Luxury travel news from around the world (June 2024)

In our latest round-up of luxury travel news from around the world, we share everything from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific and Etihad Airways’ new direct flights to Bali, to the highly anticipated debut of Kimpton’s first Hawaiian property to the grand openings of Shangri-La properties in China, luxury hotels in Portugal by IHG, and the reopening of Vancouver’s iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Read on for this and a whole lot more.

Coco Palms – the first ever Kimpton property in Hawaii

2Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, in collaboration with Coco Palms Resort, is set to introduce the first-ever Kimpton property in Hawaii, Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort, in 2026. Situated amidst the stunning landscapes of Kauai’s Wailua valley, the resort will undergo a meticulous restoration to revive its former glory as a haven for Hollywood celebrities.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Expansion into the Asia-Pacific region with Luminara

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region with Luminara, offering 10 new journeys between December 2025 and May 2026. These voyages will explore 28 ports across 10 countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and beyond, providing unparalleled experiences for discerning travelers.

New direct flights to Bali with Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, touched down for the first time in Denpasar, Bali, on Wednesday, marking the launch of regular services between Abu Dhabi and the paradise island destination.

Rooftop Yoga at Berlin’s Hotel de Rome

This Summer in July and August, Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Berlin, invites guests to elevate their yoga practice to new heights. In collaboration with Patricia Thielemann, Germany‘s renowned yoga teacher and founder of Spirit Yoga, Hotel de Rome presents Rooftop Yoga.

New Shangri-La properties in China

Shangri-La Group has revealed two new properties in China: Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen and JEN Kunming by Shangri-La. These additions further enrich the Group’s esteemed portfolio as they open their doors to guests, underscoring its unwavering commitment to the Chinese market while showcasing its distinctive brand of heartfelt Asian hospitality.

New luxury hotels in Portugal for IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed nine hotels across Portugal, adding 976 rooms to the country’s growing and strong pipeline, as it continues to benefit from rapid growth. The signings cover two IHG brand collections including luxury and lifestyle, with the announcement of Kimpton Lisbon, Hotel Indigo Albufeira and Hotel Indigo Faro.

New Delta One amenity kits from Missoni

The Delta One experience will soon be further differentiated by a new partnership the global airline has forged with Italian luxury fashion house Missoni. Together, Delta and Missoni – a brand known for its creative use of colors and patterns – will elevate Delta One with a new customer amenity kit and top-of-the-line details woven into key touchpoints throughout the Delta One travel experience.  

A new gastronomic chapter for Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Inspired by the success of the Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, the restaurant by Yannick Alléno at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group is preparing for a new opening with the multi-starred chef: L’Abysse Monte-Carlo. Building on the strength of the first address in Paris, the two-starred Pavyllon Ledoye in Paris, Yannick Alléno and Sushi Master Yasunari Okazaki are getting closer to the Mediterranean Sea with L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, which will open on 9 July. In a setting designed by Laurence Bonnel-Alléno and the architect duo from RoWin’atelier, the two chefs will develop the art of sushi, guided by the four elements.  

A design revolution for Bentley

Bentley Motors is proud to reveal the fourth generation Continental GT Speed, following in the 21-year tradition of the Continental GT family by redefining the ultimate blend of supercar performance, handcrafted luxury and everyday usability.

Slovenia celebrates 10 Michelin-starred restaurants

Michelin Guide highlighted the best Slovenian restaurants for the fifth time in a row, reaffirming the top quality, sustainability and diversity of Slovenian gastronomy. Hiša Franko, under the guidance of chef Ana Roš, continues to shine brightly with three Michelin stars. What sets Hiša Franko apart even further is its Green Star, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. This dual recognition places Hiša Franko among a select group of just 33 restaurants worldwide honoured with both distinctions. Ana Roš also stands as one of only eight female chefs globally to hold three Michelin stars and one of two chefs worldwide to combine three Michelin stars with the Green Star.

Fincantieri and Viking sign contracts for two new cruise ships

Fincantieri has announced the signing of contracts with Viking for the construction of two new cruise ships, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029. These ships will be based on the successful design characteristics of previous collaborations between Fincantieri and Viking. With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, each ship will accommodate 998 passengers in 499 cabins, catering to the small cruise ship segment. The agreement underscores the robust recovery of the cruise market, evidenced by the return of passenger volumes to pre-pandemic levels. 

Rosewood Hotel Georgia reopens

Renowned as Vancouver’s most fashionable retreat, Rosewood Hotel Georgia reopens today following an extensive five-month renovation to unveil reimagined culinary concepts and luxury rooms and suites. The reopening also marks the debut of an entirely new dining destination, The Georgia Bar, further strengthening the property’s robust culinary program and paying homage to the iconic and beloved personalities that once traversed through its corridors. Meticulously curated to serve as the ultimate gathering place for culturally minded travelers and local aesthetes, Rosewood Hotel Georgia celebrates the history and heritage of Vancouver within a modern setting, complemented by an array of singular experiences. First opened in 1927 as Hotel Georgia, the property was last renovated in 2011 when it was introduced as Rosewood Hotel Georgia.

The British Airways and British Airways Holidays summer sale

The British Airways and British Airways Holidays summer sale has launched to brighten the mood and lift dampened spirits, forecasting blue skies and sandy toes for all those who book. Running until 11 July 2024, The Original Sale includes both flights and holiday packages to beach and city destinations. Holidays for 2024 and 2025 are in abundance, whether customers want to summer in Sicily, kick back in the Caribbean or TukTuk through Thailand.

A new culinary experience illuminating Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti announces the opening of Nuru, its captivating new restaurant in the heart of the breathtaking African wilderness. Meaning “light” in Swahili and Arabic, Nuru symbolizes and enhances the majesty of bright African sunrises, the magic of the golden hour light in the Savannah and the celestial glow of the night sky; setting the stage for a refined and memorable culinary journey for discerning travellers.

The BMW Concept Skytop

With its BMW Concept Skytop design study, the BMW Group is once again bringing an exceptionally elegant, one-of-a-kind vehicle to this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the annual beauty contest for historic cars and motorcycles held on the shores of Lake Como. The open two-seater resembles a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture, with a flowing, sporty elegance that complements its athletic, muscular stance. The interior and exterior of the concept car feature warm monochromatic colours, blending exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship.

A new chapter for Sofitel New York

Sofitel New York is announcing a refurbishment plan encompassing all facets of the hotel, including the 398 guestrooms, comprising 51 suites and the Presidential Suite. The building’s iconic skyscraper One Bedroom Suites with breathtaking skyline views, and the Terrace Suites providing unparalleled vistas of the Chrysler or Empire State Buildings from private outdoor terraces, will also be renovated. Additionally, the transformation will extend to the lobby level, meeting spaces, guest elevators and corridors. The highly anticipated renewal of Sofitel New York, known as a “quiet oasis” amidst bustling Midtown Manhattan, will commence late 2024 with the completion of the public areas scheduled by Fall 2025.

$500m luxury Trump resort heading for Aida, Oman

Dar Global, a luxury international real estate developer, has launched Trump International Oman at its stunning Aida project in Oman, one of the largest premium mixed-use real estate developments in the world.  The $500 million Trump International Oman in Aida is the latest addition to Trump’s prestigious global portfolio. Scheduled to open in December 2028, this luxurious 140-key, 5-star hotel complex features a range of accommodations, including hanging suites, furnished villas, and serviced apartments. Guests will enjoy complimentary private beach access. The resort also boasts an exquisite 18-hole championship golf course, an exclusive members-only club, and the Cliff Hanging Night Club.

Hyatt expands in the Big Easy with two New Orleans hotels

Hyatt is expanding its brand presence in New Orleans with Maison Métier (formerly Maison de la Luz) and The Barnett (formerly Ace Hotel New Orleans), which have joined the Hyatt portfolio as affiliated hotels. The hotels are expected to join Hyatt’s Independent Collection of brands and participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program this year.

Opening later this year: Veligandu Maldives Resort Island

Established in 1984 as one of the pioneering resorts in the Maldives, Veligandu has undergone an extensive renovation and is set to welcome guests from November 2024 in its 100 villas. Veligandu will belong to Crown and Champa Resorts’ acclaimed luxury collection alongside Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives Island Resort, Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, and Jawakara Islands Maldives. There are no man-made islands in the CCR portfolio, and Veligandu is no exception, seamlessly blending natural beauty with secluded luxury and featuring already-established lush vegetation and flora unlike new islands that have been manufactured.

Wyndham opens first Dolce Hotel in Türkiye

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels in more than 95 countries, announced the opening of the first Dolce hotel in Türkiye, Dolce by Wyndham Çeşme Alaçatı. The hotel, which is joined by the new openings of La Quinta by Wyndham Çeşme and Wyndham Datça Perili Bay, comes as part of an expanded partnership with owner and operator, DRD Hotels, and reinforces Wyndham’s leading presence in the country, which today stands at nearly 120 hotels.

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