As we stepped on board Emerald Kaia, the Captain and his crew welcomed our small group with champagne and beaming smiles, just a hint of the warm, thoughtful service we would enjoy over the next two unforgettable days at sea.

Stepping inside, it was immediately clear that Emerald Kaia has been designed more like a chic boutique hotel than a traditional ship. The suites feel spacious and soothing, dressed in soft neutral tones with layers of texture, beautiful lighting and just the right balance of tech and tranquillity. Blinds open at the touch of a button, so you don't even need to leave the comfort of your luxury bed to pull the sea right into the room, waking to a breathtaking new view each day. Thoughtful touches are everywhere: generous storage, clever reading lights, rainfall showers with quality amenities and beds that you genuinely look forward to sinking into at the end of the day.

The public areas are just as impressive. The Amici Bar and Lounge  lounge is a stylish yet relaxed space, with deep, comfortable seating and panoramic windows that make it hard to tear yourself away from the view. It is the kind of place where you can linger over a coffee with a book, then seamlessly segue into cocktails as the light changes outside. The restaurant continues the same contemporary, airy feel, with an open, convivial layout so it never feels stuffy or formal.

Kaia really embraces her super yacht personality: a sleek infinity-style pool, plush daybeds and easy access to the water for swimming and water sports when conditions allow. There are intimate corners everywhere, from a quiet cabana for two, to generous sociable spaces, such as the Sky Bar for a pre‑dinner drink with new friends whilst you enjoy live music.

One of my favourite features on Emerald Kaia is the marina platform. At the touch of a button, the stern of the yacht transforms into a waterside playground, lowering down to create a wide, stable platform right at sea level. From here you can slip straight into the Adriatic for a refreshing swim, or take out one of the water toys for a more adventurous spin. What I loved most is how effortless it all feels. The crew set everything up for you, from towels and refreshments to lifejackets and equipment, so all you have to do is decide whether you fancy a gentle paddleboard, a kayak along the coastline or simply dangling your feet in the water with a coffee in hand. When you are done, you step back on board to warm showers, soft robes and that relaxed super yacht atmosphere that makes Emerald Kaia feel like your own private seaside retreat.

In the evening, Emerald Kaia really comes into her own, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Night Market. Think of it as an intimate chef’s table meets open‑air food festival, all set against a backdrop of glittering sea and stars. As the sun sinks, the deck is subtly transformed: soft lighting, gentle music and the delicious aroma of spices and grilled seafood drifting through the warm night air. Here, the talented culinary team cook right in front of you, creating a multi‑course tasting experience that feels both theatrical and genuinely personal. Dishes are inspired by the regions Kaia sails through, so one evening you might enjoy Adriatic‑fresh fish with local olive oil, the next a rich, slow‑cooked speciality paired with a perfectly chosen wine. With just a small number of guests gathered around, you can chat with the chefs, ask questions and savour each course at a leisurely pace. It feels like being at a private dinner party on your own yacht, where every detail is curated for you and the night stretches lazily ahead beneath the stars.

Two more of my favourite spaces on Emerald Kaia are La Cucina Terrace and Aqua Café, each with its own personality but both made for slow, indulgent moments. La Cucina Terrace feels like a stylish Mediterranean rooftop brought to sea. Open to the elements but beautifully sheltered, it is where long, unhurried meals seem to happen almost by accident. Mornings here are all about fresh coffee, pastries and that first breath of sea air as the coastline drifts into view. By lunchtime, it transforms into a relaxed alfresco restaurant with fresh salads, grilled specialities and crisp chilled wines, while in the evening it becomes a romantic spot for candlelit dinners under the stars.

Aqua Café is Kaia’s laid‑back social hub. Light, bright and relaxed, it is ideal for a quick cappuccino between excursions, a fresh juice after a swim or a light bite when you do not feel like a full, sit‑down meal. There is a tempting display of snacks and sweet treats, plus plenty of cosy corners where you can simply watch the world glide by through the panoramic windows. Together, La Cucina Terrace and Aqua Café give Emerald Kaia that lovely, easy rhythm: somewhere elegant to linger, and somewhere casual to pop into whenever the mood takes you.

Emerald Kaia’s itineraries are every bit as special as the yacht herself. You could trace historic coastlines in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, where storybook ports, sun‑drenched islands and UNESCO‑listed old towns await at every turn. In winter, she heads to the vibrant Caribbean, hopping between emerald isles, hidden bays and colourful coastal towns. There are sailings in the breathtaking Seychelles too, where jungle‑clad granite islands rise from impossibly clear water, and voyages in the Red Sea that reveal ancient landscapes, coral‑rich reefs and some of the most fascinating historic sites on earth. Wherever you choose to sail, Emerald Kaia feels like the most stylish way to explore and manages to feel both luxurious and wonderfully relaxed, giving you all the elegance of a private yacht without ever feeling intimidating.