REFRESHED AND READY FOR ADVENTURE

June 20, 2025

Refit Projects

• Tags: Interior Design, Refit

Style, serenity, and custom artwork refresh the 180ft Amels, Driftwood.

Launched in 2017, the 180ft Amels Driftwood embodies that quintessential balance between luxury and adventurous capabilities. Born from the Tim Heywood-designed Limited Editions 180 series that revolutionized the large yacht build sector and impressed discerning owners and charter guests alike, Driftwood embodies the optimal layout and amenities that put this series on the proverbial map.

When her original interior by Remi Tessier was in need of a refresh, it was only natural that Bonville Associates was tapped to oversee the refit’s interior styling elements. Lauren and Cindy have worked with the owners on multiple vessels over the years, including the classic Feadship True North and a Spencer sportfishing yacht.

THE PROJECT

This project was not about reinvention, but refinement, and Bonville Associates provided a curated update to enhance and refresh the yacht’s already sophisticated aesthetic. Their contributions included new custom artwork, carpeting and accessories throughout, as well as decorative pillows for both the interior and exterior spaces. The artwork itself is a curated collection of impressive names, including Gray Malin, California-based Summer Strauch, and photographer Chris Leidy. From plush outdoor sunpads to serene staterooms, every textile and touch was selected to complement Tessier’s original vision. The resulting ambiance is that of an effortlessly elegant beach house, sun-kissed and serene, where bleached teak, sandy neutrals, and ambient lighting welcome guests into a calming retreat at sea. 

Lauren and Cindy also updated the linens and towels throughout the four lower-deck staterooms and main deck master suite, ensuring both comfort and continuity in the yacht’s look and feel. Crew areas received new carpeting, enhancing the onboard experience for the hardworking team that keeps Driftwood operating at peak performance. In addition, select wood touch-ups throughout the yacht helped maintain the high-gloss, pristine finishes that define her luxe interior.

One of Driftwood’s most iconic features remains her expansive sundeck, which now features new exterior cushions, awnings, and stunning Onyx tables, and is outfitted for alfresco living at its finest. A large Jacuzzi, sunpads, a backlit bar, and even an outdoor cinema offer a range of settings for entertainment and relaxation. On the upper deck, firepit tables invite guests to gather as the sun sets, while balconies - both fold-down and fixed - provide intimate connections to the sea.

“Driftwood is an aquatic playground designed for adventurers.”

ROBB REPORT

While the Bonville team’s refresh was largely cosmetic, it complemented a broader series of technical and structural upgrades completed as part of the yacht’s multi-phase refit program. In 2022, she underwent a full exterior repaint and five-year survey. Then, in 2024, updates included upgrades to the fresh water pipework, and extensive servicing of her mechanical systems, including her main engines, generators, stabilizers, and water tanks.

THE NEXT CHAPTER