After spending a few wonderful days with Laurens Last in the south of France shortly after he acquired Heesen Yachts, it was clear that he had major changes in mind for the Dutch superyacht builder. And now that Heesen’s Project Ananda has been unveiled—a 236-foot “Smart Custom” superyacht designed in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and scheduled for delivery in 2030— it seems he is determined to ensure that the next generation of Heesen Yachts reflects the shifting priorities of today’s yacht owners, for whom privacy, flexibility, and well-being define the onboard experience more than ever before.
The exterior of this new design appears smoother and more fluid than that of previous Heesen models. Future owners will be able to choose between a private, bow-facing deck or a layout that opens toward the stern, creating a more social and open atmosphere. Both options have been designed as adaptable living spaces, allowing for fully customized interiors tailored to individual routines and preferences.
Next to the owner’s master suite on the owner’s deck, a second master suite spanning the entire beam on the bridge deck offers comparable space and comfort, eliminating traditional hierarchies and making it the ideal choice for multigenerational trips or charter.
In the center of the yacht, a reinforced door provides access to an exclusive docking platform that leads directly to a central glass-enclosed elevator. This discreet access point allows guests to move around the yacht without passing through the common areas, reinforcing the sense of exclusivity from the moment they board.
The pool deck, finished in travertine, blends seamlessly with the main living area, creating a continuous living space that allows for an effortless transition from daytime relaxation to evening entertainment. The deck itself is designed to maintain an uncluttered appearance, with the mooring equipment concealed to preserve a clean and open environment.
The exclusive spa and beach club—which includes a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower, treatment room, and hyperbaric chamber—is enormous. Developed in collaboration with Heesen’s human health engineering specialists, the space was created to meet the growing demand for holistic wellness at sea.
The interiors will be entirely crafted by Heesen Interiors in Winterswijk, ensuring consistency in quality and finishes throughout the yacht. The yacht’s “Smart Custom” platform will allow owners to customize materials, layouts, and details according to their individual preferences, supported by close collaboration between the shipyard and the design teams.
Built of steel and equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, the Ananda Project combines long-range cruising capability with the option of quieter operation while underway. Naval architectural studies and tank testing have already been completed, and construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Stay tuned to this space.