93-metre ‘floating palace’ turns heads at Malta’s Grand Harbour

Malta’s Grand Harbour has welcomed one of the world’s most luxurious private yachts – the Mayan Queen IV, a 93-metre floating palace valued at an estimated €175 million.

Owned by the late Alberto Baillères, a prominent Mexican billionaire who passed away in 2022 at the age of 90, the vessel’s presence in local waters has turned heads and sparked interest among yachting enthusiasts at the Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa.

Mr Baillères was one of Latin America’s wealthiest individuals, with a fortune estimated at around €10 billion. He was best known for leading Grupo BAL – a sprawling conglomerate with interests in mining, insurance, retail, and finance – and for serving as Chairman of Peñoles, one of the world’s top silver producers.

Since his passing, the yacht is believed to be under the management of his estate or heirs, most notably his son Alejandro Baillères, who has taken over various leadership roles within the family empire.

The Mayan Queen IV was built by renowned German shipyard Blohm + Voss and launched in 2008. Its sleek exterior was designed by Tim Heywood, while the interiors were crafted by the legendary Terence Disdale – a designer known for his discreet, luxurious style and a client list that includes royalty and global tycoons.

Beyond its elegant profile, the yacht is a marvel of modern luxury: it reportedly features a helipad, multiple decks with panoramic lounges, a wellness centre, a swimming pool, and opulent accommodations for dozens of guests and crew.

Malta has become an increasingly popular port of call for elite superyachts, and the arrival of the Mayan Queen IV has dominated in the beautiful Cottonera marina. With Fort St Angelo as its dramatic backdrop, the vessel’s strong presence shows the island’s appeal to global high-net-worth individuals seeking beauty, discretion, and a strategic location.