Marble and marquetry bring a sense of old-school glamour to suites designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac for the 220-metre Orient Express Corinthian yacht, which has set sail for the first time from a dock in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Billed as the « world’s largest sailing yacht », the cruise ship was designed by STirling Design International and built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique for hotel group Accor, which operates the famous Orient Express train.
The 15,000-tonne, 220-metre vessel was entirely built in France, with contributions from around 2,000 artisans and ateliers helping to realise d’Angeac’s vision.
It can accommodate 110 guests across 54 suites, each with a floor area between 45 and 230 square metres.
D’Angeac designed the suites to evoke a sense of quiet refinement and feature panoramic bay windows, with decor showcasing materials including leather, precious wood veneers and marble.
« The interior design embodies a perfect balance between the past and the future, it is a tribute to the golden age of the French Riviera, with very futuristic lines and great technological innovation, » d’Angeac told Dezeen when the plans were unveiled in 2023.
« It perfectly embodies the Orient Express brand, which with its 140 years of history, has always been avant-garde. »