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Artful Escapes

Artful Escapes: Aqua Lares

Guests can relax on stylish Minotti sectionals, Bamford sundries, and Poltrona Frau leather tub chairs while touring the Arctic Circle this summer

By Alexander Lobrano
Luxury yacht with deck, pool, and lounge chairs cruising on calm blue ocean water, aerial view.
Aqua Lares. Photo: Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions

To create the new superyacht Aqua Lares, Aqua Expeditions founder Francesco Galli Zugaro purchased former Google executive Eric Schmidt’s 253-foot icebreaker, Legend, then tasked Milan design firm Hot Lab with giving it a total overhaul. “I wanted warmth, personality, and comfort,” says Birgit Galli Zugaro, who oversaw the renovation.

Luxurious living room with a marble fireplace, lit fire, wooden shelves filled with books, and elegant lighting fixtures.
Main saloon. Photo: Gwen Lin

In the public spaces and 15 cabins, guests encounter tobacco leather tub chairs by Poltrona Frau, stylish Minotti sectionals, and Bamford sundries. Following its tour around the Seychelles and Tanzania, the ship heads to the Arctic Circle this summer for Nordic itineraries.

Luxurious yacht bedroom with a large bed, elegant furnishings, and ambient lighting creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Owner’s suite. Photo: Gwen Lim
Luxury yacht deck with wicker sofas, coffee table with champagne, lanterns, and ocean view under a blue sky at sunset.
Helideck. Photo: Stevie Mann
Luxurious yacht interior with elegant seating, modern lighting, and large windows showcasing a stunning ocean sunset view.
Living area. Photo: Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Summer Issue in the section “Artful Escapes.” Subscribe to the magazine.