The tri-deck 150ft superyacht Panakeia – Thailand’s largest and most exclusive charter yacht – transforms the Andaman coast into a private stage of hidden bays and endless horizons
By: Christopher Lee
Photos courtesy: ellsworthlim.com
ANCIENT WISDOM – MODERN EXPERIENCE
The name Panakeia derives from ‘Panacea’, the ancient Greek goddess of healing and restoration, believed to possess the power to cure all ailments and bring renewal to those seeking her intervention. It feels particularly fitting for a yacht created not simply to transport, but to transform. It was a privilege for me to be invited to cruise through the emerald waters of Thailand’s Andaman Sea aboard Panakeia, weaving between towering limestone formations and hidden coves, there is a quiet sense of returning to something elemental: sun, sea, movement and time measured only by the horizon.
AN ANTIDOTE TO THE EVERYDAY
From the moment Panakeia came into view at her Phuket home berth in Ao Po Marina, I felt that unmistakable sense of ‘special occasion’. Following an extensive 2025 refit, this superyacht from the renowned Spanish shipyard Astondoa emerges reimagined – a seamless blend of timeless European craftsmanship and contemporary luxury. Yet what defines Panakeia for me was not her scale, but her atmosphere.
Stepping aboard feels less like entering a yacht and more like arriving at a private residence floating gently through one of the world’s most beautiful seascapes – a place created for lingering breakfasts, unhurried afternoons and the rare luxury of having nowhere urgent to be.
A SOPHISTICATED SANCTUARY
Accommodation aboard Panakeia mirrors the ease and privacy of a contemporary villa at sea, welcoming eleven guests across five elegantly configured cabins, each conceived as a calm retreat. The full-beam master suite feels closer to a penthouse apartment than a cabin and impresses with its walk-in wardrobe, dedicated study and bathtub overlooking the sea. Four additional cabins comprise three doubles and one twin with an extra Pullman bed.
Across three expansive decks, interiors remain understated rather than ostentatious. Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between inside and out, while contemporary furnishings create an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.
An elevator connects all guest decks – understated luxury that makes life aboard feel effortless and allows guests of all generations to move seamlessly through the yacht.
THE ART OF DOING ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING – OR NOTHING
Life aboard Panakeia unfolds entirely at your own rhythm.
Mornings begin with breakfast on deck as Phange Nga’s dramatic limestone karsts rise from emerald waters. Afternoons drift between shaded lounges, leisurely lunches and spontaneous swims from the ‘beach club’: a sea-level retreat opening directly onto the sea.
Above, the sundeck becomes the yacht’s social heart: a Jacuzzi framed by panoramic views, generous daybeds and sunset gatherings stretching sublimely into evening.
For those drawn to adventure, Panakeia reveals a playful side. Twin Seadoo jet skis, electric foils, sea scooters, paddleboards, kayaks and scuba equipment transform the surrounding ocean into a private playground, while the Castoldi jet tender unlocks hidden beaches and secluded lagoons.
Meanwhile, dual Starlink connectivity quietly ensures the modern world remains available – though after a day aboard, few guests seem interested in logging back in.
CULINARY AND RECREATIONAL MATTERS
Life aboard Panakeia revolves around bespoke hospitality. The onboard chef crafts menus inspired by local ingredients and regional – fresh Andaman seafood elevated with international flavours. An impressive cellar of over 200 wines and champagnes complements the culinary programme, served across multiple dining venues from formal interior settings to relaxed sundeck gatherings.
GET YOUR DOSE OF VITAMIN SEA
Based in Phuket from December to April, guests can explore Thailand’s Andaman coastline including Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands, with longer itineraries extending into Myanmar’s extraordinary Mergui Archipelago.
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