Four Seasons Yachts Introduces Chef-in-Residence Program for 2026 Voyages

Elevating Culinary Excellence Afloat with Four Seasons Yachts

Four Seasons Yachts is set to revolutionize onboard dining with the launch of its innovative Chef-in-Residence program for the 2026 season aboard the luxurious Four Seasons I yacht. This program enlists acclaimed chefs from prestigious Four Seasons hotels around the world, bringing their unique culinary artistry onboard to enrich the gastronomic journey of each voyage.

Details of the Chef-in-Residence Program

The program will showcase a rolling roster of chefs drawn from Four Seasons properties in Athens, Hong Kong, Cap-Ferrat, and Florence. Guests sailing the Four Seasons I will have the opportunity to indulge in specially curated tasting menus crafted by these visiting culinary talents, deeply influenced by their distinct regional backgrounds. These creations will complement the ongoing offerings by the yacht’s resident culinary team, led by Executive Chef Armando Ferman Toledo and Chef de Cuisine Gerardo Acunzo.

Meals under this program will primarily be served at Sedna, the yacht’s signature dining space, where the blending of the chefs’ styles promises a diverse and dynamic dining experience that evolves throughout the journey.

Highlight Chefs and Voyage Itineraries for 2026

Leadership in Culinary Craftsmanship Aboard

Executive Chef Armando Ferman Toledo, with a notable background in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury resorts, oversees the yacht’s expansive culinary program. The Four Seasons I offers an impressive selection of 11 distinct dining venues including the Mediterranean-inspired Terrasse and the intimate omakase experience Miuna. Chef de Cuisine Gerardo Acunzo, with 13 years dedicated to Michelin-starred kitchens, manages the daily operations at Sedna, ensuring top-tier service and cuisine quality throughout the voyages.

A Glimpse Back: The Evolution of Culinary Programs in Luxury Yachting

The integration of haute cuisine with yachting has steadily evolved into a defining feature of luxury maritime travel. Over the decades, the collaboration between celebrated chefs and luxury vessels has transformed the dining experience from simply a necessity to an exquisite art form. These progressive culinary programs marry local flavors and sophisticated techniques to elevate guest experiences while sailing across breathtaking destinations.

Notably, the practice of rotating guest chefs onboard luxury yachts not only enriches the onboard ambience but underscores a growing trend in personalized and culturally immersive travel—a movement that calls for diverse and evolving culinary engagements in tandem with itinerary changes.

Forecasting the Future Impact on Travel and Maritime Experiences

The introduction of such innovative culinary programs aboard yachts heralds a broadening appeal for tourism that intersects with gourmet experiences and voyage adventures. For travelers seeking a harmonious blend of relaxation, culture, and epicurean delight, programs like the Chef-in-Residence amplify the allure of yachting as an exclusive travel option.

Looking ahead, the rise of culinary tourism aboard yachts is likely to ignite further enhancements in onboard hospitality standards, inspiring new destinations to develop their marine and beach infrastructure to cater to the sophisticated tastes of the sailing community. This trend could boost demand for yacht charters and sailing activities that emphasize gastronomy, encouraging captains and crews to collaborate closely with culinary experts.

Special Culinary Experiences and the Role of Destination Diversity

The programs’ lineup across destinations such as the Greek Isles and the Dalmatian Coast reflects how local flavors and authentic culinary traditions can be showcased through a floating gourmet platform. Travelers will not only enjoy fine dining but also the unique cultural essence imbued in every dish — thanks to the chefs’ regional expertise.

• Diverse regional cuisines: The program highlights Mediterranean, Asian, and European culinary arts, each offering distinct flavors and presentation styles.
• Innovative tasting menus: Specially designed menus encourage exploration beyond standard dishes, fostering adventurous palates.
• Immersive dining venues: From formal dining halls to casual omakase bars, multifaceted settings cater to varied guest preferences.

Conclusion: Sailing Into a New Era of Culinary Yachting

Four Seasons Yachts’ Chef-in-Residence program represents a bold and exciting chapter for luxury yachting, blending world-class culinary artistry with the pleasure of ocean cruising. Featuring chefs from globally renowned hotels and guided by seasoned executive chefs, the program promises an unparalleled dining journey evolving with each destination visited.

For enthusiasts of sailing, yachting, and charter experiences who appreciate exceptional cuisine amidst picturesque seascapes, this initiative raises the bar for what a yacht vacation can offer. With an ever-expanding range of onboard dining options and a culinary crew of Michelin-star pedigree, travelers will find voyages aboard the Four Seasons I to be sumptuous adventures both on the water and on the plate.

For those planning to explore marine destinations awash with charm and culinary richness, GetBoat.com stands out as an unparalleled global platform for renting sailing boats and yachts. Whether seeking intimate boats for a peaceful lake cruise or superyachts for an oceanic journey filled with bespoke activities and captain-led tours, GetBoat provides access to prime vessels and marinas worldwide, ensuring a perfect sailing charter tailored for every taste and budget.