All about Ilma

The 448-passenger vessel embarked on its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo yesterday following a series of shakedown cruises building toward what The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection hoped will be a flawless introduction.

Ilma flying the French tricolor during a call at Saint-Tropez PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

Sleek, sophisticated and casually elegant, Ilma's interiors are rich in nautical details without being themey. AD Associates created a color palette of neutral tones — taupe, gray, sandstone — juxtaposed by light and dark finishes, while Chapi Chapo is behind the distinctive more tropical look of the Beach House.

Pia Maria Raeder's 'Sea Anemones' and one of Chas Colburn's acrylic on metal paintings PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Art throughout is themed on discovery, experience and curiosity, in the words of Alejandra Obregon, director, architecture and design, RCYC. Massive Chas Coburn paintings, acrylic layered on metallic sheets, make a bold statement on each stair landing, with the forward stairs depicting sunrise up to sunset and the aft stairs from seabed to the ocean surface.

One of the first things travelers see as they embark Ilma is Pia Maria Raeder's biomorphic 'Sea Anemones' sculptures handcrafted from thousands of beechwood sticks and specially commissioned for the yacht.

The outside part of the Marina Terrace with steps curving down to the Marina PHOTO: THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

Marina Terrace and Marina

The Marina has been a very successful feature on Evrima, so the goal was 'perfecting it' on Ilma, according to RCYC President/CFO Ernesto Fara.

Close to the water on Deck 3, the Marina Terrace feels like a superyacht with its chrome chairs cushioned in white and navy pinstrip upholstery, white backlit bar and deck-like flooring. 'When you walk in, you have a direct view of the sea to the horizon,' Obregon said.

The Marina Terrace has wings that open to sea when Ilma's at anchor. At right, the AquaBana is a fun new feature that attaches to the retractable marina, lower left PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

When Ilma's at anchor, wings on both sides open, creating platforms for tables and chairs over the water. The floor has glass panels.

'You hover over the sea,' Obregon said.

At anchor, this is an active space, with the fold-out marina deployed so travelers can take a dip in the sea inside the protected netted area and use water toys. Ilma also introduces the largest AquaBana on a ship, and this cushy, modular structure provides more sunbathing space and a shady place to sit with feet in the water.

'AquaBana was imported from the yaching world,' Fara said, describing the concept as a 'beach attached to the ship. You enjoy a beach onboard. It's incredibly fun,' he added.

When Ilma's overnight in port, there may be an activation in the Marina Terrace. Last week in Saint-Tropez that included live music and stations serving caviar and fresh-from-ashore oysters.

There's outdoor seating aft, and travelers can descend the curving staircases to the Marina at water level. In the evening, it's a spectacularly tranquil spot to watch the twinkling lights ashore, other nearby yachts and the stars, with the sound of water gently lapping.

The Living Room PHOTO: THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

The Living Room

The Living Room on Deck 5 forms Ilma's central hub, with sofas, armchairs and carpet in dark brown, taupe and sandstone.

The space transforms from a coffee bar by day into a cocktail lounge/entertainment venue at night. A quiet side offers tables for games and a carefully curated library. The livelier side has a dance floor and a long bar with a black granite floor.

The chandelier with Maltese inspiration, Ann the barista, homemade gelati, Alex Katz art and a corner of the library PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

The chandelier is related to Ilma's flag state, Malta, whose official bird is the blue rock thrush, which thrives on seeds. The more than 900 Murano glass 'seeds' were hand-blown. Art in the Living Room includes a Picasso of the Cote d'Azur, an Andy Warhol sea turtle, a Christo of Miami's Biscayne Bay and an Alex Katz oil painting with blue and black strokes.

Throughout the day, people drift in to the espresso/snack bar at one end. There's an enclosed humidor, too, featuring Davidoff cigars and Macallan whiskies. It's the only place smoking is allowed on board.

The bar opens after lunch until 1 a.m. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. there's live music by a pianist or a combo and, later, a DJ gets the dance floor going.

Bartender Amit's specialty cocktails include a Cuban old fashioned made with homemade tobacco syrup that was created as a nod to the nearby Humidor, and an after-dinner drink that combines vodka with white chocolate liqueur.

The espresso bar offers grab-n-go snacks like banana bread, vegetable ciabatta, wraps and Greek salad that change throughout the day, while the selection of gelati is homemade. Barista Ann works miracles in cappuccino foam with her Ripples machine that makes distinctive patterns and pictures.

Ilma's Bvlgari boutique and Starboard Cruise Services' Lisa Bauer selecting an evening bag PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Along the corridor from the Living Room are several shops headlined by the first Bvlgari boutique on a yacht.

Dining

Ilma's dining is a real wow — fresh, with luxurious ingredients expertly prepared and artfully presented. The selection mixes elegant restaurants and more casual poolside eateries.

Main restaurant Tides, adjacent to the Marina Terrace, has an ever-changing menu based on the destinations and serves 'traditional dishes with a little twist,' Maitre d' Cata said, for example, a Greek omelet at breakfast with savory crab, and a smoked gazpacho appetizer at dinner that's uncovered with a little puff of smoke.

A corner of the main restaurant, Tides, with Maitre d' Cata and her colleague Donovan, maitre d' of Mistral PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Dishes are paired with wines by the glass or bottle. And dinner starts with a signature aperitif: Grey Goose vodka, watermelon juice, lime and hibiscus topped with prosecco.

There are three different dinner menus in a week. Recently one offered pan-seared sea bream, garlic king prawns, black angus cote de beouf, duck breast and gnocchi ala Romana plus two vegetarian entrees.

Tides also features a wine vault and Dining Privée, a private room seating up to 12 that may be reserved for special occasions.

The spacious, airy Mistral for indoor-outdoor dining with Mediterranean flavors and Alejandra Obregon with Warren Keelan's 'Wave' image PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Mistral

Steps from the Deck 10 main pool, Mistral is a spacious, airy, casual restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating. On fine days the sides open to the sea so diners can sit on the terrace; that provided breakfast with a gasp-worthy vista of Monte Carlo and its the ornate casino one day last week. Diners may also sit outside in shade next to the pool.

The wide-ranging menu features Mediterranean flavors. 'Lobster pasta is our signature,' along with grilled meats, Maitre d' Donovan said, and a popular new addition is the pizza oven.

A Tom Wesselmann seascape features prominently near the entrance. Chairs have pinstripe fabric and chrome detailing, and the procelain is Schönwald.

Aft of the restaurant, the open-air Mistral Bar hosts music for pre-dinner cocktails. Mixologist Slobodan is always whipping up inventive drinks such as a peach ginger mule, vodka infused with lime peel, spicy ginger syrup, lime juice, peach liqueur and topped with ginger beer, lemon grass and a ginger slice.

With a creative flair and a chemist's mind, Slobodan loves to comb markets and the ship's provisions area for ingredients. His bar's like a laboratory, with jars containing dehydrated star fruit, beetroot and other elements to add color or taste. Recently he infused vodka with bleu cheese for a patron who likes bleu cheese-stuffed olives, created a coconut fat wash to flavor a negroni and a cheese wash with Johnnie Walker scotch for 'a note of smokiness and flavor of Parmesan.'

The Beach House by Michael Mina with its pan-Latin/Caribbean cuisine, Chapi Chapo interiors and infinity pool out back PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

The Beach House

Michelin-star chef/restaurateur Michael Mina partnered with RCYC for this new Ilma concept featuring pan-Latin and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. It's served in an airy, light-filled space evoking a chic Peruvian beach club, with the dining room opening to the aft infinity pool.

Alejandra Obregon called the design 'an evolution of nautical details with beautifully crafted chairs with a roping element, a contemporary design related to rope' that's 'evolved to be much more luxurious. The wood frame chairs, crafted in Portugal, have backs with blush-pink woven details recalling rope and pillows with tropical fabric that's recreated in the trim of the cream-colored leather sofas. The chandeliers are silky white fabric resembling sails.

Diners on a shakedown cruise were wowed by Mina's tiger prawn burger on a brioche bun. Other selections include a lomo saltado sandwich, grilled chicken, a crispy fish fry and appetizers served family-style such as black truffle empanada with corn crema, blistered peppers and snapper ceviche, with desserts like raspberry basil granita, passion fruit panna cotta and arroz con leche. Craft beers, an elevated tequila selection and 40 mezcals distinguish the bar.

Just some of Fabio Trabocchi's fabulous creations for Seta su Ilma's 12-course tasting menu PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Seta su Ilma

Michelin-star chef/restaurateur Fabio Trabocchi, known for his elegant Italian restaurants in the US, created a decadent 12-course tasting menu with wine pairings for Ilma. Fresh seafood, waygu beef and handmade pasta are accompanied by freshly baked bread, cold-pressed olive oils, seasonal truffles and limoncello sorbet from the Amalfi Coast.

Among the courses: king crab, almond gazpacho; a Sicilian seafood medley with tuna, octopus and scallop; branzino, lobster ravioli and waygu beef. The sommeliers and servers are versed in every detail, their introductions like poetry, enhancing each course.

Reservations are required, and an additional fee applies.

Rob Plattel's artwork, upper left, welcomes diners to Memori, which offers contemporary interpretations of Japanese cuisine PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Memori

From sashimi to tempura to wagyu beef dishes, Memorī offers contemporary interpretations of Japanese cuisine, with a sushi bar at the heart of the restaurant and indoor-outdoor seating.

Diners enter this space of sleek angles and textural accents at a foyer graced by Rob Plattel's textured black artwork of mother of pearl on lava sand and pass through a lounge separated by burgundy screens to the dining area where Irene van Vliet's large, fluid depiction of a carp swims along one wall. Further screens make intimate seating areas and tables are topped with fresh flowers and small lamps.

Maitre d' Arlin recommended the grilled octopus, 'charred, absolutely delicious and very tender'; the Royal Imperial Shui Mai (homemade prawn, lobster and caviar dim sum); scallops, 'a beautiful dish, with spicy sauce on the side'; and beef short ribs with fried rice ('We come with bone marrow to the table and scrape it into the rice. It melts so it's super-rich, such a wonderful dish').

Last week one diner deemed Memori 'the best Asian food at sea — unbelievable.'

Talent development

Each dining venue has its own personality but with the same quality standard across all, according to RCYC's Jens Gorka, SVP shipboard operations. Each offers dishes with lobster and top-quality beef, and all have 'the finest crockery and cutlery,' he said.

Apart from the partnerships with Trabocchi and Mina to develop new concepts, everything else was done in-house.

'We are evolving our talent on all fronts,' Gorka said. 'We are trying to consistently improve the guest service and always the education of the individuals. Our interest is to grow them ... We're making significant investments in our employees in training and welfare.'

The finest crockery and cutlery,' here, Schönwald in Mistral, and 'really, really good mixology' as exemplified by the inventive Slobodan in the Mistral Bar PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Gorka said the mixology is 'really, really good,' and Ilma's head sommelier has the ability to certify the two lower levels of sommelier certification.

This philosophy extends to the new suite ambassador role, which RCYC envisions as delivering concierge service in suite, and the company is looking for partners to develop an internal certification.

Earlier, RCYC merged the concierge program with shore excursions and the team is creating partnerships in ports with restaurants and venues to give guest some 'true yachtlike things and more access than regular visitors would get.'

Ernesto Fara said these experiences would include dinner at a Tuscan villa and beach club access in the Caribbean.

Ilma's crew, he reminded, are 'ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,' the Ritz-Carlton motto.

'When you're enjoying anything here, you'll be surrounded by service,' Fara said, adding RCYC treats its crew very well. They have superior cabins and dining, a gym and a 'wonderful bar on Deck 11, on top of Mistral. A ladies and gentlemen's only space ... The more you give, the more they will feel part of the ship. the connection to the guests and the ladies and gentlemen they are serving. It's part of the culture,' he summed up.

Ilma's main pool, high on Deck 10 PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

Pools, spa and fitness

Besides the infinity pool outside The Beach House, Ilma sports a main pool high on Deck 10 that's ringed by thickly cushioned double chaise lounges. A few open cabanas have slatted roofs for partial shade, and there are two glass showers.

The area is served by the Pool Bar, and tables allow poolside dining from Mistral. 

Evening activations such as sail-away parties take place here.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa provides the level of treatments and service the brand is known for. There are 11 private rooms, a sauna, steam room and relaxation zones and a juice bar. A full-service beauty lounge and a gentleman's grooming salon for luxury shaves and trims are nearby. Last week two men praised their pampering shaves with head and neck massages.

Art graces the spa, too. Sophia Collier's 'Color of Water' sculptures capture the rippling, light-reflecting surfaces of water. And RCYC Executive Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, who majored in art history and is a fan of contemporary art, singled out David Hockney's 'A Diver' collage as his favorite.

One of Sophia Collier's 'Color of Water' sculptures PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

The midships Fitness Studio offers a wellness program that can be customized with personal training and nutrition counseling. Currently on board is a certified nutritionist who's worked with Olympians. Sunrise yoga, mat Pilates. Technogym equipment, rowers, ellipticals and a separate spinning studio round out the offerings.

Just outside the Fitness Studio are the mythological and mystical 'Mermaid' and 'Merman' sculptures by Susan Gott in glass, bronze and stone.

Suites

The 224 light-filled suites all have terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows and are served by suite ambassadors, like a butler/concierge rolled into one. 

The suites all have a neutral color palette— gray, taupe, sandstone — with accents like navy or forest green, depending on the category, and bathrooms are dripping in gray granite. The storage, from hanging wardrobes to deep drawers and cabinets, is vast, and the upper categories have roomy walk-in closets.

Standard suite amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi, 24-hour dining, mini-bar, Diptyque Paris bath amenities, Ritz-Carlton robes and slippers. a welcome bottle of Champagne, Nespresso machine, 52-inch flat-screen television, safe, lighted vanity mirror and Dyson hair dryer.

There are seven categories, starting with the standard, and most numerous, Terrace Suite, 294 square feet/27.3 square meters plus a terrace of  52 to 108 square feet/4.8 to 10 square meters. Terrace Suite bathrooms have a double vanity and shower stall.

A Signature Suite living area and bathroom with suite ambassador Memory PHOTOS: ANNE KALOSH

Signature Suites, a step up, measure 409 square feet/38 square meters plus a terrace of 71 to 151 square feet/6.6 to 14 square meters. They have a long entrance hall with the rooms off of that, not opening directly into the corridor, making for greater privacy, and separate living/dining and sleeping areas. Besides the king bed is a convertible sleep sofa. Signatures Suites also have a second flat-screen television and a tub (with separate shower stall) in the bathroom.

Grand Suites are larger, 560 square feet/52 square meters with a dining table seating four and a walk-in closet plus a terrace of 90 to 199 square feet/8.4 to 18.5 square meters.

The Owner's Suites have a hefty terrace of 581 to 721 square feet/54 to 67 square meters with a whirlpool and shower PHOTO: THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

Progressively larger are the View, Ilma, Concierge and the top-of-the line Owner's Suites. Owner's Suites measure 732 to 1,033 square feet/68 to 96 square meters with a dining table for six and bar for entertaining, a powder room in select suites plus a hefty terrace of 581 to 721 square feet/54 to 67 square meters with a whirlpool and shower.

Meeting room and Ritz Kids

Other Ilma facilities include a meeting room located directly across from the guest services area. It can be divided to create a space for the Ritz Kids activities program when there are enough children aboard.

The yacht set off on its maiden voyage Sept. 2 from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (Rome).