Life aboard Ilma is easy, and that’s by design. Each and every element of the vessel’s expansive spaces and thoughtful amenities has been meticulously crafted by seasoned professionals for a yachting experience like no other. This ethos becomes abundantly — and deliciously — clear when it comes to dining. From its five elegant restaurants and al fresco settings to casual poolside snacks and in-suite meals, Ilma maintains an exciting, sophisticated profile across each dining experience. The secret ingredient? Expert chefs who immerse guests in the bounty of seasonal ingredients and itinerary-inspired flavors, and whose creative visions spark curiosity while indulging the palate. We checked in with Executive Chef Colin Jones to whet our appetites for a culinary adventure at sea.
What inspired you to become a chef?
As a young boy I worked with my father on board his ships, and you could always find me in the kitchens. I suppose I was just drawn to the kitchen. I have always enjoyed great food and from my early school days, I dreamed that I would be a chef. I think you could say it was my calling.
How did you come to join the team at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
During my career I have always worked for the very best establishments and as soon as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launched, it was my goal to become part of the team.
What does your day-to-day entail when not on board?
The day-to-day is very fast paced, as you can imagine. We constantly aim to develop new dishes for each dining outlet as well as enhance product development. At the same time, we are working to procure the finest ingredients, which is a full-time job in itself. In an effort to remain collaborative, our team plans daily meetings and planning calls to ensure that all of the planning has a path for execution.
How do the destinations Ilma visits inspire the onboard menus?
The menus and design are always inclusive of the season and regions we visit. Our chefs create locally inspired menus as well, and for an added local touch, we incorporate local ingredients wherever possible.
Do you have a favorite onboard dish? What is it, and where on board can guests enjoy this dish?
That is a good question. I have many, but I suppose if I had to make the choice it would be at Memorī. While I have too many favorites to mention, I would first turn to the Beef Short Rib Fried Rice with bone marrow. But I can’t leave out the delicious sushi selection.
What is your favorite culinary destination and why? How has it influenced any of the menu items onboard?
Destination-wise, I love Asia for its mix of foods. The diversity in flavors is truly inspiring, which can be seen woven throughout all the menus, as we find interesting ingredients and cooking techniques, paying a nod to Asian cuisines.
What concepts are you most excited about on board Ilma?
It’s hard to say, as it’s all amazing. I particularly love Beach House and Tides, simply because of the food offerings and the atmosphere of these two venues. Fabio Trabocchi’s Seta su Ilma promises a great evening and a special culinary journey in its own right. Outside of the galley (the kitchen in nautical terms), I love the spa area, as its size and level of intimacy allows guests to be completely relaxed and pampered — and I can think of nothing better than to finish off the evening in The Living Room, where live musicians provide a fabulous evening of entertainment.
What can guests expect from the onboard culinary experience?
When it comes to our culinary offerings, we pride ourselves on being able to enliven the senses in many different ways. We have the finest culinary talent together with great quality ingredients and personalized service, so each of our guests will have a memorable experience in every outlet they visit. We all truly love working as a team to create these experiences for our guests.
A Taste of the Destinations: Itinerary-Inspired Dining Onboard Ilma
Explore More of Ilma’s Dining Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection onboard dining is designed to take you on a journey of flavor, with something new to discover every day. Explore the full range of culinary experiences and plan your next adventure.