Viken Group: gli interni di Aqua Lares firmati Hot Lab

Milan-based studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, has revealed new details of its latest superyacht refit interior design project, the 77.4-metre expedition yacht Aqua Lares. An undisputed icon in exploration circles, Aqua Lares was formerly known as Legend and traversed such remote locations as Antarctica and Svalbard, thanks to her heavy-duty Class 1 icebreaker hull.

Prior to her conversion, Legend had already undergone extensive refits at the Damen Ship Repair facilities in the Netherlands and was originally a Soviet icebreaker, with her 2016 rebuild by Icon Yachts transforming the vessel into a luxury explorer yacht.

Her original exterior design was by M.E Consulting, with the interior design penned by John Misiag Design and Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs. For the design of the latest refitted interiors, Hot Lab worked in close collaboration with Aqua Expeditions’ Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro.

Balancing preservation and innovation

As for the inspiration behind the interior design for the refit, Hot Lab’s designers emphasise that this was found in the yacht herself and her iconic history, which spans over 50 years.

As Enrico Lumini, Co-founder and Design Director at Hot Lab, explains, “Aqua Lares has an extraordinary history and a very distinctive character, with elegant proportions and a timeless atmosphere that had developed over decades. The brief was not to reinvent her, but rather to restore a sense of coherence to several areas that had been modified over time and no longer reflected the yacht’s original identity.”

He continues: “Our goal was therefore to reconnect the refurbished spaces with the vessel’s overall aesthetic language, creating a more harmonious experience throughout the yacht while introducing a refined contemporary touch. The main challenge was finding the right balance between preservation and innovation: respecting the yacht’s heritage while elevating the guest experience through updated materials, detailing and comfort.”

A true global adventurer

Defining a new standard for small-ship luxury exploration, Aqua Lares is the world’s first superyacht to offer both individual cabin bookings and private charters for expeditions spanning both East Africa and the Norwegian Arctic.

For guests on board Aqua Lares, the African itinerary is set to encompass five-, nine-, 10- and 11- night trips through the Seychelles, Tanzania, the Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar. During her trips to East Africa, guests can discover stunning biodiversity hotspots, as well as explore remote islands including the African Banks which are often inaccessible to larger vessels.

In the Arctic, expert-planned itineraries for guests explore Svalbard’s icy wilderness, with travellers able to witness such incredible sights as polar bears, walruses and dramatic glaciers. Guests with an adventurous bent can enjoy her range of five private tenders (three 6.5-metre Zodiacs and two 8.5-metre Rafnar Tenders), as well as paddleboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkelling and diving gear.

Notably, as Chiara Pastore, Senior FF&E Designer at Hot Lab, highlights, thanks to the diversity of the climates in which Aqua Lares operates, the spaces on board the superyacht have been carefully curated by her designers to feel welcoming and comfortable, regardless of external conditions. “The selection of materials, finishes and textiles was carefully considered to create a sense of warmth and protection in colder destinations, while maintaining a light and elegant atmosphere suitable for warmer regions. Durability, ease of maintenance and longevity were also key considerations, ensuring that the interiors can withstand intensive use while retaining their sophisticated appearance.”

Every inch a superyacht

Notwithstanding her ambitious exploration credentials, Aqua Lares still offers guests a superyacht experience, with personalised service, a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, world-class cuisine and expert-led small group excursions.

Spanning a total of six decks, her recreational spaces include a panoramic sundeck with its own bar and lounge, a gym, an indoor dining room and shaded outdoor dining area, a saloon, a boutique and a cinema. Guests can also benefit from her outstanding wellness offering of two Jacuzzis, a spa, a sauna and a massage room. Onboard accommodation can be found across cabins ranging from 13 to 66 square metres in size, including three spacious owner’s suites.

Elegant, intimate and effortlessly welcoming

Stepping aboard, Aqua Lares is a vessel that invites guests to slow down, observe and connect with the extraordinary destinations around them, meaning that the interiors were chosen in order to support that experience.

This is achieved through a carefully curated palette of natural materials, rich textures and balanced colours. Layered lighting, refined detailing and tactile finishes help create a sense of warmth and sophistication, while the furniture layouts encourage both social interaction and moments of privacy. The overall feeling is residential rather than institutional, allowing guests to feel immediately at home while surrounded by a high level of luxury and comfort.

As Pastore explains: “Guest comfort was central to every design decision. We carefully considered not only aesthetics but also how guests would experience the spaces throughout the day. In the suites and cabins, particular attention was given to soft textures, high-quality fabrics and a calming colour palette that promotes relaxation. In the public areas, seating arrangements were designed to offer flexibility, allowing both larger groups and smaller parties to enjoy the spaces comfortably. The result is an environment that feels intimate, comfortable and highly functional, without compromising elegance.”

The world awaits

Following her inaugural sailing in February 2026, Aqua Lares completed a successful first season in East Africa before heading north to Svalbard for her first Arctic season in May. With an exciting future ahead, this exceptional superyacht occupies a distinctive position within the expedition sector, combining the robust capabilities and adventurous spirit of a true exploration vessel with the levels of comfort, elegance and personalisation more commonly associated with private superyachts.

What makes her particularly unique is the authenticity of the experience she offers. Guests can access some of the most remote destinations on Earth while enjoying interiors that feel warm, sophisticated and highly curated. This combination of exploration and refined hospitality is what truly sets Aqua Lares apart, and marks the latest chapter in a history spanning more than five decades.

For her designers at Hot Lab, it was the ability to build on this existing story which made Aqua Lares such a rewarding project. Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, says more: “We had the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing evolution of a vessel with such a remarkable story. The refit was never about making a dramatic statement; it was about carefully enhancing the yacht’s existing strengths and ensuring that her interiors are aligned with the exceptional experiences she offers her guests. We believe the result is a more cohesive, comfortable and timeless environment that will continue to serve Aqua Lares and her guests for many years to come.”