Travel news: this month (June 2022) in luxury travel

1. Aman announces a hotel in Beverly Hills, California
2. W Hotels makes its debut in Portugal with the opening of W Algarve
3. Oman Air joins the Oneworld airline alliance
4. Four Seasons announces an adults-only luxury tented camp in Mexico
5. Four Seasons takes over management of Hotel Danieli in Venice, Italy
6. Rosewood will manage the legendary Hotel Bauer in Venice, Italy
7. The Ritz-Carlton opens a 5-star hotel in Jordan’s capital Amman
8. Norse Atlantic Airways takes off with first flight from Oslo to New York
9. Hyatt will bring its Andaz hotel brand to Miami, Florida
10. Waldorf Astoria announces a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1. Aman announces a hotel in Beverly Hills, USA

Aman, one of my favorite hotel brands in the world, has announced a property in Bevelerly Hills, California, USA. Set to open in 2026, Aman Beverly Hills will be located on the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards and feature a hotel, private Aman Residences, an expansive Aman Club, multiple dining venues, and an Aman Spa. The ultra-luxe property will be nestled within eight acres of verdant botanical gardens, flourishing with Californian flora and fauna. Aman Beverly Hills will part of One Beverly Hills, an expansive area of wellness and sustainable lifestyle experiences within the heart of Beverly Hills, master-planned and designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect and designer, Lord Norman Foster and Foster + Partners. Apart from this astonishing compound, other highly anticipated Aman properties are also waiting in line for their grand opening in the upcoming months & years, including Aman New York, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Aman Miami Beach, and Amanvari.

2. W Hotels makes its debut in Portugal with the opening of W Algarve

W Hotels, part of Marriott’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, has opened its highly anticipated Algarve property. Perched atop Southern Portugal’s iconic cliffs, the W Algarve brings a vibrant, unexpected energy to the famous coastal area, offering a juxtaposed blend of seaside relaxation, with exuberant, social energy. There are 134 west-facing guest rooms and suites, alongside 83 W-branded Residences, with large, private balconies with stunning ocean views and duplex-style layouts. From sun-kissed cocktails to southern Portuguese cuisine with a twist, the brand new property offers six restaurants and bars. Overseeing dining throughout the hotel is legendary Portuguese chef Nuno Goncalves, who just made his return to Algarve after 13 years spent at some of London’s most iconic restaurants including Quaglino’s, Aqua Shard, Galvin La Chapelle and The Wolseley. There’s also a spa with six treatment rooms, a gym, and a double-level infinity pool perfect for soaking up sun, sounds and summer cocktails

3. Oman Air joins the Oneworld airline alliance

Oman Air was elected as a Oneworld member designate in Doha by the Oneworld Governing Board, comprising the CEOs of all Oneworld member airlines. Qatar Airways will act as sponsor for Oman Air’s entry into Oneworld, providing guidance and support as the airline integrates into the alliance. Oman Air is expected to be implemented into Oneworld in 2024, making Oneworld the only global airline alliance with three members in the Middle East after Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian. Oman Air’s joining will add new destinations to the Oneworld network including Duqm and Khasab in Oman and Chittagong (Bangladesh). Oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and premium cabin travelers will also gain access to three Oman Air lounges at Muscat, Salalah and Bangkok. Launched in 1993, Oman Air is the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. From its roots as a domestic airline, it has transformed into an international carrier serving 41 destinations in more than 20 territories. It operates a modern fleet of more than 40 aircraft comprising Boeing 737s, 787s and Airbus A330s.

4. Four Seasons announces an adults-only luxury tented camp in Mexico

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, the brand’s first adult-only tented resort in the Americas, will be located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, at the northern tip of Bahía de Banderas on the same peninsula as Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. With only 15 luxury tents – all with private plunge pools – Naviva will be one of the smallest Four Seasons resorts in the world. Deviating from traditional hotel wellness offerings, Naviva will offer a series of intimate spaces including two spa pods tucked away in the lush forest, a traditional Mexican temazcal or “house of heat,” an outdoor gym, a serene jungle oasis at the Alma Pool and a private 575 ft (175 m) expanse of pristine Pacific beachfront – a calming place to practice yoga or mindfulness. Guests will also be able to enjoy signature Naviva experiences that bring the character, heritage and expertise of local talent and tradition to the forefront, such as visiting award-winning local artist Jose Juan Esparza at his private home and studio, nocturnal forest bathing, sound therapy and breathwork.

5. Four Seasons takes over management of Venice’s famous Hotel Danieli

Located  along the Grand Canal, adjacent to Piazza San Marco, Hotel Danieli has a long history of being one of the most luxurious hotels in Venice. The property consists of three buildings: the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo and two 19th century additions linked by bridges – Palazzo Casa Nuova and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior. Hotel Danieli’s rich heritage is on display throughout the property, showcased in the beautifully preserved Venetian Gothic style architecture, along with art and antiques from throughout the property’s history. The hotel will undergo extensive renovations prior to reopening in 2025 as Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, with renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon overseeing the interiors. Rochon has worked on several other historic Four Seasons properties in Europe, including in Florence, Paris, Cap-Ferrat and Megève. During the renovation period, the property will remain open with select services and amenities available. During this time, the hotel will be operated and managed by Gruppo Statuto under the name The Hotel Danieli, Venezia.

6. Rosewood will manage the legendary Hotel Bauer in Venice, Italy

Originally built in 1880, Hotel Bauer is set to undergo a multi-year renovation in November 2022, at which time the hotel will close as it prepares to reopen as Rosewood Hotel Bauer in 2025.  Led by well-known Venice based architect, Alberto Torsello, and renowned interior design group, BAR Studio, the restoration of the existing building will be meticulously cared for, with much of the hotel’s historic framework set to be repaired and integrated into the new design including the original façade, grand winding staircase and many interior elements that are a part of the property’s rich past.  Rosewood Hotel Bauer will be comprised of just over 110 rooms, with over half of the accommodations being suites, including several signature suites and a presidential suite. The property’s world-class food and beverage offerings will include a bistro-style restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a fine-dining restaurant and bar with a rooftop terrace. The property will also be home to a spectacular rooftop event garden with breathtaking views of the city, a luxurious wellness facility, and an outdoor pool with a bar located on the eighth floor.

7. The Ritz-Carlton opens a 5-star hotel in Jordan’s capital Amman

Centrally situated on the prestigious Fifth Circle, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman welcomes guests to enjoy thoughtfully tailored experiences that capture the spirit of Jordan’s beauty and hospitality. Soaring 20-stories high, the new hotel features 228 guest rooms – the most spacious of any hotel accommodations in Jordan – including 34 opulent suites, spread across seven different categories. Led by Wimberly Interiors London, the hotel’s design is inspired by the culture and history of Jordan, which is reflected in the hotel’s bold interior architecture, tailored lighting, Art Deco touches and contemporary artistry. The breathtaking structures of Petra are reflected in a series of vignettes, while Roman and Nabatean architectural features are given modern reinterpretations throughout the hotel. The hotel offers an expansive array of distinctive dining options, a full-service spa and wellness center, indoor and outdoor temperature-controlled pools, six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and the largest jacuzzi in Amman.

8. Norse Atlantic Airways takes off with first flight from Oslo to New York

Norse Atlantic Airways is a new airline that offers affordable fares on long-haul flights, primarily between Europe and the United States. The company was founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021. Norse has a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will serve destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Berlin and Paris. Flights from Oslo to the US commenced on 14th June 2022. Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices, Economy and Premium. Passengers can choose from a simple range of fares, Light, Classic and Plus, that reflect the way that they want to travel, and which options are important to them. Light fares represent Norse’s value option while Plus fares include the maximum baggage allowance, two meal services an enhanced airport and onboard experience and increased ticket flexibility.  The large and spacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience.

9. Hyatt will bring its Andaz hotel brand to Miami, Florida

Hyatt announced the rebrand of oceanfront The Confidante Miami Beach property to Andaz Miami Beach, which will be the Andaz lifestyle brand’s introduction to Florida. The extensive $60 million USD enhancement project will include a redesigned lobby that will offer a unique ocean view check-in experience, the reinvention of all food and beverage offerings, a refreshed pool and recreation area, the modernization of the hotel’s guestrooms, expansion of the hotel’s suite mix, and an upgrade to the meeting and event spaces. The project is expected to begin next year in phases with an anticipated completion by early 2024. The hotel will remain in operation during the renovation process – minimizing impact to the guest experience as much as possible – and will continue to be managed by Hyatt. With deep historical roots in Miami Beach, The Confidante Miami Beach is a three-towered property that pays homage to the vibrant feeling of the city in the 1950s. Serving at one time as the tallest modern building in Miami Beach, the hotel originally opened in the 1940s as the 18-floor Lord Tarleton Hotel on Collins Avenue, making headlines and representing a boom for the city’s economy.

10. Waldorf Astoria announces a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Scheduled to open in 2024, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will offer 279 suites, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will be developed and owned by Tradewinds Corporation Berhad and managed by Waldorf Astoria, one of Hilton’s luxury hotel brands. With renovation and construction scheduled to start in the third quarter of this year, guests can look forward to custom-designed interiors and furnishings at each of Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur’s 279 suites. The luxury hotel will also feature culinary excellence through five distinctive restaurants including Peacock Alley, the iconic lounge and bar synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand, and a state-of-the-art wellness centre. Perfectly located within Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance of the city’s top malls and attractions, including Pavilion Mall and Suria KLCC, in the famed Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment district. It is also well connected to the city’s main transportation hubs, with KL Sentral station and Kuala Lumpur International Airport being 10 minutes and an hour’s drive respectively.

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