Luxury journey information from around the globe (April 2024)

There is a substantial amount of information to report this month from the world of luxurious journey. Whether its cutting-edge marina developments, a brand new sustainable resort within the Caribbean or a complete new Michelin grading system for lodging somewhat than eating places… and a complete lot extra in addition to. Read on to find out about some attention-grabbing developments from throughout the globe.

Suntex Marina Investors, a number one participant within the luxurious marina trade, has partnered with Centerbridge Partners in a three way partnership price over $1.25 billion. This collaboration goals to amass and develop marinas throughout the US, specializing in high-end experiences and prime places. As a part of the settlement, Suntex will allocate funds for brand new acquisitions, capital enhancements at current amenities, and groundbreaking improvement tasks, setting a brand new normal for luxurious marinas.

Approved Experiences, the newest enterprise of the Approved Jets non-public aviation brokerage and concierge, has launched a brand new app, to enchantment to the following technology of excessive web price people

Utilising the Approved Experiences app, browsers have entry to an unique social membership for the elite, empty leg non-public aviation charters, an unique information content material feed, a market for luxurious experiences (non-public aviation, luxurious villa leases, yachts, and many others.), and real-time entry to a concierge service that may effectively organize luxurious automobile journey, yachting, superb eating experiences, non-public aviation, resort and villa leases – all from a smartphone.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of many world’s main resort corporations, declares the signing of Kimpton Lisbon, the primary Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property within the Portuguese capital. Set to open its doorways in early 2025, the boutique luxurious resort marks the second Kimpton to come back to Portugal, following the signing of Kimpton Algarve São Rafael Atlántico in late 2023.

Food & Wine Magazine, a culinary powerhouse in North America, has revealed their prestigious Global Tastemakers 2024 List. Topping the record of their prime cruises for foods and drinks is Silversea, with – so as – Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Hurtigruten/HX, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Viking Cruises, Virgin Voyages and AmaWaterways making up the remaining 10. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is recorded as a ‘plus one’ on the finish of the article.

The magnificent Sixteenth-century Thornbury Castle – a resort which we reviewed solely final month – has maintained its prestigious 3 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and 4 Red Stars for excellent service and resort operations. The AA Rosette award, established in 1956, represents the premier nationwide normal for evaluating the standard of meals served in eating places and resorts. The staff of extremely skilled inspectors assesses institutions all through the UK.

Bentley Motors in the present day declares the corporate’s most visually hanging SUV so far, the Bentayga S Black Edition. Identified by the primary utility of black-tinted wings to a Bentley in 105 years, the S Black Edition combines vivid accent colors, wealthy black detailing and confidence-inspiring chassis know-how, revealing the darker facet of the Bentayga.

Six Senses La Sagesse, the primary Caribbean enterprise of the luxurious life-style model, is opening its doorways on Grenada’s beautiful south coast. Boasting 56 pool suites and 15 villas, the resort gives friends breathtaking views, native eating experiences, and world-class wellness amenities, all whereas sustaining a robust dedication to sustainability and the help of community-driven tasks.

Natural Selection has introduced the debut of Jack’s Private Camp in Botswana‘s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a two-bedroom under-canvas villa that promises an unparalleled African safari experience. Tailored for multi-generational travellers and adventurous families, the camp offers privacy and flexibility, with a central living area, Wi-Fi access, private chef and butler, and a dedicated 4×4 game drive vehicle and guide. Guests will not only be able to enjoy bespoke safari adventures, but also immerse themselves in the camp’s timeless panorama, supporting Natural Selection’s conservation-driven ethos.

Nestled on Bali’s most vibrant beachfront, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is providing spay and neuter companies for cats and canine in the neighborhood, together with instructional seminars and sharing periods. Guests can even take part in “Paw Yoga”, a soothing observe that features bonding periods with furry companions, with the contributions supporting their neutering initiative.

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita is a luxurious rail tourism venture conceived by Arsenale S.p.A. and Orient Express, a part of the Accor Group. It welcomes its first passengers in 2024 with the practice crossing Italy from north to south through six iconic itineraries. The itineraries have been designed to create unique journey experiences whereas revealing the jewels of Italy, from the wonders of the Alps to the paradisiacal seashores of the South, from the fantastic thing about Venice to Rome or Palermo. As of 2024, the model’s first resorts – Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice – will welcome Orient Express La Dolce Vita passengers, and new routes with worldwide locations shall be added.

Liberty Hotels & Resorts declares the launch of a model new 5-star resort, Liberty Signa, prepared for the May-November season. Offering friends unfiltered entry to the Turkish Aegean coast with non-public beachfront, the family-friendly resort has an in depth vary of actions and facilities for all, from carnivals and magic reveals, to adult-only swimming pools and opulent eating throughout its 8 eating places. Bookings at the moment are open for May 2024.

Michelin‘s new Key ranking system has honored 189 exceptional French hotels, with 24 receiving the highest “Three Keys” distinction. The rating system mirrors Michelin’s famend restaurant star system and recognises resorts that supply extraordinary experiences, native character and individuality. The esteemed record consists of palace resorts, nation lodging, and boutique resorts, and Michelin plans to disclose prime luxurious resorts within the U.S., Spain, Italy, Japan and Korea all through 2024.

Louis Vuitton‘s Crafting Dreams event in New York City is offering an exclusive, immersive journey through the brand’s beautiful craftsmanship and creative innovation, showcasing uncommon and iconic items, together with high fashion robes, superb jewellery, and high-end watches, whereas permitting friends to have interaction with artisans and personalise their LV gadgets.

Building upon the immersive expertise, Louis Vuitton has reworked the seven-story Park Avenue townhouse, normally house to the Spanish royal household, with signature Malletage particulars. This exhibition marks the debut of unique items within the US that embody the Millionaires Speedy 40, designed by Pharrell Williams, and the Capucines Trunk. As friends discover the intricacies of the model’s craftsmanship, they’re provided a singular glimpse into the world of Louis Vuitton.

Scenic Group has revealed plans for Emerald Kaia, a next-generation luxurious ocean yacht that may be a part of the Emerald Cruises fleet in April 2026. The third addition to their assortment, Emerald Kaia will accommodate 128 friends in 64 spacious state rooms, providing enhanced facilities and a dedication to revolutionary, sustainable cruising experiences.

Queen Anne, the newest addition to the esteemed Cunard fleet, has been formally delivered and marks a brand new period in luxurious maritime journey. The supply ceremony, held on the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Venice, was attended by distinguished friends, together with authorities officers and key executives from each Cunard and Fincantieri.

Queen Anne, the 249th Cunard-flagged ship and the third constructed by Fincantieri, will set sail for Southampton, her port of departure, arriving on April 27 earlier than embarking on her seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3. With a capability to accommodate 3000 friends throughout 14 decks and spanning 114,000 tons, the ship guarantees an unparalleled onboard expertise, providing travellers a wide selection of leisure, eating, and bar choices. 

Aston Martin has additional solidified its luxurious standing by opening a high-end showroom inside The Peninsula Tokyo resort within the prestigious Ginza district. This two-story house is the primary Asian showroom to totally embrace the model’s refreshed company identification, that includes a buyer lounge the place guests can design their very own Aston Martin and a big digital media wall. The showroom is a part of Aston Martin’s ongoing funding in enhancing buyer experiences and its world ultra-luxury retail technique.

The 2024 winners of Wine Tourism Awards have simply been introduced and Hennessy is proud to have received the ‘Best Innovation’ award, a particular prize that celebrates the vineyards and Maisons providing wine tourism experiences that actually stand out from the remainder of the trade.

The reward follows the profitable launch in 2023 of ‘Mobilis’, an immersive digital actuality set up celebrating Maison Hennessy’s time-honoured craftsmanship and historical past, inbuilt considered one of its historic cellars in Cognac. Created by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas, the 19-minute VR expertise was impressed by the expressive sketches doodled by founder Richard Hennessy on his blotting paper, in 1765. It gives guests a mesmerising mix of poetry and cutting-edge know-how.

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort in partnership with Travelgems are excited to disclose this yr’s empowering health retreat with superstar coach Amoila Cesar. Designed to regenerate the thoughts and physique in six days with analysis confirmed actions, friends can count on life reworking strategies and habits that they’ll undertake on a day-to-day foundation lengthy after they depart.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is projecting a record-breaking yr for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector’s world financial contribution set to achieve an all-time excessive of $11.1 trillion.  According to the worldwide tourism physique’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel & Tourism will contribute a further $770BN over its earlier file, stamping its authority as a worldwide financial powerhouse, producing one in each 10 {dollars} worldwide. As the worldwide sector soars previous its pre-pandemic prosperity, WTTC expects 142 international locations of 185 analysed shall be outperforming earlier nationwide information.

In partnership with Oxford Economic, WTTC’s newest EIR showcases a sector briming with alternatives, underpinning virtually 348MN jobs globally. This represents a rise of greater than 13.6MN jobs in comparison with its highest level in 2019. International customer spending is predicted to come back inside touching distance of the 2019 peak, to achieve $1.89TN, whereas home vacationers are forecast to spend greater than in any yr on file to hit $5.4TN.

Hyatt’s acquisition of the Mr & Mrs Smith assortment means it has added greater than 700 boutique and luxurious resorts and villas to its World of Hyatt factors program. This means members can earn and redeem factors at distinctive locations worldwide, together with new international locations like Namibia, Fiji and the British Virgin Islands. This provides to Hyatt’s dedication to supply numerous and significant journey experiences to its members.

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Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. In addition to different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.