A New Vision

Rather than committing to a full rebuild, the owners wanted to modernize AELIA’s interiors while respecting the qualities that had made her a successful charter yacht. The brief centered on creating brighter, more comfortable living spaces that reflected their tastes and showcased their personal art collection.

Designer Stefano Vafiadis explains: “We found a very beautiful and very well-built yacht, so together with Benetti we agreed on various changes to modernize AELIA.” Studio Vafiadis worked closely with the owners throughout the refit process, holding onboard meetings while the yacht remained in use. This approach meant every design decision was informed by real-life experience, resulting in not only aesthetically pleasing interiors but also functional ones.

A Redesigned Contemporary Main Salon

The transformation is most evident in the main salon, which was completely reimagined as a sophisticated social hub for relaxation and entertaining. At the center is a bespoke bar featuring flooded wood, bronze detailing, and Amani marble, complemented by a sculptural feature wall inspired by rose petals.

New custom seating designed and implemented by the Studio encourages conversation, while a grand dining table reinforces the salon's role as the yacht's main entertaining area.Adding a subtle nod to classic yachting heritage, a pair of Gio Ponti armchairs introduce the glamour of 1950s ocean liners, combining with the otherwise contemporary aesthetic.

Updated Guest Accommodation

While AELIA retains her original dual-owner suite configuration, every cabin has been extensively updated to improve comfort and create a more residential feel. The two suites now feature larger custom bed structures with beautifully crafted headboards wrapped in woven Tuscan leather.

The remaining accommodation, including four cabins on the lower deck and two VIP suites on the main deck, have also been completely redesigned. Rounded furniture, bronze-painted finishes and soft upholstery now create a calm atmosphere, while carefully selected shades of green and grey give each cabin its own distinctive character. Rather than dramatic contrasts, the interiors favor subtle textures and natural materials.

These thoughtful updates also build on AELIA’s proven appeal as a charter yacht. Combined with her flexible eight-cabin layout and extensive guest amenities, the refreshed interiors enhance the welcoming atmosphere that has made her a popular choice for charter guests while remaining true to the yacht’s original design.

Light As A Design Feature

One of the defining aspects of the refit is the clever use of lighting. Following a detailed photometric study, anti-glare spotlights were strategically positioned throughout the yacht to make the interiors feel brighter, more open, and welcoming. The bridge deck dining area was also redesigned to maximize natural light, further strengthening the connection between interior spaces and the exterior environments.

A Growing Refit Trend

Projects like AELIA’s refit highlight the growing appeal of high-quality overhauls within today's superyacht market, where owners increasingly turn to refits as a way to extend a yacht’s lifespan while creating a more personalized experience.

A successful refit can offer many of the benefits of a new build, including updated interiors, improved technology, and enhanced efficiency, while keeping the engineering, craftsmanship, and character of an established platform like Benetti.

AELIA is currently for sale with IYC; contact our expert consultants to learn more about AELIA and discover further yachts for sale and yacht refit opportunities.