The luxury hotel brands taking to the seas

The Ritz-Carlton’s latest venture, Ilma, is set to launch this September, making it one of just a handful of five-star hotel collections to establish its own fleet. Here we take a peek at what else is on offer – and what’s still to come.

THE RITZ-CARLTON

The Ritz-Carlton became the latest hotel brand to embrace slow travel when Ilma set sail in September 2024.

The Swiss hotelier César Ritz opened The Ritz in Paris and The Carlton in London before establishing the first Ritz-Carlton in the US in 1927.

Today, the brand is a collection of hotels and resorts, residences and estates – as well as yachts such as Evrima, which launched in 2022.

CEO Jim Murren says: “Luxury travel with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is defined by our commitment to anticipatory service, ensuring a seamless experience of freedom and ease. We consistently deliver exceptional quality, from expansive suites with breathtaking sea views to unparalleled culinary delights. Each journey fosters genuine connections among guests and our dedicated ladies and gentlemen – our crew. Our guests enjoy bespoke voyages filled with immersive experiences, tailored to their personal tastes and interests.”

The 448-guest Ilma pays homage to its name, which means water in Maltese, with a rooftop pool alongside a deck and bar, but if you want to escape the sun, rejuvenate in The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

As well as its main restaurant, Tides, diners can eat by an infinity pool at Beach House, which has the ambience of a chic Peruvian beach club. Alternatively, Mistral serves Mediterranean cuisine inside and out, while guests can enjoy pastries and live piano music in The Living Room. For an additional fee, Seta serves Italian tasting menus, and Memorī serves sushi, while Dining Privée is a private enclave.

OBEROI HOTELS & RESORTS

Founded in 1934, Oberoi is renowned for its service and opulent décor – so no wonder it was ranked the world’s number one hotel brand in 2022 by Travel + Leisure.

The group launched its first luxury yacht, Oberoi Zahra, on the Egyptian Nile in 2007. Guests can unwind in the spa, on the roof deck pool or over chess in The Club Lounge. In the afternoon, the lounge is the place to go for high tea, while after dark, local drummers and traditional Nubian dancers entertain.

Following an £8m makeover, the group’s second yacht, Oberoi Philae, set sail along the Nile in 2016, with capacity for 44 guests. Like its sister ship, floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms, bathrooms, spa and lounge remind guests of its proximity to the water – so you can watch felucca sailboats meander past. A cinema and dance floor spice things up in the evenings.

FOUR SEASONS HOTELS & RESORTS

Founded in 1960 in Canada, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts now operates 126 hotels and resorts and 53 residential properties in 47 countries. Another 50 projects are in development – including three Four Seasons Yachts. The first, Four Seasons I, is set to launch in March 2026, with Four Seasons II set to follow in 2027.

In addition to enjoying 11 dining options, a spa and a 19m pool, Four Seasons I guests will delight in stunning itineraries. The inaugural season spans over 130 destinations across more than 30 countries, blending iconic Mediterranean ports with secluded Caribbean yacht harbours and festive Bahamian sailings, all customisable with pre- and post-voyage stays at Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

The largest suite on board, the 927sqm Funnel Suite, will span four levels and feature three bedrooms, a splash pool and floor-to-ceiling windows with 280° views. The 739sqm Loft Suite, meanwhile, will have seven connecting suites for up to 20 guests.

BELMOND

Belmond trailed in the wake of Oberoi, launching a ship of its own in 2023. Since Belmond acquired the legendary Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, it has increased its portfolio to 46 properties across 26 countries.

It expanded into train travel in 1982, garnering a reputation for grandiose journeys aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Belmond launched Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, in 2023 in the French region of Champagne. The vessel is part of Les Bateaux Belmond – the brand’s collection of boats in France. The rest of the fleet consists of Alouette, Amaryllis, Fleur De Lys, Lilas, Napoleon and Pivoine.

As well as three cabins with marble en-suite bathrooms, Coquelicothas an indoor lounge and Champagne bar and an outdoor sun deck with an open kitchen and shady dining area. References to its namesake, the red poppy, can be spotted throughout the hallways.

Itineraries are bespoke, but an exclusive partnership with the world’s oldest Champagne house, Maison Ruinart, means guests can expect a lunch prepared by its chef and private guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard.

AMAN

Aman will give Four Seasons Yachts a run for its money in 2027, when it launches a luxury motor yacht currently known as Aman at Sea– its official name is still to be announced.

Founded in Thailand in 1988 by an Indonesian entrepreneur, Aman is known for its serene locations such as Bali and commitment to holistic wellness – think yoga, meditation and spa treatments. Its latest hotel, Aman New York, opened in 2022, and there are nine more projects in the works.

True to its nature, Aman at Sea will feature an Aman Spa with a Japanese garden and a beach club offering guests direct access to the water. Other highlights on the 50-suite ship include a club lounge and two helipads.

Aman Group’s CEO and chair, Vlad Doronin, says: “With 35 hotels, resorts and residences across 20 destinations, Aman at Sea marks a new direction for the brand and the chance to bring Aman’s exceptional design, which is integral to the brand’s ethos, into a new setting."