Aqua Nera: Design Details That Make A Difference
As Aqua Nera continues her journey home to the depths of the Peruvian Amazon, we at Aqua Expeditions are excited to reveal one of the most unique aspects of her contemporary aesthetic. Our design philosophy has always been characterized by the immaculate attention to detail that can be found on every vessel. With every new launch, our team sources the finest and most unique materials and decorative items, whether it is a painting by renowned Dutch artist Gam Klutier custom-made to embellish Aria Amazon’s dining room, or the sustainable materials and natural fibers that give the Aqua Mekong its Indochine influence.
Food is an important part of how we connect the guest experience to the destination we explore, therefore we focus on the showstopping canvas in which we present Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s exquisite rainforest-inspired cuisine.
Photo credit: Gaya Ceramics
When ocean explorer yacht Aqua Blu launched last November, we partnered with Gaya Ceramic to create a custom design set of plate ware and porcelain inspired by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace’s beautiful drawings of the specimens he encountered during his voyages. Wallace embarked on an eight-year exploration of the Malay Archipelago, leading him to conceive his own theory of evolution independently from Charles Darwin.
Gaya set for Aqua Blu codesigned by Birgit Galli Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions Guest Experience Director
Founded in 2001 by Italian couple Marcello and Michela, Gaya Ceramic is a company based in Bali, dedicated to the creation of exclusive tailored and handmade ceramic collections. With a team of around 100 craftsmen, Gaya Ceramic aims to preserve and promote craftsmanship, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the handmade process. In 2010, they inaugurated their educational branch, Gaya Ceramic Arts Centre, offering ceramic classes and workshops, as well as a Resident Artists Program.
This year, for the launch of Aqua Nera, we have extended our partnership with Gaya to create a collection inspired by the beauty of the exotic flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon and our deep connection to this rich natural environment.
Video: A behind-the-scenes look into the detail, care, and craftsmanship that goes into creating every piece of the collection for Aqua Nera
The hand-painted gold and platinum pieces find inspiration from sister vessels Aqua Mekong and Aqua Blu, providing our guests a sense of familiarity across the Aqua Expeditions fleet. As Birgit Galli Zugaro explains: “There is a sense of comfort in continuity. Guests from prior Aqua Expeditions expeditions will recognize these elements and find delight in these details.”
One-of-a-kind illustrations of native Amazonian animals and plants add to the uniqueness of these beautiful ceramics. The snake, a symbol of creative force and spiritual transformation represents the wilderness of the Amazon while the orchid exemplifies beauty and sophistication, as well its diversity — there are over 3,000 species of orchids in Peru due to the country’s diverse microclimates.
We cannot wait to welcome our guests onboard Aqua Nera for the most stylish and exclusive experience in the Peruvian Amazon. Book now to take advantage of our Early Bird offer and enjoy 20% off your Aqua Nera adventure for all 2021 departures.
2021 Aqua Nera rates start at USD 4,125 per person (in double occupancy) for a 3-night itinerary. 4- and 7-night journeys are also available. Click here to learn more.
