- Superyachts are rising steadily in popularity, with figures showing that 412 were purchased last year alone
- As the demand increases, designers of these epic vessels are just getting more and more creative
- From floating island-inspired clubs to sleek aluminum models fit for a Bond Villain, it seems the sky is the limit
Superyachts are more popular then ever before and in a bid to keep up with demand from ultra-wealthy travellers.
Figures released by Forbes earlier this year show that sales of the mega-vessels have more than doubled in the past five years, with 412 purchased by the end of 2014 alone.
With the rich only getting richer, the designs of these gargantuan offerings are likewise only getting more sophisticated, carrying their own portable islands, garages for sports cars and submarines and even recreating cities on the sea. It seems the sky is your limit, if you have the cash to splash.
The Pastrovich Studio's X R-Evolution model looks as though it was inspired by the over-water villas found in the Maldives
With such luxurious offerings as detachable plunge pools, which can be anchored closer to a shore of your choosing, to a £244million boat, which has been designed as a to-scale replica of the city-state of Monaco, it seems as though the sky is the limit when it comes to the superyacht designs of the future.
MailOnline Travel looks at some of the most surreal renderings below.
X R-Evolution
This Pastrovich Studio-designed masterpiece looks as though it was inspired by a Maldivian over-water villa.
The 77m long vessel boasts two separate platforms, which are tethered together and float behind the yacht.
If your guests would like a bit more privacy, it is possible for the plunge pool 'island' and other platforms to 'break off' from the mother ship and drop anchor closer to a sandy beach shore.
This floating hotel is essentially several private villas, designed to accommodate 40 different crew members. Though with all the different configuration possibilities, there's a good chance that you may never see them.
Meanwhile, the design firm's 92m Beach Club offering is outfitted with several towering palm trees, and a large central pool
Beach Club
Those looking for a truly island-inspired escape will undoubtedly enjoy the 92m Beach Club yacht from the same design firm.
The main deck features six towering palm trees, which surround the pool and its loungers.
Two shaded decks overlook the tropical paradise below, where circular sun beds and several dining tables can accommodate many large gatherings.
Inside, the interiors are in line with such a breezy, island aesthetic and include billowing linen curtains and crisp white couches
The deck has several tiers and include several formal dining options, as well as deck chairs circled around an open fire pit
Inside, the interiors are similarly rustic-chic, with plenty of linen curtains blowing in the sea breeze and comfortable white sofas alongside wicker accessories.
On the third deck, a circle of folding deck chairs surround an open fire pit, creating a beach-like atmosphere in the middle of the ocean.
Who needs to pay a visit to an oceanfront resort when you have your very own multi-million pound floating beach club?
The sleek Sveti design looks as though it was tailor made for a Bond villain - right down to the futuristic rooftop heli-pad
Sveti
Straight out of a film, the Pastrovich Studio designed Sveti is the type of yacht that a James Bond villain would undoubtedly feel at home on.
The 150m offering is as futuristic as they come, easily accommodating a helipad, as well as storage for several smaller speed boats and jet skis.
On the main deck, there are several plunge pools surrounded by sun loungers, as well as an upper-level terrace overlooking the common areas below.
Though superyachts may traditionally be considered a toy preferred by male millionaires, La Belle is designed with the fairer sex in mind
La Belle
The first of its kind, this Lidia Bersani Luxury Design crafted superyacht is especially for women.
Just look to the 262ft ship's Swarovski crystal chandeliers, opulent gold mosaics and over-the-top ice fountains to see how the design firm has customised what is usually considered to be a toy for a male millionaire to that of the high-spending fairer sex.
Decorated with fur, flowers and plenty of additional feminine detailing, the yacht is meant to evoke a 'romantic and warm' aesthetic.
The 262ft ship was crafted by Lidia Bersani Luxury Design and boasts plenty of feminine touches, including gold and crystal accents
Six deluxe cabins, which are all decorated in the same ivory and gold hues, sleep 12 guests, though it's the master cabin that's the most decadent.
Outfitted with a round king size double bed and baldachin canopy, the suite also offers a separate private terrace.
True to its target demographic, the massive yacht is also tricked out with a state-of-the-art spa area, complete with hydromassage pool, hamman, and infrared sauna, as well as a beauty centre, disco club, theatre and several bars.
A superyacht of the future, the 'Streets of Monaco' design is quite literally nothing short of a floating city-state
'The Streets of Monaco'
This superyacht of the future is nothing short of a floating city.
Designs for the gargantuan £244 million boat were unveiled earlier this year and are complete with many key landmarks of the wealthy principality, including the iconic Hotel de Paris.
And if that's not enough for the super ship's potential playboy owners, there's also a go kart race track that replicates that of the Grand Prix.
With a price tag of £244 million, the mega-boat features all of the key landmarks of the wealthy principality - scaled to size
While its interiors are similarly luxe, it's perhaps the replica F1 Grand Prix go karting race track that's the most over-the-top feature
Rob McPherson, one of the founders of the project told the Daily Mail: 'The idea was to recreate the circuit as a fully-functional kart track able to accommodate three karts side-by-side to allow for plenty of overtaking.
'By sizing the track in this way it has driven the overall dimensions of the yacht and the placement of the famous landmarks.'
And, of course, there's also a helipad, mini submarine, speedboats, jet skis, swimming pools and Jacuzzis on board the mega boat, which accommodates 16 guests and sleeps a staff of 70.
Milan-based designer, Federico Fiorentino, recently unveiled The Belafonte, which can only be described a superyacht on steroids
The Belafonte
At the end of last year, Italian designer, Federico Fiorentino, revealed a new luxury vessel, called The Belafonte, that is essentially a floating playground for billionaires.
A superyacht on steroids, the striking bronze exterior can be spotted miles away as it catches the sun's reflection off of the sea.
The 164ft aluminum boat has three decks for lounging and five cabins, including a 900 square foot owner's suite with separate studio, balcony, walk-in closets and two bathrooms.
Tony Castro's Explorer has been dubbed the 'Range Rover of the Seas' due to all of its luxurious extras
Explorer
Dubbed the 'Range Rover of the Seas,' British designer Tony Castro's latest £29m superyacht comes with all the bells and whistles.
Among the luxurious extras, the mega-boat boasts a cinema, wine cellar, gym, sauna and beach club with infinity pool on board.
For the ulta-rich, travelling with all of their costly toys, there's also space on the Explorer to house a submarine, several luxury sports cars and jetskis.
And, of course, there is an upper-deck helipad to accommodate a luxurious private transfer.
Not only is there an on-board cinema and wine cellar, but the stunning infinity pool on the boat's stern is actually two decks deep
To accommodate the ultra-rich and their costly toys, there is also ample storage space for a submarine, luxury sports cars and jet skis
The stunning infinity pool, which looks even more incredible during sunset, is two decks deep, offering stunning views from the boat's stern.
Ample lounge space, as well as a luxurious master cabin and four other double cabins, can accommodate up to 12 guests and a crew of 15.
Best of all, wooden areas jut out into the sea, with ladders down, so that guests can take a dip to cool off whenever they wish.
The £390 million Azzam superyacht departed on its maiden voyage in 2013 as the largest private yacht in the world
Azzam
Owned by the president of the UAE, the £390 million Azzam, departed on its maiden voyage in 2013 as the largest private yacht in the world.
Measuring in at 590 feet, the equivalent of 12 double-decker buses parked end to end, the Azzam is actually 57 feet longer than Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's impressive superyacht, Eclipse.
Inside, there's an expansive open-plan salon designed by French interior designer, Christophe Leoni, in a turn-of-the-century, Empire aesthetic.
Such a superyacht of the future is actually so large that most of the world's marinas will struggle to accommodate it - not surprising considering it houses a cinema, conference facilities, beauty salon, swimming pool and sauna, and can sleep 36 guests.
Facheris Designs has just put the finishing touches on this rendering of their sleek and stylish Maximus 300 gigayacht
Maximus 300
Sleek and stylish, this rendering from Facheris Designs is as far from the stereotypical 'wedding cake' superyacht structure as possible.
Balancing efficiency and extravagance, the chrome colouring adds are particular futuristic feel to this model.
With ample deck space, the mega-yacht is able to accommodate a helicopter landing, and, because you can walk from the stern to the bow in open air, there are some breathtaking views to be had.
With a minimalist aesthetic that is both efficient and extravagant, this chrome-accented offering has a particularly futuristic feel
Though the boat measures 100m, the entire design is actually very environmentally conscious, using a diesel-electric propulsion system
And though it may be hard to believe, considering that the boat measures 100 metres in length, the entire design is actually extremely environmentally conscious.
It's powered by a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and a solar-energy panel has been integrated into the design.
Five private residences, which each measure from 400 to 800 square feet and come with their own personal gym, can accommodate up to 10 guests.
But it's the main deck that's truly the focal point of the superstructure, boasting an infinity pool, outdoor theatre and a full five-star restaurant with all the fixings.
