Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: February 2025 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 announces a new luxury resort in Puerto Rico
- Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica is now open
- The Ritz-Carlton will open a luxury safari camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara
- North Island Seychelles leaves Marriott’s Luxury Collection
- Four Seasons announces a new resort in the United Arab Emirates
- Aman unveils its first branded residences in Africa
- Rosewood Miyakojima Japan is now open
- SAS unveils new crew uniforms inspired by Scandinavian heritage
- The Hyatt Hotel Group opens its Andaz Doha property
- ITA Airways leaves SkyTeam and will join Star Alliance in 2026
1. Mandarin Oriental announces a new luxury resort in Puerto Rico
Mandarin Oriental is set to manage a new luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s breathtaking southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. Expected to open in 2028, Mandarin Oriental Puerto Rico will feature 106 superbly designed rooms and suites with a balcony, terrace or private garden. Select suites will feature plunge pools, whilst all villas will include private pools. An exclusive collection of 83 residential villas will be sprinkled across Esencia’s spectacular beach, hillside and cliffs. In addition, a series of six-story boutique buildings, nestled into the natural landscape, will house approximately 200 private residences – conveniently located near the town center. The hotel will offer a variety of unique amenities, including five distinct dining destinations featuring international cuisines with locally inspired culinary delights. A beach club, a poolside restaurant and bar and a sophisticated lounge bar will provide a further dynamic to the overall experience. Another key highlight of the resort will be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, an expansive wellness sanctuary offering a range of signature wellness, beauty and massage treatments.
2. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica is now open
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has opened its doors on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula. Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central America. (The Chorotegas are an indigenous people that live in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras). The new resort features cean-facing rooms and suites, and three luxury treetop tents with access to breathtaking views, outdoor terraces, plunge pools, and spa-like amenities. The property also has 36 private residences with two to five bedrooms. For the ultimate exclusivity, Villa Guayacan is a 10-bedroom retreat. The resort says its architecture “celebrates the culture and nature of Guanacaste — blending native materials and sustainable design with contemporary style and refinement.” Sophisticated dining experiences, from artisanal coffee rituals to private treetops and modern Peruvian cuisine, bring local ingredients to life. The propert’s Nimbu Spa & Wellness is set in harmony with the land’s natural rhythms, rooted in ancient ways of living leading to renewed energy.
3. Ritz-Carlton will open a luxury safari camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara
Expected to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will be located within the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara each year. Elevated amongst the trees on a secluded island surrounded by the famous Sand River near the Tanzanian border, this treetop retreat is expected to feature 20 elegantly appointed tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each with an infinity plunge pool. Plans include refined dining experiences across multiple venues, including a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, and an authentic boma. Additional leisure facilities will include a spa and wellness centre, outdoor gym, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room and a photography studio. Guests can anticipate exclusively curated game drives as well as other bespoke cultural experiences.
4. North Island Seychelles leaves Marriott’s Luxury Collection
North Island Seychelles is the world’s most exclusive hideaway and one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The insanely beautiful private island resort has only 11 opulent hand-crafted villas overlooking the most pristine, powder-white sands and turquoise waters in the Seychelles. The resort – which takes the top spot in my list of the best luxury resorts in the Seychelles – was the decor for honeymoon of Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011. In 2019, North Island left the portfolio of Wilderness and joined Marriott as part of the Luxury Collection. IMHO, that was a completely wrong move to make and I’ve never understood very well why the world’s most exclusive resort handed its management to a rather mainstream hotel brand. It now looks like the partnership between North Island and Marriott is coming to an end soon as a note on the resort’s website reads “As of 1 July 2025, North Island will no longer be affiliated with The Luxury Collection and will no longer be part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand portfolio.” Fingers crossed that North Island will join the Wilderness portfolio again (the only brand that I feel really matches the reputation of the island).
5. Four Seasons announces a new resort in the United Arab Emirates
Four Seasons Resort Ras Al Khaimah will offer a dynamic collection of accommodations and amenities designed to suit the needs of every discerning traveller. Across each guest room, suite, and villa, the Four Seasons experience will be brought to life, offering a luxury island respite just one hour from the Dubai International Airport and 30 minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. The development will feature extensive wellness facilities with 10 treatment rooms and a beauty salon; family and adult pools; paddle, tennis and basketball courts; and a fully equipped fitness centre. For children and young adults, dedicated space to connect and explore will be available through the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program. Anchored by the Resort’s grand ballroom, generous indoor and outdoor event spaces have been expertly designed for celebrations and gatherings of all sizes. For seamless living and exclusive access, Four Seasons guests and residents will enjoy secluded beaches and a dedicated marina for private boat arrivals and effortless connectivity to nearby islands.
6. Aman unveils its first branded residences in Africa
Set within olive groves and palm trees, just beyond Morocco’s fabled Red City (Marrakech) and silhouetted by the High Atlas Mountains, Aman introduces a new collection of private villas. Designed by SAOTA with interiors by ARRCC, Aman Residences, Amanjena, integrate Moroccan craftsmanship with Aman’s refined design philosophy. An extension of Amanjena designed by Ed Tuttle in 2000, the villas embody their name—Amanjena, meaning “peaceful paradise.” The architecture and interiors embrace this sense of serenity, remaining deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. The collection consists of three distinct villa designs, arranged around garden courtyards. Earth-toned walls and reflective water elements create a calm, immersive environment. Terraces, shaded colonnades, and open-air living spaces provide a natural flow between indoors and out, reinforcing Aman’s relationship with nature and light. Drawing from Morocco’s architectural heritage and designed for privacy while embracing the landscape, they offer uninterrupted views of the Atlas Mountains or the adjacent Amelkis Golf Course.
7. Rosewood Miyakojima Japan is now open
On a remote island paradise in Okinawa, Rosewood Miyakojima marks Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ first Japanese property, offering exceptional luxury amidst untouched nature. Nestled amidst sugarcane fields in the north of the island and overlooking Oura Bay with direct access to a pristine beach, the resort has 55 guest accommodations, each with breathtaking views of Miyakojima’s famous pristine waters. Embodied by Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy, the architecture of the resort draws from the history, landscape and culture of the Ryukyu Islands, blending indigenous Okinawan materials such as Ryukyu limestone with the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi. Designed by acclaimed Dutch architect Studio Piet Boon, Rosewood Miyakojima is built in sustainable harmony with the natural environment, making use of the original terrain and partnering with the local community while bringing Rosewood’s unparalleled standard of luxury hospitality to the island.The resort features four restaurants and bars spanning Japanese and international cuisine, an infinity pool by the beach and an Asaya Spa, Rosewood’s pioneering wellbeing concept, complete with six treatment rooms, a yoga studio and fitness center.
8. SAS unveils new crew uniforms inspired by Scandinavian heritage
SAS is launching new crew uniforms for its 9,000 representatives, combining Scandinavian tradition with a fresh, forward-looking design. For nearly 80 years, SAS uniforms have reflected the airline’s identity as a trusted Scandinavian carrier. With a growing and diverse crew and customer base, the new uniforms embrace functionality and innovation while honoring the airline’s rich heritage, symbolizing its transformation and commitment to the future. “Updating the uniform policy was a significant step forward in refreshing who we are as an airline. These changes reflect a more modern expression while maintaining our commitment to professionalism, safety, and care,” says Pernille Ormholt Vang, Chief People Officer at SAS. “The uniform is more than just a recognizable feature — it’s a vital work tool for our colleagues and an expression of our strong heritage and identity,” says Kristine Mayer, SAS Design Director. “Uniform trends often reflect the era in which they are worn, serving as a core expression of an airline’s identity. As SAS has embarked on a new and exciting chapter, it’s only fitting that we update our look. I believe this uniform will become iconic, representing modern Scandinavia on the global stage, as we always have.”
9. The Hyatt Hotel Group opens its Andaz Doha property
Located in the prestigious West Bay, less than a 20-minute drive from Hamad International Airport, Andaz Doha offers a window to explore the city’s wonders and cultural attractions. Designed by Brime Robbins, Andaz Doha offers awe-inspiring ‘Airlock’ entrance; an immersive space featuring a sea of kaleidoscopic lights referencing the multi-faceted landscape of Doha. The canopy takes center stage in the hotel’s elegant lobby, alluding to Qatar’s traditional craft of Sadu weaving design. Ornate wooden doorways with custom handles shaped like Arab walking sticks are a nod to the region’s Bedouin past, while custom water-inspired carpets weaving through the corridors are inspired by Doha’s stunning coastline. Spread acros 26 floors, the hotel’s 312 rooms, suites and residences have been designed with modern interpretations of Qatari traditions and heritage. The property will have three distinctive dining concepts – The Salt Road Doha, which is now officially open, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Hawker and Mumble Jungle, which are set to open in the coming months. The hotel’s Alara Spa features six treatment rooms with separate male and female areas, a herbal sauna, steam rooms and multi-sensory showers.
10. ITA Airways leaves SkyTeam and will join Star Alliance in 2026
The Lufthansa Group has now closed the transaction to acquire a 41% stake in Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways, with the ability to purchase further stake over the years. With this move, Lufthansa now owns Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways and Eurowings. From the use of frequent flyer programs, moving of flight operations at airport terminals, lounge access, code sharing, coordinated European flight schedule – passengers will already be able to see the benefits of the integration of ITA Airways in the Lufthansa Group. For example, with immediate effect, 36 million Miles & More members can earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. At the same time, the 2.7 million members of the ITA Airways frequent flyer program Volare can earn and redeem their points on all flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines. Another consequence of ITA Airways’s being bought out is that is has already initiated the withdrawal from the SkyTeam alliance. The exit process will be completed by April 30, 2025, and after that date, it will no longer be possible to earn or redeem miles with most SkyTeam carriers for travel on ITA Airways. ITA Airways’ official accession to the Star Alliance is planned for the first half of 2026.
*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
