Luxury travel news from around the world (March 2025)

Apr 11 2025

Here’s our latest round-up of luxury travel news. Among the various stories out there, a historic Mayfair bank sheds its past for a future of five-star opulence, while a legendary Hawaiian grande dame reinvents herself for a new century. Across oceans and continents, the industry’s most ambitious names are reshaping the landscape — One&Only, Raffles, InterContinental, Oberoi and more — each unveiling spaces that are so much more than just places to stay. Read on to learn more.

Reservations are now open for One&Only Moonlight Basin, the brand’s first U.S. property, due to open in the untamed grandeur of Big Sky, Montana in November 2025. Set across 240 acres and within an 8,000-acre wilderness, this luxury retreat redefines year-round adventure, offering seamless access to pristine ski slopes, rugged hiking trails and serene waters perfect for kayaking.

A short drive from Yellowstone, it’s a gateway to nature’s wonders, complemented by contemporary design from Olson Kundig, fine dining by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, and the exclusive comfort of One&Only Private Homes.

Nestled within the 400-hectare Pinheirinho estate, just 90 minutes south of Lisbon, Six Senses Comporta – set to open in 2028 – will feature a 70-room hotel and 58 branded residences, seamlessly woven into the region’s windswept dunes and pine forests. Rooted in sustainability and well-being, the resort’s signature spa, farm-to-table dining, and immersive eco-workshops will offer an escape where nature and luxury coexist in harmony. With a design philosophy honouring Comporta’s rich heritage, this barefoot-luxe haven will demonstrate that true luxury is as much about connection as it is about comfort.

Rising from the rolling vineyards of South Australia’s famed Barossa Valley, the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa is set to redefine luxury when it opens in 2028 as the region’s first globally-branded five-star retreat. A collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Strategic Alliance, this 150-room sanctuary will allow guests to indulge in panoramic views, a signature 130-seat restaurant, an exclusive Club InterContinental, and a serene day spa — all designed to elevate the Barossa experience.

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Blending the minimalist mastery of Japanese design with the awe-inspiring scale of Egypt’s landscapes, Nobu Hospitality is planning to make its mark in Cairo with its first Egyptian property in early 2027. Rising in the dynamic Eastown District, Nobu Hotel New Cairo will offer 50 refined rooms and suites, a spa and statement pool, while its two-storey restaurant—complete with a sushi bar, cigar lounge, and private dining space—will bring the brand’s legendary culinary expertise to ‘The Gift of the Nile’.

Oceania Cruises is charting a new course in luxury wellness with the debut of its Aquamar Bath + Skincare Essentials collection, set to grace all guest accommodations across its fleet this Spring. These toiletries will extend the brand’s holistic wellness philosophy — one that already permeates its spa sanctuaries, vitality-focused cuisine and transformative shore excursions. From meditating with Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka to tai chi in Vietnam, Oceania’s commitment to wellbeing is woven into every journey. And now, with indulgent in-room essentials designed to nourish the skin and soothe the soul, self-care at sea has become even more immersive.

Air France continues to upgrade its long-haul Business cabin offer. The company has announced a new partnership with Sofitel, the Accor group’s luxury hospitality brand, to introduce mattress pads on every long-haul Business class seat. These mattress pads will be rolled out progressively on all the airline’s long-haul flights starting in July 2025, ensuring optimal comfort throughout the journey, both day and night.

To design this mattress pad, Air France has partnered with Sofitel MY BED, Sofitel’s top-of-the-line bedding collection, universally recognized for its expertise and outstanding comfort. The two brands are committed to elegantly showcasing French craftsmanship, promising customers restful nights in plush seats as they recline to become fully flat.

Perched on the edge of the fabled Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, the Mekong Explorer Tent is the latest addition to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Set within a vast 160-acre bamboo forest, this opulent two-bedroom retreat offers breathtaking views of the jungle, the mighty Mekong, and rescued elephants roaming below.

Designed with handcrafted elegance—leather, wood, and Jim Thompson fabrics—the tent blends timeless sophistication with sustainable living, from solar power to a self-sufficient farm. Guests arrive in style via longtail boat, then indulge in private infinity pool soaks, treetop breakfasts, and immersive cultural experiences, from elephant treks to Thai cooking classes.

Waikiki’s legendary Moana Surfrider, the “First Lady of Waikiki,” is undergoing a majestic transformation to mark its 125th anniversary. This multi-phase renewal, set for completion by next year, will see the resort’s 791 rooms across three wings transformed, whilst still bearing tribute to the island’s spirit, from the seaweed-inspired serenity of the historic Banyan Wing to the surf-infused vibrancy of the Diamond Wing.

Meanwhile, the grand Tower Wing, offering panoramic views of the Pacific and Diamond Head, will adopt a fresh take on beachside luxury. Beyond the guestrooms, the resort’s Victorian-style lobby will receive a refined refresh, while a stunning new oceanfront event space will provide a breathtaking setting for unforgettable celebrations.

The travel experience in Lufthansa First Class with the new cabin interior on long-haul flights is now even more exclusive. The Allegris First Class cabin can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru. Travelers can additionally enjoy the new cabin product in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class on flights to New York-Newark (from mid-April), and from the beginning of August, also to Charlotte.

Swan Hellenic’s 2025 Arctic Cultural Expedition Cruises promise more than breathtaking landscapes will be guided by some of the world’s foremost experts. Aboard the luxury ice-class ships SH Vega and SH Diana, travellers will explore Svalbard’s glacial frontiers, Greenland’s vast tundras, and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights across six distinct itineraries. Enriching these polar odysseys are renowned specialists, from biologists and glaciologists to former Greenlandic Prime Minister Aleqa Hammond and polar explorer Antony Jinman, each bringing unique expertise and storytelling to the experience.

A historic corner of Piccadilly, once home to a NatWest bank, is set to be reborn as a luxury all-suite hotel, adding another jewel to Mayfair’s illustrious hospitality crown. Recently acquired by Royal Group for £65 million, with a further £45 million earmarked for transformation, the Grade II-listed building—standing opposite The Ritz—will soon rival its legendary neighbour with 50 opulent suites designed by Ritchie Design Partners. Slated for completion by late 2026, the hotel aims to command room rates akin to The Ritz, solidifying its place among Mayfair’s elite, where grand hotels like Brown’s and 1 Hotel Mayfair already reign supreme.

Set to make waves on Hamilton Island, Catseye Pool Club at The Sundays boutique hotel has revealed a menu, curated by acclaimed chefs Josh and Julie Niland, that celebrates some of Australia’s finest produce with a philosophy of communal dining, where whole fish cookery takes centre stage alongside an abundance of fresh, vibrant flavours.

From leisurely lunches by the water to exclusive island-inspired breakfasts, every dish is designed to be savoured in good company. Complemented by cocktails crafted with Queensland ingredients and a setting that embraces the relaxed rhythm of island life, Catseye Pool Club is poised to become the heartbeat of Hamilton Island, and to be a place where time slows and flavours shine.

With a focus on attracting a wider range of travellers and increasing bookings for premium room categories, Atlantis Dubai is positioning itself as the ultimate family destination in Dubai. Following significant upgrades, including a $10 million investment into The Lost Chambers aquarium and the region’s largest kids’ club, the resort is set to regain prominence through a major campaign that highlights its new features. Meanwhile, the newly family-friendly Atlantis The Royal is enhancing its appeal by converting more rooms into family suites and allowing access to the Palm’s kids’ club, ensuring young families experience the best of both properties.

Franschhoek House, the latest jewel in The Royal Portfolio’s collection, is an exclusive-use six-bedroom villa nestled within the 30-acre La Residence estate. This symbol of French vintage charm and global influence is framed by breathtaking mountain vistas, lavender-filled gardens, and centuries-old oak trees.

Inside, soaring ceilings, sun-drenched interiors, and curated African and Indian artworks create a space where guests can immerse themselves in a setting with their own private chef crafting seasonal, farm-to-table delights, or enjoy alfresco feasts by the pool and pizza oven. Beyond its walls, Franschhoek House unlocks a world of fine wines, boutique galleries, and outdoor adventures in South Africa’s famed Winelands.

British Airways has become the only airline to serve award-winning prestige cuvée English sparkling wine on board, allowing customers to enjoy original sparkling variations from pioneering English wine houses each quarter. Customers travelling in First can now exclusively enjoy 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2014, bringing the taste of summer to the skies, followed by 1086 by Nyetimber 2014 – the very first English prestige cuvée ever to be released – available from October.

Gusbourne’s luxurious prestige cuvée Fifty One Degrees North 2016, which is crafted from exceptional fruit grown in Kent and Sussex, will feature in First from July. A new wine from acclaimed wine producer Dermot Sugrue, located in the South Downs, will ring in the new year from January 2026.

Soaring 51 storeys above Shenzhen’s ever-evolving skyline, The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an is a classic example of New York glamour set against Chinese dynamism. The hotel is a masterpiece of André Fu’s visionary design and overlooks the shimmering Qianhai Bay. This new jewel in St. Regis’ crown brings is just minutes from the international airport.

Every detail, from the refined timber screens in its 289 guest rooms to the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, embodies sophistication, while Chef Watson Chen’s culinary artistry at Yan Ting and the hotel’s signature Bay Mary cocktail serve as further examples of bespoke luxury in the city’s vibrant Bao’an District.

Starting in April, Brussels Airlines elevates Business Class dining with a new experience. This transformation enhances every detail of the journey, from tableware to service flow, ensuring an elevated experience throughout their journey.

Starting April 1st, Business Class passengers will dine on a new tableware collection featuring organic, round shapes that create a natural and harmonious aesthetic. Crafted from fine chinaware, the pieces embody elegance, offering a luxurious dining experience at 30,000 feet.

The Leading Hotels of the World welcomes ten remarkable new members, each a beacon of independent luxury. This season’s additions celebrate both heritage and innovation, from carefully restored cultural landmarks in Maastricht and Lecce to nature-immersed escapes in Chilean Patagonia and Germany’s Chiemgau region. Whether it’s the refined grandeur of Grantley Hall in England, the cutting-edge elegance of Anthology of Athens, or the indulgent wellness of Capo d’Orso Thalasso and Spa in Italy, these handpicked havens reflect LHW’s unwavering commitment to distinctive, five-star hospitality.

The Oberoi Group is set to elevate Rishikesh’s luxury landscape with two stunning riverside escapes. Found on a sprawling 24-hectare site embraced by the sacred Ganges on three sides, will be the development of an 80-room Oberoi Vilas resort as well as a 120-room Trident-branded hotel. Construction begins in early 2026, with both properties poised to welcome guests later that year.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first guests to an exclusive all-villa sanctuary set amidst 100,000 square metres of lush tropical greenery. As the brand’s second Singaporean outpost, this highly anticipated retreat adds to the legacy of Raffles with 62 private villas, each featuring a secluded pool, expansive terrace, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

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Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.