Luxury branded residences are growing by the minute, with brands from even the most unexpected categories entering the luxury residential market. It comes as no surprise that storied hospitality brands, such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Raffles, and St. Regis, are dominating the category across the globe, but many non-hotel brands are also finding great success.

A yacht is not so different from a luxury residence when it comes to design, craftsmanship, and the overall living experience. A small subset of the ultra-wealthy population split their time between their yacht and their luxury home. Each is a personal sanctuary that defines your taste and lifestyle. Now, you can get a taste of the yacht lifestyle in a real estate building with the first-ever yacht-branded residence in the world: Riva Residenze. From WellDuo, Vertical Developments, and GCF Developments, Riva Residenze will be located in Fort Lauderdale—a coveted area for luxury homebuyers in South Florida just north of Miami.

Italian yacht company Riva dates back to 1832 and is known for its expert craftsmanship and use of fine materials. It’s the oldest and most iconic shipyard in the world, which excels today with cutting-edge technology, performance, style, durability, and elegance. Even if you don’t know the name brand from memory, it’s likely you’ve seen a Riva vessel in iconic movies like James Bond. The Aquarama is arguably the yacht company’s most famous boat and has gained quite a nautical reputation for its sleek aesthetic. For many, the Aquarama is reminiscent of the exclusive shores of Lake Como, Italy and other elite European destinations.

“The Aquarama revolutionized the idea of going on holiday, experiencing the sea, and being exclusive, which established a new benchmark for elegance,” says Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, which owns Riva. “Since then, Riva has been more than a boat brand, representing a world of beauty and style that has inspired design, fashion and lifestyle choices. Riva Residenze takes the brand’s signature aesthetics, including mahogany, steel, the color aquamarine, and timeless styling, into the luxury living sector. The quality and focus on detail that have made Riva famous are unique and universal characteristics that increase the value and appeal of every living space.”

Riva Residenze will feature just 36 residences designed by renowned architecture firm Arquitectonica, as well as a private marina nestled between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The 20-story development encompasses two parcels and boasts 200 feet of linear waterfront. Located at a prestigious address along Harbor Drive, homes within Riva Residenze will face both the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, allowing residents full access to the ultimate maritime lifestyle. The homes feature sleek nautical and yacht-inspired design, including curvilinear walls, chrome finishes, and custom leather stitching.

Layouts range from two- to six-bedroom residences spanning 2,000 to 4,493 square feet. There will also be two penthouses more than 8,000 square feet. Italian-design kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and sumptuous living spaces will anchor each unit. There will also be 20,000 square feet of amenities, including expansive wellness spaces, including a Pilates studio, yoga, fitness lawn, gym, sauna, and spa; a 75-foot lap pool; and a Sky Lounge with a kitchen, library, private cinema, cigar room, wine room, and media room. There will also be water amenities, like a surf room that acts as the homebase for paddle boarding, kayaking, and more.

by Emma Reynolds