Fort Lauderdale has long been called the Yachting Capital of the World, and now it has something no other coastal city can claim: the world’s first yacht-branded condominium. Introducing Riva Residenze, a striking new development inspired by the elegance and legacy of the iconic Italian yacht builder, Riva.
Spearheaded by development powerhouses WellDuo, Vertical Developments and GCF Development, Riva Residenze is a 20-story waterfront statement in refined living. With just 36 distinctive residences, a private marina and sweeping water views, the project brings luxury yachting to life on land.
“We set out to capture the feeling of life on the water and translate it into a residential experience rooted in elegance, craftsmanship and timeless style,” says Eduardo Pelaez, co-founder of WellDuo. “Fort Lauderdale was the only city that made sense for this.”
From its curved architecture by Arquitectonica to interiors by Giuseppina Arena, a veteran in superyacht design, every element of Riva Residenze whispers exclusivity. You won’t find sharp angles or harsh edges here. Instead, the design flows like the lines of a yacht, with warm wood finishes, stitched leather and chrome accents that recall the hull of a Riva vessel.
“Giuseppina brought deep experience designing refined spaces at sea,” Pelaez explains. “She used curved walls and layered materials to evoke that same sense of movement and serenity you find on a yacht.”
Step into the lobby and you’re met with rich wood, sleek lines and a curated Riva art gallery. But this is about atmosphere as well as aesthetics. There’s a garden indoors, concierge services and the same ease you’d expect walking into a members-only yacht club.
The residences are designed as sanctuaries. From expansive balconies to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, each unit is a calm, private retreat. A soft palette inspired by sea and sand meets modern form, with custom built-ins and spacious layouts. Even the powder rooms are an homage to elegance, with polished wood paneling and high-end fixtures.
The project stands out for its spa and wellness offerings. Think hot tubs with soft lighting, a yoga studio bathed in natural light, a sauna, steam room and even a private spa suite. The gym? As sleek and functional as the rest of the project, complete with panoramic water views.
“Wellness was a guiding focus from the beginning,” says Pelaez. “Every space was designed to restore and calm.”
What makes Riva Residenze special is its dedication to timelessness. There are no trendy gimmicks here. Materials like mahogany and steel anchor the design. Aquamarine tones echo the ocean outside. The common areas are outfitted by Formitalia, an Italian luxury group known for precise craftsmanship and a shared dedication to Riva’s signature style.
“Formitalia shares our commitment to quality,” Pelaez notes. “Their furnishings are custom-made specifically for Riva Residenze. No detail was overlooked.”
Outside, the private marina allows residents to dock their boats just steps from home. The pool deck, raised and styled after Riva’s beach decks, offers views that stretch into the horizon. From sunrise coffee on the balcony to sunset cocktails at the water’s edge, every day here is an invitation to slow down and indulge.
“You start your day with coffee overlooking the water, enjoy a workout or spa session, then take the boat out from your private marina,” Pelaez says. “In the evening, you host friends at the lounge or unwind by the pool. It’s effortless luxury.”
Riva Residenze comes at a pivotal time for Fort Lauderdale. With the Florida Panthers’ historic Stanley Cup win and a recent Forbes nod naming the city Florida’s newest luxury real estate hotspot, Fort Lauderdale is having a moment — and Riva is positioned to lead the next chapter in waterfront living.
