Set Sail in Style: Inside Ilma's Sophisticated Design

With a name that means “water” in Maltese, Ilma’s design is truly an homage to the power and beauty of the sea. Featuring just 224 airy, light-filled suites (all with private terraces), an aft Marina that includes expansive spaces for dining alfresco or enjoying watersports directly from the yacht, and a Peruvian-inspired beach club, Ilma has set a new standard for style at sea. Here, our expert designers from Chapi Chapo and AD Associates share how they brought The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s ethos of unbridled exploration to life onboard our newest superyacht.

“The design emphasizes timeless elegance with a continuity of design throughout the wall and millworker detailing, yet each space possesses a unique character with a strong sense of presence.”

The Suites: A Sanctuary at Sea

Combining the spacious, residential feel that is a hallmark of The Ritz-Carlton with the graceful design of stylish yacht interiors, each of Ilma’s 224 suites is appointed with high-end finishes, designer touches and luxurious amenities. 

“Built around the ideas of lightness and refined luxury, each suite’s neutral color palette is contrasted by rich marble stone-tops and warm oak wood finishes,” says Alejandra Obregon, Director of Architecture and Design for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 

Consideration for scale and lighting are key elements in achieving the desired atmosphere within a room. Whether it is the beautifully tufted sofas, leather upholstered chairs or daybeds at the intimate Observation Terrace, there are opportunities to experience the yacht from various vantage points based on how social or private a guest wants to be. 

“The design emphasizes timeless elegance with a continuity of design throughout the wall and millworker detailing, yet each space possesses a unique character with a strong sense of presence,” Obregon says.
 

The Marina: Details Designed to Elevate Every Moment

The design of Ilma builds on the notion of equal parts past, present and future, drawing on influences from private yachting. The fluid link between interior and exterior spaces is a defining feature of Ilma, inviting guests to soak in the azure waters and coastlines it sails.

“With an aesthetic influenced by superyacht design cues, Ilma’s defining feature is its seamless integration of spaces, fostering a profound connection to the sea,” says Nicola Preece, Design Director at AD Associates. “A harmonious flow of geometry and texture between the interior and exterior creates a cohesive and tranquil atmosphere.”

 A key feature is the access to the sea, highlighted by the Marina. This remarkable space features large, panoramic glass windows that draw in natural daylight, openable side shell doors that float above the water and a hydraulic platform transporting guests directly to the water. It is a space designed to enliven the senses, from the chrome and lacquered white finishes to the polished detailing throughout. 

“We aim to evoke a sense of refined relaxation,” Obregon explains. “There are different areas of the ship that will cater to a variety of desires depending on the experience guests are looking for at any given time. Thoughtfully designed details elevate the experience by placing our guests’ needs first.”
 

The Beach House: A Celebration of Peruvian Culture

In designing the yacht’s exclusive day-to-night enclave, the Beach House, Tatiana Sheveleva of Chapi Chapo Design says that it was important to cultivate the Beach House, for which the designers looked to Peru and its vibrant culture for inspiration, as a distinct destination within the overall yacht, providing guests with a haven to unwind and relax.

“We want them to feel truly transported to a new place upon entry, enveloped in a casually intimate, understated and luxurious space that stands apart aesthetically from the other areas aboard,” she says. “Our guiding principle was to celebrate the diverse flavors and colors that are not only part of Peruvian cuisine but also deeply ingrained in the culture and lifestyle there.” 

To bring the space to life, the designers tapped into Peru’s bold use of patterns, unexpected color palettes and vivacious spirit. “We wanted to create a space that lived and breathed these foundations, celebrating and reflecting the culture both aesthetically and atmospherically,” Sheveleva says. “Natural materials like high-end woods, colorful stone, and light-hued palettes evoke the serene coastal palette, reflecting the sand and sea.”

No matter what time of day or night that you visit, the Beach House is a reminder of why you came onboard in the first place, as it provides the kind of peace and tranquility that only being at the beach can bring. 

Learn More About Life Onboard