AD Associates discusses the luxury design of Ilma, the second superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, following its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo last week.

London, UK – The fleet’s second newbuild superyacht features spacious suites with private ocean-view terraces, intimate communal areas encouraging connection among guests, and an expansive pool deck offering some of the most spectacular views at sea.

AD Associates, a multidisciplinary design agency based in London, has led the design of the ultra-luxury 790-foot superyacht’s interior in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Marriott International. The yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and features 224 suites.

Named after the Maltese word for “water,” Ilma‘s design subtly tells stories inspired by the shores of its flag. Elements of Maltese mythology, coastline, history, and native fauna inspire design features, colour palettes, materiality, patterns and textiles. Its interiors will incorporate a core palette of fresh, refined tones and textures juxtaposed with rich, dark features and repeated architectural details to provide elegance and balance.

The clean Mistral Bar on Ilma, an outside terrace bar with both seating on its interior and exterior. A clean use of whites, greys and chrome provide the space with an elegant feel
The Mistral Bar, one of the seven bars and restaurants onboard Ilma

The core palette is refined yet naturally inspired, using a harmonious tonal base that evokes a relaxed and residential feel. “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 Chris Finch, Founder & CEO at AD Associates. “A harmonious flow of geometry and texture between the interior and exterior creates a cohesive and tranquil atmosphere”, inviting guests to soak in the azure waters and coastlines it sails.

Ilma builds on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s vision of reimagining luxury cruising, offering travellers more opportunities to enjoy highly tailored itineraries. The onboard experience reflects the sublime comfort and legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned. Ilma features one of the luxury cruise category’s highest guest-to-space and staff-to-guest ratios.

For more information, visit www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

The sedate interiors of the Memorī restaurant, very sparsely lit, with dark reds walls and earthy browns low-rise chairs
The Japanese-cuisine Memorī restaurant

About AD Associates

Established in 2006, AD Associates is an award-winning experiential & spatial design agency
specialising in the travel, hospitality, and leisure sectors and based in the heart of London. The talented team covers a diverse range of creative, operational, and technical roles and work across:

  • Strategy & Concept
  • Architecture & Interiors
  • Identity & Wayfinding
  • Artwork & Styling
    The company is currently working on several prestigious projects for globally recognised brands.

www.adassociates.london

About The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Central America. Calling on unique and distinguished destinations, voyages typically span five to ten nights with more overnight calls, an all inclusive onboard journey, and curated excursions ashore.

Its inaugural yacht, Evrima, embarked on its maiden voyage in October 2022. Measuring 624 feet in length, Evrima features 149 airy suites across various categories, each with a private terrace, creating a relaxed, casually elegant ambience for up to 298 guests. Continuing the fleet’s expansion, two new superyachts boasting among the highest space ratios per guest at sea, Ilma and Luminara, are slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Spanning 790 feet, Ilma will offer 224 spacious, light-filled suites of varying categories, accommodating up to 448 guests. Slated to make its 2025 debut, Luminara will join Ilma and Evrima on voyages to secluded harbours and iconic cities. Reflective of The Ritz-Carlton on land, each yacht features personalised service, elevated dining experiences, and exclusive amenities.


Private charter options are also available, allowing guests to craft a truly tailored journey. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

Want more of this?

Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Europe blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Europe is a specialised conference and exhibition catered exclusively to the European cruise interior design industry, with a unique focus on Europe’s luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruising. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 December 2025 at Hamburg Messe & Congress.