It’s not every day you get to escape the office to spend the day at sea. But on a sunny October afternoon, I’m at Hong Kong’s Aberdeen Marina Club with Asia Yachting, waiting to board the brand new Prestige X70. This exquisitely built yacht has just made its debut, offering Hong Kong sailors “a radically new way to experience the sea.”

Photo: Asia Yachting

A collaboration between Garroni Design and Prestige, the X70 is a masterpiece of spatial and lighting design. A sly repositioning of the side decks onto the flybridge creates an unprecedented use of space and integrates the inside and outside for a whole new level of architectural luxury.

Immediately, those onboard get a sense of how clever design features infuse light through every part of the yacht. In the spacious lounge on the main deck, windows are fitted throughout to allow sunlight to filter through; these can also be lowered at the touch of a button to let even more light and fresh air into the space. On the upper deck, guests can kick back under the full glare of the sun on two sun loungers or sit at the dining table under the filtered light of a retractable sunroof. In the Master Cabin, offer unbroken views of the outside and put you almost at water level.

Photo: Asia Yachting

As we sail across to Repulse Bay, we take the opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s hottest new yacht. On the main deck, we slip between the sunlit outdoor dining space and sophisticated lounge, taking time to relax on the oversized pillows sprawled on the bow. We also take the opportunity to dip our feet into the waters at the “Beach Club,” the lounging platform on the back of the yacht that usually sits above the water line but can be lowered under it for easy swimming.

Photo: Asia Yachting

Luxury and privacy are two hallmarks of the Prestige brand, and the X70 offers both in spades. The yacht boasts high-end fittings and finishings throughout, and owners have the flexibility of total customization. From playing with the layouts to creating their dream interiors with bespoke leather finishings by Foglizzo, made-to-measure sofas by Duvivier, and lacquer or high-varnish wood panelling, everything is possible with the X70.

Photo: Asia Yachting

Below the main deck are four small yet well-appointed cabins, each offering total discretion. The wide-body owner’s cabin has its own entrance through a private staircase and is a surprisingly well-conceived space featuring a double bed, lounging area, desk (or vanity), walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite. Through a separate staircase, the VIP and guest cabins are smaller but no less luxurious. Owners can choose a double bed for the VIP room and twin beds for the guest, but they’ll rest assured that these cabins will have the same exquisite aesthetics as the rest of the yacht.

Make no bones about it—the Prestige X70 is one beautiful yacht. With its intelligent architecture, efficient use of space and lighting, and numerous delightful features—we especially loved the moveable water platform and hidden wine cellar—it has all the luxury and wow-factor of a massive superyacht, but in a sleek, well-packaged format that’s more palatable for Hong Kong.