5/5 - (2 votes)
20250112 084738 - Valef Yachts Chartering
Anchored in Golfo Dulce. Credits Valef Yachts

Living Aboard the Legendary ‘Christina O’ mega-yacht in the Blue Zone Costa Rica.

This January, I had the opportunity to spend five unforgettable days aboard the iconic Christina O mega yacht in Costa Rica. Originally owned by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who revolutionized luxury at sea, this vessel remains a benchmark of elegance in the yachting world. Experiencing her timeless grandeur in this breathtaking locale was a unique privilege, which is now on offer to those seeking a truly unforgettable experience.  As Costa Rica emerges as a premier destination for luxury eco-tourism and yachting, I found myself on the cusp of an incredible new world already ripe for total enjoyment to the discerning guest.

Setting course for the Christina O felt like reconnecting with a legacy, which also includes that of my own family and of yachting itself. Built as a WWII Canadian Navy frigate and later transformed by Onassis into a private megayacht, this 99-meter (300-foot) vessel is a symbol of opulence and history. From hosting icons like Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O, Winston Churchill, and Maria Callas, to modern guests like Leonardo DiCaprio and Barbra Streisand, Christina O is a living piece of maritime history.

Christina O yacht anchored at Golfo Dulce
Christina O in Golfo Dulce
Winston Churchill, his last visit to America, with Onassis - Valef Yachts Chartering
Aristotle Onassis and Winston Churchill cruising to New York via the Caribbean aboard m/y ‘Christina’

As Richard Burton famously remarked, “I do not believe that any man or woman in the world would resist the temptation and the pure narcissism shamelessly flaunted on this boat.”

This timeless charm was perfectly juxtaposed against the raw beauty of Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce, the third most biodiverse region in the world. With the national ethos being “pura vida”, a feeling of vitality and vigor for life meets an encounter of being utterly pampered by a 40-member crew, from fine dining, exquisite cocktails, luscious massages and pure entertainment amongst the lavish decks and interiors.

Costa Rica’s status as a blue zone and biodiversity hotspot makes it a natural draw for travelers seeking a blend of adventure and sustainable luxury.

Christina O anchored at Golfo Dulce
Pura Vida meets opulence

My father, Vassilios Lefakinis, founder of Valef Yachts in 1969, once met Aristotle Onassis during his time as a young student in New York. Chosen for his academic excellence and Greek heritage, he had the rare opportunity to meet the legend, impressing him enough to receive a gifted tennis racquet. That encounter sparked a vision in my father, “Bill”, of wealth, prestige, and honoring Greece’s maritime legacy.

grace yacht galapagos - Valef Yachts Chartering
m/y Grace (ex Angela)

Two decades later, Bill acquired the 45-meter motor yacht Deo Juvante II, formerly owned by Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly – frequent guests of Onassis aboard his yacht. This vessel, gifted to the royal couple by Onassis, was renamed Angela after Bill’s mother and became one of the first luxury motor yachts available for charter in Greece in the 1970s, when yachting in the region was just getting started. Coming full circle, the adventure aboard this classic yacht in another upcoming yachting locale held all of the elements one craves in life ranging from surprise, elation, mystery, discovery and pure bliss.

 

20250112 112823 - Valef Yachts Chartering
Hawker Craft tenders

I boarded a small charter plane in San Jose bound for Golfito. This lush town on the gulf, once founded by Chiquita Banana and now a duty-free haven, serves as the perfect embarkation point for Costa Rican yacht charters. With uber-fast fueling capabilities the marina prepares yachts to jet off into their guest’s wildest dreams soonest possible. From Marina Bahía Golfito, I boarded one of the stylish Hawker Craft tenders to the Christina O and set forth for the grand prize. Gliding through the smooth emerald waters to find the vessel shining like a jewel is an impression I won’t soon forget.

 

The smiling crew was always prepared to greet guests upon arrival with refreshing towelettes to cleanse our faces, tropical fruit bites and citrus infused water.  My name was gracefully spoken by a stewardess and then I was escorted to my stateroom, aptly called Mykonos (they certainly knew me!) and shortly afterwards the games begun. Admiring the historical aspects and memorabilia aboard was the perfect way to kick off the afternoon, seeped in marvelous, tactile stories, while getting acquainted with the vast spaces.

 

 

 

Ziplining at Osa Conservation

20250113 113503 - Valef Yachts CharteringThe five days aboard were a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. By day, I zip-lined through rainforests, hiked to ancient trees, snorkeled coral reefs, kayaked through majestic mangroves, and swam in bioluminescent waters under the full moon, led by  dynamic local team of guides.  For moments spent aboard, I lounged on the yacht’s expansive decks, enjoyed sunset cocktails at the floating aft bar – arguably the best in the world, and indulged in massages from the onboard Thai masseuse – who eased any last tension away.  A highlight was taking a dip at dusk in the 360 degrees view jacuzzi, cocktail in hand, during a passing tropical rain shower.  The calls of the macaws and tucans in the distance.

From large spreads at lunch on the aft deck to precise plating at dinnertime in the indoor Grace Kelly dining room or the outdoor Upper Deck, each meal was perfectly conceived by the Argentinian chef and Phillipine sioux chefs.  The BBQ was handled by Santiago and helper with the brightest smiles, and lunches ended at the dessert buffet with homemade ice-creams and tarts. Wine service was persistent and delightful incorporating global wine selections.

Dining aboard Christina O
Dining & the Minoan themed mosaic floor come Swimming pool

Evenings felt timeless, alight with laughter at the dinner table, moonlight, karaoke, and groovy moments at the bar with decadent cocktails and music, More intimate chats took place indoors at the ever-famous Ari’s bar where a cigar complements the bubbly, poured expertly by the wonderful Nikolai.

In-between activities where we were whisked away to the most beautiful nooks of the planet and introduced to new animals and flora each day, was time for total enjoyment of the many sea toys – and time hardly allowed to indulge in them all.  When our guides spotted pods of dolphins leaping in the sunset, a jetski ride turned into a fast tender ride to lead them on our wakes and take perfect photos of their joy in the glimmering pink light.

wakeboarding golfo dulce

The opening of this precious region of the world to yachting has more to offer guests than one can conceive. Follow your adventurous spirit and get ready to marvel and be pampered in this exciting new destination.  Now, more than ever, Costa Rica is a natural yachting paradise beckoning for exploration!

The Greek spirit was high aboard in Golfo Dulce this month as we danced, explored and toasted our way into the new year.  The legend of Onassis follows us in our journey to offer boutique yachting services to people from around the world.  Valef Yachts looks forward to working with our new partners to offer our global clientele more in every way.

Pura Vida!

 

20250111 162743 - Valef Yachts Chartering

 

taking in the view at Golfo Dulce
Kassandra Lefakinis, Managing Partner at Valef Yachts Greece, taking in the view.
All photos property of Kassandra Lefakinis and Valef Yachts Ltd.

EXPLORE DESTINATIONS and CHARTER ITINERARIES IN GREECE >>