how cool it would be to take the children out for an afternoon and catch some fish," said Williams.

Guests can learn to use Fliteboard motorized surfboards and explore underwater with Seabobs, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy towable joy rides in the sun.

Malia's toy collection comprises jet and water skis, paddleboards, pedalboards, wakeboards, kayaks, and an inflatable climbing frame with a walkway.

"This owner is all about fun and ensuring that every guest request is catered for," said Williams. "Fliteboards are in high demand and not commonly seen on every yacht."

Captain and crew

The 21-member crew, consisting of a captain, engineering and hospitality teams, and several chefs, is partially funded by the charter price. Additionally, some crew members possess skills in personal training and music, allowing them to entertain guests in the evenings.

"Some crew members, such as the engineering team, may not be seen by guests, but there are those who work tirelessly to ensure their safety. The navigation and planning team, as well as those responsible for arranging berths in ports, are more involved. Additionally, the more senior interior crew handles bookkeeping to manage the large amount of money spent on guest enjoyment."

""Like swans, they effortlessly glide around," said Williams."

The yacht's broker and captain agree on a hyper-detailed itinerary that takes into account guest preferences, sea conditions, and weather forecasts.

The captain may also accommodate requests to adjust the schedule during the charter, such as if guests are enjoying a specific location and wish to remain longer, Williams stated.

"That's the beauty of chartering a yacht."

Who books vacations like this

Williams stated that Malia's guests are typically from North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

"They have amassed significant wealth in specialized business niches, she remarked. I'm often taken aback by North American clients' success in generating substantial wealth through the sale of seemingly mundane items. However, the vastness of the country allows for immense success in selling simple products like eggs or screws," she said.

"The principal, who is responsible for paying for the trip, will occasionally charter Malia for a few weeks and invite different groups during that time. One week, they'll be with their friends, and then the friends will depart, and their family will join, followed by their parents."

She stated that numerous guests reserve the yacht for family trips and celebrations.

"On a yacht the size of Malia, you can have the grandparents, parents, and children for a birthday, wedding anniversary, or family get-together."