Inside world's only gold superyacht complete with jacuzzi, DJ booth and jet-skis

09 March 2024 , 11:59

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AK Royalty is covered in 24-karat gold dust (Image: Burgess Yachts)

Superyachts come in all shapes and forms and owners often strive to get that unique touch that will make their boat stand out.

This was certainly the case for multi-millionaire Aaron Fidler, whose newly refitted 136-foot superyacht is painted entirely in 24-karat gold dust. The owner of AK Royalty, which underwent a stunning renovation in the summer of 2023, did not leave anything to chance and even chose to cover his jet-skis and SeaBobs in gold.

Mr Fidler, founder and CEO of tech company Furrion, opted for a design that would make his yacht stand out and ditched the boat's former nautical themes in favour of a more monochromatic milieu with stark blacks and whites. The yacht is not just stunning from the outside, as there is also plenty of glamour inside - including endless mirrors and silver tigers in the dining room.

Also the jet-skis are gold-coloured (Burgess Yachts)

Impressive features include iPad-controlled AV systems installed throughout the interior, with high quality furniture, bedding and seating. The amazing boat also features a DJ booth on the main deck - perfect for parties in the sunshine - and a six-person Jacuzzi.

There is also a well-equipped gym alongside a massage section. For those who want to relax, on the foredeck there are pad cushions with an open-air cinema set-up. Other fun features include a water slide and a 12-person inflatable trampoline.

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AK Royalty accommodates 12 guests in five cabins while the owner's master suite comes with extra luxuries including marble bathrooms and Fendi carpets. The yacht's owner said: "It took time, money, and energy getting the mix of 24-karat gold dust and marine paint just right so that it glints under the sun's reflection."

The impressive outdoor area offers plenty of space to relax and have fun (Burgess Yachts)

Mr Fidler has a long-standing connection with the yachting industry as he previously worked as a deckhand aboard the yacht Solemates in South Florida. Now, he rents out his amazing yacht in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, charging £100,000 a week.

He said: "My goal during all those years of hard work was to have my own boat. I'd always dreamed of having a Palmer Johnson. They built the most beautiful, sexiest boats. When AK Royalty came along, I knew it was the one."

The interior also has impressive decorations (Burgess Yachts)

He explained he shipped the boat, built in 2009 and originally named "Plus Too", from France to Dubai, where he now lives, and spent a year renovating it. One of the main transformations the yacht underwent was a six-month refit that saw the exterior going from white to glittering gold.

Mr Fidler also upgraded the boat's engineering systems including the air-conditioning and generators that can power other vessels when travelling off-grid. He said: "I want all the backup systems required to explore remote regions in comfort."

Decorations in the main dining room include silver tigers on the walls (Burgess Yachts)

Another upgrade was the speed the boat could reach as the original one could hit 30 knots, but AK Royalty can reach 38 knots at full tilt. "I don't like traveling slow, so I tell the captain to go everywhere at warp speed," said the owner.

The yacht can be rented through Burgess which describes it as a boat "guaranteed to turn heads wherever she goes." The website adds: "Whoever you take with you on your yacht charter, this vacation will be one to remember." Rates for winter and summer cruising in the Arabian Gulf start from €112,000 (£96,000) and go up to €140,000 (£120,000) per week.

Chiara Fiorillo