Colombian bling drives female empowerment

While we’re always hunting out economical ways for our readers to travel, we don’t mind news of a bit of bling, now and again.

And the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has certainly brought that through its collaboration with Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz, who is dedicated to social causes and female opportunity (as I explain further down this story).

It has just debuted what the Ritz-Carlton team is calling a “first-of-its-kind takeover at sea”.

Its (incredible) super-luxury yacht Ilma’s pool and lounge spaces have been featuring Ortiz’s signature prints, to celebrate the ship’s northern winter season.

And the Pool Deck and Observation Terrace will continue to be transformed into the summer season.

“Johanna Ortiz brings an unmistakable point of view that embodies culture, emotion, and beauty in motion,” Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection chief marketing officer Gaby Aiguesvives says.

“The brand’s vision aligns naturally with how we curate our voyages, where thoughtful design and storytelling enhance every moment on board.”

+ The takeover is anchored by Tropical Exuberance, Johanna Ortiz’s custom prints, which are inspired by the Caribbean flora and landscapes that shaped her early years.

+ Upper decks feature signature La Rumba and La Siesta prints. “La Rumba and La Siesta reflect two moods I love when I travel, moments of celebration and moments of pause,” says Johanna Ortiz. “Both are deeply connected to nature, craftsmanship, and the joy of living life.”

about ILMA

Ilma debuted in September 2024 — Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second superyacht. It carries up to 448 guests in 224 suites, each with a private terrace.

There are five dining venues, in collaboration with chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina, seven bars, a wine vault, a top-deck entertainment space, a signature marina providing direct access to the sea, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Ilma sails the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Ilma means “water” in Maltese.

ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

about JOHANNA ORTIZ

Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz studied fashion design in New York and Paris — and then returned home.

She began in 2003 with a resort collection based on swimwear, but she has now developed a global luxury lifestyle brand.

Johanna is committed to social causes and female opportunity and empowerment. She now has a team of more than 460, 78 per cent of them women, and many of them heads of their families and households.

Her dedication to creating social change through fashion is seen in “Escuela Johanna Ortiz” — an on-site program offering couture-level seamstress training to local vulnerable and at-risk populations. More than 350 people have already achieved economic independence and emotional resilience through the program.

johannaortiz.com