Travel news: this month (June 2023) in luxury travel

1. Soneva is counting down to the opening of third Maldives resort: Soneva Secret

Sonu Shivdasani, CEO of Soneva (my favorite hotel brand in the world), confirmed during a webinar that the brand’s third property in the Maldives will open by the end of this year. Although the Soneva group is tight-lipped about its new resort – which currently goes by the name Soneva Secret – some details about the new property have emerged and Soneva has installed a count-down clock on its website, building anticipation among luxury travelers and avid fans of the brand (including myself). Located in the north of the Maldives, the new resort will offer a remote and highly private experience, catering to those seeking a personalized getaway. With an estimated cost of $40 million USD, the property will feature a collection of 17 luxurious villas and residences, designed to celebrate the beauty of nature. Each villa at Soneva Secret was built at a cost exceeding $3 million USD, showcasing the brand’s commitment to providing a truly lavish experience for its guests. Soneva currently operates three properties in the Maldives, namely Soneva Fushi, Soneva in Aqua (the company’s chartered yacht), and Soneva Jani. The brand has also established a presence in Koh Kood, Thailand, with Soneva Kiri. Plans for future Soneva Resorts include the opening of a fourth Soneva Maldives, a second resort in Thailand, and a debut in Japan, specifically in Okinawa.

2. Iraqi Airways celebrates delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Boeing and Iraqi Airways celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a special event in Baghdad to welcome the flag-carrier’s super-efficient widebody jet. The Iraqi flag carrier has taken the first of 10 787s on order, to profitably grow its long-haul network and connect Iraq to more international destinations. The delivery of Iraqi Airways’ first 787 follows delivery of four Boeing 737 MAX airplanes since February. The airline has ordered a total of six 737-8s and 10 737-10s, providing its single-aisle fleet with more capability across its regional and medium-haul routes. Iraqi Airways currently serves more than 50 destinations from Baghdad and is expanding and renewing its fleet to support the anticipated increase in international business and leisure travel to and from the country. Iraq is seeing increased stability and economic growth, with the country’s annual gross domestic product growth rate expected to reach 7% by the end of 2023. With global air traffic rebounding, Middle Eastern airlines are seeing more than a 40% traffic increase compared to last year.

3. Ritz-Carlton Reserve debuts in Jiuzhaigou, China

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has opened in Jiuzhaigou, a valley on the edges of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in China’s Southwestern Sichuan province. The region is an area of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular alpine mountains soaring above a fairyland of forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. Rissai Valley’s intimate 87 villas offer magnificent views of the snow-capped Minshan mountain range, forests, and ancient Tibetan villages. U.S.-based architectural firm WATG paid homage to the natural surroundings and Tibetan heritage with the use of traditional building forms and locally-sourced materials. The elegant interiors were designed by the late Indonesian interior design legend Jaya Ibrahim, who curated palettes of forest greens, emeralds, and icy blues to mirror the jewel-colored lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou, while celebrating the culture and heritage of the local villages with examples of artisanal Tibetan craftsmanship throughout the property. The property – which is part of Marriott‘s hotel portfolio – features three unique restaurants and a holistic spa.

4. JetBlue introduces a new bold all-blue livery

JetBlue announced its new standard livery featuring a bold and all-blue design, giving the carrier a standout visual design as it expands to new markets and brings customer-centric offerings across the travel industry. The new livery design builds on JetBlue’s heritage and unique personality with energized favorite elements for a new era, such as:

• A blue allover fuselage that goes all-in on the company’s namesake color.
• Iconic tailfin patterns now energized and extended to embrace the body and belly of the aircraft.
• A larger JetBlue logo to represent the bold impact these aircraft have in the industry.
• Colorful winglets that add an extra pop of fun with a refreshed palette of accent colors.
• The aircraft’s pattern and the JetBlue logo featured on the belly, making it instantly recognizable to plane-spotters.

The bright, colorful elements featured in the new livery design are also echoed in JetBlue’s new visual brand identity that rolled out on digital assets and social platforms earlier this year. As the company’s first brand refresh in a decade, the new colors and designs reflect a more joyful, contemporary and digital-first appearance. From the outside to the inside, each touchpoint in the JetBlue experience has been thoughtfully created to honor its storied identity while signaling its bold moves to bring disruptive, customer-focused impact to new markets.

5. Riyadh Air unveils its stunning livery

A new chapter in air travel is taking the skies with Saudi Arabia’s new mega airline “Riyadh Air”. The carrier’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and its striking livery was revealed in Riyadh on June 12th marking a national celebration of the new carrier. The ceremony was attended by highnesses, excellencies and official dignitaries. The aircraft flew on low altitude over several notable landmarks in the Riyadh skyline, including KAFD, Boulevard city and some of the iconic main towers, thrilling residents with a glimpse of their new airline while sharing the pride of seeing the new national carrier in the Kingdom. The aircraft also made its public debut on June 19th at the 54th Paris Air Show as part of Riyadh Air’s first appearance to global audiences. The livery – and brand identity – of Riyadh Air reflects the modern and forward-thinking theme from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Inspired by the vibrant lavender colors that carpet the desert in the spring, the beautiful livery is one of a series which will continue to push boundaries in aviation. It has been designed to incorporate visual references to the Kingdom and the city which include the sweeping curves of Arabic script with the global campaign tagline ‘The Future Takes Flight’.

6. Iberia upgrades its inflight dining service

Spain’s flag carrier Iberia redesigned its in-flight meals globally with the help of its catering provider, DO & CO. The latter company worked to improve the quality of the menu designs in all cabins and flights, maintaining the essence of Spanish cuisine and products.  The airline renewed its proposal for Economy and Economy Plus on long-haul flights, improving current services and adding new ones, such as a ”movie snack”. On flights less than 10.5 hours from Madrid, a Magnum Choc Ice is offered, while a cookie is provided during flights to Madrid. On longer flights originating from Madrid, a tapas bag service is offered, which includes a selection of cold cuts, bread sticks and olives (a vegetarian version is also available). On return flights, passengers will be served sandwiches and, on night flights, crackers and cookies. Improvements continue in Business Class, where the snack service is updated with new healthy products, such as fruit baskets, and hot and cold sandwiches. The service before landing has also been improved, with additional products, depending on the arrival time of the flight, such as hot and cold sweet and savory dishes, in addition to the Iberia signature omelette for breakfast.

7. Six Senses announces a new resort in Saudi Arabia

Set to open in 2026, Six Senses Amaala will feature 64 rooms, six suites, 30 villas, and 25 branded residences, designed by architects U+A and interiors by Studio Carter. They will be located on one of the most dramatic landforms along Saudi Arabia’s Amaala’s Triple Bay area, offering panoramic views across the Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea. The meandering streets and paths that crisscross the site will lead to enchanting plazas with glimpses of the Pura Cove and its iridescent blue lagoons. The central feature of the site is the dramatic Mesa, featuring spectacular overhangs and caves. Eons of wind and water erosion have scored the limestone to reveal fossilized corals and mollusks that stand testimony to the ancient history of this land. To the north, the resort will open onto the long sweeping beaches of Hijaz Cove, home to a beach restaurant, family pool, and branded residences. To the south, the resort will lead around the point to natural rock pools, pocket beaches, and a mangrove boardwalk to access the spa, which will set up home in a private cove.

8. Mandarin Oriental will open a hotel on the Athenian Riviera, Greece

Mandarin Oriental announced the development of a new hotel and accompanying residences in Athens. Mandarin Oriental, Athens will be located on the shoreline of the city and just a 15-minute drive from the center. The hotel and residences are set to open in the summer of 2027, within The Ellinikon. This is one of the largest sustainably built urban regeneration projects in Europe, and Mandarin Oriental, Athens will be at its center. The ca €8 billion redevelopment will bring new life to this area of the city. The hotel will comprise 123 rooms and suites, as well as 17 branded Residences, including waterfront villas and apartments. A range of dining options will be offered in several food and beverage outlets, making it a destination for locals and visitors alike. Indoor and outdoor event space will provide a chic backdrop for meetings and social gatherings. A comprehensive Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer the Group’s signature wellness therapies and beauty treatments, with a focus on locally inspired programs.

9. Banyan Tree announces its first property in Europe

The Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading multi-branded hospitality groups, is set to debut in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay in Pogonia, Greece. The new luxury resort is the result of the successful collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor. Targeting to open in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 43 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia. Applying Banyan Tree’s pioneering expertise across the all-pool villa concept, the resort aims to offer a unique sense of place through tranquil, wellbeing-centered accommodations, backdropped by unforgettable views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios, as well as luxurious facilities for rejuvenation of both mind and body. This includes the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports center, several state-of-the-art venues for meetings and events, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants including the signature Saffron where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.

10. KLM introduces Boeing 777 Business Class seat with sliding door

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has introduced new World Business Class seats on its Boeing 777 fleet. These broader seats have a sliding door ensuring greater comfort and privacy. Thanks to various innovations, the seats and their fittings are 10-15% lighter than other Business Class seats in this market segment, thereby contributing to KLM’s sustainability objectives. KLM’s new World Business Class (WBC) seats were designed on the basis of extensive customer research. For its new Business Class, KLM opted to install Jamco Venture seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving all passengers direct access to the aisle. These Jamco Venture seats were previously installed in World Business Class aboard KLM’s Boeing 787 fleet. Following extensive customer research, KLM teamed up with the manufacturer to further improve the seat. The full JAMCO design, conceived in collaboration with KLM, particularly the personal cabin layout, is lighter than the previous setup, without detracting from quality. Lighter seats contribute to KLM’s sustainability objectives. KLM’s entire Boeing 777-300 and 200 fleet will be fitted with the new World Business Class seats. The full revamp will be completed during the course of the coming year.

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***