Latest news with #RitzCarlton
Tahawul Tech
a day ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
GovTech Innovation Forum & Awards 2025 Archives
The GovTech Innovation Forum & Awards 2025 was held recently at the splendid Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai under the theme of 'Reimagining the future of tomorrow with AI'.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Luxury 794ft superyacht ‘sea hotel' with five restaurants & mini-marina completes trial before first voyage this summer
A LUXURY superyacht 'sea hotel' has completed its sea trials ahead of its first voyage this summer. The Luminara - the third The Ritz-Carlton superyacht to take to the seas - is set to embark on its maiden voyage on 3 July. 9 9 9 9 The 452-passenger vessel will sail from Monte Carlo to the port of Rome, in a glamorous trip which will cost as much as $78,377 (£58,120) for a seven-night trip, according to booking site Clean Cruising. But that's in the best room in the house, of course. The Luminara Suite boasts "magnificent" ocean views with floor to ceiling windows, according to The Ritz-Carlton. It has a private terrace decked out with a hot tub where the superyacht's wealthiest passengers can lounge in style. The namesake room boasts a large living and dining area, as well as a king bed and double vanity bathroom. It even has 24-hour in-suite dining, so passengers won't have to venture into one of the five fine dining restaurants or seven bars on board - if they don't feel like dressing up. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection currently operates three yachts: Evrima, lma and Luminara, which launched in 2020, 2024 and 2025 respectively. 9 It is the largest superyacht from the luxury hotel franchise, spread across 10 decks. It has two swimming pools - an infinity pool on deck five and a main pool on the top deck. Inside the invite-only superyacht 'sea hotel' with four-story penthouse - & another $450m 'twin' ship is on the way The Luminara will also include an expansive marina, marina terrace, and marina beach, all anchored by a dynamic floating lounge platform with a central pool where guests can swim directly in the sea. "With Luminara, we've raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea," President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ernesto Fara, said in a statement. "This remarkable super-yacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet." An increasing number of luxury hotel chains are taking to the high seas. There are eight to 10 ships planned for the next five to 10 years for multiple Marriott brands, including the The Ritz-Carlton franchise. The Four Seasons will also launch its first superyacht hotel in January 2026, where seven nights will cost your north of $25,000 (£18,500). 9 9 9
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
On board a Ritz-Carlton yacht, I learned how the other half cruises
After a night sailing the Caribbean, I wake up to still waters: We've reached colourful Soufrière in St. Lucia. It's a February morning and snowstorms pummel our home in Toronto. I wipe the image from my mind. Home, for now, is a floating grand suite aboard Evrima, a sleek superyacht that sets the Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel brand to sea. After abluting in a cavernous marble bathroom, I pull a robe from one of two walk-in closets. I open the curtains to a wall of green. We've anchored by the Pitons, St. Lucia's iconic volcanic spires rising from the ocean. I can see a beach with sand the colour of brown sugar, a tangle of rainforest beyond. In one of the mountainous valleys, a small rainbow appears. It's our last day aboard Evrima and reality is painfully setting in. For a week, we've been sailing this jewel through the Windward Islands: Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines – the journey beginning and ending in Barbados. The crew has navigated unseasonably high winds and waves, keeping guests contented like royalty with top-shelf service and a steady stream of Moët. Since launching The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in October, 2022, Evrima has served as a model of the anti-cruise. In every way, it's the reverse of a megaship experience, where water slides and sea coasters lure 8,000-plus tourists who are then disgorged on port towns. With capacity for just 298 passengers, Evrima treads more lightly. More than half the guests – median age 54 – have never been on a cruise. They might walk the plank before ever setting foot on a 'cruisezilla.' Evrima feels like a five-star hotel, with excesses to match. Sit back for a two-hour barber treatment at the spa, or splurge on a red Bordeaux tasting from the celebrated 2000 vintage (US$2,300). Visit the boutique for an Hermes showcase, or get your bling polished at a 'diamond revitalizing service.' 'Sometimes we lose track of reality,' hotel manager Jose Fernandez laughs as we tour the yacht's decks. Evrima's 149 suites are spacious, each with a private balcony. There are lofts spanning two floors, view suites with bathtubs peeking out over the ocean, and at the top tier, 1,091-square-foot owner's suites with wraparound terraces and private whirlpools. Our grand suite feels like a luxury apartment – as it should for US$15,400 per guest over seven nights, for our itinerary. With approximately 250 crew, the staff-to-guest ratio is high. Fresh-faced and eager to talk, the ship's onboard staff (or 'ladies and gentlemen' as they're called) make sure guests are comfortable, tropical cocktail in hand. As we settle into our room on Day 1, the doorbell rings. It's William, our 'suite ambassador,' offering us the unpacking service. The notion of someone else emptying my luggage feels alien to me. We come back from lunch to find our toiletries lined up on the double vanity, clothes hung and folded with care. That includes my partner's favourite pyjama, a tattered Mark's Work Wearhouse sweatshirt that William tucks away on a high shelf, as if to say, 'Please don't wear this outside.' The dress code is 'yacht casual'– lots of linen on men, floral caftans on women. For evenings, we move into 'yacht sophisticated': ixnay on the shorts, ball caps and flip flops. People-watching is part of the pleasure aboard a superyacht. Several Americans talk incessantly about money: hedge funds and wealth portfolios and inheritances. A small contingent of Germans is elegant and athletic; a warm Iranian family celebrates a wedding on the upper deck. Hidden Canada 2025: Ten travel destinations across the country to explore this summer On a European cruise with my teen, I watched her grow into a traveller The Brits are the most lively. One mischievous group spends the week playing celebrity look-alike, pairing passengers with their Hollywood doppelgangers (my partner gets Liam Neeson, I Sigourney Weaver). We share a toast at The Living Room, a gathering spot on Deck 4, and meet again for a late night dance-off at the Observatory Lounge on Deck 10. But cuisine is the real focal point, with five distinct à-la-carte restaurants on-board. We embark on a 'culinary journey' at S.E.A., from chef Sven Everland of Aqua, a three Michelin-starred restaurant at Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany. The menu is a series of intricately plated delicacies. Scallops with mango and paspierre algae. A sliver of Japanese Wagyu beef with pine-shoot glaze. Sorbet spooned from the hollow of a Ruinart Rosé champagne bottle. For US$285, including paired wines, the execution is flawless. It's only a shame that the room feels so funereal – windowless and adorned with calla lilies. We're sailing the tropics, not attending a wake. The trip's most sublime dish comes from a more casual onboard restaurant, The Pool House. It's a morsel of torched miso king salmon, bathed in a citrus pop of yuzu marinade. Second place: crispy Vietnamese-style spring rolls at Talaat Nam, the ship's popular Southeast Asian spot. Here we meet Dadan, our favourite gentleman of the ship. 'Can you do me a favour?' Dadan asks, intensely. 'Enjoy,' he says, his smile widening. Staff talk often about Evrima's unique feel: less cruise ship, more luxe resort on land. The ocean begs to differ. Winds howl and waves swell three to four metres high some nights. I lie flat on the bed, listening to the roar outside – a humbling experience. All week, rough conditions shutter the ship's marina, which normally gives passengers entry into the ocean to swim, kayak and paddleboard while at anchor. Captain Chris Pugh and a crew of navigators and lookouts have been working to smooth out the voyage, sheltering between islands. Some well-heeled guests don't come on the ship for it to feel like a ship, the captain explains. Thanks to Evrima's compact size (190 metres end to end), we've been anchoring in secluded spots not easily accessible to ginormous cruise liners. On Day 3, we take the ship's bright yellow tenders into Bequia, a yachting town in the Grenadines. Leathery, tussle-haired couples stroll Princess Margaret Beach. The strip's lined with huts hawking rum punch and wisdom: 'Slow down today,' reads the chalkboard sign at Shelley's Bar. We sail on to Canouan, a chichi Grenadines island with its own airstrip and marinas fit for oligarchs. Here, the Ritz-Carlton takes over a beach club for a barbecue. Looking out at turquoise waters, we feast on lobster tails, sip rum-filled coconuts and bounce to a soundtrack of Whitney and Mariah. After departing Canouan, our captain reveals that Amazon czar Jeff Bezos snapped up his favourite parking spot in the bay. Indeed, Koru, Bezo's US$500-million superyacht was anchored nearby, its figurehead bearing a striking resemblance to his fiancée Lauren Sánchez. The next day brings our first port stop, St. George's, Grenada. A small group heads inland for a trek through Grand Étang National Park, a rainforest framing a crater lake. Danny, our seasoned guide, is spry along slick jungle paths in his jelly shoes – red, green and yellow like his country's flag. Grenada is also known as Spice Island, and our hike winds through verdant plantations. Well-versed in herbal medicine, Danny rattles off various treatments: clove leaves for impotence, nutmeg for menstrual cramps. After two exciting river crossings, the trek ends at a waterfall shrouded in misty rain forest. A few swimmers clamber in. As water beats down our shoulders, we all lock eyes, awestruck. By the time we reach St. Lucia, my partner and I have morphed into serene yachting people, nothing like our harried-troll versions in Toronto. The finale is a private catamaran voyage along St. Lucia's western coast. We snorkel, spotting octopus, moray eels and schools of iridescent blue chromis. The onboard chef calls us out for lunch, curried mahi mahi. It's the kind of curated experience that passengers expect on this voyage. There seems to be less appetite for the real world. Several guests voice displeasure with some of the port stops, including St. George's, where feral cats roam laneways and young men gun their cars at high speed the afternoon we tour around. A few guests chafe at the grittiness, saying they'd prefer more anchored time at luxe tourist hideaways like St. Barts and Mustique. The complaints get more precious from there. One woman wonders why tokens of chocolate were left in her suite some days but not every day. And why are the breakfast jam jars so hard to open, another queries her husband. The Ritz-Carlton could bend over backward, but really, the rich like to complain. Happily, our British shipmates maintain their high spirits. It's the last night and instead of packing their suitcases, they hold court around the sushi bar at Talaat Nam. The waves swell and everyone's bobbing and laughing, drawing out the moment before it's time to set foot back on land. The writer was a guest of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. It did not review or approve the story before publication.
Travel Daily News
3 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection reveals details of Luminara
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveils Luminara, its third ultra-luxury yacht, debuting in July 2025 with new Asia and Alaska itineraries. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection announces new details of Luminara, its highly anticipated third ultra-luxury superyacht, leading up to its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on July 3, 2025. Following successful sea trials, Luminara has demonstrated operational excellence and superior comfort, marking a significant milestone ahead of its inaugural season. The yacht will introduce destinations in Asia and Alaska, firsts for the brand, expanding its itineraries to offer guests an unparalleled range of immersive travel experiences. Luminara is set to deliver memorable yachting experiences through meticulously designed spaces, exceptional dining, and enriching opportunities for exploration and connection. This further reaffirms the brand's leadership in redefining luxury travel at sea through unparalleled voyages. Every element has been carefully crafted to provide a transformative journey that goes beyond the ordinary. 'With Luminara, we've raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea,' said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'This remarkable superyacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet.' 'As the first luxury hospitality brand to launch into yachting, The Ritz-Carlton continues to redefine immersive travel at sea,' said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury, Marriott International. 'Rooted in our legendary service, Luminara is a continuation of our legacy, yet entirely her own – a vessel designed for connection, discovery, and the transformative power of travel. Onboard, she introduces far-reaching itineraries, a refined culinary vision, and thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect her own sense of place and purpose.' Impeccable Design Luminara, inspired by its Latin origin meaning 'light,' will span 794 feet (242 meters) and offer an airy, elegant sanctuary for up to 452 guests across 226 spacious suites. Conceptualized by a team of acclaimed design leaders, Luminara will embody contemporary craftsmanship and refined interiors. Public spaces were envisioned by Toronto-based Chapi Design Luxury Division, while suites were appointed by London-based design firm AD Associates, with lighting by celebrated consultants DPA. The harmonious interiors will marry warm walnut woods and striking Arabescato Corchia marble, with a palette awash in soft blues, warm greys, and deep ocean hues, accented with bronze and subtle ruby tones. Reflective finishes, sculptural lighting, and curved architecture will evoke the fluidity of the sea, creating a seamless interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. The yacht's sleek exterior, expertly crafted by Helsinki-based studio Aivan, draws inspiration from the timeless elegance of private yacht design. A hallmark across the fleet, each suite will open onto a private terrace, inviting guests to take in the ever-changing vistas of the open sea. Light-filled accommodations, including the new Residential Suite, will balance intimacy and drama with a core palette of dark oak, Emporada marble, and smoked glass accents, layered with neutrals, warm timbers, and sleek metal finishes. Complementary accent tones, rich materials like Oak Jacobean, and bespoke furnishings from iconic design houses such as Minotti, Giorgetti, Talenti, Poltrona Frau, and Molteni—found in the yacht's upper-category suites – will add tactile richness and visual depth. Subtle lighting, intuitive scene settings that allow guests to tailor the ambiance will contribute to a serene oasis. Inspired Art Expertly curated art, adorned throughout the yacht, will become part of the journey itself aboard Luminara. Capturing the freedom, sophistication, and elegance intrinsic to yachting, the collection will encapsulate 731 pieces, with approximately 65% commissioned specifically for the yacht. Many works will explore the interplay of light and celebrate Malta's rich historical tapestry. From artistic reflections on knights' armor and the symbolic beacon of lighthouses to delicate representations of the Maltese Hawk moth, each piece will underscore the adventurous spirit of exploration. Works by renowned artists, among them Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol will be displayed throughout the yacht, creating an unmatched ambiance for both inspired discussions and quiet reflection. The standout piece will be a stunning seven-story suspended light sculpture that will illuminates the aft staircase atrium, enhancing the sense of connection between decks with a masterful fusion of art, lighting, and design. Innovative Cuisine Dining aboard Luminara will carry forward The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's commitment to world-class culinary excellence. The yacht will host five dining venues, two shaped by James Beard award winners and Michelin-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Seta su Luminara, in collaboration with Trabocchi, will feature an 8-course tasting menu alongside an à la carte selection of modern Italian cuisine inspired by Venice's historic spice trade. At Beach House, created with Mina, guests will savor vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, rooted in the chef's Egyptian heritage. Additional concepts will encompass Azur on Luminara, with regionally influenced menus centered on seasonal ingredients; Haesu Bit, a pan-Asian concept incorporating flavors from destinations Luminara will visit, such as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Cantonese; and Mistral, which will capture the spirit of Mediterranean coastal dining through fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats. Guests will also discover seven sophisticated bars, notably the new Art Bar, where they can mingle amid a striking installation of Cycladic art which blends the abstract beauty of ancient traditions with the fluid, dynamic nature of modern navigation. Set against this dynamic backdrop of art and sweeping sea views, guests will enjoy craft cocktails paired with regional sweet delights tied to the yacht's itineraries. Signature Amenities Luminara will elevate The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's signature offerings with an expansive Marina, Marina Terrace, and Marina Beach, all anchored by a dynamic floating lounge platform with a central pool where guests can swim directly in the sea. The platform will connect guests to a variety of activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, Seabob, and electric foiling boards. A panoramic pool area on Deck 10 will invite relaxation at the main pool and two jacuzzis, with tranquil retreats complemented by tailored amenities. The wellness journey will continue at The Ritz-Carlton Spawith nourishing treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. Home to eleven treatment rooms, the spa will present a selection of exclusive treatments inspired by the yacht's Asia-Pacific itineraries. Experiences such as the Awakening Bamboo Massage and Detoxifying Wellness Poultice Treatment will emphasize an indulgent and holistic approach to rejuvenation, unique to Luminara. Expanded Retail The luxury retail experience aboard Luminara, curated in partnership with Starboard Luxury, will welcome dedicated retail spaces for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget, all making their debut with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Cartier and IWC will showcase their signature Swiss timepieces, with IWC presenting select models never before available at sea. Piaget will feature a refined selection from its fine jewelry and Swiss watch collections, all supported by personalized service from knowledgeable brand ambassadors. The Boutique will carry a purposeful selection of resort wear, accessories, exclusive co-branded Lululemon apparel, vintage finds, and unique home décor and gifts. The launch assortment will display fine jewelry from Ileana Makri, Lauren Rubinski, and Sydney Evan, with the first-at-sea debut of Sydney Evan's men's collection, and limited-edition pieces from 64 Facets. Accessories will span one-of-a-kind vintage Hermès Birkins and Kellys, sustainable handbags by Stella McCartney, and embroidered clutches from Olympia Le-Tan. Fashion and home décor highlights will include Milan-based La DoubleJ and resort wear from Johanna Ortiz and Orlebar Brown. As Luminara transitions to Asia, additional brands and regional discoveries will be layered in to reflect the journey. New Destinations With the debut of Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will continue to expand its leadership at sea, with three yachts soon sailing to the world's most captivating destinations. Following its inaugural Mediterranean season, the superyacht will chart new waters as it voyages through Africa and the Indian Ocean before beginning Asia-Pacific itineraries in December 2025. These journeys will explore both iconic cities and hidden gems, including Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam; Osaka, Japan; and Bangkok, Thailand. Beginning in May 2026, Luminara will then spend the summer in Alaska and Canada, opening exclusive access to the region's untamed wilderness and breathtaking natural wonders.
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Ashu Hattar has been appointed Director of Sales at Conrad Bengaluru
Ashu Hattar Joins Conrad Bengaluru, Bringing Strategic Sales Expertise and Proven Leadership, with a strong track record in strategic sales and a revenue-driven approach, Ashu Hattar brings deep expertise and a dynamic vision to her new role at Conrad Bengaluru. She began her career in 2017 as a Catering Sales Manager at Hyatt Regency Delhi and has since held influential positions with prestigious hospitality brands including Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, W Goa, and Le Meridien Gurgaon. During her tenure at Le Meridien, Ashu led both the sales center and national sales portfolios, consistently delivering top-tier performance in competitive markets. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Bengaluru, where she was responsible for leading the group segment and played a pivotal role in implementing key strategic initiatives. Renowned for her client-first mindset, strategic foresight, and collaborative leadership style, Ashu embodies the Conrad spirit of delivering thoughtful, high-impact guest experiences.
