Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: October 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:
- Four Seasons announces plans for a luxury resort in Mykonos, Greece
- &Beyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar reopens with fresh new look
- Six Senses will open two new luxury hotels in Italy (Lake Como and Milan)
- Park Hyatt debuts in London, United Kingdom
- Waldorf Astoria will open a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi
- Cathay Pacific unveils Aria Suite and retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER
- Delta will update its entire fleet with a new cabin interior design
- United unveils “largest international expansion” in its history
- Marriott announces the return of The Ritz-Carlton brand to Cancun, Mexico
- Four Seasons Hotel Rabat, Morocco is now open
1. Four Seasons announces plans for luxury resort in Mykonos, Greece
Located along the coastline of Kalo Livadi Bay, Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, Greece is slated to welcome its first guests in the summer of 2025. The resort will offer 94 spacious rooms, villas and suites with exquisite views of the Aegean Sea. To honor the culture and heritage of the destination, the Four Seasons Resort is designed and developed in the Cycladic style that is synonymous with Mykonos, featuring white cubic architecture with whitewashed courtyards, traditional pathways and picturesque piazzas – signature trademarks of the local architecture. The project is designed by the renowned Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis, inspired by the timeless elegance and sophistication of Mykonos, with interior design led by Wimberly Interiors. The resort will also offer an exciting variety of restaurant and bar options designed by Rockwell Group, such as an al fresco pool-side Italian venue, a modern interpretation of a Mykonian kafeneio, and a beach experience harmoniously integrated with its environment and celebrating its natural beauty. Additional Resort features will include a relaxed infinity swimming pool overlooking the Aegean Sea, a spa with several treatment rooms and fitness facilities as well as several indoor and outdoor venues for meetings, events and celebrations alike. For those looking for added activity, the property will offer boating adventures, water sports and additional recreational activities.
2. Beyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar reopens with fresh new look
&Beyond Mnemba Island, an island paradise situated off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, has recently reopened following a comprehensive refurbishment. Renowned for its natural sense of exclusivity, Mnemba’s trademark brand of barefoot luxury has been fully reimagined, retaining its intimate and relaxed island charm but giving it a refreshed look. Undertaken by long-time &Beyond collaborators Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects, the refurbishment preserves the understated sophistication of the previous offering. The overall layout of the lodge remains largely unchanged, with all bandas along the beachfront and the shared guest area in the middle. The bandas have all been completely rebuilt and enlarged, with all interiors replaced. Drawing inspiration from nature, the design of the bandas reflects the form of the nautilus shell, while the interiors maintain the lodge’s current natural colour palette, punctuated by vibrant coral accents. The lodge’s main guest area has also been completely rebuilt and brought forward in order to maximize the sea views. The refreshed layout includes both new areas to socialize and secluded corners for those who value their privacy. Further new additions include a freshly built Beach Shop, as well as the Discovery Centre, a dedicated space providing guests with the opportunity to explore the conservation and community initiatives of the lodge.
3. Six Senses will open two new luxury hotels in Italy at Lake Como and Milan
Six Senses has signed hotel management agreements with Gruppo Statuto as part of an exciting new chapter in its Italian story. Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como will follow the debut opening of Six Senses Rome in 2023 in the restored Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini and the announcement of the upcoming Six Senses Antognolla in Umbria. Six Senses Milan will enjoy a prime address at Via Brera 19 in the heart of the artistic Brera quarter, emblematic of authentic Milanese heritage and culture. Six Senses Lake Como will continue the legacy of the first hospitality destination opened on the shores of Lake Como in 1820 in Cadenabbia di Griante, an area rich in history, art, and nature, which over the years has drawn illustrious emperors, monarchs, writers and celebrities to its sparkling shores. Neil Jacobs, CEO, Six Senses, shared, “Italy moves you like nowhere else. In few places do art, architecture, gastronomy, and the joy of living intertwine so effortlessly. Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como both speak to a purpose. The first is intentionally sized and designed for attentive hospitality and holistic wellness within one of Europe’s most dynamic fashion capitals. The second is a serene escape within the most beautiful lakeside gardens just 90 minutes away.” Six Senses Milan is set to open in 2025 and Six Senses Lake Como in 2028.
4. Park Hyatt debuts in London, United Kingdom
Located in an exclusive riverside location in the fast-transforming South West London district of Nine Elms, the new Park Hyatt London River Thames boasts unparalleled views of London’s skyline, combining residential charm with sophistication in complete harmony. The hotel interiors offer a contemporary interpretation of classic English style; its timeless furniture and bespoke artisanal details echoing elegance and comfort. The neutral and muted design is complemented with color accents and powerful artwork including an immersive “park by water” experience. Throughout the property, guests can enjoy art from several well-known artists, including Ian Rayer-Smith, Jo Taylor, Françoise Delaire, Gabriel Leung, George Blacklock, and Ewan David. The hotel’s 203 guestrooms offer a seamless continuation of this journey, with wallpapered walls featuring designs by the iconic English textile designer William Morris, complemented by a scheme of white and ebony, with accents of leather and brass throughout. The bars and restaurants at Park Hyatt London River Thames embody the diversity of its surroundings, offering guests an assorted culinary journey through what promises to be one of London’s finest dining experiences. For guests seeking ultimate relaxation, the hotel offers an entire floor dedicated to wellness, featuring a spa with panoramic river views, flooded with natural light, and an expansive layout that sets it apart in London. Guests can also enjoy state-of-the-art fitness center, a serene indoor pool, six luxurious treatment rooms, and a tranquil relaxation lounge – making it the perfect sanctuary to unwind against the busy backdrop of the city.
5. Waldorf Astoria will open a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi
Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi will feature 167 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, many with views of the mangroves, continuing the brand’s globally renowned unparalleled hospitality. In addition, each guest will be assigned a Personal Concierge who will meticulously attend to every detail of their stay from pre-arrival to post-departure. The hotel will also feature a thoughtfully curated range of food and beverage options including a brasserie, a rooftop specialty restaurant, a pool lounge, and the celebrated Peacock Alley – building on Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary excellence. An exquisite retreat in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the hotel will offer elevated amenities, including three swimming pools (adult, family, and kids), a fitness club and spa. In addition, the property’s two ballrooms and five meeting rooms will be carefully designed to reflect a grand yet intimate sense of place, creating an elegant atmosphere where guests can enjoy memorable meetings and events. Just a short walk away from the hotel, the Mangrove National Park is a vast forest which is home to over 60 bird species and wildlife such as turtles, dugongs, and dolphins, making it a delight for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Visitors can also experience the wonders of the forest by kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or boating through the park’s main water channel – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once open, the property will be in close proximity to cultural attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, as well as to the Abu Dhabi corniche, downtown Abu Dhabi and Zayed International Airport.
6. Cathay Pacific unveils Aria Suite and retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER
Cathay Pacific raised the bar for its customer experience with the official unveiling of its all-new Business class, Aria Suite, together with its new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The airline’s retrofitted 777-300ER debuted on its Hong Kong-Beijing route on 18 October, before progressively being deployed on other regional and long-haul routes. The new cabin experience was introduced at a special ceremony for distinguished guests, valued customers and Cathay members, members of the media and Cathay employees at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited’s hangar facility at Hong Kong International Airport on 16 October. Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “We are excited to introduce new seat products over the next three years, each designed to elevate the inflight experience for our customers. First, we are launching our all-new Business and Premium Economy cabins, and a refreshed Economy cabin on our retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. These will be followed by a new world-leading First class experience onboard our 777-9s, and a brand-new flat-bed Business class product on our Airbus A330s. Through our investments in cutting-edge aircraft, innovative technology and groundbreaking facilities, we are dedicated to moving beyond expectations – in the air, on the ground and in every experience we create.” In the highly anticipated Aria Suite, Cathay Pacific has placed customer experience at the heart of the design and conception of its new Business class. Artistry and craftsmanship have gone into every detail to create a holistic and immersive experience where comfort, privacy and a sense of personal space are completely reimagined for customers. The result is an inflight journey that aims to be intuitive and effortless.
7. Delta will update its entire fleet with a new cabin interior design
A new cabin interior is on the horizon at Delta. Debuting this fall ahead of Delta’s centennial anniversary, the modern new design will bring substantial improvements to the airline’s aircraft interiors. From fresh seating materials, enhanced lighting and a renewed color palette, to new decorative motifs and signature branding, every aspect of the cabin interior has been carefully planned and thoughtfully redesigned to elevate the travel experience. “Delta has a 100-year history of creating a customer experience that feels welcoming and thoughtful with intentional design elements woven into every aspect of a customer’s travel,” said Mauricio Parise, Vice President – Customer Experience Design. “As we embark on our next century of flying, this refreshed cabin interior infuses utility with beauty to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, elevated, and timeless while reflecting our customers’ evolving tastes and expectations.” The new cabin design features an interior uniquely and intentionally designed to make Delta customers feel at home during their travels. Breathable materials, comfortable memory-foam cushions on widebody jets, and lighting that promotes relaxation will span the fleet. This nose-to-tail transformation of Delta’s cabin interior is based on extensive feedback and research to create a cabin experience that reflects its passengers’ changing expectations and lifestyles. Delta’s new cabin design will first debut on a narrowbody Boeing 757 aircraft that will begin flying on domestic and short haul international routes later this fall. In early 2025, a widebody Airbus A350 will debut with the new design on long haul international routes. Additional aircraft will receive the new cabin design as Delta’s schedule and operation allows over the next few years.
8. United unveils “largest international expansion” in its history
United Airlines announced the largest international expansion in its history with service to eight new cities. Starting in May 2025, United will launch five new nonstop flights from its hub in Newark to destinations no other U.S. airline serves including Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal and Faro, Portugal. The airline is also adding three new nonstop routes from Washington D.C./Dulles, including its first-ever flight to Dakar, Senegal operating year-round and new seasonal nonstop flights to Nice, France and Venice, Italy. Already the U.S. carrier with the most flights across the Atlantic, United’s summer 2025 transatlantic schedule will be the largest in its history with more than 760 weekly flights. In addition to new flights, customers will have even more time to explore Venice, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Barcelona, Spain with earlier start dates next summer. The airline will also increase the number of weekly direct flights between Newark/New York-Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Newark/New York-Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Newark/New York–Athens, Greece. United is also adding new direct flights from Tokyo–Narita to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Kaohsiung – destinations no other U.S. airline serves – and a new nonstop flight to Koror, Palau. These new flights will seamlessly connect in Tokyo to United’s transpacific services to five hub locations in the continental United States. “No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. “Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers, whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.”
9. Marriott announces the return of The Ritz-Carlton brand to Cancun, Mexico
Set to welcome guests and residents in 2027, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc will offer all the pleasures of one of the world’s most famous beach destinations, set on an exclusive peninsula that boasts over a private shoreline. The property will include a 131-key luxury hotel along with 126 branded residences in a LEED certified building, setting a new standard of design and sophistication in the region. Guests will enjoy unparalleled ocean views and access to world-class amenities. The project’s design will be led by the acclaimed architectural firms Lissoni & Partners and Cherem Arquitectos. It will include exceptional services and amenities, such as a sprawling oceanfront pool complex, a destination spa, six gourmet restaurants, and exclusive residential amenities, all serviced by The Ritz-Carlton. “Marriott is thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand back to Cancun, as we continue aiming to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class branded residences,” remarked Brian King, President of Caribbean & Latin America (CALA) for Marriott International. “As one of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico and Latin America, Cancun and the Riviera Maya attract nearly 30 million visitors each year, drawn by stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural experiences. While this property is conveniently located 10 minutes from the airport, it feels a world away. Punta Nizuc offers an unmatched gateway to the beauty of the Riviera Maya. Cancun’s unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a diverse range of activities—from exploring ancient Mayan ruins to enjoying world-class dining—make it a truly extraordinary destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.”
10. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat, Morocco is now open
Located in the capital city’s historic Quartier l’Océan on the shores of the Atlantic, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahar is the ideal base from which to explore the city’s fascinating mix of cultures, architecture, cuisine and the arts. Much of the modern capital and historic city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, thanks in part to its “fertile exchange between the Arabo-Muslim past and Western modernism,” with its notable green spaces part of one of the continent’s most successful urban development plans. The hotel’s 200 rooms and suites are spread across several modern and historic buildings featuring ocean or garden views, with most including either a furnished balcony or terrace, and some also offering a private plunge pool. Interior design by Roger Nazarian and Associates features classic Moroccan touches such as custom-made Zellige tiles, stained glass windows and brass and copper fixtures in modern rooms and suites. The new Four Seasons is home to a collection of unique dining concepts overseen by Executive Chef Sebastiano Spriveri, whose Four Seasons career has taken him around the Mediterranean and throughout the Middle East for close to three decades before arriving in Morocco. Sprawling across five hectares (twelve hectares) of historic and modern buildings and courtyards amid lush gardens with the sound of waves and ocean breezes throughout, guests at the hotel may forget that they’re actually in the heart of the city and enjoy two outdoor pools surrounded by plush lounge chairs and private cabanas, and a range of dining options from sunny outdoor terraces to chic casual bistros and sophisticated international culinary experiences. A spa will open later this year.
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