Bill Gates once spent a luxurious summer vacation aboard one of the world’s most opulent superyachts, the 439-foot-long Serene, during a 2014 trip to Sardinia. At the time, Gates reportedly paid an eye watering $5 million per week to charter the $400 million vessel, which was then owned by Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler, the vodka magnate behind Stolichnaya. Interestingly, the uber-luxury vessel now sails under the ownership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The experience turned heads across the globe, but it wasn’t just the scale of the yacht that made headlines. It was also Gates’ distinctive vacation routine, which included hopping into a helicopter from the yacht every morning to play a game of tennis on land, before flying back to the vessel to join his family for water sports and leisure.
Though he now swears by pickleball as his sport of choice, back then Gates was still a tennis enthusiast. According to a Daily Mail report, he maintained a strict tennis schedule even while on vacation.
Each morning, he would board one of Serene’s two helipads and take off for a private court somewhere in Sardinia. After wrapping up his tennis matches, Gates would return to the yacht for a relaxing day with his family, indulging in snorkeling, jet skiing, and other water activities offered aboard the floating palace.
Gates wasn’t alone during this Mediterranean escape. He was joined by his then-wife, Melinda Gates, and their three children — Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe.
The Gates family was seen enjoying the sea breeze, warm sun, and stunning views around Porto Cervo, a billionaire playground in northern Sardinia.
The week-long family retreat was a rare public glimpse into the private life of one of the world’s richest men, and Serene served as the perfect setting.
Launched in 2011 by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, Serene was their debut into the superyacht world and an instant sensation. It remains one of the most iconic yachts in existence, boasting a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and a massive beam of 60 feet. The interior, designed by Reymond Langton Design, spans over 4500 square meters across seven decks.
Though the details remain highly private, it is known to feature everything from a snow room and hammams to spas and a wellness center. The master suite comes with its own private swim platform and elevator, and a total of 12 suites onboard accommodate up to 24 guests, looked after by a crew of more than 50.
What truly sets Serene apart are its unique and extravagant amenities. The yacht features an underwater viewing room for marine life enthusiasts, a nightclub with a dedicated bandstand and dance floor, and a cinema for movie nights at sea.
There is also a private beach club, multiple lounges, two Jacuzzis, and a piano room. One of its two helipads can even be converted into a swimming pool or party deck. The vessel also includes a personal submarine and an array of toys and tenders, making it an entertainment hub both above and below water.
Serene’s appeal left an impression on Gates. Although he didn’t make an immediate move to acquire a yacht of his own, the allure of yachting never faded. However, as someone deeply concerned with environmental issues, he likely waited for an innovation that aligned with his values. That opportunity came with the advent of hydrogen-powered superyachts. When sustainable maritime technology matured, Gates commissioned Breakthrough, a hydrogen-fueled megayacht that promised zero emissions and cutting-edge eco innovation. It was to be the future of luxury yachting — clean, quiet, and conscientious.
But the Breakthrough never became a permanent part of Gates’ life. After his divorce from Melinda in 2021, he reportedly sold the yacht before ever making it a regular retreat. Though he never fully stepped into the world of yacht ownership, the Serene experience likely ignited a long-standing appreciation for life on the water.
Today, Serene is in the hands of another powerful figure: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is said to have purchased the yacht on impulse during a holiday in the South of France, sealing the deal in a matter of hours and asking the previous owner to vacate the same day. Since then, Serene has been part of the Saudi royal fleet, rumored to house even Leonardo da Vinci’s $450 million painting Salvator Mundi on one of its walls.
Yet even as Serene sails under a different flag, it continues to be remembered as the superyacht that dazzled Bill Gates, a floating kingdom that not only catered to his love for tennis and family but possibly inspired him to dream of an eco-friendly alternative of his own.
