GLOBAL – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s new superyacht Ilma has set sail, marking the official launch of the luxury hotel group’s second vessel.
Ilma embarked on its maiden seven-night voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome almost two years after the debut of its first ship, Evrima.
During its inaugural Mediterranean season, itineraries will include visits to both well-known and more secluded ports, with stops in Santorini, Valletta, and Porto Cervo.
It will then sail to the Caribbean, dock at Virgin Gorda, St Barths and St John. In 2025, Ilma will be the first of the two ships to sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, offering immersive experiences in destinations such as Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavik.
Each of the yacht’s 224 spacious suites includes private terraces. With a capacity of 448 guests, Ilma offers one of the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea.
The overall design of the ship has been inspired by the aesthetics of private yachts, with neutral tones and natural elements creating an elegant finish.
London-based AD Associates and lighting designer DPA curated the sleek interiors, while Helsinki-based studio Aivan envisioned the exterior.
There are several restaurants, including Seta su Ima, an Italian fine dining establishment headed by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabbocchi, and Memori, which serves authentic Japanese cuisine in a contemporary setting.
Beach House offers Latin-inspired dishes and views of the yacht’s infinity pool. In contrast, Tides offers a menu anchored by the local cuisine of the destinations Ilma visits, and Mistral offers Mediterranean fare by the main pool.
A signature feature across The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet is the expansive Marina and Marina Terrace and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly to the sea when anchored. Deck 10 includes an open-air space for live entertainment, sunbathing, the main pool, and an outdoor LED screen.
Additional onboard experiences include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which offers ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi therapies. The spa has 11 rooms, five with outdoor treatment options, three fitness spaces, and an indoor cycle studio.
Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, said: “Ilma brings The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned luxury accommodations and personalised service to sea, further redefining the industry’s benchmarks.”
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