The tropical paradise of the Philippines has everything to satisfy even the most insatiable explorer. The sheer natural splendour of this diverse and undiscovered country is enough to provide an exhilarating base for luxury superyacht escapes, which is then enhanced by a plethora of unique experiences and some of the world’s best dive sites.
The awe-inspiring cruising grounds of the Philippines are a dream come true for superyachts eager to try something new. Whether that be hopping between secluded islands, delving into the water to uncover colourful reefs or visiting fascinating historical and cultural sites, this is an all-encompassing charter haven.
While the remoteness of the Philippines is a factor which drives intrigue and excitement about the region, it is also easily accessible from the Asian yachting capital of Hong Kong. Simpson Marine, the market-leading brokerage in Asia, has seen the superyacht market in Hong Kong prosper even in the toughest of circumstances. The prospect of exploring the mesmerising cruising grounds of the Philippines has captured the imagination of yacht owners in Hong Kong.
The sale of Sanlorenzo’s SX112 to an owner in Hong Kong epitomises this desire for adventure, where superyacht owners can swap the city for secluded island retreats whenever they so desire. The Sanlorenzo SX112 is designed for exactly this purpose. The SX range flagship has been heralded as an ‘outstanding achievement’ in providing a new way of life on the water, fusing the very best of both a flybridge motoryacht and an explorer superyacht.
The 34m crossover yacht has remarkable explorer capabilities for a yacht of her size category, making her perfectly suited for regional cruising. The SX112 has a long range of 1600nm at 10 knots and a maximum speed of 23 knots, providing guests with an opulent platform to embark on extraordinary adventures in the world’s most exquisite cruising destinations. With the endless on-water opportunities in the Philippines, the SX112 enables her guests to roam this magnificent natural paradise with complete freedom.
Cebu Island is one destination within the Philippines where a SX112 would thrive and make best use of her explorer capabilities. Leading onto 116 islands and islets, Cebu is a flawless cruising ground where yachts can anchor up and tender across to bone-white sand beaches and soak up the sublimely tropical climate and a great getaway to next door Bohol, Siquijor, Siargao, Apo Island and more fascinating islands. Here, guests can make the most of the luxury amenities onboard their superyacht as they navigate through an area of immense natural splendour. Cebu itself is worth a trip ashore, where guests can get a taste of local culture and spend a night in the town’s vibrant bars and restaurants.
Designed by the renowned Studio Zuccon International Project, the SX112 superyacht seeks to redefine the yachting experience by removing barriers onboard and opening spaces up to the outdoor environment. On thrilling escapades through the Philippines, guests will feel a close connection to the sea and be truly immersed in the natural splendour that surrounds them.
Bernardo Zuccon has enhanced the yacht’s onboard lifestyle through large, flowing living spaces that seamlessly connect the interior and exterior. With a brief that stipulated the necessity for a family ambience, SX112 features an open plan concept with ultra-luxurious living quarters to provide harmony and indulgence no matter where in the world she may be exploring. The extensive outdoor areas include a one-of-a-kind oversized stern and a spacious internal beach area, with retractable side terraces to bring guests closer to the sea. The beach club has been crafted with family in mind to give each member their own dedicated spaces to enjoy.
The exterior decks enable guests to indulge in the superyacht’s luxury whilst taking in breathtaking landscapes. In the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, Bohol Island is home to one of the country’s most famous natural spectacles, the Chocolate Hills. A source of many legends, the Chocolate Hills consist of over 1,200 symmetrical, dome-shaped mounds which turn cocoa brown during the dry season, dramatically contrasting against the lush green jungle surrounding it. At just over 1,700km from Hong Kong, Bohol Island would be a phenomenal destination to visit with the right explorer yacht at your disposal.
Comfortable guest spaces and an opulent interior deliver the six-star superyacht service, though SX112 is also an action-packed yacht with plenty of toys for guests to take to the water. To make the most of remote destinations like the Philippines, SX112 can carry a large tender of 6.25m which adds extra mobility when reaching coral reefs or secluded islands. For those guests with an appetite for high-octane thrills, the superyacht also carries a plethora of water toys to enjoy activities such as diving, water skiing, wakeboarding and kite surfing.
Putting guests at the heart of the action, these amenities can make a playground out of even the most tranquil bays and beaches. Busuanga Island, found in the far north of the Palawan region 1,283km from Hong Kong, is a sanctuary for thrill seekers. Both on land and at sea, Busuanga is brimming with adventure. Exploring the island, you trek through untouched jungle and encounter an abundant wildlife from rare species of birds and reptiles to monkeys and civet cats. Busuanga is also home to phenomenal dive sites with flourishing coral reefs and exciting wrecks to uncover. Okikawa Maru, Kyokuzan Maru, and Akitsushima Wreck are among the popular sites visited by superyachts.
Sanlorenzo’s 34m SX112 is an ideal superyacht to explore the immaculate and infinite cruising grounds of the Philippines. While the country is currently restricting international travel due to Covid-19, this should be at the top of the bucket list for owners and charters when international travel resumes.
The harmonious marriage of flybridge and explorer, of luxury and adventure, has created a world-class yacht exemplifies the best of enthralling superyacht escapes. The success of Sanlorenzo and Simpson Marine in the Asian market is very much down to finding the perfect yacht for their client base. Be it weekends on Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, the Southern Beaches, the idyllic setting of Sai Kung or long voyages through the islands of the Philippines and South East Asia, onboard SX112 there will never be a moment devoid of inspiration.