Set to make its maiden voyage this September, Ilma has been designed to create a ‘seamless integration of spaces’ to enhance guests’ connection with the sea while onboard.

The 790-ft yacht, which has been named after the Maltese word for ‘water’, has a capacity of 448 guests and offers 224 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace. It follows on from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first ship, Evrima, which made its first sailing in October 2022. 

Guests on Ilma will be able to choose between seven different stateroom categories, the largest being the Owner’s Suite which offers up to 1,033 sq ft of space, a whirlpool spa and an outdoor shower. The second biggest staterooms are the four Concierge suites, followed by the four Ilma suites and the two View suites. There are also 32 Grand suites, 77 Signature suites, and 92 Terrace suites.

“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,” said Nicola Preece, design director at AD Associates, the company behind the ship’s unique design. “A harmonious flow of geometry and texture between the interior and exterior creates a cohesive and tranquil atmosphere.”

Interiors are inspired by elements of Malta’s mythology and coastline, with fresh neutral tones juxtaposed by light and dark finishes. Live entertainment and sunbathing spaces can be found alongside the main pool on the open-air Deck 10, while the Marina terrace on Deck 3 will give way to water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.  

For dining, guests can head to the Ochre Room to enjoy seasonal menus, Talaat Nam for south-east Asian dishes, or Minstrel, which specialises in Mediterranean dishes. There’s also the Living Room, which serves coffees by day and cocktails by night, and Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine and craft cocktails can be ordered at the Beach House, an indoor-outdoor venue conceptualised by luxury firm Chapi Chapo Designs with 180-degree views of the coast. 

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a salon and a barber shop will also be available, as well as a fitness studio.