Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

EXPLORE HOTLIST

though. During our two-night call at St Tropez, I, along with a small (by cruise standards) group of fellow guests, headed to land for an afternoon at the Domaine La Rouillère vineyard. Worries set in when I saw our host waving a clipboard above her head, indicating that the group should follow her to a nearby minibus. The worries disappeared when we arrived, though. The vineyard and its thankfully air-conditioned winery were ours for the afternoon; a tour turned into a tasting of its delightfully crisp Provence rosé. Small groups like this not only keep the locals happy but also mean you make quick friends — a few sips in and we were all sharing stories of champagne-fueled festivities the night before. If even this type of excursion is a bit too close to organized fun for you, fear not. Regular tenders run to shore when the ship is at anchor so you can explore as you please (many of my fellow rosé sippers stayed in town for dinner, post wine), and the concierge

This is Ritz-Carlton-on-the-Sea, so service is the real marker of luxury here. Sta ff -to-guest ratio is proudly 1:1.2 (among the highest ratio in the industry, so I’m told), and you feel it at every stage — from the dedicated suite ambassadors on hand to cater to your every whim, to the bar team who very helpfuly whizz around the pool areas with trays of cocktails you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them in hand. By the time you disembark, expect plenty of the team to know you — as well as, crucially, your drink order — by name. Most things are included in your fare too, so you won’t feel that niggling dread of the bill ticking up as you go. But, so far, so cruise. Pick a line luxurious enough, and the above will come as standard. The real place where traditional cruising reveals its fl aws, however, is in the on-shore excursions, with locals in many ports of call notoriously fed up with hordes descending en masse. No such worry for Ilma guests,

entry-level option comes with a balcony big enough for dining space and a lounge chair. Ritz-Carlton by no means pushes the boat out (no pun intended) when it comes to interior design, but that’s not meant as criticism — the decor is minimal but warm, muted yet cozy. There are plenty of little extra touches: Polisho ff one package of your favorite treats in the all-inclusive snack cupboard, and three more will have arrived by the time you look again. Poured the last drop of your welcome champagne last night? Another will be chilling pronto. I even came back to my room each evening to a display of gifts that would make Santa blush, from Diptyque perfume to a Bulgari AirPod case. If you’re looking for a showstopper, though, go for an Owner’s Suite. Covering up 1,033 sq ft (with an extra 721 sq ft outside), it has a separate dining area and lounge, a kitchenette, a walk-in wardrobe and its own outdoor hot tub. No half measures here.

Photos Don Riddle Images