With the unveiling of Luminara, the third and most ambitious vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a new chapter in ultra-luxury maritime design sets sail—one that glows with intention, sophistication, and the fluid rhythm of the sea. The 794-foot superyacht, launching July 3, 2025, from Monte Carlo, is more than just a floating sanctuary – it’s a triumph of contemporary design, and at the heart of its soul-shifting aesthetic is CHAPI Design, AD Associates, dpa lighting and Aivan.
After recently unveiling the interior design of St. Regis Cap Cana, CHAPI Design has delivered the design of the public spaces of Luminara that elevate the experience of yachting from indulgent escape to immersive theatre. Where many vessels lean into the cliché of ‘nautical luxury’, CHAPI Design, known for its architectural finesse and unapologetic glamour, steers toward something more transcendent: a poetic interplay of form, light and texture that breathes with the horizon.
Curves flow like ocean swells, framing lounges and gathering spaces in an architecture of serenity. Glossy walnut paneling, Arabescato Corchia marble, and sea-washed tones are balanced with sculptural lighting – conceived by dpa lighting – and reflective surfaces that catch every glint of sunlight. This is yachting reimagined not as a backdrop for wealth, but as a canvas for connection and self-renewal.
Even the curated art – featuring works by Klee, Warhol, and Calder – seems to orbit gravitational pull. The standout: an atrium centerpiece that fuses sculpture and illumination, physically connecting decks in a vertical ballet of glass and light.
“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.”
From the sleek Marina Terrace to the soaring atrium illuminated by a seven-story light sculpture, Luminara is an ode to sensorial elegance. The design narrative expands across suites imagined by AD Associates and lighting by dpa lighting, with furniture from Giorgetti, Minotti, and Poltrona Frau.
“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.”
Luminara’s design will likely chart a course for the industry. CHAPI Design, AD Associates, dpa lighting and Aivan has not only helped Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection set a new bar – in many ways they’ve redefined what it means to sail in style. And like its namesake, Luminara, this vision is expected to glow.
Main image credit: Marriott International
