The opening also bolsters the ship’s culinary and entertainment slate. Image credit: Starboard Luxury
Hospitality group Ritz-Carlton’s Yacht Collection is expanding its retail horizons.
On board the Ilma, Ritz-Carlton’s newest yacht, Italian jeweler Bulgari is welcoming a one-of-a-kind boutique. Opened this week, the storefront’s offerings will expand beyond the maison’s current selections of watches and bejeweled accessories, with gastronomic creations, in-room programming and off-ship pop-ups available to guests.
"We are incredibly excited and proud to embark on this journey with Bulgari," said Mark Lockwood, chief product officer at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, in a statement.
"Bulgari's rich history, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship, combined with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's reputation for delivering world-class hospitality, makes this a truly special collaboration,” Mr. Lockwood said. “With a shared vision of creating unique and immersive luxury experiences, we could not think of a more iconic fit than Bulgari, to help us continue redefining luxury at sea."
Riding the wave
The opening was made possible with the collaboration of LVMH-owned retail group Starboard Luxury; the firm helped to weave Bulgari’s sense of savoir-faire into the overall guest experience aboard the Ilma.
On top of selling the maison’s iconic Serpenti, Bulgari Bulgari, B.zero1, Divas' Dream and Octo collections, the boutique also arranges private viewings, guided shopping sessions and in-suite appointments. The jeweler will also present “chef-hosted five-star culinary events” and onshore activities, with more details set to be revealed at a later date.
Off-ship programming will take guests behind the curtain of Bulgari. Image credit: Starboard Luxury
"We are immensely proud of this collaboration that embodies excellence and sophistication, and we're confident that by partnering with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, we can redefine the luxury at sea experience," said Elodie Thellier, president of Latin America & Caribbean at Bulgari, in a statement.
"We look forward to welcoming Ilma guests to the Bulgari boutique to discover not only our most iconic collections of jewelry, timepieces, and accessories but also to experience the richness of Italian hospitality."
The Ilma debuted last month, embarking on its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome (see story).