Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: November 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:
- Cheval Blanc Seychelles opens its doors this weekend
- Four Seasons New York reopens following complete overhaul
- The St Regis Longboat Key Resort, Florida, is now open
- St Regis opens its 60th property, The St Regis on the Bund, Shanghai
- Emirates officially unveils its first Airbus A350 aircraft
- Turkish Airlines revamps its Business Class amenity kit concept
- Iberia launches world’s first Airbus A321XLR
- Raffles celebrates the opening of the Raffles at Galaxy Macau, China
- Belmond unveils the Britannic Explorer luxury sleeper train
- Oberoi Hotels & Resorts announces a luxury hotel in London’s Mayfair
1. Cheval Blanc Seychelles open its doors this weekend
This weekend, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVHM) will officially open its Cheval Blanc Seychelles Resort, the sixth property to join the Cheval Blanc brand. The new hotel is located on the southwestern coast of Mahé Island on Anse Intendance, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The resort features 52 villas, each with a private swimming pool. Cheval Blanc Seychelles is designed to feel like a ‘home’ by famed architect Jean-Michel Gathy and pays homage to its natural surroundings and creole traditions. The resort’s five culinary options 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 are able to access a collection of Guerlain wellbeing rituals at the Spa Cheval Blanc, where facilities include a pool, fitness room, surf simulator and two tennis and padel courts. With Le Carrousel, an expansive play space for children, families and younger guests can discover the flora and fauna of the Seychelles with outdoor activities, a water park and interactive installations. Cheval Blanc Seychelles marks the brand’s sixth property, joining Cheval Blanc Courchevel, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Cheval Blanc St-Barth, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez and Cheval Blanc Paris.
2. Four Seasons New York reopens following complete overhaul
Four Seasons Hotel New York, IM Pei’s majestic Art Deco masterpiece in Midtown Manhattan, has reopened its doors. A landmark in the city, the hotel occupies one of its most enviable addresses at 57 East 57th Street between Madison and Park Avenues, just steps from Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and Rockefeller Plaza. Central to architect IM Pei’s vision is the grand lobby with its dramatic 33 ft (10 m) glass ceiling and honey-toned marble floors and columns enhanced with sculptural florals. With its two lively dining outlets upstairs and open to the grand lobby on either side, it’s a see-and-be-seen space full of energy. Offering some of the city’s most expansive luxury rooms and suites, the residential-style accommodations are bathed in light, with views of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline and beyond. Newly refined in-room beverage bars now feature carefully chosen drinks and bites from nearby purveyors as well as interesting selections from further afield, including premium coffees from Italy’s Lavazza brand. The hotel’s extensive 24-hour in-room dining menus have also been revamped with an increased focus on top quality ingredients and touches of luxury, such as the new signature breakfast with caviar and creme fraiche, and Dom Pérignon. In the spa-like bathrooms, Four Seasons Hotel New York introduces luxurious amenities by acclaimed Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé. Many suites also have outdoor terraces large enough to dine under the stars, a rarity in the city. Crowning the Hotel is the lavish Ty Warner Penthouse on the 52nd floor, an architectural and artistic tour de force renowned for its bespoke design, four terraces, and 360 degree views of New York City, beautifully crafted finishes and globally-sourced features and amenities. The rate for this one-of-a-kind accommodation is USD 80,000 per night.
3. The St Regis Longboat Key Resort, Florida, is now open
Nestled on Sarasota’s barrier island, The St Regis Longboat Key Resort spans 18 acres of pristine white sand beachfront. Dotted with soaring palms and lush planting, the leafy central courtyard, known as “The Pools,” features an array of swimming pools, luxury loungers and personal cabanas offering tranquility and privacy. The area includes a family-friendly Resort Pool, a jacuzzi and a Winding River, while the adults-only Serenity Pool provides a relaxing retreat with a cascading waterfall. Additionally, guests can enjoy the personalized services of a dedicated Pool Butler, a first for the brand, who will dive in to assist with guests’ every need both in and out of the water. The resort’s architecture and interiors by HBA Miami and Dutch East Design blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. Guests can enjoy 168 rooms and 26 suites with breathtaking ocean views, a luxurious rainfall shower, a freestanding bathtub, a spacious walk-in close and signature St. Regis Butler Service in every room. A new vibrant destination on Longboat Key, The St Regis Longboat Key Resort offers an exceptional culinary journey across seven distinct dining venues. At the heart of this experience is CW Prime, the resort’s signature steakhouse, where guests can indulge in expertly prepared classics, including premium aged beef and fresh seafood, grilled on the Josper grill with theatrical tableside preparations. The hotel spa boasts 14 treatment rooms and a hydrothermal area, including a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a snow shower, vitality waters, a cold plunge, and sensorial showers. In partnership with La Mer, the spa offers guests the ultimate indulgence, namely the Genaissance de La Mer Facial — a luxurious 90-minute treatment that targets all visible signs of aging through expert massage and stimulating drainage techniques.
4. St Regis opens its 60th property, the St Regis on the Bund, Shanghai
Unveiled as the brand’s 60th property globally and the second in Shanghai, The St Regis on the Bund, Shanghai marks a significant milestone that underscores the distinct legacy of one of the world’s most storied luxury brands. Poised along the storied Bund, the hotel offers unrivaled vistas of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline. Set amidst one of the city’s most historic quarters, the hotel serves as a gateway to Shanghai’s most distinguished landmarks, including Yu Garden, Nanjing Road Walkway, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Museum. Inspired by the rich culture and identity of Shanghai, the hotel’s exterior is a refined collaborative design between Norman Foster and Heatherwick Studio. Inside, the hotel’s design blends the opulence of Art Deco, emblematic of 1920s Shanghai, with intricate Su embroidery and delicate magnolia motifs, enveloping guests in a narrative of artistic elegance and cultural refinement. The hotel houses 72 original artworks by renowned artists, including Legend of Shanghai by Ma Tianyu and Splendid Orient by Shi Qi, which are gracefully displayed throughout. The St Regis on the Bund, Shanghai presents 192 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, including 13 suites, each offering residential-style accommodations with sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the historic Bund area. Each guest room is designed with the guests’ comfort in mind and complemented by thoughtful touches throughout, serving as a space where guests can relax and admire the Shanghai-inspired design details featured across the room. Guests will also enjoy the St. Regis Butler Service, a signature offering that provides each guest with personalized and anticipatory attention. The hotel offers culinary journeys through its four distinct venues and also features an on-site spa.
5. Emirates officially unveils its first Airbus A350 aircraft
Emirates has officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai. The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. The 32 luxurious leather ‘S Lounge’ Business Class seats are inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience. The A350 aircraft will feature brand new additions of wireless charging on the side cocktail table in Business Class, and in-seat lighting controls with 5 streams of light. The 1-2-1 seat configuration in the A350 Business Class ensures a very private, exclusive experience where customers can enjoy the latest iteration of the Emirates Experience including lie-flat seats, 4k ice screen, multiple sockets and charging ports including a wireless port, minibar, improved storage, inflight shopping and an abundance of multi award-winning food and beverages served with world class Emirates hospitality. The A350 will feature the latest sophisticated design by Emirates, including key motifs like the illuminated Ghaf Tree – the symbolic tree of the UAE, and the signature bronze and gold of the Emirates brand, combined with crisp cream leather and elegant wood grain for a soothing and sleek neutral palette. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008. The airline plans to make its first scheduled commercial A350 flight to Edinburgh on 3 January 2025. In the months to follow, customers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 in existing GCC points like Bahrain, Muscat and Kuwait, Lyon and Bologna in Europe, and Colombo, Mumbai and Ahmedabad in West Asia in addition to new travel opportunities that are up to 15 hours from Dubai– to be announced in 2025.
6. Turkish Airlines revamps its Business Class amenity kit concept
Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has introduced its Business Class passengers to a new amenity kit collection designed in collaboration with Lanvin. This special Business Class amenity kit collection, consisting of five pieces, is designed with a focus on sustainability, blending modern luxury with elegance. Each bag, inspired by Lanvin’s most iconic designs, is carefully crafted to be reusable and versatile for various purposes. The bags feature limited-edition Lanvin cosmetic products and meticulously selected contents to turn the journey of Turkish Airlines guests into a unique experience. The sets include a Hand & Body Lotion and a Lip Balm enriched with Cocoa Seed Oil, Shea Oil, Olive Shell Oil, and Coconut Oil to provide optimal hydration during flights. Business Class amenity kit collection offers bags in brown, black, tan and cream options. Additionally, a wallet-style black and brown bag is provided on international Business Class flights lasting between five and eight hours. All products within the kits are designed with sustainability in mind. The eye mask and socks are made from recycled materials, reducing the use of natural resources while maintaining comfort and style. The earplugs are packaged in paper to minimize single-use plastics, and the toothbrush is crafted from bamboo. The Lanvin collection reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to travel comfort and promotes reuse in line with the zero-waste principle.
7. Iberia launches world’s first Airbus A321XLR
Iberia became the first airline in the world to operate transoceanic routes with the new Airbus A321XLR, a narrow-body aircraft, that is, one with a single aisle. The first flight took place from 14 November from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to Boston. With the launch of a new aircraft, Iberia is strengthening its long-haul fleet, with a special focus on America. The first destinations to which the XLR is expected to fly are Boston and Washington DC (United States). The airline will add seven additional aircraft of this model in the coming months, which will make it possible to incorporate new long-haul destinations into its network and will allow it to increase capacity in the cities it currently serves. Iberia’s A321XLR offers an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,500 kilometres), 15% more than the A321LR (Long Range). The aircraft introduces structural, aerodynamic and software improvements, and features an integrated central fuel tank, allowing for extended range. It is powered by state-of-the-art CFM LEAP-1A engines. The A321XLR offers passengers the same comfort standards that characterise wide-body models such as the A330 and A350 in Iberia’s fleet. Its 182 seats are distributed between Business and Economy cabins. The Business Class cabin features 14 individual seats, each next to a window and with direct access to the aisle. These full-flat seats can be turned into beds and feature a wide leather headrest, compartments for personal items and a structure designed to provide comfort and privacy. Each Business Class seat also includes an individual 18.5-inch screen with 4K resolution, offering a crystal-clear image and enhanced tones in dark mode.
8. Raffles celebrates the opening of the Raffles at Galaxy Macau, China
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the 137-year old preeminent luxury hospitality brand, announced the official opening of Raffles at Galaxy Macau, in the heart of the award-winning Galaxy Macau resort. Comprised of two glittering gold towers connected by a glass airbridge, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is a stunning architectural landmark with commanding views overlooking the Galaxy resort, the island of Cotai, and the historic sites of Old Taipa Village. The hotel is designed as a confluence point of heritage and glamour, achieved through visionary design, authentic craftsmanship and fine art and furnishings. Guests enjoy a distinct sense of arrival, as the exterior of the property is adorned with a spectacular LED feature installation that glows across the cosmopolitan skyline. In the lobby, lines between the garden and property are blurred as graceful streams of natural light create a sense of peace and refinement. The 450 spacious suites within Raffles at Galaxy Macau embrace classical design and modern comfort. The plush residential-style accommodations are elegantly furnished with hardwood floors, living room fireplaces, and Samsung Frame interactive TVs, blending art with the latest technology for an experience of sophistication. Many suites feature private, heated pools and gardens, while others are designed as bright, airy lofts with double-storey windows. The hotel showcases a stellar lineup of culinary talent, including ‘Sushi Kissho By Miyakawa’, the first international restaurant of three-Michelin starred Japanese sushi master, Masaaki Miyakawa. Sushi Kissho’s elite team of chefs, with a combined 98 years of experience in renowned establishments under Miyakawa, select pristine seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Japan’s finest legacy growers and generational fisherman, to serve an exquisite and authentic Omakase experience.
9. Belmond unveils the Britannic Explorer luxury sleeper train
Belmond has unveiled plans for the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, debuting in July 2025. The Britannic Explorer will depart from London, offering three-night journeys with a choice of three evocative routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales. By day, optional off-train guided excursions will showcase the rich cultural tapestry, beauty, and history of each destination, and by night, passengers can unwind and mingle in the train’s botanically inspired Bar, located in the Observation Car, set to be the vibrant social heart of the Britannic Explorer. Embarking on a new chapter of exceptional slow travel, the pioneering train will fuse a celebration of timeless rail heritage with contemporary British gastronomy, culture, and style. Fine dining experiences will be designed by renowned Chef Simon Rogan, celebrated for his innovative approach and the exceptional quality across his restaurants, which collectively hold eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars worldwide; his acclaimed establishment, L’Enclume, is a highlight of his culinary vision. An on-board wellness suite will provide therapies designed to relax and revive and considered cultural programming invites travellers to discover the essence of Britain, offering an unparalleled perspective and exclusive access to some of the nations’ hidden gems.
10. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts announces a luxury hotel in London’s Mayfair
Grosvenor and EIH London Investments Ltd have announced that South Molton, in London’s prestigious Mayfair, will be home to the Indian luxury hospitality group’s first Oberoi Hotel in the UK. Located on a prominent corner at 40-46 Brook Street, the hotel is poised to become Mayfair’s premier luxury boutique hotel, showcasing Oberoi’s iconic design, world-class service and attention to detail. Grosvenor secured planning permission for the restoration of the 33,000 sq. ft Listed Building in 2022, as part of its wider South Molton development. This landmark project, currently the West End’s largest mixed-use development, will include the hotel, new office space, housing, cafes, shops, restaurants, community and leisure spaces, all set within a rejuvenated public realm. At the heart of the project is a 267,000 sq. ft joint venture between Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK, set to deliver two best-in-class office buildings on Brook Street and Davies Street, offering corporate headquarter opportunities in one of the West End’s most sought-after locations. South Molton will serve as a new gateway into Mayfair, drawing an estimated £6.5 million of spend annually, 1000 permanent jobs will be created upon completion alongside 450 jobs and apprenticeships during the construction phase. Work began onsite in November 2023, with all phases scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Mr. Vikram Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of The Oberoi Group, said: “We are delighted to bring the legendary Oberoi hospitality to London, especially in such an iconic location as Mayfair. This project marks a pivotal moment for our brand’s global journey. The Oberoi, Mayfair, will embody the very essence of luxury, offering guests an intimate retreat in the heart of Mayfair with the dynamic spirit of the city.”
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