The company that owns Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel now lets its guests charter the $100 million Maltese Falcon

The bar of hospitality has moved far beyond opulent accommodations and niche services, expanding well outside the conventional realm. Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality, is now carrying the baton of billionaire-level experiences with the addition of one of the world’s most celebrated superyachts, the Maltese Falcon. As part of Jumeirah Privé, the superyacht offers guests a taste of elite yacht life without the burden of owning a $100 million goliath that costs millions more to maintain annually. Access to the experience will be available on request through Jumeirah’s global Privé concierge network.

The maritime experience will arrive in Mediterranean and Caribbean waters in 2025 as a Jumeirah Privé Experience. Until now, ultra-high-net-worth guests have enjoyed rare offerings such as Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and private villas. With the Maltese Falcon joining Thanda Island, Jumeirah Privé now counts just two offerings worldwide, underscoring the extreme selectivity of the portfolio. With the addition of a full-scale superyacht, the brand has raised the stakes yet again.

The Maltese Falcon, built by Italian superyacht specialist Perini Navi, stretches 289 feet and has undergone a comprehensive refit to refresh both its mechanics and interior mood. More efficient generators, modern LED systems, and newly replaced teak decks have transformed this 2006 icon into a rejuvenated giant of the high seas. It now stands freshly re-tooled as a sustainability- and comfort-driven vessel, ready to sail very lucky and well-heeled guests with Jumeirah’s renowned five-star service.

Once aboard, guests will have the time of their lives savoring everything from open-sea views to Jumeirah’s signature culinary creations and wellness expertise. The experience is designed for just 12 guests, ensuring an atmosphere of absolute privacy and indulgence. The yacht operates as a fully crewed, turnkey retreat, allowing guests to experience superyacht living with the same effortlessness as a private branded residence. The Maltese Falcon features a full-beam master suite and a VIP deck with its own private terrace. Guests are welcomed by the dramatic grandeur of a three-deck atrium that forms the yacht’s architectural centerpiece.

If stargazing and endless sea views are not enough, an outdoor cinema delivers immersive entertainment. Uniquely, the lower sail doubles as the screen, turning the rig itself into part of the spectacle. The DynaRig system, with its three freestanding carbon-fibre masts, remains one of the yacht’s most striking engineering feats and visual signatures. This floating symbol of extravagance also houses a well-stocked garage packed with diving equipment and tow-sports gear. Adding a playful touch to the flybridge is a rotating circular sunbed that offers uninterrupted 360-degree ocean vistas. Tempted to end the year with a bang? The Maltese Falcon begins its first season under the Jumeirah banner in December 2025.

Winter itineraries will cruise the Caribbean with calls at Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Martin, and St Barths. Summer will see the yacht sail through the Balearics, the French Riviera, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Sardinia, along with the turquoise waters of Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey. Commenting on the announcement, Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, said, “Designed for the most discerning travelers, this collaboration reflects our commitment to creating distinctive and purposeful experiences that combine privacy, exclusivity, and exceptional service. The yacht’s heritage and craftsmanship are truly remarkable, and our role in this partnership will be to further elevate the onboard journey through our culinary expertise, wellness experiences, and the warm spirit of Arabian hospitality that defines Jumeirah.”

With the Maltese Falcon joining its most exclusive portfolio, Jumeirah quietly redefines what a private escape can look like for the modern ultra-wealthy traveler. No longer bound to a single resort or destination, luxury now moves with its guests, across open seas and changing horizons, with comfort, privacy, and service remaining constant. One can’t help but wonder if Aman, Ritz-Carlton, and Four Seasons are quietly taking note.

by Neha Tandon Sharma