My journey through the Virgin Islands with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Let me preface this article by saying that although I’ve had plenty of experience with the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection feels like something entirely its own.

There are certain trips that feel special while you’re on them… and then there are the ones that stay with you long after you return home. My recent voyage through the Virgin Islands aboard Ilma, part of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, very firmly falls into the second category.

Ilma, the gorgeous yacht we sailed on, features 224 suites - yet it never feels crowded. We always enjoyed plenty of privacy and space, and the generous guest-to-employee ratio means you are constantly surrounded by warm, welcoming faces ready to help, often before you even realize you need something. The level of care is extraordinary.

Life inside my suite aboard Ilma:

Our suite was beautifully spacious and incredibly stylish, with a luxurious modern living and dining area, a custom king bed sleep system that made it dangerously easy to sleep in, and a private terrace overlooking the ocean that quickly became my favorite spot to enjoy morning coffee or a glass of champagne at sunset.

I would also love to say special thank you to our wonderful Suite Ambassador, who went above and beyond to make our stay feel seamless and deeply relaxing. From thoughtful details in our suite to anticipating little moments of comfort throughout the voyage, their attention made the experience feel incredibly personal.

My favorite dining experience: Seta Su Ilma:

Dining on board Ilma deserves serious praise. We enjoyed multiple meals on board and each one was exceptional - but the one that left the biggest impression was at Seta Su Ilma, the restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi.

To put it simply, it was unforgettable. The flavors, the presentation, the service - everything came together to create one of those meals you continue thinking about long after the voyage ends. If you ever sail aboard Ilma, I cannot recommend this dining experience enough.

Beyond Seta Su Ilma, there are so many other dining opportunities to explore. We loved Mistral for lunch al fresco, The Pool Bar to relax in between dips in the pool, and of course we have to mention the in-suite dining, for gourmet cuisine in the comfort of our very own private suite.

Johanna Ortiz Collaboration:

Since I am a fashion girl, I also cannot help but highlight the beautiful collaboration between The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and designer Johanna Ortiz. A longtime fan of Johanna’s elegant and joyful designs, I was especially excited to see her signature world of custom prints and textiles brought on board. Johanna Ortiz designs with elegance and festivity, deeply rooted in her Latin heritage. Her work honors exquisite design, exceptional craftsmanship, the strength of women, and a vision of fashion as a force for positive change.

Launching during the Winter Caribbean 2026 season, the collaboration introduces Ortiz’s vibrant patterns to Ilma’s pool and lounge spaces. The prints are an expression of tropical vibrancy, craftmanship, and the joy of travel, inspired by the expressive abundance of Caribbean flora and natural landscapes.

The Marina and Pool: Ilma’s Best Outdoor Space:

Although there are plenty of places to spend time on board, I would love to highlight two destinations in particular.

The Marina is truly special. When Ilma is at anchor, the Marina transforms into a waterside playground with sun loungers and an array of water activities. Just above it, The Marina Terrace is the perfect place to hang out with a handcrafted cocktail while looking out toward the beautiful ocean views.

Equally inviting is The Pool, which quickly became one of our personal favorite hang-out spots. Beautiful and stylish, with panoramic views, generous sundecks, and nearby frozen cocktails, it’s the kind of place where time quietly disappears. You come for a quick dip and suddenly realize you’ve been happily lounging for hours.

The verdict?

Well, I’m sure it’s not surprising: Ilma is a 10 out of 10 recommend.

And the real takeaway is this - yes, Ilma is stunning. Yes, the design is beautiful and the dining exceptional. But what truly defines the experience is the feeling: the sense of ease, the thoughtful details, and the genuine warmth of the team on board who make every moment on board feel effortless.

Sailing through the Caribbean’s untouched natural beauty, surrounded by national parks and turquoise waters while experiencing the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, is something truly special.

It doesn’t feel like a traditional voyage…

It feels like discovering an entirely new way to travel…

And finally, if you’re thinking of taking the voyage, here’s a summary of everything you needed to know!

Ship Name: Ilma

Collection: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Capacity: 224 Suites

Dining Highlight: Seta Su Ilma by Chef Fabio Trabocchi

Design Partnership: Johanna Ortiz (Winter Caribbean 2026)

Primary Destinations: Caribbean (Virgin Islands, St. Barths)

xx Annabelle

I Thought I Knew Luxury Travel - Then I Sailed Aboard Ilma…