The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma A Boutique Hotel At Sea

All accommodations aboard Ilma are elegantly appointed suites each one featuring a private terrace and floor-to ceiling glass doors that invite the sea breeze in and offer uninterrupted ocean views. With no inside cabins, the yachts boutique philosophy is clear: light, space, and connection to the sea come first.

My suite was nothing short of exceptional. Generously proportioned and filled with natural light, it offered a king size bed, a walk-in wardrobe, and a bathroom that could rival the best five-star hotels I’ve experienced on land. But the true showstopper? The private terrace. Every suite on Ilma includes one, and I quickly discovered that some of my favourite moments happened there sipping coffee at sunrise as the horizon unfolded ahead or enjoying a glass of wine while gliding silently into port.

With just 224 suites onboard and a staff-to-guest ratio that ensures seamless, intuitive service, the experience is defined by privacy and ease. There’s no scrambling for sun loungers or queuing at the bar everything feels calm, effortless, and perfectly paced.

It’s less like being on a ship, and more like staying at an impeccably designed coastal estate, one that just happens to float.

With six restaurants onboard, each offered its own unique character, and every meal left a lasting impression. Dining aboard Ilma was easily one of the most exceptional culinary experiences I’ve had at sea or anywhere in the world.

There are no buffets here. No mass-market food halls. Just intimate, beautifully designed dining venues, each with a focus on quality, regional inspiration, and personalised service.

Memori, the Japanese venue, offered an atmosphere of zen-like tranquillity and precision. Every dish, from hand-rolled sushi to delicately seasoned tempura, was artfully presented and full of subtle, layered flavours. It felt like dining in Tokyo rather than onboard a ship.

The Beach House restaurant dining experience struck the perfect balance between relaxed and refined – its airy, coastal-inspired interiors flowing seamlessly onto the outdoor pool deck, where the sea breeze and sun added to the vibe. I dined on vibrant Pan-Latin dishes that were as flavourful as they were beautifully presented.

The menu, created in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, drew from the rich culinary traditions of South and Central America, while also spotlighting fresh, local Caribbean ingredients.

The crown jewel, however, was Seta which is the yachts signature fine dining restaurant, crafted in partnership with acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi. Inspired by the Italian Riviera and Mediterranean flavour.

This fine-dining experience was a journey through Italy’s diverse culinary heritage. The degustation menu featured handmade pastas, tender meats, fresh seafood, and heavenly desserts – all paired with an exceptional list of Italian wines. I still think about the Barolo served with the veal course. It was one of those rare meals where each course builds on the last, telling a story, one plate at a time.

I don’t usually give much thought to the gym when I travel, for me, is typically more about indulgence than discipline but Ilma changed that. The fitness centre was a true standout.

Spacious, sleek and filled with natural light, it was one of the most thoughtfully designed onboard gyms I’ve ever seen. The equipment was top-tier. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the space, offering uninterrupted views of the ocean.

There was something surprisingly energising about running on a treadmill while watching the ship glide through open water or stretching into a yoga pose as the sun rose over the horizon.

Whether you were committed to a serious workout or just wanted to get your body moving after a long, lazy lunch, it was easy (and even enjoyable) to stay active on board.

While my short itinerary didn’t allow time for a spa treatment, I did take a moment to tour The Ritz-Carlton Spa and it was exactly what you’d hope for from a brand known for elevated wellness. The space was calm and luxurious, with soft lighting, ocean tones and an immediate sense of tranquillity the moment you stepped inside.

The treatment menu was extensive, offering everything from facials and massages to signature rituals inspired by global wellness traditions. There was even a serene relaxation area where you could unwind post-treatment with herbal tea and sea views.

If I had more time, this is exactly where I would have spent a slow, indulgent afternoon – disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with myself.