Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: January 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, Miami will be demolished and rebuilt
- Four Seasons will manage a hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland
- W Hotels debuts in Brazil with the unveiling of W São Paulo
- Rocco Forte will its open second Milan hotel this summer
- Qatar Airways introduces the world’s first digital human cabin crew
- Cathay Pacific launches new inflight Michelin-starred dining partnership
- Shangri-La Phnom Penh, Cambodia opens its doors
- Emirates’ A350 officially takes flight to its first destination, Edinburgh
- Raffles Sentosa Singapore will open its doors in March
- Rosewood Amsterdam is now accepting reservations for stays starting in June
1. Mandarin Oriental, Miami will be demolished and rebuilt
Exactly 25 years afer its opening, the Mandarin Oriental Miami Hotel will close its doors in May 2025 and embark on an exciting new chapter. Since its grand opening in 2000, Mandarin Oriental Miami had earned a reputation for excellence and it currently offers 326 elegant guest rooms and suites. Routinely topping Editor and Readers’ Choice Awards in top Travel publications, the property has been celebrated with Forbes 5-Star accolades for both the hotel and the spa, and consistently recognised as offering the best dining in Miami (which includes La Mar by Gastón Acurio restaurant, featuring authentic Peruvian cuisine). In partnership with Swire Properties, the Mandarin Oriental Group will build an entirely new hotel on the same site and introduce of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, set to debut in 2030. Comprising two towers, the South Tower will feature 228 residences with interiors by renowned Parisian designer Tristan Auer. The North Tower will house the new North American flagship Mandarin Oriental hotel, offering 121 keys including 34 luxurious suites, a signature Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and multiple intimate fine-dining and al fresco restaurants. The North Tower will also include 66 private residences and 28 hotel residences, with more information coming soon.
2. Four Seasons will manage a hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland
Four Seasons, the leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, will operate The Park Gstaad Hotel in Switzerland once the property reopens following extensive renovations, which are already underway. Introducing The Park Gstaad as a Four Seasons experience represents a perfect opportunity to contribute towards Gstaad’s positioning as a world renowned, picturesque alpine resort. The Park Gstaad is an iconic property in one of Europe’s best known mountain destinations, and became the first five-star hotel in Gstaad when its doors opened in 1910. Owned by philanthropist, investor and sportswoman Dona Bertarelli, the property is undergoing a full-scale refurbishment led by Squircle Capital, with renowned interior designer Joseph Dirand. Following renovations, The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel, will reopen with 75 rooms and suites. The hotel will also offer an array of unique restaurant and bar concepts, as well as a destination spa and fitness centre, including luxurious treatment rooms, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Additional amenities are expected to include indoor and outdoor meetings and event space, a tennis court, ski and bike services, Kids For All Seasons facilities, and an ice rink in the winter season. The property is anticipated to reopen as The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotelin time for the 2026-2027 winter season.
3. W Hotels debuts in Brazil with the unveiling of W São Paulo
Located in a modern skyscraper atop Rua Funchal in São Paulo’s buzzing southern business district, the new W Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pinheiros River and the city skyline, promising the ultimate guest experience. W São Paulo features striking, cutting-edge architecture and modern design. Built on the site of the iconic Teatro Via Funchal, the hotel’s design is a collaboration between Aflalo/Gasperini Arquitetos, with landscaping from Benedito Abbud, and interiors by Nini de Andrade Silva. With 179 stylishly designed hotel rooms starting on the 25th floor, including 16 suites, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the city center. The hotel boasts the brand’s signature AWAY Spa, FIT gym, WET Deck complete with an outdoor pool, along with two restaurants, three bars, and five event spaces, including the expansive Great Room, covering 400m². Additionally, an ornate walkway bridges Rua Funchal to Rua Helena, seamlessly allowing guests to engage with the city at their fingertips. W São Paulo introduces a curated selection of dynamic programs focused on music, gastronomy, and wellness. Guests can enjoy tailored experiences like the Sunset Ritual at the WET Deck, Stretching Bossa Nova at FIT, wine tastings at BAIO restaurant, and rejuvenating sessions at the AWAY Spa.
4. Rocco Forte will its open second Milan hotel this summer
Rocco Forte Hotels has announced the opening of its newest hotel in Milan. The Carlton Milan marks the brand’s second property in Milan, following the opening of Rocco Forte House Milan in September 2024. Rocco Forte Hotel’s Director of Design, Olga Polizzi, will collaborate with interior designers Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen to recreate an authentic Milanese experience that represents the sophistication and style of this design capital. Elegant interiors and furnishings will accompany inviting and intimate spaces, combined to create a traditional, luxury Milanese hotel with elements of surprise. The new hotel is set to offer approximately 70 rooms and suites, a restaurant and lounge bar, a full wellness centre with gym and spa topped by a rooftop panoramic bar with 360 views over the city. “Milan is one of the world’s most dynamic and design-centric destinations, a creative and vigorous city. We have great confidence in Milan’s future and the many international events and visitors it welcomes every year,” says Sir Rocco Forte, founder and president of Rocco Forte Hotels. “We are thrilled to confront this extraordinary city and bring our philosophy of luxury and quality here.” Following the opening of Rocco Forte House Milan last year, The Carlton Milan will mark the group’s 10th property in Italy.
5. Qatar Airways introduces the world’s first digital human cabin crew
Qatar Airways has introduced Sama, the world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew, now taking flight on social media. As the face of Qatar Airways’ innovation, Sama will soon inspire and connect with a global audience on Instagram. Her account, @SamaOnTheMove, will offer followers a mix of travel tips, personal stories from her layovers, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a cabin crew member—all with a creative, human touch. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications, Mr. Babar Rahman, said: “Introducing Sama on Instagram is an extension of our vision to blend human connection with technological innovation. Sama is not just a digital human; she’s a reflection of how we see the future of travel—personal, engaging, and deeply connected to the experiences that matter. Her presence marks a step forward in how we humanise our brand and create moments that resonate with our global audience.” Whether she’s discovering hidden gems in Paris, sharing tips on navigating a new city, or offering a behind-the-scenes look at life in the skies, Sama will showcase Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations in a fresh and imaginative way. Her content invites followers to explore new cultures, discover inspiring traditions, and see the world through her eyes.
6. Cathay Pacific launches new inflight Michelin-starred dining partnership
Cathay Pacific has announced a partnership with Eaton HK’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yat Tung Heen to elevate the inflight dining experience for its Premium Economy and Economy class customers. Led by celebrated Chef Tam Tung, Yat Tung Heen has been a beloved Hong Kong dining institution since 1990. The restaurant specialises in traditional yet refined Cantonese fare that highlights the natural flavours of ingredients. The exclusively crafted inflight menu brings together a selection of exquisite local dishes for customers travelling in Premium Economy and Economy classes on selected flights departing from Hong Kong, debuting with all long-haul and selected regional destinations, such as the Chinese Mainland, Japan and Thailand.
- In Premium Economy, the culinary journey begins with the smoked duck breast with pickled mustard greens and galangal as an appetiser. The dish draws inspiration from Chiu Chow-style braised duck, reinterpreted with the sweet-savoury tartness of the pickled vegetables that cuts through the richness of the tender duck slices. Up next, passengers can choose from a n array of main courses. A staple of Cantonese cuisine, the braised beef brisket and tendon with chu hou sauce, choy sum and steamed jasmine rice features tender morsels of beef in a rich and aromatic chu hou sauce made from fermented soybean paste as the star of the dish. The stir-fried seafood and jade melon with XO sauce, egg fried rice comes with a medley of seafood flash-fried in the wok with flavourful XO sauce.
- For appetisers, Economy Class passengers will be served marinated cherry tomatoes with preserved plum; while main courses include baked chicken with aromatic ginger and aged mandarin peel, kai lan and egg fried rice; as well as sweet and sour pork with fresh pineapple, mixed vegetables and steamed jasmine rice.
7. Shangri-La Phnom Penh, Cambodia opens its doors
Strategically situated in Koh Pich, one of Phnom Penh’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Shangri-La Phnom Penh is part of a striking tri-tower architectural landmark that soars 228 metres into the sky, making it one of the tallest structures in the capital. Guests residing in the 303 rooms and suites are treated to panoramic views of the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Tonle Bassac rivers, creating an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and dynamism of Phnom Penh. The hotel’s interior design aesthetics is a harmonious blend of Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Khmer cultural elements, while remaining true to Shangri-La’s timeless style and Asian heritage. Featuring warm wood accents, natural stones, with abundant natural daylight pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the room interiors evoke a sense of serenity and invite guests to unwind and recharge in their own personal waterfront sanctuary. Culinary experiences at Shangri-La Phnom Penh will highlight Cambodia’s rich local heritage, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s infinity pool and spa – which will progressively open in the months ahead – aim to provide guests a haven for relaxation and well-being. hangri-La Phnom Penh is poised to be a key driver of Phnom Penh’s tourism and business growth, enhancing the city’s appeal to both visitors and professionals.
8. Emirates’ A350 officially takes flight to its first destination, Edinburgh
Emirates marked a significant milestone this month as its first Airbus A350 entered commercial service, operating its inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. Emirates’ A350 showcases the latest in cabin innovation and has been designed to maximise customer comfort. Standout features include a newly-designed, more comfortable Economy Class cabin; upgraded Business Class and Premium Economy cabins; the best image quality on any aircraft with 4K and 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens; extra-high ceilings with wider aisles in all classes; and faster Wi-Fi with uninterrupted global connectivity across all A350 destinations. The most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in commercial service today, the A350 also offers the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft. Emirates has configured its A350 to provide three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. In the coming months, customers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 on flights to eight more global destinations: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kuwait, Bahrain, Colombo, Lyon, Muscat, and Bologna.
9. Raffles Sentosa Singapore will open its doors in March
An oasis of wellbeing immersed in an exquisite natural environment, Raffles Sentosa Singapore will the second address to open in the country of Raffles’ birth. Located on a hilltop beside the South China Sea in Singapore’s ‘island in the city’, the new ultra luxurious resort will feature 62 contemporary private pool villas surrounded by exuberant tropical gardens. Just 15 minutes from central Singapore, yet a world apart in its peace and tranquillity, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is a secluded sanctuary for extended stays, celebrating nature and prioritizzing wellbeing at every turn. The hotel, set in an unspoilt, lush landscape overlooking the South China Sea, was designed by international studio Yabu Pushelberg who harmonized the history of Singapore with its present-day cultural nuances to create an effortlessly flowing, modern resort experience, in tune with guests’ contemporary lives. There will be five restaurants, a spa blending traditional healing with contemporary wellness, literary tomes on botany, wellness, fashion, gastronomy and history to browse, and a stunning ballroom seating up to 400, overlooking the resort pool. The Sentosa Sling cocktail will debut as part of Raffles’ legendary welcome.
10. Rosewood Amsterdam is now accepting reservations for stays starting in June
Situated within the historic former Palace of Justice, Rosewood Amsterdam is now accepting reservations from June 1st, 2025, marking the brand’s debut in the Netherlands. This iconic property will be the last new hotel development permitted within a monumental building in Amsterdam, reinforcing Rosewood’s position as a leader in luxury lifestyle. Offering a unique cultural experience, the new property seamlessly blends its rich history with ongoing transformation, creating an exceptional destination. After ten-years in the making, the city’s former Palace of Justice now welcomes a new era, as Rosewood gives this important landmark back to the city of Amsterdam. Built in 1665 and situated on the UNESCO World Heritage listed canals, the property’s opening will set a new precedent for purpose-led luxury by embracing circular hospitality and collaborating with local partners. The hotel will include 134 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, along with five remarkable signature suites, many offering views of the picturesque canals, peaceful courtyards, and classic townhouse rooftops. Guests will enjoy a collection of refined dining options, including three distinctive restaurants and bars, as well as an in-house distillery and a luxury spa.
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