After winning the World Yacht Trophy for Best Interior Design award for Told U So in front of a prestigious panel of experts in Cannes in September 2011, Molori Private Retreats proves once again that revolutionising the yachting world is yet another step closer to becoming a reality. Embodying the signature creative vision of Molori Design, judges notably cited the vessel's incredible detail, sophistication and originality. Obviously, this sparks curiosity to get a closer look at this unique 43.6 metres superyacht, so I met up with owner (and Molori-founder) Kirk Lazarus in Monaco to get an inside look at what makes Told U So stand out in the crowd.
At first glance, what stands out is an almost self-evident high level of finish, using the highest quality woods, marble and fine fabrics to realise an interior design that is pleasantly contemporary and meticulously refined. A fine example of this finesse is the way that modern art is effortlessly blended with antique pieces, showing off a distinct personality that triggers one’s senses and pleasantly invites guests to take in their surroundings. But there is something that makes Told U So transcend her physical embodiment and make her greater than the sum of her parts. And it is exactly here, where we seem to be approaching the Molori-philosophy of upping the stakes a notch or two.
As Lazarus explains: “Globalization has made the one-off virtually non-existent. Everything can be bought online nowadays and everyone has the ability to have the same. We are reinventing the essence of unique and are creating something singular.” Molori, literally meaning “to dream” or “dreamer” in the local South-African language of Setswana, was developed from his personal experience with the luxury lifestyle commonly affiliated with the superyacht industry. “We chartered yachts, stayed in the best hotels, and flew in the newest jets, and every time, there was something amiss. With Molori, everything from the furniture to the service is fully customized and designed by me.”
Told U So is an exemplary extension of this philosophy. With her award-winning international design (a visual display of her owner's travels) and extraordinary personalised style and comfort, she promises to be the perfect reflection of a unique lifestyle. She offers this lifestyle to a company of up to ten guests, staying onboard in each of her five guest cabins, including the lavishly spacious Owner's quarters. And space is one of the most eminent ingredients to Told U So's eclectic cocktail of design elements, whether it be inside, outside or the effortless flow in between.
Aiming to seamlessly fuse luxury, style and technology, each guest cabin offers a uniquely distinctive style. All bathing in sumptuous amounts of natural light, the Owner's suite itself offers magnificent 270 degrees views, emphasising the quarter's semi-circular shape and spacious setup.
With separate his and hers bathrooms, a private study, en-suite screening room and a personal sun terrace including six person Jacuzzi, these areas are the epitome of what highly detailed, customized living is all about. Customization is key on board Told U So and trickles through in every detail. For instance, all of the vessel’s silverware has been custom designed by Molori Design and there are no two identical glasses onboard, with glasses having been handpicked and sourced from all over the world.
As there is a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces, optimally enhancing one's onboard experience, one can only fully enjoy Told U So's atmosphere by strolling around her decks, taking in vistas, interior designs or the vessel's vast art collection. Upon boarding, one is lead inside through the aft deck dining/lounging area, which has the vessel's signature spacious yet intimate and contemporary feel. Inside, the main saloon is light, modern and fresh, boasting a vibrancy that makes it easy for guests to switch between active and relaxing modes, and everything in between. Comfortably sizeable furnishing, a bright and fresh colour palette and a distinct collection of natural materials are some of the ingredients to create a well-balanced onboard experience.
Roughly, the main saloon is divided into a bar area, opposite a piano, a central seating arrangement and a more private lounging space. With space being a key element in Told U So’s overall philosophy, one cannot help but appreciate the tender and precise use of this precious commodity onboard. For instance, with televisions being subtly hidden in cupboards or behind works of art on the walls, space is not wasted and, more importantly, on board experiences aren’t needlessly interrupted.
The grand central lobby connects all deck by use of a dramatic, circular staircase. Fore of this area, most of the main deck consists of the Owner's quarters and the vessel's galley. The remaining four guest cabins, all doubles, are located of the lower deck, and consist of big yet cosy bedrooms and light and airy en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin has a particularly individual design while staying true to Told U So's overall sense of style.
Colour palette and material use are major elements in these individual styles. For instance, the mod-crocodile that covers each cabin door has a distinct colour that also forms the inspiration for the names of the suites and can be found in various details throughout the cabins, like portfolio book covers, head boards and waste baskets. Combined with different luxury materials like woods and natural stone, and framed by a meticulously proportioned lighting scheme based on art-deco fixtures, each cabin oozes an atmosphere that is individual yet follows the main philosophy of the vessel.
The upper deck houses the upper lounge area, boasting several intimate seating arrangements and bar. Aft, the dramatic round dining area can be found, surrounded by large windows and set up in such a way, that it can be easily transformed from inside to al-fresco dining arrangement at will.
Perfectly completing Told U So's full experience, the sun deck offers an atmospheric central dining area, big swimming pool lavishly surrounding by big sunbeds and a fore cockpit for after dinner lounging and drinks.
Told U So successfully aims to transcend her design and layout, offering a highly developed and well balanced surrounding that deserves to be described as a full-blown experience rather than a stay onboard. Or, as Lazarus puts it, "It's about instant ownership and the smallest details … we're redefining the essence of luxury."
Molori Private Retreats
+ 1 516 641 7029
[email protected]
www.molori.com
Benetti Yachts
+39 0584 3821
[email protected]
www.benettiyachts.it