Alia Yachts has made waves in the luxury yachting world with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece, the 43-metre Ximena, at the prestigious Palm Beach International Boat Show. This fully custom yacht, a remarkable synthesis of speed, style, and individuality, has quickly established itself as a show-stopper along Flagler Drive, captivating attendees with its striking exterior and exquisite interior design. Gökhan Çelik, President of Alia Yachts, expressed his pride in the project, stating, “It was incredibly rewarding to see Ximena come to life in Palm Beach. She captures exactly what we stand for at Alia, a truly custom yacht, built without compromise. The owner’s vision drives every aspect of her design and performance. She is fast, distinctive, and deeply personal. In many ways, she represents the direction we believe this segment should be heading.”
From the outset, Ximena, designed by Omega Architects and naval-architected by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, conveys a sense of purpose. Her sleek, arrowhead profile and distinctive pelican bow suggest an innate dynamism, ensuring that she stands out not only in her appearance but also in her capability for performance. The yacht boasts a fast displacement hull form that achieves a remarkable balance between speed and efficiency, reaching a top speed of 22.6 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 20 knots. This impressive performance is complemented by a shallow draft of just 2.1 metres, allowing for versatile cruising options ranging from the Bahamas to more secluded shallow waters.
Ximena’s exterior is thoughtfully designed to enhance the onboard experience, prioritising effortless enjoyment. The expansive sundeck, measuring over 50 square metres, features shaded areas beneath a sleek black hardtop, alongside open spaces perfect for sunbathing around the luxurious Jacuzzi. A fully equipped bar and generous seating arrangements ensure that both relaxation and entertainment are seamlessly integrated, transforming the space from a sun-drenched retreat by day to an inviting evening venue, complete with a pop-up screen for cinematic experiences. The foredeck lounge offers a more intimate setting, designed in a unique lozenge configuration that encourages social interaction. This space can comfortably accommodate larger groups, facilitating a smooth transition for guests as the day progresses. Meanwhile, the main deck continues this theme of flexibility with a blend of covered and open areas, complete with integrated lighting and concealed audio systems, making it suitable for both relaxed afternoons and vibrant nights onboard.
At the waterline, the beach club becomes a focal point for daytime activities. The wide teak platform invites guests to engage directly with the sea, while a hydraulic platform simplifies swimming access and the launch of water toys. Behind the glass transom, a well-equipped gym adds another layer of luxury, seamlessly blending wellness with leisure in a space that feels both open and purposeful. Upon stepping inside, one is enveloped in an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. The interior, developed by Yodezeen in collaboration with Alia’s in-house team, merges contemporary loft aesthetics with carefully chosen materials and detailing. Pale ivory onyx serves as a sculptural bar element and a striking dining table centrepiece, while oak parquet flooring mirrors the exterior teak decking. The interplay of wavy smoked glass, brass accents, and natural leather creates a refined yet inviting palette, with soft curves shaping the spaces to enhance comfort.
The main salon is a highlight, where light dances across reflective surfaces, creating a dynamic atmosphere. A circular ceiling feature made of wavy glass acts as a captivating focal point, while curved seating and an elegant onyx bar draw guests into the heart of the yacht. The owner’s suite, located at the forward section of the main deck, is a sanctuary of tranquillity, spanning over 50 square metres. It boasts clean lines, expansive glazing, and a selection of high-quality materials that lend a residential feel. The suite includes his-and-hers bathrooms adorned with exquisite grey marble, complemented by a generous dressing area that is a rarity in yachts of this size.
Guest accommodations maintain the same design ethos, with two VIP cabins and two additional cabins, each featuring subtly adapted materials to provide unique identities while ensuring a cohesive overall aesthetic. “This project was about creating a very liveable, open environment,” remarked Artur Sharf, co-founder of Yodezeen. “The owners wanted something modern, but not cold; a space full of warmth, texture, and personality.” Reflecting the advantages of a fully custom build, Ximena accommodates a midships garage for a 6.5-metre tender, facilitating easy handling for crew members. The onboard systems and layouts are meticulously tailored to meet the owner’s operational needs, with accommodations for eight crew members to ensure the highest level of service.
In unveiling Ximena, Alia Yachts reaffirms its commitment to the fully custom segment, presenting a yacht that transcends mere size to embody clarity of vision, precision of execution, and a profound sense of identity. Each detail, from performance to aesthetics, has been meticulously crafted to offer an unparalleled yachting experience.
Article edited by Mark Webber