Leading hotels are taking to the high seas with the launch of superyachts just as bespoke as their onshore properties, writes Eleanor Edstrom.

Luxury hotels are reimagining their high-end offerings as palatial cruise ships, and the movement isn’t dying down anytime soon. With numerous hotel brands planning expansion and an escalating interest in yachting from new-to-cruise clients, a future fleet of floating resorts is fast approaching. We’ve found five of the best superyachts created by luxury hotels and resorts.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Paving the way towards a seaborne future is The Ritz-Carlton and its debut vessel, the 190-metre Evrima, which set sail in October 2022. Accommodating nearly as many staff as guests, Evrima grants up to 298 travellers access to sought-after ports, including Saint-Tropez and St. Barts. The Ritz-Carlton’s latest additions, Ilma and Luminara, are larger 224- and 228-suite superyachts set to grace the oceans in 2024 and 2025. Translating to ‘water’ in Maltese, Ilma honours its Mediterranean and Caribbean surroundings with swish private terraces and open-air lounges overlooking azure seascapes. Before dining alfresco at the aft Marina, guests can pay a visit to the signature Ritz-Carlton Spa or onboard wine vault. The Ritz-Carlton has plans to introduce up to 10 eco-conscious yachts in the coming years, each tailored to different Marriott International brands.