Starwood Capital Founder's Halo Superyacht Wows Tenerife

The 57-meter yacht Halo, as comfortable as a five-star hotel, is currently turning heads in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Built in 2015 by the famous Feadship shipyard, this superyacht is well-known worldwide. But it's not just its size or luxury that makes it special; there's also a unique story behind its creation.

The idea for Halo came from its first owner. He was on a Mediterranean holiday aboard another yacht, the Helix (now called Megan), and was so impressed by its performance and quality that he decided to order his own. He wanted a boat that would combine top-notch design, innovation, and features, and that's how Halo started.

British studio Harrison Eidsgaard designed Halo's distinctive exterior. Two large silver arches run along the top part of the yacht. These arches not only look striking but also support a retractable shade system that covers the large sundeck on the upper deck.

Halo can host up to 12 guests, looked after by a crew of 14 to 15. It boasts many features, including a panoramic jacuzzi, a private beach club, an outdoor cinema, a gym, a spa, and a diving area that can hold 28 oxygen tanks. It also comes with two custom-made eight-meter tenders, making it more self-sufficient and adaptable.

These features have made Halo one of the most sought-after superyachts built by Feadship, giving it a unique place in the world of luxury yachting.

Halo was built in a quick 33 months. In 2021, its story changed when it had a major refit, which involved technical upgrades and a full cosmetic makeover. After this work, the superyacht was sold for nearly 64 million euros.

The new owner is American businessman Barry S. Sternlicht, who co-founded Starwood Capital Group. Sternlicht is a major player in the hotel and finance industries, linked to global brands like W Hotels, Westin, and Sheraton. His business empire is worth over 110 billion euros.

Sternlicht's journey to success is quite different from the luxurious lifestyle Halo represents. Before becoming successful, he sold tadpoles, taught tennis, and worked in a flashlight factory. He once said in an interview that these experiences taught him "even a light bulb can ruin an experience if it doesn't work properly."

Barry's father, Maurycy Sternlicht, was a Holocaust survivor. Barry learned about this family history as an adult and has since used some of his wealth for charity. He supports medical research at Harvard and causes related to art and historical memory.

Today, the Halo yacht is more than just a stunning piece of naval engineering. It also reflects a life story of hard work, innovation, and ambition. It's a vessel that brings together luxury, technology, and a personal touch, making every journey even more meaningful.