Mainly because, in line with maritime regulations, private yachts can sleep just 12 guests.
It took about 30 hours onIlma during a preview sailing from Barcelona to Monaco for my cynicism to thaw.
The portholes point down, so we could see directly into the water below us.
Exterior of the Ilma yacht which means “water” in Maltese.Credit:Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
It quickly became my go-to spot.
Every time I returned, I had it all to myself.
The ability to find your own space, even on a busy sailing, is by design.
Scenic views of the ocean from an on deck lounge.Chrissie McClatchie/Travel + Leisure
So you won’t find a single buffet or theater on board.
Youll also find a floating swim platform so expansive that it takes three hours to inflate.
We want to continue to emphasize the yachting experience as opposed to the cruise experience.
Each decision, down to the floral arrangements, has been made with a lot of research behind it.
Its clear Murren and his colleagues have immersed themselves in the yachting world.
These top-tier offerings have a Jacuzzi and outdoor shower, as well as prime forward- or aft-facing views.
I havent slept so well or in anything so spacious at sea.
Sliding doors close off the bedroom from the living room with a separate lounge and dining area.
The elegant, residential feel is a Ritz-Carlton hallmark.
Luxury is in the details: Diptyque toiletries, Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, king-size Frette mattresses.
The result is five dining venues and two celebrated chefs making their debut at sea.
Fresh and juicy, the meal was the perfect match to the blindingly blue Cote dAzur skies.
The spot for a nightcap is The Living Room, which hosts a soft-rock cover band each night.
We left laden with tasty treats.
Getting on and off the boat, even at anchor, is blissfully stress-free.
Interior of the Beach House Dining Room.Don Riddle/Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Amenities and Entertainment
Ritz-Carlton is making a strong case for spending as much time on boardIlmaas possible.
I was pleasantly surprised to find baby changing tables in some of the public area bathrooms.
There arent any connecting suites onIlma, but there are suite categories with a fold-out sofa.
Interior of the Living Room Books to Bar.Don Riddle/Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz Kids area doubles as a meeting room and is smaller than the children’s area onEvrima.
Tip: accessible suite 631 on deck six has the largest terrace.
Aerial view off the Ilma yacht.Chrissie McClatchie/Travel + Leisure
The pool deck on board during sunset.Don Riddle/Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
