Friday newsletters at all times characteristic journey contests, suggestions, or information.
As we speak: February 2025 luxurious journey information
Each final Friday of the month, you possibly can learn my information round-up of what’s taking place on the planet of luxurious journey and aviation. On this challenge:
- Mandarin Oriental proclaims a brand new luxurious resort in Puerto Rico
- Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica is now open
- The Ritz-Carlton will open a luxurious safari camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara
- North Island Seychelles leaves Marriott’s Luxurious Assortment
- 4 Seasons proclaims a brand new resort within the United Arab Emirates
- Aman unveils its first branded residences in Africa
- Rosewood Miyakojima Japan is now open
- SAS unveils new crew uniforms impressed by Scandinavian heritage
- The Hyatt Resort Group opens its Andaz Doha property
- ITA Airways leaves SkyTeam and can be part of Star Alliance in 2026
1. Mandarin Oriental proclaims a brand new luxurious resort in Puerto Rico
Mandarin Oriental is ready to handle a brand new luxurious resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s breathtaking southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. Anticipated to open in 2028, Mandarin Oriental Puerto Rico will characteristic 106 fantastically designed rooms and suites with a balcony, terrace or non-public backyard. Choose suites will characteristic plunge swimming pools, while all villas will embody non-public swimming pools. An unique assortment of 83 residential villas will probably be sprinkled throughout Esencia’s spectacular seaside, hillside and cliffs. As well as, a collection of six-story boutique buildings, nestled into the pure panorama, will home roughly 200 non-public residences – conveniently situated close to the city heart. The resort will supply a wide range of distinctive facilities, together with 5 distinct eating locations that includes worldwide cuisines with domestically impressed culinary delights. A seaside membership, a poolside restaurant and bar and a classy lounge bar will present an extra dynamic to the general expertise. One other key spotlight of the resort will probably be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, an expansive wellness sanctuary providing a spread of signature wellness, magnificence and therapeutic massage therapies.
2. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica is now open
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has opened its doorways on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula. Named after the Chorotega phrase for “lush backyard,” Nekajui is the primary Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central America. (The Chorotegas are an indigenous folks that stay in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras). The brand new resort options cean-facing rooms and suites, and three luxurious treetop tents with entry to breathtaking views, out of doors terraces, plunge swimming pools, and spa-like facilities. The property additionally has 36 non-public residences with two to 5 bedrooms. For the last word exclusivity, Villa Guayacan is a 10-bedroom retreat. The resort says its structure “celebrates the tradition and nature of Guanacaste — mixing native supplies and sustainable design with modern fashion and refinement.” Subtle eating experiences, from artisanal espresso rituals to non-public treetops and fashionable Peruvian delicacies, deliver native substances to life. The propert’s Nimbu Spa & Wellness is ready in concord with the land’s pure rhythms, rooted in historical methods of dwelling resulting in renewed power.
3. Ritz-Carlton will open a luxurious safari camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara
Anticipated to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will probably be situated throughout the coronary heart of the Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve, famend for its plentiful wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the Nice Migration, the place hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara annually. Elevated amongst the timber on a secluded island surrounded by the well-known Sand River close to the Tanzanian border, this treetop retreat is anticipated to characteristic 20 elegantly appointed tented suites, together with a four-bedroom presidential suite, every with an infinity plunge pool. Plans embody refined eating experiences throughout a number of venues, together with a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, and an genuine boma. Extra leisure services will embody a spa and wellness centre, out of doors fitness center, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room and a images studio. Friends can anticipate completely curated sport drives in addition to different bespoke cultural experiences.
4. North Island Seychelles leaves Marriott’s Luxurious Assortment
North Island Seychelles is the world’s most unique hideaway and the most effective motels I’ve ever stayed at. The insanely lovely non-public island resort has solely 11 opulent hand-crafted villas overlooking probably the most pristine, powder-white sands and turquoise waters within the Seychelles. The resort – which takes the highest spot in my record of the finest luxurious resorts within the Seychelles – was the decor for honeymoon of Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011. In 2019, North Island left the portfolio of Wilderness and joined Marriott as a part of the Luxurious Assortment. IMHO, that was a totally unsuitable transfer to make and I’ve by no means understood very nicely why the world’s most unique resort handed its administration to a relatively mainstream resort model. It now seems to be just like the partnership between North Island and Marriott is coming to an finish quickly as a observe on the resort’s web site reads “As of 1 July 2025, North Island will now not be affiliated with The Luxurious Assortment and can now not be a part of the Marriott Bonvoy model portfolio.” Fingers crossed that North Island will be part of the Wilderness portfolio once more (the one model that I really feel actually matches the fame of the island).
5. 4 Seasons proclaims a brand new resort within the United Arab Emirates
4 Seasons Resort Ras Al Khaimah will supply a dynamic assortment of lodging and facilities designed to swimsuit the wants of each discerning traveller. Throughout every visitor room, suite, and villa, the 4 Seasons expertise will probably be delivered to life, providing a luxurious island respite only one hour from the Dubai Worldwide Airport and half-hour from the Ras Al Khaimah Worldwide Airport. The event will characteristic in depth wellness services with 10 therapy rooms and a magnificence salon; household and grownup swimming pools; paddle, tennis and basketball courts; and a completely geared up health centre. For youngsters and younger adults, devoted house to attach and discover will probably be obtainable by the complimentary Youngsters For All Seasons program. Anchored by the Resort’s grand ballroom, beneficiant indoor and out of doors occasion areas have been expertly designed for celebrations and gatherings of all sizes. For seamless dwelling and unique entry, 4 Seasons visitors and residents will take pleasure in secluded seashores and a devoted marina for personal boat arrivals and easy connectivity to close by islands.
6. Aman unveils its first branded residences in Africa
Set inside olive groves and palm timber, simply past Morocco’s fabled Crimson Metropolis (Marrakech) and silhouetted by the Excessive Atlas Mountains, Aman introduces a brand new assortment of personal villas. Designed by SAOTA with interiors by ARRCC, Aman Residences, Amanjena, combine Moroccan craftsmanship with Aman’s refined design philosophy. An extension of Amanjena designed by Ed Tuttle in 2000, the villas embody their identify—Amanjena, that means “peaceable paradise.” The structure and interiors embrace this sense of serenity, remaining deeply linked to the encompassing panorama. The gathering consists of three distinct villa designs, organized round backyard courtyards. Earth-toned partitions and reflective water components create a peaceful, immersive atmosphere. Terraces, shaded colonnades, and open-air dwelling areas present a pure circulate between indoors and out, reinforcing Aman’s relationship with nature and lightweight. Drawing from Morocco’s architectural heritage and designed for privateness whereas embracing the panorama, they provide uninterrupted views of the Atlas Mountains or the adjoining Amelkis Golf Course.
7. Rosewood Miyakojima Japan is now open
On a distant island paradise in Okinawa, Rosewood Miyakojima marks Rosewood Accommodations & Resorts’ first Japanese property, providing distinctive luxurious amidst untouched nature. Nestled amidst sugarcane fields within the north of the island and overlooking Oura Bay with direct entry to a pristine seaside, the resort has 55 visitor lodging, every with breathtaking views of Miyakojima’s well-known pristine waters. Embodied by Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy, the structure of the resort attracts from the historical past, panorama and tradition of the Ryukyu Islands, mixing indigenous Okinawan supplies comparable to Ryukyu limestone with the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi. Designed by acclaimed Dutch architect Studio Piet Boon, Rosewood Miyakojima is inbuilt sustainable concord with the pure atmosphere, making use of the unique terrain and partnering with the local people whereas bringing Rosewood’s unparalleled customary of luxurious hospitality to the island.The resort options 4 eating places and bars spanning Japanese and worldwide delicacies, an infinity pool by the seaside and an Asaya Spa, Rosewood’s pioneering wellbeing idea, full with six therapy rooms, a yoga studio and health heart.
8. SAS unveils new crew uniforms impressed by Scandinavian heritage
SAS is launching new crew uniforms for its 9,000 representatives, combining Scandinavian custom with a recent, forward-looking design. For practically 80 years, SAS uniforms have mirrored the airline’s id as a trusted Scandinavian provider. With a rising and numerous crew and buyer base, the brand new uniforms embrace performance and innovation whereas honoring the airline’s wealthy heritage, symbolizing its transformation and dedication to the long run. “Updating the uniform coverage was a big step ahead in refreshing who we’re as an airline. These modifications mirror a extra fashionable expression whereas sustaining our dedication to professionalism, security, and care,” says Pernille Ormholt Vang, Chief Folks Officer at SAS. “The uniform is greater than only a recognizable characteristic — it’s an important work software for our colleagues and an expression of our sturdy heritage and id,” says Kristine Mayer, SAS Design Director. “Uniform developments usually mirror the period through which they’re worn, serving as a core expression of an airline’s id. As SAS has launched into a brand new and thrilling chapter, it’s solely becoming that we replace our look. I imagine this uniform will change into iconic, representing fashionable Scandinavia on the worldwide stage, as we at all times have.”
9. The Hyatt Resort Group opens its Andaz Doha property
Positioned within the prestigious West Bay, lower than a 20-minute drive from Hamad Worldwide Airport, Andaz Doha provides a window to discover the town’s wonders and cultural points of interest. Designed by Brime Robbins, Andaz Doha provides awe-inspiring ‘Airlock’ entrance; an immersive house that includes a sea of kaleidoscopic lights referencing the multi-faceted panorama of Doha. The cover takes heart stage within the resort’s elegant foyer, alluding to Qatar’s conventional craft of Sadu weaving design. Ornate picket doorways with customized handles formed like Arab strolling sticks are a nod to the area’s Bedouin previous, whereas customized water-inspired carpets weaving by the corridors are impressed by Doha’s gorgeous shoreline. Unfold acros 26 flooring, the resort’s 312 rooms, suites and residences have been designed with fashionable interpretations of Qatari traditions and heritage. The property may have three distinctive eating ideas – The Salt Street Doha, which is now formally open, in addition to Mr. & Mrs. Hawker and Mumble Jungle, that are set to open within the coming months. The resort’s Alara Spa options six therapy rooms with separate female and male areas, a natural sauna, steam rooms and multi-sensory showers.
10. ITA Airways leaves SkyTeam and can be part of Star Alliance in 2026
The Lufthansa Group has now closed the transaction to amass a 41% stake in Italy’s flag provider ITA Airways, with the power to buy additional stake through the years. With this transfer, Lufthansa now owns Swiss Air, Austrian Airways, Brussels Airways, ITA Airways and Eurowings. From using frequent flyer packages, shifting of flight operations at airport terminals, lounge entry, code sharing, coordinated European flight schedule – passengers will already be capable of see the advantages of the mixing of ITA Airways within the Lufthansa Group. For instance, with quick impact, 36 million Miles & Extra members can earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. On the identical time, the two.7 million members of the ITA Airways frequent flyer program Volare can earn and redeem their factors on all flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airways and Brussels Airways. One other consequence of ITA Airways’s being purchased out is that’s has already initiated the withdrawal from the SkyTeam alliance. The exit course of will probably be accomplished by April 30, 2025, and after that date, it is going to now not be potential to earn or redeem miles with most SkyTeam carriers for journey on ITA Airways. ITA Airways’ official accession to the Star Alliance is deliberate for the primary half of 2026.
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