Five palatial superyachts created by luxury hotels

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.

Sea Raes

Sea Raes is the sumptuous floating counterpart to Raes on Wategos, one of the most revered boutique lodgings in Byron Bay. The 28-metre luxury motor yacht travelled from Mallorca to Australia’s East Coast in 2021 and arrived in Sydney in late 2023 for her second summer season. Infused with the minimalist style of designer Tamsin Johnson, the tri-deck boat pairs perfectly with the considered aesthetic of the Byron brand, blending monochromatic fabrics with beautiful marquetry and rattan accents. Bringing the hotel’s exquisite waterfront dining onboard, Raes’ two-hatted executive chef, Jason Saxby, has curated the superyacht’s Mediterranean-inspired menu, which features lobster alla Catalana and sorbet sgroppino. It’s one of Australia’s few hotel-owned superyachts and can host up to eight guests for overnight journeys and 30 for day charters.

Four Seasons Yachts

October 2023 saw 39-metre catamaran Four Seasons Explorer commence its maiden voyage on the pristine Pacific waters of Palau. Four Seasons Yachts will make a bigger splash in late 2025 with the launch of its first superyacht. Crafted by shipbuilders Fincantieri of Italy, the vessel showcases elevated style and curvaceous architecture and takes inspiration from the sophisticated ambience of The Surf Club, Miami Beach. Guests can find a home at sea in one of 95 adaptable, villa-like residences that each have elegant floor-to-ceiling windows. All eyes will be on the four-level, 892sqm metre ‘Funnel Suite’, the penthouse offering 280-degree views through the world’s largest single pane of glass at sea. Its private spa, personal wading pool and 465sqm terrace are accompanied by direct access to a tender platform, allowing invitees to arrive discreetly. Those on the waitlist will be pleased to know the hotel has plans to launch two more superyachts in the future.

Orient Express Silenseas

Hotel titan Accor is set to deploy the world’s largest sailing ship in 2026. The groundbreaking 220-metre vessel, Orient Express Silenseas, will showcase interiors designed by renowned French architect Maxime d’Angeac, transposing the storied train’s timeless design from land to water. Orient Express Silenseas offers oceanfront elegance with a double spiral staircase, a swimming corridor suspended between two bridges, a 550sqm spa and a lust-worthy presidential suite spanning 900sqm across four decks. Honouring the French Riviera’s golden age of art and culture, performances are on show at the Amphitheatre-Cabaret. Guided by the winds and cutting-edge technology, Orient Express Silenseas is also at the forefront of sustainable travel. The superyachts three 90-metre SolidSail masts can provide 100 per cent propulsion in suitable weather as part of a hybrid engine system.

Click here to learn more about Orient Express Silenseas

Aman at Sea

Swiss-headquartered group Aman is setting the first of its superyachts in motion – Aman at Sea. While Aman already has a custom five-cabin yacht jaunting through Indonesian waters, this joint venture between Aman and Cruise Saudi will see the creation of a 50-suite, 183-metre luxury motor yacht take to the oceans in 2027. Helming the ship’s design is SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design, whose aesthetic philosophy is rooted in abundant space and a strong indoor-outdoor connection to the sea. The ship will feature an onboard ‘beach club’ with direct water access, as well as private balconies in every suite, an Aman-style spa with a Japanese garden and two helipads. It’s a vessel inscribed with the serenity and detail found at all Aman resorts.

What is a superyacht?

A superyacht is a luxurious vessel often exceeding 24 metres in length, designed for ultimate comfort, style and high performance on the water. Superyachts are equipped with lavish amenities such as multiple decks, swimming pools, helipads, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems, catering to luxury travellers’ desire for opulence and privacy. These maritime marvels often feature bespoke interiors, professional crew and advanced navigation technology, offering an unparalleled seafaring experience. Superyachts epitomize the pinnacle of nautical luxury and sophistication.