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

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

Today: May 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:

Mandarin Oriental announces a luxury hotel in Rome, Italy
Lufthansa launches a new safety video
Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town is now a Fairmont property
Emirates introduces new Bulgari amenity kits in First and Business Class
Emirates will refurbish most of its longhaul fleet
Air France introduces concierge service at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport
Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, Japan is set to open this summer
Capella Hotels & Resorts announces a luxury hotel in Macau, China
The iconic Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton debuts in the Baltics
Cheval Blanc will open a new ultra-luxe resort in the Seychelles this autumn

1. Mandarin Oriental announces a luxury hotel in Rome, Italy

Scheduled to open in 2026, Mandarin Oriental, Rome will create a unique experience in the city, as the hotel will be housed in ten 19th-century villas, originally built as homes for prosperous Romans, surrounded by lush landscaped gardens. The villas will accommodate 108 guestrooms and suites, offering serene views of the gardens or the city’s landmarks. Many of the suites will feature private gardens and terraces. The interior design will be curated by award-winning designers Gilles & Boissier, the French design duo who have won accolades for their sophisticated and contemporary interiors. Within the grounds, guests will have the opportunity to experience six restaurants and bars in different settings including Al fresco dining and a stand-alone dining concept in one of the villas. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will provide a wide range of wellness experiences in a serene setting. The secluded site is located between Via Piemonte and Via Sallustiana within The Gardens of
Sallust, an ancient Roman archaeological site.

2. Lufthansa introduces a new safety video

The new safety video, which was created and produced together by Spafax Creative Studio and Lufthansa, transports passengers to some of the world’s most recognized and loved destinations. From Munich to Mount Fuji to New York City, we tell a story of connection, wonder and diversity using the same cutting-edge technology used by major Hollywood studios and streaming platforms. Featuring both German and English instructions, this video unfolds like a short film and underscores the transformative power of travel by weaving critical safety information into an engaging story across the passenger journey. “After the personal welcome by the flight attendants, the safety video is another very important point of contact with our customers. In the future, we not only want to convey and demonstrate safety-related information, but also our brand values: As Lufthansa, we focus on people and care about their individual needs,” said Carsten Hoffmann, Vice President Marketing and Brand Experience Lufthansa Airlines.

3. Luxury Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town is now a Fairmont property

This month, after nine months of renovations, Cape Grace unveiled its design transformation, reopening its doors under the managment of Accor’s luxury brand Fairmont and joining a collection of 90 distinctive Fairmont properties worldwide. Located on the iconic V&A Waterfront, the luxury hotel has been gracefully redesigned by globally renowned interior and architecture firm, 1508 London who have paid homage to Cape Town’s evolution from a bustling trading port to a cosmopolitan hub. With unrivalled views of the city, each of the 112 rooms and suites features large French windows or balconies that look out onto either the Marina or the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain. For its culinary vision, Cape Grace is working with well-known Cape Town Chef, Gregory Czarnecki to offer locals and international guests elevated South African-inspired cuisine at the new restaurant Heirloom. With a name inspired by the hotel’s family roots, the highlight of the restaurant will be its Tasting Menu featuring 8 creative courses using locally sourced ingredients.

4. Emirates introduces new Bulgari amenity kits in First and Business Class

Now onboard, Emirates is offering First and Business Class passengers a new collection of exclusive Bulgari amenity kits for the summer season. With a gradual introduction on select routes and long-haul flights, the new kits feature a selection of 8 collectible bags in a range of colours and fabrics, with an array of travel-friendly amenities inside.

In First Class, the range for men features 2 individual collectible bags: a classic toiletry bag and an elegant handheld pouch. Inside is a newly developed 30ml exclusive bottle of BVLGARI LE GEMME KOBRAA Eau de Parfum. The kit also features other Bulgari products such as an aftershave balm, a body emulsion, a cleansing towel, and a lip balm, presented to customers into a Bulgari drawstring pouch. The kit also includes a Gillette razor, shaving foam, a dental kit, a deodorant, tissues, earplugs, and a foldaway hairbrush.
The feminine offer in First Class encompasses two metallic champagne-bronze coloured kit bags to collect. Inside the amenity kits is a newly developed 30ml exclusive bottle of BVLGARI LE GEMME OROM Eau de Parfum. This fragrance was crafted by master perfumer Sophie Labbé to reflect the dual gender of the exquisite vanilla, the second most expensive spice worldwide. The kit also features an engraved gold-lacquered Bulgari mirror – a keepsake piece exclusively crafted for Emirates encased in a soft Bulgari pouch, alongside other Bulgari products.
Featuring a stylish soft cream shade with pops of coral, the Business Class range offers two bag shapes for women, a pouch and classic toiletry bag silhouette. The amenity kits feature the iconic fragrance BVLGARI OMNIA CORAL Eau de Toilette. Inspired by the solar vitality of red coral, master perfumer Alberto Morillas crafted Omnia Coral to open with the brightness of bergamot essence and goji berries accord. Passengers will also receive a complementary Omnia Coral-scented face emulsion and body lotion, Bulgari lip balm, and more.
The masculine Business Class offering features two contemporary chestnut brown fabric bags with cream faux leather accents, in a handheld style and a classic toiletry bag silhouette. The fragrance included in these kits is BVLGARI MAN IN BLACK Eau de Parfum, the iconic masculine best seller of the brand. Inspired by the same iconic scent, a complementary BVLGARI MAN IN BLACK scented aftershave balm and body lotion are included, alongside a Gillette razor, shaving foam, a dental kit, earplugs, a deodorant, tissues and a foldaway hairbrush.

5. Emirates will refurbish most of its longhaul fleet

Emirates has unveiled that it will be completely refurbishing another 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft, expanding its retrofit programme to 191 aircraft. The original plan called for 120 aircraft – 67 A380s and 53 777s to undergo full refurbishment. The Boeing 777 remains the backbone of the Emirates fleet, and the A380 is the airline’s flagship customer favorite.

Emirates has retrofitted 22 A380 aircraft so far. The airline currently operates its refurbished A380 aircraft to New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo and Dubai. The airline will be boosting services with the new cabin to Osaka in early June.
In July of this year, the first Boeing 777 will undergo an interior refresh. Each Boeing 777 aircraft will take approximately two weeks to refurbish before entering service. Plans include the refurbishment of the First-Class cabin, all new Business Class seats making a debut on the aircraft in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration, in addition to 24 of the latest Premium Economy seats, giving customers more premium options to choose from. Along with the addition of the Premium Economy cabin, the Emirates Boeing 777 will be configured with 332 seats in four classes, featuring eight First Class suites, 40 Business Class seats, and 260 Economy Class seats. To make room for the new Premium Economy cabin, 50 Economy seats will be removed.

6. Air France introduces concierge service at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

Starting 11 June 2024, Air France will be offering new concierge services at Paris-Charles de Gaulle to welcome and assist its passengers throughout their time at the airport. These services will be available for all bookings for flights operated by Air France or code-shared with a partner airline. Air France Conciergerie will offer passengers traveling in the Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins a range of optional services, for an exclusive, smooth and stress-free airport experience.

On departure, customers will be able to enjoy a full range of services including a private transfer* to the airport, concierge assistance as soon as they arrive outside the terminal, a porter service to take their baggage to a dedicated check-in counter, assistance through the airport’s priority lanes, to the lounge for eligible customers, and then to the boarding gate.
On arrival, a concierge will meet customers at the door of the aircraft and accompany them through the airport’s priority lanes. Once their baggage has been collected, they will then be accompanied to the vehicle dedicated to their private transfer.
Connecting passengers will be accompanied from the jetway to the lounge for eligible customers, then to the boarding gate of their next flight through the airport’s priority lanes.
On departure or between two flights, the concierge service will also offer access to one of the airline’s lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle as an additional option for non-eligible customers. When it’s time for boarding, they will then be accompanied from the lounge to their gate.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, Japan is set to open this summer

Towering above the city’s dynamic Dojima district, the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is now accepting reservations ahead of its grand opening this summer. The hotek will introduce the city’s first modern ryokan experience in a major hotel. Ryokans are small Japanese inns dating back to the 8th century, and still popular today, particularly in regions with onsen (hot springs). The entire 28th floor of Four Seasons will house 21 guest rooms and suites decorated by SIMPLICITY designers as a contemporary interpretation of ryokan culture. An additional 154 rooms and suites are spread through the 29th to 35th floors (for a total of 175 throughout the hotel). In a city known as one of Asia’s culinary capitals (there are currently 85 Michelin-starred restaurants in Osaka), Four Seasons will present six dining and drinking options. The 36th floor of the hotel will include a spa with five treatment rooms, a sauna, and 16 m (952 ft) indoor pool. A key part of the wellness offering will be a series of public and private ofuro (Japanese baths) in the ryokan tradition.

8. Capella Hotels & Resorts announces a luxury hotel in Macau, China

Capella Hotels and Resorts announced the launch of Capella at Galaxy Macau, a luxuriously serene sanctuary nestled within the vibrant gateway to Hong Kong, expected to open in 2025. Interwoven into the integrated resort destination Galaxy Macau, the 17-storey hotel will feature 36 expansive Sky Villas. Each Sky Villa will boast a spacious, light-filled private balcony complete with a full-length transparent infinity-edge swimming pool, outdoor lounge, and sunroom. The hotel will also boast 57 suites with spacious private plunge pools and expansive balconies offering views of the city’s scenic architecture. Artful interiors by Bruno Moinard and Claire Bētaille, of the globally esteemed Paris-based interior design firm Moinard Bētaille, aim to build on Capella Hotels and Resorts’ legacy of melding contemporary elegance with distinctive individual design. The resort’s key gastronomic concept will be crafted in association with one of Hong Kong’s brightest culinary stars, Vicky Cheng. His restaurant is set to be the most anticipated opening in the region, where Macau’s fascinating East and West influences will allude to his culinary masterpieces.

9. The iconic Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton debuts in the Baltics

Boasting timeless elegance, rich heritage and iconic living, the 93-room Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton is set in the heart of a historical UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vilnius Old Town and is the latest addition to the growing Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio. Exuding elegance throughout its every corner, the hotel proudly showcases carefully curated artwork from the owner’s collection, which includes fragments of the 16th-century Vilnius defence wall, and other intriguing details and furnishings. The exquisite lobby seamlessly extends to the dining area, boasting large windows and beautiful marble floors. Each of its 93 high-end rooms and suites offer timeless accommodation paired with impeccable service, featuring custom-made furniture, lounge areas, and large work desks. Passionate about creating unique experiences, guests will be greeted by the hotel’s dedicated hosts dressed in a distinctive yellow uniform – Iconists – whose role is to create a thoroughly personalised stay through distinctive touches and tailored experiences.

10. Cheval Blanc will open a new resort in the Seychelles this autumn

Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVHM) has announced the upcoming opening of Cheval Blanc Seychelles, the sixth property to join the Cheval Blanc brand. The new hotel will be located on the southwestern coast of Mahé Island and will feature 52 villas, each with a private swimming pool. Cheval Blanc Seychelles will be designed to feel like a ‘home’ by famed architect Jean-Michel Gathy and will pay homage to its natural surroundings and creole traditions. The resort’s five culinary options will include Mizumi, an Asian restaurant set on a lake; Italian eatery Vivamento, which faces the pool; and Mediterranean beach club Sula. Guests will also find two of Cheval Blanc’s signature concepts: French gastronomic restaurant Le 1947 and “cosmopolitan” venue Le White. Guests will be able to access a collection of Guerlain wellbeing rituals at the Spa Cheval Blanc, where facilities will include a pool, fitness room, surf simulator and two tennis and padel courts. Cheval Blanc Seychelles will mark the brand’s sixth property, joining Cheval Blanc Courchevel, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Cheval Blanc St-Barth, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez and Cheval Blanc Paris.