Two luxury hotel brands now sail small yachts. Four Seasons I took its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean on March 20, 2026 (Four Seasons press release). The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sails three yachts, Evrima, Ilma and Luminara (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). This guide sets them side by side on the things our readers ask about: sea time, movement, food, and where each one goes. Neither is ranked first; the right one depends on your trip.
Which yacht is smaller and more personal?
Quick answer
It depends on what "personal" means to you. Four Seasons I carries fewer guests; Ritz-Carlton has more yachts and more regions.
Four Seasons I has 95 suites, no interior cabins and a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio (Four Seasons press release). Ritz-Carlton's yachts carry 149 suites (Evrima), 224 (Ilma) and 226 (Luminara), and every suite has a private terrace (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). If the fewest fellow guests matters most, Four Seasons I is the smaller ship. If you want Asia or the South Pacific, Ritz-Carlton is the one sailing there.
Which one gives you more time in the water?
It depends on the sailing. Four Seasons I builds a full Marina Day into most voyages; Ritz-Carlton names a Marina Day on some itineraries.
Four Seasons I builds a full Marina Day into most voyages; Ritz-Carlton names a Marina Day on some itineraries.
On most Four Seasons I voyages, the Marina Day is a full day at anchor with snorkel gear, eFoils, paddleboards and kayaks, plus a floating ocean pool with jellyfish netting, at no extra cost (Four Seasons Yachts FAQ). The day is spent at sea, not ashore (Four Seasons Yachts FAQ), and the toys include pedal-powered water bikes (Four Seasons Yachts). On Ritz-Carlton's side, Luminara has a Marina beach platform with water toys (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection), and some itineraries name a Marina Day, such as Huahine on the Papeete round trip (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection) and Komodo Bay on the Bali sailings (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection).
Values: Connection with Nature · Conscious Movement
Where can I sail in French Polynesia?
With Ritz-Carlton, on Evrima. The Papeete to Papeete round trip in January 2027 has a beach day on Taha'a, a Marina Day in Huahine's lagoon, the tiare apetahi flower that grows only on Raiatea's Mount Temehani, the Belvedere Lookout on Mo'orea, and sunset behind Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). The Honolulu to Papeete crossing in December 2027 crosses the equator and the International Date Line at Fanning Island, Kiribati, and you can kayak from the yacht's Marina (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Four Seasons I's published debut season does not include French Polynesia (Four Seasons press release).
Where can I sail in Asia?
With Ritz-Carlton, on Luminara, in early 2027. Bali to Bali has a Marina Day at Komodo Bay and a visit to Rinca in UNESCO-protected Komodo National Park to see Komodo dragons (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Singapore to Singapore cruises Langkawi's mangroves and the caves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and sails past Phuket's limestone islets (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Tokyo to Tokyo visits the gardens, temples and peace memorials of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, plus Busan in Korea (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Four Seasons I's debut season is not in Asia (Four Seasons press release).
Where does Four Seasons I sail?
The Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean and Bahamas in winter. In its debut year Four Seasons planned 32 voyages over 52 sailings, calling at about 130 destinations in more than 30 countries and territories. Ports named include Saint-Tropez, Bodrum, Hydra and Montenegro, plus the Greek Isles and the Croatian coast (Four Seasons press release). See Four Seasons I for the details we track.
Values: Inspires Awe and Wonder · Connection with Nature
Which has more for movement and quiet?
It depends on whether you want classes or space. Four Seasons Yachts lists a sunrise yoga flow on the yacht's marina, guided meditation and breathwork, Reformer Pilates, and a thermal circuit with saunas, a hammam, a cryochamber and a cold plunge (Four Seasons Yachts). Ritz-Carlton lists sunrise yoga and mat Pilates, personal training and steam rooms (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Both give you the classes; neither one makes a trip feel a certain way, so pick the itinerary first.
Is the food high vibe?
Fresh, yes; organic, not stated by either line. High vibe food: Four Seasons I's Marina Bar serves fresh-pressed juices, Terrasse cooks fresh coastal dishes with local ingredients, and Miuna spotlights sustainably sourced, locally available ingredients (Four Seasons Yachts). Four Seasons asks for dietary needs at least 12 weeks ahead (Four Seasons Yachts FAQ). Ritz-Carlton says it uses high-quality, fresh ingredients sourced with care and integrity, with menus from Michelin-starred chefs Sven Elverfeld, Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Neither site we checked lists dedicated plant-based menus or organic sourcing.
Values: Vibrant Food (fresh and local stated; organic not stated)
How do I choose?
It depends on region first. For the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or the Bahamas with the smallest guest count, look at Four Seasons I. For Komodo, Langkawi, Japan or the Society Islands, look at Ritz-Carlton. We don't quote fares here; each line prices by sailing, and an advisor confirms current pricing and availability for your dates. For more small-yacht sailings scored on our six values, see high-vibe yacht sailings.
FAQ
Which is better for time in the water?
It depends on the sailing. Most Four Seasons I voyages include one full Marina Day with complimentary water toys (Four Seasons Yachts FAQ). Some Ritz-Carlton itineraries name a Marina Day too (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection).
Do these yachts sail to Asia or French Polynesia?
Ritz-Carlton does, on Luminara and Evrima (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection). Four Seasons I's debut season is the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Bahamas (Four Seasons press release).
Is the food organic or plant-based?
Not stated by either line as of October 28, 2026 (Four Seasons Yachts; Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection).
Can I book either through a travel advisor?
Yes. Four Seasons Yachts says you are welcome to book through your preferred travel professional (Four Seasons Yachts FAQ), and we can request either line for you.
Plan this trip
Request a yacht trip, or send us a message. A High Vibe Vacay advisor will confirm availability and details for your dates.
On High Vibe Vacay
Stay at these from the list
Wake up close to wild nature in Mediterranean in summer
Four Seasons I: Mediterranean summers, Caribbean winters
Travelers who want a small yacht with plenty of time in the water. Four Seasons I has 95 suites, no interior cabins and a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
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Photo: Ilkka Simomaa / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Wake up close to wild nature in French Polynesia
Papeete to Papeete: The Society Islands
Six island calls in a week, with lagoon paddleboarding on Huahine and the Belvedere Lookout on Mo’orea listed in the itinerary.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionFrom $11,100 pp, as of October 2026
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Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Wake up close to wild nature in Indonesia
Bali to Bali: Komodo, Flores and Lombok
A short small-yacht loop through Indonesia’s islands, with a call in UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park and a stop at Ta’aktana on Flores.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionFrom $8,800 pp, as of October 2026
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Photo: Leonardo0511 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Wake up close to wild nature in Malaysia and Thailand
Singapore to Singapore: Langkawi, Phuket and Penang
Mangroves of Langkawi’s Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, an overnight in Penang and old Malacca, round trip from Singapore. The yacht’s fitness studio lists sunrise yoga and mat Pilates.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionFrom $12,300 pp, as of October 2026
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Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Stay somewhere rooted in its place in Japan and South Korea
Tokyo to Tokyo: Kobe, Hiroshima, Busan and Nagasaki
An April loop through southern Japan with a call in Busan, round trip from Tokyo. The yacht’s fitness studio lists sunrise yoga and mat Pilates.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionFrom $20,300 pp, as of October 2026
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Photo: The TerraMar Project / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Wake up close to wild nature in Hawaii and French Polynesia
Honolulu to Papeete: Volcanoes, Fanning Island and Bora Bora
From Hilo for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park across the equator to Bora Bora and Mo’orea; kayaking is offered from the yacht’s marina.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionFrom $12,500 pp, as of October 2026
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Setting photo of Nusa Dua, Bali, not the property. Photo: Andre Bestman / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Nusa Dua
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
A clifftop and beachfront resort in Nusa Dua above the Indian Ocean, with sunrise and sunset yoga by the beach, a garden yoga studio and Indonesian cooking classes.
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Setting photo of Sonoran Desert, Tucson, not the property. Photo: Dulcey Lima / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Marana
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
A Sonoran Desert resort in the Tortolita Mountains with 26 miles of hiking trails, ranger-led hikes, telescope stargazing and crystal singing bowl sessions.
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Setting photo of Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, not the property. Photo: William Duggan / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Seven Mile Beach
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
A resort on Seven Mile Beach with yoga on the sand, mangrove kayak tours and guest mangrove clean-ups.
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Photo: Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Wake up close to wild nature in Half Moon Bay
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
A clifftop resort above the Pacific south of San Francisco, with daily yoga, coastal walks and a spa that draws on the nearby redwoods.
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Setting photo of Koh Samui, Thailand, not the property. Photo: Valeria Hutter / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Koh Samui
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
A 58-acre former coconut plantation in a private bay on Koh Samui, with a spa yoga pavilion, a swim reef with more than 50 fish species, and local market cooking classes.
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Photo: AngryJulieMonday / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Wake up close to wild nature in Dana Point
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
A bluff-top resort above Salt Creek Beach with daily ocean-view yoga and Pilates and naturalist-led hikes to the Dana Point Headlands.
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Setting photo of Langkawi, Malaysia, not the property. Photo: Hongwei FAN / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Langkawi
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
A private bay of beach and ancient rainforest on Langkawi, with sunrise kayaking, rainforest hikes and a sound-bath meditation by the shore.
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Setting photo of Naples, Florida, not the property. Photo: Richard Sagredo / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Naples
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
A beachfront resort on the Gulf of Mexico near Vanderbilt Beach, with daily yoga and meditation and a spa café that serves cold-pressed juices made with organic ingredients.
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Setting photo of Okinawa coast, Japan, not the property. Photo: Syuhei Inoue / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Wake up close to wild nature in Nago
The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa
A resort moments from Kise Beach with early-morning yoga, a floating sound session on water, and a spa beside an old-growth forest using locally grown herbs.
Sources
- Four Seasons, "Luxury Redefined at Sea: The Debut of Four Seasons Yachts" (March 20, 2026): https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2026/four-seasons-yacht-launch/ (checked October 28, 2026)
- Four Seasons Yachts, FAQ: https://www.fourseasonsyachts.com/faq (checked October 28, 2026)
- Four Seasons Yachts, Marina Day: https://www.fourseasonsyachts.com/marina-day (checked October 28, 2026)
- Four Seasons Yachts, Wellness: https://www.fourseasonsyachts.com/wellness (checked October 28, 2026)
- Four Seasons Yachts, Culinary and beverage: https://www.fourseasonsyachts.com/culinary-and-beverage (checked October 28, 2026)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Spa and wellness: https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/yachts/spa-wellness (checked October 28, 2026)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Dining: https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/yachts/dining (checked October 28, 2026)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, itineraries checked October 28, 2026: Papeete to Papeete, Honolulu to Papeete, Bali to Bali, Singapore to Singapore, Tokyo to Tokyo
- Photo: Four Seasons I Yacht.jpg, Hurk87, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=195045333
- Photo: A yacht at anchor, at sea, Marcin Ciszewski / Unsplash, Unsplash License: https://unsplash.com/photos/Zexjl0v3MRU
- Photo: Anse La Roche, Carriacou, Grenada, Hugh Whyte / Unsplash, Unsplash License: https://unsplash.com/photos/k3ABfA6aYzY
- Photo: Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Fresh Hibiscus / Unsplash, Unsplash License: https://unsplash.com/photos/mkxFkR5I304
- Photo: Pink Beach, Komodo, Indonesia, Simon Spring / Unsplash, Unsplash License: https://unsplash.com/photos/2tg2B191ZpQ
- Photo: Ionian Sea, Greece, Black Iris Visuals / Unsplash, Unsplash License: https://unsplash.com/photos/MeVdTEAs4S4
Photo credits
- Four Seasons I: Mediterranean summers, Caribbean winters: Photo: Hurk87 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
- Photo, At sea: Photo: Marcin Ciszewski / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- Photo, Anse La Roche, Carriacou, Grenada: Photo: Hugh Whyte / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- Photo, Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Photo: Fresh Hibiscus / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- Photo, Pink Beach, Komodo, Indonesia: Photo: Simon Spring / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- Photo, Ionian Sea, Greece: Photo: Black Iris Visuals / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- Papeete to Papeete: The Society Islands: Photo: Ilkka Simomaa / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
- Bali to Bali: Komodo, Flores and Lombok: Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
- Singapore to Singapore: Langkawi, Phuket and Penang: Photo: Leonardo0511 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Tokyo to Tokyo: Kobe, Hiroshima, Busan and Nagasaki: Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
- Honolulu to Papeete: Volcanoes, Fanning Island and Bora Bora: Photo: The TerraMar Project / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
- The Ritz-Carlton, Bali: Setting photo of Nusa Dua, Bali, not the property. Photo: Andre Bestman / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Setting photo of Sonoran Desert, Tucson, not the property. Photo: Dulcey Lima / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Setting photo of Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, not the property. Photo: William Duggan / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay: Photo: Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui: Setting photo of Koh Samui, Thailand, not the property. Photo: Valeria Hutter / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: Photo: AngryJulieMonday / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
- The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi: Setting photo of Langkawi, Malaysia, not the property. Photo: Hongwei FAN / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: Setting photo of Naples, Florida, not the property. Photo: Richard Sagredo / Unsplash · Unsplash License
- The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa: Setting photo of Okinawa coast, Japan, not the property. Photo: Syuhei Inoue / Unsplash · Unsplash License
Scores and features are High Vibe Vacay’s own reading of public sources as of October 2026. Confirm details with the property or line before booking.
