Head to the Med
A birthday spree aboard a super- luxurious yacht that cruises the Mediterranean with whistle stops at Saint Tropez and Monte Carlo are beyond the wildest dreams of Ratih Soe Koesasie
our luggage with us—the airline accidently left it behind in Amsterdam—we managed to enjoy to the max our first trip to the French Riviera—the fulfilment of an invitation given by my beloved friend Fitri Hay when the family was in Bali for its annual visit to my parents-in-law. Everything seemed so smooth and it looked like we were going to
parquet floor that was just perfect for me to rehearse and brush up my footwork. I could also explore and discover new tango step combinations on the sundeck.
We did not do much on our first day in the Mediterranean, so I ventured out to explore the wonderful sea craft from top to tail. Built in 2009, the 64.5m motor yacht, the Silver Angel, is one of the finest examples of a collaboration between Benetti and Stefano Natucci. Set over five decks, her vast interior volume has been beautifully designed by Argent Design to offer accommodation for 12 guests in seven staterooms. The chic monochrome decor creates a uniquely modern and elegant designed in a contemporary take on the glamour of the 1920s.
We spent the first night on the bay of Saint-tropez. Still suffering from jetlag, I woke at 5am excited at the prospect of my first Mediterranean sunrise. The sea was so calm, tranquil, and quiet, and I could see millions of fish around. Silence seeped slowly into me, so peaceful: a serendipity that reminded me of a friend who once said: “Ratih, you will find a really peaceful feeling when you are 30m offshore.” Amigo, you were 100 per cent right!
During the four-day cruise, we spent the daylight hours indulging in water sports. Taking a dip, swimming, and basking in the ocean blue are really the things that I like to do. The water is so inviting, fresh, and so cool. And we did some water-skiing too: the Silver Angel provides an extensive collection of onboard water toys complete with diving equipment and a compressor room to pamper scuba divers.
September 16 was my birthday and there was a knock on the door. Surprise! I was already in tears when my daughter, Anda, handed over a beautifully crafted fruit platter complete with candles. This was the first time I had been able to celebrate my birthday with only Anda by my side, although it didn’t seem right to make merry without the whole family around. In the evening, I tried to calm the turmoil with a few minutes of meditation under the moonlit night on the top floor. The Mediterranean, the waves so blue, and the skies so serene.