There are few things in the world which exude luxury more than a superyacht. They are the epitome of relaxation and indulgence, pampering their owners and guests with top of the range of décor and facilities, and the most impeccable standards in cuisine and service. What does it mean for this elite industry, then, when one of the biggest trends in wellness is sustainability? Here we take a look at the crucial link between environmental health and personal wellness, and how sustainability on superyachts is surprisingly very achievable.

Wellness and Sustainability 

The relationship between the environment and our own wellness is symbiotic. Our health, happiness, and wellness is improved as the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the spaces in which we exercise are freed from toxins and destruction. Likewise, as we consider our impact on the world and take measured steps to minimize our effects on it, so it flourishes.

In this way, we are seeing a convergence of wellness and sustainability, with resorts, retreats, and even superyachts answering the call to provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly footprint. As consumers look to themselves and towards the future, they are demanding such measures from the hospitality industry. So, what exactly are consumers seeking, and what are the ways in which sustainability on superyachts could be implemented?

1. Real Foods, Ethically Sourced 

The key words here are ‘healthy eating’. Almost gone are the days of fad diets with a short-term end goal. Consumers these days are striving for a healthy, long-term lifestyle, and the food they eat plays a crucial role. Superyacht chefs are stepping up, creating nutritious meals sourced from organic and ethical sources. Meals consisting of whole foods, lower carbohydrate content, good fats, and toxin-free fruit and vegetables are taking precedence over low-calorie diets. Meanwhile, awareness of dietary intolerances is also increasingly widespread.

Yet it isn’t only the effects on the body that is driving consumer expectations here. The environmental effects are also of key importance, with issues such as deforestation for palm oil, the plight of the ocean’s marine life due to unsustainable fishing practices, and animal welfare in the meat industry playing an important role in people’s food choices. So, too, do they strive to minimize food waste, something that careful meal planning on board superyachts can help achieve.

2. Cut the Clutter 

There is a fast-growing movement of people who are de-cluttering their worlds, getting rid of the things that serve no purpose or to which they have no emotional connection. This move towards buying fewer material items and maintaining a tidy and clutter-free home can have profound impacts on both the environment and your own personal wellness.

While expense is rarely spared in the superyacht industry, this minimalist approach is also being adopted. Interior design styles are reflecting the need for fewer ornamental items, allowing each space to be enjoyed without distraction. The far-reaching views, tranquillity, and social areas are all used more effectively without the burden of unnecessary possessions.

Surrounding yourself with only things that have meaning to you allows you to find balance, cultivate stillness, lower stress levels and have more mental energy. On the sustainability front, the benefits are obvious. Having fewer things ultimately means creating less waste.

3. Know Where Products Come From 

Leading on from the trend of de-cluttering or purchasing less is the movement of buying from ethical and sustainable companies. Consumers today want to know that the items that they buy are sustainable. This could include such considerations as child labour, fair wages for workers, use of hazardous and toxic chemicals and the reduction of carbon emissions during production.

A growing number of luxury décor, food and wine, and recreational companies which cater to superyachts are striving to meet the demand for sustainable products and services. Transparency in where their products come from, how the materials were sourced and who sourced them are expected by consumers. They need to send out a positive message and provide a clear social justice mission which together can drive higher wages and lower environmental impact.

4. Use Eco-Products 

The reduction or elimination of the use of toxic chemicals in products for everything from cleaning our bodies to cleaning our houses is not a new phenomenon. But it is a fast-growing one. The last decade has seen the rise in non-toxic products with clear labeling, and consumers are demanding natural, organic and toxin-free products which are proven to improve both physical wellness and environmental impact.

Superyachts use a wide spectrum of products in everything from engine maintenance to cleaning and personal care. Sourcing products which reduce the environmental impact they have or offering owners and guests chemical-free cosmetics and beauty products are one possible response to the demand for more sustainability and better health for crew and guests.

5. Equip Your Yachts for the Green Revolution 

The superyacht industry is often at the forefront of innovation and development. The latest in technology, engineering, and design trends can be neatly presented to the world via these floating palaces. It is no surprise, therefore, to hear that the green revolution is well and truly upon the industry, and the results are significant.

Owners and guests want more sustainable yachts which leave less impact on the planet. The new breed of hybrid and green propulsion superyachts, for example, vastly reduce emissions into the atmosphere, yet they are also silent and absent of vibration. This is highly desirable for guests seeking tranquillity and clean air.

Likewise, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems which can churn out polluting emissions are being re-designed to offer clean, green alternatives. Better for the planet and the people on board. Everything down to swapping endangered and precious teak wood on decks to synthetic materials is having a huge effect on sustainability on superyachts.

For those superyachts where such radical changes are perhaps not possible, consider the option of carbon offsetting. Owners and guests aware of the carbon footprint produced by a superyacht can opt to have its greenhouse gas emissions matched with the equivalent emission reductions from green energy projects onshore. In this way, a certain status equilibrium can be achieved, giving peace of mind to those concerned about sustainability on superyachts.