Travel news: this month (January 2024) in luxury travel

Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.

Today: January 2024 luxury travel news

Every last Friday of the month, you can read my news round-up of what’s happening in the world of luxury travel. In this issue:

Four Seasons announces a resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort opens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection opens reservations for third superyacht
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai
South African Airways resumes flights to Perth, Australia
Brussels Airlines introduces new crew uniforms
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, Qatar is now open
Mandarin Oriental rebrands Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

1. Four Seasons announces a resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Set along the white sand beaches and blue waters of Pongwe, Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar will create a distinct resort experience for guests looking to explore this unique destination, or for those who wish to complement the adventure of a safari with the relaxation of an island retreat. With architecture by the internationally renowned firm eco.id, the new-build Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar will include 60 private villas with one to three-bedroom configurations. Accommodations will feature interior design by MOMA and eco.id, each with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean across the 126-acre (50-hectare) beachfront property.nAdding to Four Seasons strong history of culinary excellence and exceptional dining experiences, the resort will bring five new original-concept outlets to Zanzibar, including a signature seafood restaurant inspired by the local fish market, serving the very best “catch of the day” with beachside views, as well as a Levantine grill with specialty wood-fire cuisine. To ensure that the destination’s incredible natural habitat is respected and protected, Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar will include a Discovery Centre staffed with a dedicated team of on-site conservationists.

2. The St Regis Red Sea Resort opens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The captivating new address is the first private island to open in The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the west coast of the country. Situated on the pristine Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is a destination-defining oasis with its avant-garde architecture, sustainable design details and bespoke service. Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, The St Regis Red Sea Resort features a collection of 90 lavishly appointed beachfront and overwater villas, offering one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower. Sophisticated culinary journeys are presented through the luxury resort’s five distinct venues each offering alfresco beachside dining and serving produce sourced from local farms and fishermen. The resort offers a variety of fitness and wellness activities including an extensive wellness center, a fully equipped gym, an outdoor lap pool and vitality pool, paddle and tennis courts.

3. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection opens reservations for third superyacht

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveiled its summer 2025 itineraries across its fleet, Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, marking an exciting moment as the company opens bookings for the inaugural season of its third superyacht. Inspiring curiosities and celebrations, Luminara, derived from Latin origin and meaning “light,” will measure 794 ft (242 m) and accommodate up to 452 guests. In addition to 226 spacious suites, each boasting a private ocean-view terrace, a higher percentage of upper-suite categories, and superior guest amenities, the onboard experience will feature world-class dining, a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an expanded marina providing direct access to the sea. Among its range of upper-suite categories will be a new expansive accommodation, The Residential Suite, promising a collection of offerings that caters to a variety of preferences. Inspired by light and luminescence, Luminara‘s design will emphasize elegance and sophistication. Its layout, featuring explorative passages and favoring circular silhouettes over geometric edges, will create a seamless design, forming a sense of limitless space in each area.

4. One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai

The first-ever urban resort from the ultra-luxury hospitality brand, One&Only One Za’abeel is where Dubai’s visionary allure and traditional hospitality converge. A captivating duality, the vertical masterpiece offers spacious accommodation, epicurean journeys, arts and culture experiences, and wellness programmes to residents and luxury travellers alike. The iconic destination, located in the One Za’abeel development by acclaimed architects Nikken Sekkei, is a direct reflection of the luxury resort’s dualistic nature, boasting dual skyscrapers which are dramatically intersected by the world’s longest cantilever, The Link – a futuristic boulevard featuring unparalleled dining experiences floating 100 m (328 ft) above the street. Setting an incomparable standard of seclusion and exclusivity in keeping with One&Only’s overarching philosophy, One&Only One Za’abeel’s expansively spacious rooms, suites and fabulous penthouse are amongst the largest that the city of Dubai has to offer. Masterfully designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the interiors draw inspiration from the surrounding Za’abeel location.

5. South African Airways resumes flights to Perth, Australia

South African Airways announced the return of its flights to Perth, Australia. CEO of SAA, Professor John Lamola, says SAA’s operations to Perth are in line with the airline’s strategic plans to scale its operations to a profitable level by leveraging SAA’s unique capabilities as a national carrier with wide-body aircraft that can provide South Africa with long-haul intercontinental air connectivity. The Perth route marks the second interoceanic route to be reopened within 6 months of the successful launch of the Sao Paulo, Brazil route on 31 October 2023. Flights (SA 280) depart Johannesburg 3 times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 20h55 and arrive at Perth the following day at 12h20. Flights from Perth (SA 281) are scheduled 3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and depart at 14h40, arriving the same day at 19h35 in Johannesburg. For the launch phase of the route, SAA will operate an Airbus A340 – 300, with a total seat capacity of 253 (38 business class seats and 215 economy seats).

6. Brussels Airlines introduces new uniforms

At a fashion show for staff and press, the new Brussels Airlines’ uniforms were presented to the world. The new uniforms are dark navy blue with champagne-colored details. The collection is inspired by glamorous airline uniforms from the sixties, resulting in contemporary yet timeless silhouettes, hence the introduction of the turtleneck and the A-line dress. From BCI-certified cotton, mulesing free wool for animal welfare, innovative materials such as leather from cacti and grapes to the packaging: the materials used for the uniforms represent a big step forward in the sustainability strategy of Brussels Airlines. Together with the new uniform, Brussels Airlines has also updated its style guide. Hair, make up and jewelry guidelines will no longer be different for men and women. There is no difference in gender for the hair style neither, as soon as it touches the shoulders, it needs to be tied up or in a bun, this is a safety related instruction. And lastly, tattoos can now also be shown as long as they comply with certain rules, such as the position, the size and what it represents.

Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay is now open

With an ideal location close to the city centre and key attractions, the new Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay epitomizes modern luxury – offering elegant furnishings, a range of culinary options, a four-floor wellness experience and seamless, personalized service. With a façade and main entrance almost identical to the original Waldorf Astoria in New York, the hotel nods to the brand’s rich heritage and legacy, bringing Manhattan flair to Qatar’s capital. The 44-story property features 283 rooms and suites, as well as 50 luxury apartments – all of which boast a distinct art deco style. Paying homage to the history of grand clocks at Waldorf Astoria properties around the world, the central feature of the lobby is a striking clock created by Tiffany & Co. A piece of art, the clock celebrates the falcon – Qatar’s national bird – with a bezel inspired by the tips of a falcon’s feathers. Stretching from the 39^th to the 43^rd floor, the Waldorf Astoria Spa has a unique range of wellness experiences, all with beautiful views of Qatar’s skyline.

Mandarin Oriental rebrands Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Al Faisaliah Hotel, one of the most sought-after addresses in Saudi Arabia, has officially rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. This marks Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s debut in the Kingdom, bringing the brand’s prestige service to a landmark in the heart of Riyadh. Seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with Arabian design elements, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah now features refreshed interiors, advanced spa and wellness treatments, innovative dining outlets, and a whole new world of entertainment. The renovated public and private spaces are vibrant and unique, enlivened by bespoke Saudi inspired artworks, custom chandeliers, dynamic architectural elements, and whispered Asianinspired undertones. All accommodation provides 24-hour butler service as well as advanced entertainment systems. Long considered amongst the best in Riyadh, the nine distinct dining destinations at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah promise culinary experiences for every occasion.