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

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

Today: September 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 and aviation. In this issue:

Mandarin Oriental will open a luxury hotel on Mexico’s Riviera Maya coastline
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, is now open
The Ritz-Carlton debuts in Morocco with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat
LATAM will fit its Dreamliner aircraft with Business Class suites
Brussels Airlines expands its fleet and invests in new cabin interior
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) joins SkyTeam
Hyatt announces plans for first Andaz Hotel in Australia
Hyatt unveils plans for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives
Alila Shanghai opens as China’s first Urban Alila Resort-style hotel
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open

1. Mandarin Oriental will open a luxury hotel on Mexico’s Riviera Maya coastline

Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya is expected to open in 2028 and will be meticulously designed to respect the diversity of the environment and reflect local culture, blending serene architecture and exceptional craftsmanship with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned legendary service. Notably, acclaimed Mexican artist Bosco Sodi has been chosen as the art curator for this project. The beach front resort will be nestled within the secure, gated community of Kanai, which is surrounded by a pristine jungle, white beaches and protected mangrove reserve. The resort will feature 120 elegantly refined guestrooms and suites with private pools, offering views over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Fifty thoughtfully appointed and spacious branded residences, with access to a private resident-only beach club, will also form part of the overall offering. Facilities will include three outdoor pools, a beach club, a fully comprehensive kid’s club , several restaurants and a serene
spa sanctuary that aims to offer the most comprehensive range of wellness, beauty and massage treatments available in the region.

2. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, A Unique Hutong Sanctuary is now open

Located in the heart of a traditional hutong neighborhood inside the Beijing Central Axis, the capital’s key cultural artery, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing is a remarkable, unique property of just 42 courtyard houses. Intimately connected to the city, its expansive, luxurious accommodations feature exquisite oriental aesthetics and represent the pinnacle of Chinese hospitality. With refined wellness and immersive culinary experiences and a distinguished event setting, contemporary luxury, sumptuous heritage, art and nature combine, just steps from The Forbidden City, Qianmen and The Temple of Heaven. Immersive dining experiences at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen include Yan Garden, where Michelin-starred Chef Fei and his team craft superb Cantonese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy TIAO, a contemporary cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and upscale Beijing-inspired bar fare, or indulge in authentic, relaxed regional Italian dishes at VICINI. For a more serene escape, Maple Lounge provides an intimate setting, serving the finest teas in a tranquil courtyard. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental provides guests with a transformative experience beyond relaxation, featuring private treatment suites, a Tea House, a healing space and a fitness center.

3. The Ritz-Carlton debuts in Morocco with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat

Nestled within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens, just steps away from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, The Ritz-Carlton Rabat promises an unparalleled experience in the heart of Morocco’s capital. The interiors have been meticulously curated to represent Arab-Andalusian history and culture, while subtly integrating modern touches through elegant furnishings. The property offers 100 guestrooms and 17 suites all with a private terrace facing the pool and the gardens. Embodying a marriage between Baroque opulence and Moroccan touches, all guestrooms and suites feature grand headboards adorned with gebs, large mirrors, Baroque-styled furniture, and sumptuous marble in the bathrooms. The dining experience at hotel is a celebration of the diversity and richness of local and international flavors. The resort’s Andalusian-style gardens are a masterpiece of landscaping and its monumental pool unfolds with resplendent grandeur. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a serene retreat with saunas, hammams, an indoor pool, ten massage rooms and two couple’s suites where expert therapists use the finest products from marocMaroc.

4. LATAM will fit its Dreamliner aircraft with Business Class suites

RECARO Aircraft Seating has been selected by LATAM Airlines to retrofit their Boeing 787 aircraft with the R7 premium mini-suite. This enhancement will include 20 R7 suites in LATAM’s B787-8s and 30 in their B787-9s, totaling 24 shipsets. To optimize cabin layout and take luxury to the next level, both teams worked in parallel to bring a heightened premium experience to the cabin. Seats will feature an increased shell height for additional privacy and suite doors which will make LATAM the first South-American based airline to offer this experience to passengers. The R7 is one of the lightest business class suites certified for B787 aircraft and contributes to sustainability through weight optimization to meet the growing efforts of the industry. Additionally, seats will be outfitted with customized colors and dress covers using recycled antimicrobial faux leather. “The new Premium Business seats mark a significant leap forward, combining comfort, privacy, and elegance. These renovations position LATAM as a leader in the industry, providing our passengers with an unprecedented level of comfort and an exclusive flying experience”, says Paulo Miranda, VP of Customers at LATAM Airlines Group. With operations spanning over 140 destinations in 25 countries, the LATAM Airlines Group maintains one of the most extensive networks in Latin America.

5. Brussels Airlines expands its fleet and invests in new cabin interior

Brussels Airlines is the Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group, and plans to continue strengthening its position in the continent. Many African countries have growing populations and economies, increasing the demand for air travel. Therefore, three Airbus A330 aircraft will join the Belgian airline’s fleet in the coming years. The Belgian home carrier will mainly use the extra long-haul capacity to reinforce its Sub-Saharan Africa network. The ambition is to make Brussels a European hub for flights to and from Africa. To support the long-haul growth plans, more than 250 new employees will be hired at Brussels Airlines. These will range from pilots to cabin crew, maintenance & engineering colleagues, airport and office staff. The airline is also planning to gradually introduce a brand-new cabin interior, to further elevate the inflight experience on the long-haul destinations. Details of the new cabin will be revealed at a later stage. These new cabins will be installed for all three classes: business class, premium economy and economy class. The cabin renewal project is a considerable investment of more than 100 million euros, a clear sign of confidence in the future of Brussels Airlines.

6. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) joins SkyTeam

SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline since 1946, operates from its principal hub at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), complemented by hubs in Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN). By joining SkyTeam, SAS contributes to the alliance’s strategic focus on customer experience and sustainability. SAS customers will also benefit from seamless connectivity to over 1,000 destinations in SkyTeam’s extensive global network, notably opening new opportunities in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Codeshare agreements are already in place with Air France-KLM with more SkyTeam members to follow soon. With SAS now a member, SkyTeam becomes the only airline alliance to serve both the southernmost and northernmost commercial airports in the world: Ushuaia in Argentina and Svalbard in Norway. This addition further strengthens the alliance’s reach across key global markets, with improved access to the key Scandinavian hubs of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, providing more robust connections for travelers. SkyTeam’s other members are Aeroflot (suspended), Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and XiamenAir.

7. Hyatt announces plans for first Andaz Hotel in Australia

Hyatt entered into agreements with Destination Gold Coast Consortium for an Andaz resort in the Gold Coast, Australia. Slated to open in mid-2025, the hotel will mark the debut of luxury lifestyle brand Andaz in Australia and the Pacific region. Andaz Gold Coast will be situated at The Star Gold Coast, an exclusive mixed-use development on Broadbeach Island. Occupying floors six to 21 of a 65-story tower, the hotel will feature 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness center and three food and beverage outlets. Overlooking Broadbeach, the expansive outdoor pool deck on level six will be a destination hotspot with a cocktail bar, a beach club with private cabanas and al fresco dining. The Andaz Lounge, a signature touchpoint at Andaz hotels, will offer a relaxed and inviting all-day space for guests to enjoy a drink or snack. The architecture by Australian design firm DBI Architects will be matched with contemporary interiors by award-winning Australian design firm Hachem. The bespoke hotel design will be informed by the narrative ‘Chase the Sun’, inspired by the fascinating transformation of sunlight as each day unfolds on the Gold Coast. The transitions from sunrise to sunset will make for a spirited and stimulating atmosphere to fuel guest creativity. Once fully open, The Star Gold Coast will be one of Australia’s largest integrated multi-tower resorts.

8. Hyatt unveils plans for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives

Located only 25 minutes away from Valena International Airport in Malé by speedboat, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives’ prime location will be a large draw for sun-seekers, culture lovers and marine enthusiasts seeking an accessible yet tranquil retreat. Nestled across 24 acres (10 hectares) of picturesque land, the resort will feature 130 well-appointed beachfront, treetop, and overwater villas, all with a private pool. The architectural design by Park + Associates intersects traditional Maldivian architecture with a light and natural palette. Guests can look forward to enjoying a variety of culinary experiences at a sunset bar, a beach club, a Japanese specialty restaurant, and an all-day-dining concept. World of Hyatt Globalists and guests who book villas with club access can also unwind with complimentary refreshments in the signature Regency Club lounge. A dedicated kid’s club, a marine and diving center, a fitness pavilion, a yoga deck, and a spa with eight dedicated treatment rooms will cater to guests of all ages and interests. Slated to open in late 2027, the new all-villa Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives Resort will join Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the third Hyatt property in the Republic of Maldives.

9. Alila Shanghai opens as China’s first Urban Alila Resort-style hotel

The new Alila Shanghai overlooks and provides exclusive private access to Zhangyuan, a complex of restored shikumen stone-gate townhouses that have been transformed into luxury retail spaces ready for guests to explore. Designed by acclaimed interior designer Ju Bin, the hotel is tastefully integrated into traditional Shanghai style with a focus on sustaining the city’s cultural influence, while also refreshing the look and feel by creating havens of understated elegance accented by pops of color and modern amenities for the utmost comfort. Throughout Alila Shanghai, tactile natural materials—ranging from roughly hewn stone to timber marquetry, rattan detailing, and paper louvers—alongside a neutral color palette and lush greenery, have been incorporated to modernize certain elements with the aim of transporting guests to a relaxing, nature-infused luxury retreat. Alila Shanghai’s 186 guest rooms, including 94 suites, feature a generous lounge space, a walk-in wardrobe, a bar nook, and a dressing table area. Comprising five treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and a soothing relaxation space, spa-goers can indulge in signature treatments at the hotel’s spa. Helmed by Executive Chef Chuck Xing, the four innovative bars and restaurants at Alila Shanghai offer a wide variety of wellness-oriented culinary experiences, showcasing the local neighborhood through authentic native flavors.

10. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open

With Mount Otemanu serving as a backdrop, the completely renovated and rebranded Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa – formerly a Le Meridien Hotel – is alive with wondrous possibilities. Guests will be treated to a host of world-class amenities, including the largest swimming pool in Bora Bora – an infinity pool at the heart of the resort, bordered by six cabanas facing the beach, a swim-up pool bar and waterfall cascading from the second floor into the pool – as well as a private lagoon, diverse culinary experiences, and locally-inspired wellness offerings. At the renowned Eco Center Bora Bora, the resort will support the vital mission of protecting sea turtles and marine ecosystems, championing environment stewardship in their tropical paradise. The resort features 128 overwater bungalows, many of which include their own private plunge pools, and all of which offer expansive views of the lagoon, island, or Mount Otemanu. Each overwater bungalow has been positioned to avoid direct sightlines, ensuring total privacy and a unique and memorable view for each guest. The resort also offers 14 spacious family-friendly beach bungalows overlooking the lagoon. The resort is home to six distinct dining concepts, offering a range of cuisine and unique experiences — from a locally sourced fine dining restaurant to a laid-back beachside eatery.