The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes new superyacht, Ilma

Ilma’s launch follows the successful debut of its sister ship, Evrima, and signals the company’s intention to continue expanding in the lucrative world of luxury cruising

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has expanded its fleet with the addition of superyacht Ilma, which floated out on its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on 2nd September 2024.

Measuring 790 feet in length, Ilma features 224 spacious suites – each equipped with private terraces, giving guests direct access to the sea – and can host 448 guests, and boasts one of the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea.

The vessel’s elegant, luxurious interiors were crafted by London-based AD Associates, while Helsinki-based Aivan shaped the sleek exterior. An emphasis on seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces allows guests to connect more intimately with the surrounding sea. The yacht’s name, Ilma, is derived from the Maltese word for ‘water’, and its design draws subtle inspiration from Maltese mythology, coastlines and history. A neutral colour palette enhanced with fresh tones creates an inviting atmosphere, while the yacht’s architecture nods to the elegance of private yachts.

Deck 10 is home to the yacht’s main pool, which features a bar and an outdoor LED screen, perfect for open-air entertainment, and The Living Room serves as a central hub with an espresso counter serving fresh pastries by day and cocktails with live music by night.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers rejuvenating treatments by luxury brands like ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi, and includes 11 rooms, five of which offer outdoor treatment options. Fitness enthusiasts will find three dedicated spaces, including a Movement Studio, Cycle Studio and a Fitness Studio equipped with weights and cardio machines.

One of the yacht’s standout features is its Marina and Marina Terrace, a space designed for guests to immerse themselves in the sea. With large glass windows bringing in natural light and side doors that open onto the water, the marina is perfect for water-based activities when the yacht is at anchor.

The new yacht offers itineraries to both popular and secluded ports of call, and its inaugural Mediterranean season includes visits to Santorini in Greece, Porto Cervo in Sardinia, and Valletta in Malta, before heading to the Caribbean, where passengers can explore destinations like Virgin Gorda, St. John and Gustavia.

Ilma will also sail to Northern Europe in 2025, marking The Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into the North and Baltic Seas, and stops will include cities such as Amsterdam, Stockholm and Reykjavík.

Ilma’sculinary program has been curated by MICHELIN-starred chefs. Five dining venues are on offer, including flagship restaurant, Seta su Ilma, a modern Italian dining room helmed by Chef Fabio Trabocchi. The more laid back Beach House, designed by Toronto’s Chapi Chapo Design, offers panoramic sea views and blends Peruvian and Pan-Latin flavours in a relaxed, beach-club-inspired setting, while Memorī serves contemporary Pan-Asian dishes, Mistral focuses on Mediterranean fare, and Tides adapts its seasonal menus based on the destinations visited throughout the voyage. Private dining is also available.

Ilma’s launch follows the successful debut of its sister ship, Evrima, and signals the company’s intention to expand in the lucrative world of luxury cruising. With this new addition, The Ritz-Carlton remains the first and only luxury hotel brand to sail the world’s oceans.

Reservations for Ilma are now open, with travellers encouraged to book early for the chance to experience this extraordinary yacht firsthand.

ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com