On Board Review

Riva 110' Dolcevita Review (2019 Edition)

The newest flagship from Riva is a visual masterpiece, boasting the signature quality and style synonymous with this highly regarded Italian shipbuilder.

Riva is making significant strides with its dynamic fleet of yachts, offering a captivating experience that appeals to the senses. Among its remarkable lineup is the groundbreaking 50 Metri, representing the pinnacle of its semi-custom superyacht series.

Joining this esteemed collection is the 110 Dolocevita, alongside the previously explored 90 Argo in Monaco. Embracing Riva's signature metallic flybridge design, the Dolcevita captivates with its sleek aesthetic. Yet, beyond its stylish exterior, what sets this vessel apart?

Riva 110' Dolcevita Key Facts

Riva 110' Dolcevita illustration
  • LOA 110.007ft
  • Model Year 2019
  • Cabins 5
  • Crew 7
  • Max Speed 26 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Superyacht
  • Use Type Cruising

Design & Build

Riva isn't just a boatbuilder from Italy; it's a revered icon in the world of yachting, carrying its legacy with utmost reverence. Stepping aboard a Riva, guided by someone involved in its creation, evokes a profound sense of pride and duty. There's a tangible awareness that each new Riva must uphold the standards set by its predecessors.

Whether you're a dedicated Riva enthusiast or a casual observer, you're likely familiar with its exquisite mahogany sportsboats, epitomized by classics like the Aquarama. These vessels, often graced by the presence of icons like Brigitte Bardot and propelled by legends like Peter Sellers, have become legendary in their own right.

Riva 110 Dolcevita design
A fine example of large flybridge design © Riva

The Godfather

Riva's influence extends far beyond Hollywood glamour. It stands as a dominant force in modern motorboat design, shaping the aesthetics of everything from sports boats to luxurious yachts and flybridge cruisers.

In recent years, Riva has ventured into larger territory, crafting sports yachts exceeding 20 meters. This evolution has birthed full-fledged superyacht models, including the flagship 50 Metri, the exquisite 28-meter 90 Argo, and the subject of our examination today, the 33-meter 110 Dolcevita. The 90 and 110 share a distinct design lineage, characterized by sleek metallic exteriors adorned with expansive dark glass panels. This aesthetic blend of contemporary flair and timeless elegance ensures these yachts will remain iconic for years to come.

Riva 110 Dolcevita design
The exterior exudes prowess and power © Riva
Riva 110 Dolcevita design
© Riva
Riva 110 Dolcevita design
© Riva

Dolcevita Indeed

The 110 offers several key advantages over the 90, including a five-cabin layout and a palpable sense of spaciousness throughout the yacht, particularly evident on the flybridge, foredeck, and salon. Its extended length also allows for a slightly more elongated profile compared to its smaller counterpart, although the sleek aesthetic of the 90 remains undiminished.

Both yachts embody a sporty persona, complemented by impressive performance capabilities. The 110 Dolcevita, propelled by a pair of 2600hp 16v MTU engines, achieves speeds of approximately 26 knots, ensuring exhilarating fast cruising experiences.

Interior Accommodation

Stepping inside a Riva yacht is a unique experience unlike any other. The meticulous attention to detail, the utilization of top-tier materials, and the boldness of design, whether individually or in concert, are unrivaled.

Riva 110 Dolcevita salon
The beautiful salon features stainless steel framed glass and sliding doors © Riva

The salon of the 110 mirrors the design language of the 90 Argo, featuring impeccably crafted deep cabinetry that extends overhead, subtle illumination, striking stainless steel-framed windows, and sleek, standalone furnishings. However, its larger dimensions afford the salon a significant expansion, enhancing both the lounge area and the dining space with generous proportions and a set of expansive sliding doors.

Addressing the practical needs of yacht living, ample storage solutions abound, with the forward bulkhead of the dining area concealing a discreet wall of cabinets. Moreover, owners have the flexibility to personalize their Dolcevita according to their preferences, with a variety of layout options and finishes available.

Riva 110 Dolcevita cabins
The main deck owner's stateroom offers an abundance of space © Riva
Riva 110 Dolcevita cabins
Riva 110 Dolcevita design

In the stateroom, the double berth is positioned to face aft, accompanied by a generously appointed ensuite, a consistent feature across all cabins, located forward. The layout offers versatility, as evidenced by the test yacht's pragmatic and well-thought-out design, which includes a spacious stretch of cabinetry, a desk, and a dressing area to port, leaving the starboard side open for a lounge area. Alongside the cabin, long windows provide ample natural light, although they may lack depth.

Riva 110 Dolcevita cabins
Each guest cabin feels unique, with a design much like the owner's stateroom © Riva

The four guest cabins are accessed from a spacious below-deck lobby, exuding a sense of individuality. They boast stateroom-level finishes, featuring a harmonious blend of warm cabinetry, stainless steel accents, and sleek design elements. Each cabin is complemented by a generously sized ensuite, adorned with exquisite white marble finishes.

Helm Station

The flybridge helm epitomizes discretion and functionality, featuring two sets of seats and a stunning teak grab rail spanning the deck. A cleverly designed pop-up carbon fiber console emerges when piloting from the upper deck is preferred, a common choice given the yacht's penchant for fast cruising. Integrated within the carbon dash are two MFD screens, ensuring optimal visibility forward and around the vessel.

Riva 110 Dolcevita helm
The upper flybridge helm is both discreet and functional © Riva

Professional Pilothouse

For extended journeys, the pilothouse is conveniently located just a few steps below, accessible from the main deck. This area offers a dedicated and professional driving environment, featuring a central helm seat, seating for guests and crew, and a modern, minimalist console design. Four heads-up MFDs mounted on pods facilitate navigational tasks, while two additional screens provide essential system and engine data.

Riva 110 Dolcevita helm
The inner helm, perfect for longer passages, sits within its own pilothouse © Riva

The professional design and functionality of this elevated bridge are truly impressive, featuring a well-placed AC/DC panel that allows for centralized management of the entire yacht from a single position. While the design does not include space for a Captain's cabin, which is rare for a yacht of this size, the captain will instead reside in the spacious crew quarters located within the bow of the yacht.

Deck Lifestyle

Two narratives unfold across the decks of the 110 Dolcevita, each as compelling as the other. The first is immediately apparent — the expansive flybridge, expansive foredeck, and grand aft deck provide space and luxury, boasting abundant seating and lounging options. However, equally noteworthy is the meticulous craftsmanship that envelops these magnificent deck areas. From the coamings and hardtop to the overhangs and railings, every detail speaks to yachting artistry, blending sculpted moldings with a fusion of fine timbers and stainless steel, mirroring the elegance found within the vessel's interior.

Riva 110 Dolcevita decks
The flybridge deck is partly covered by a sculpted hardtop and features an impressive bar area © Riva
Riva 110 Dolcevita
Riva 110 Dolcevita

Flying High

The decks are embellished with rich teak, shielded by elegant A-pillars, while the coamings, railings, and hardtop adorning the flybridge deserve special commendation. The flybridge itself is intelligently divided into two distinct areas: the open aft deck is dedicated to sunbathing and lounging, offering customizable layouts or the option of Riva’s exquisite deck furniture. Forward, beneath a stunning hardtop adorned with glass and intricate design, lies a space of refined elegance. Here, the sophisticated bar design, reminiscent of the 90 Argo but larger and with increased seating, commands attention, while across stands a similarly grand dining table, exuding timeless style.

Riva 110 Dolcevita decks
Riva 110 Dolcevita decks
Riva 110 Dolcevita decks
The foredeck design creates three tiers of lounge and includes a hidden Jacuzzi © Riva

The flybridge is expansive, effortlessly chic, and a magnet for both day and night gatherings. Yet, there's a compelling allure to the foredeck, a sprawling expanse of deck terraces spanning nearly half of the Riva's length. These two decks harmonize perfectly: the flybridge ideal for cruising or dining, while the foredeck offers a prime sunbathing spot, particularly when in port.

Boasting one of the most sophisticated aft decks in the yacht world, the 110 emerges as a deck lifestyle icon, blending luxury from the waterline upward. The only absence is an aft lounge at the stern, replaced by a practical tender garage, showcasing the yacht's versatile design.

Our Verdict

Crafted as a homage to teak, stainless steel, and the most refined application of fibreglass, the Dolcevita stands at the forefront of flybridge design. Measuring 33m, it epitomizes superyacht elegance and capability, boasting a level of finish few can rival. Beneath its sleek exterior lies substantial substance, including remarkable cruising performance, impeccable construction, and a collection of five excellent cabins, setting a new standard for luxury at this length.

Reasons to Buy

  • Superb, sophisticated flybridge design
  • Exceptional flybridge and forward decks
  • Five cabins full of space and style
  • Peerless build quality
  • 26-knot top speed

Things to Consider

  • No transom lounge

Looking to own a Riva 110' Dolcevita? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Riva 110' Dolcevita Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Riva 110' Dolcevita, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

The Riva Dolcevita enters a very busy and quite brilliant 33m market where five good cabins, large flybridges and fast cruising are the norms. If you only want four cabins, and retain a main deck Owner’s stateroom, the Riva 90 Argo becomes a very good option.

Sticking with five-cabin, main deck owner’s stateroom models, fellow Italian brand Azimut has two models of note, to each side of the 33m Riva. The Azimut Grande 32 Metri is a superb package with its massive foredeck lounge, mini beach club and awesome use of glass across the main deck, including full-height windows in the Owner’s cabin. The larger Grande 35 Metri delivers a very similar set of features, adding a fun sun platform above the flybridge.                             

Staying in Italy, Custom Line’s 106 adds even more Owner splendour with a balcony in the stateroom, the visual wonder offered by this yacht continuing in the salon where large glass sections and cutaway decks create excellent views. 

The Sunseeker 116 is another impressive all-around superyacht design with its big deck spaces, innovative cabin designs and strong cruising performance.

All of these yachts have an inner pilothouse-style helm position for longer passages as well as a flybridge driving position to enjoy shorter, fast and fun blasts.

Considering a new yacht? Explore Riva's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Length Overall 110.007ft
  • Beam 23.852ft
  • Draft 6.529ft
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 5
  • Berths 10
  • Crew 7
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 4,042 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 792 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x MTU 16V 2000 M96L
  • Engine HP 2638
  • Engine economic speed 10 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 430 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Riva 110' Dolcevita Layout

  • Flybridge Riva 110' Dolcevita

    The flybridge deck is split into two defined areas with an open aft and covered forward section.

  • Wheelhouse Riva 110' Dolcevita

    The pilothouse sits between the flybridge and main deck, a professional driving position for longer passages. 

  • Main Deck Riva 110' Dolcevita

    Layout and finish are open to the Owner's style with a clearly defined lounge and dining area. The forward owner's suite is accessed from the port side, the galley lying to starboard.  

  • Lower Deck Riva 110' Dolcevita

    A conventional layout creates the space for four exceptional cabins and ensuites. The crews quarters lies in the bows with three cabins, five berths and space for a mess area.

View All Layout Options