Luxury travel news from around the world (January 2025)

From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene shores of Sri Lanka, our latest luxury travel news round-up brings you some of the latest developments in high-end escapes, cultural havens, and bold business ventures. With destinations redefining what it means to ‘get away’, and luxury brands pushing the boundaries of imagination, there’s never been a more exciting time to book that next trip away.

Utilising the land and marine resources near Hong Kong International Airport, SKYTOPIA is an exciting new development that will be home to a luxury hotel, an entertainment complex, a cultural hub and much more. It promises an exhilarating mix of commercial ventures, popular culture, art trading and premier entertainment and leisure experiences. It will be a destination in its own right, attracting visitors not only from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, but also from across Asia and the rest of the world.

In a landmark move for Asian cruising, Resorts World Cruises is setting sail for India, homeporting its Resorts World One in Mumbai from 5 March to 1 June—an arrival as timely as the tide in a nation poised for a cruise boom. Docking at the soon-to-be-completed Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, the ship will chart three enticing routes: a two-night high-seas escape, a three-night voyage to Agatti Island, and a two-night getaway to Goa. For a company that launched in 2022 with a vision for Asia’s seafaring future, this expansion is no mere detour—it’s a bold new chapter, reaffirming India’s place on the global cruise map.

Radisson Collection has unveiled its signature blend of sophistication and seafront splendour in Sri Lanka with a new luxury resort in Galle. Perched on the country’s breathtaking south coast, this opulent retreat marks the brand’s debut in the Southeast Asia & Pacific region and Radisson Hotel Group’s fourth venture in Sri Lanka. Framed by the golden sands of Unawatuna and the storied walls of the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the resort is a gateway for adventure, from sea turtle hatcheries to forest safaris.

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Minor Hotels is embarking on an era of bold expansion, with nearly 300 new properties set to elevate its global footprint to over 850 by 2027. Already a powerhouse with over 560 hotels spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, the group is doubling down on luxury, with one-third of its pipeline dedicated to high-end experiences. From Portugal’s Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia to Zambia’s Anantara Kafue River, new destinations will blend authenticity with opulence, while investments in branded residences and flagship renovations, like Thailand’s Anantara Hua Hin, reinforce the brand’s vision.

Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Tamborine Mountain, Sol Elements is soon set to bring the art of Japanese-inspired bathing to Queensland’s Scenic Rim, offering a sanctuary where serenity meets the elements. Rooted in the Wabi Sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in imperfection and harmony in nature, this retreat invites guests to slow down and reconnect with life’s natural rhythm. From mineral hot pools to ice baths, float therapy to infrared saunas, and the healing embrace of a Himalayan Salt Cave, Sol Elements will be a haven for those seeking balance, renewal, and a moment of stillness in a restless world.

After much anticipation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has confirmed its inaugural Alaska season for 2026, with Luminara set to redefine luxury cruising in the wild north. Launching in late June, the yacht will chart a course through the Inside Passage from mid-May to mid-September, offering 13 elegant sailings between Whittier and Vancouver, alongside select round-trip voyages. Blending big-ticket destinations like Juneau and Ketchikan with intimate, off-the-beaten-path gems such as Klawock and Wrangell, the itineraries promise an exclusive perspective on Alaska’s untamed beauty. Guests can glide past towering glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord, spot bald eagles and brown bears —all while embracing the rising trend of “coolcations.”

Virgin Limited Edition’s Mahali Mzuri, a jewel of the Maasai Mara, is set for a stunning interior transformation before its grand reopening in June. The reimagined safari camp will blend contemporary elegance with authentic African heritage, as Lynne Hunt London crafts a refined yet soulful aesthetic across its 12 luxury tents and communal spaces. Inspired by the Maasai’s rich culture, the redesign will weave natural textures, an earthy palette, and striking accents of red and black, complemented by East African artwork and bespoke Maasai beadwork. Sustainability remains at its core, with 80% of staff hired locally and a solar farm powering up to 100% renewable energy.

New Zealand is opening its doors to the growing wave of digital nomads, allowing visitors to work remotely for up to 90 days while exploring its breathtaking landscapes. In a bid to revive tourism and inject fresh energy into the economy, the country hopes to entice longer stays, deeper spending, and perhaps even new residents who fall for its charm. With the tourism sector still trailing pre-pandemic levels at 86% of 2019 figures, this strategic shift positions New Zealand as the ultimate work-and-wander destination.

The Aurora Zone has redefined Arctic adventure with its new Aarre collection, an opulent portfolio of tailor-made Northern Lights experiences where luxury meets the untamed wilderness. Meaning treasure in Finnish, Aarre curates seamless indulgence, from private husky safaris and helicopter expeditions to bespoke dining with personal chefs. Guests can unwind in exclusive retreats like Sweden’s Arctic Retreat or Finland’s Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, with options to upgrade to business-class flights or even private jets.

Nice has raised the stakes in luxury hospitality with the arrival of Maison Albar – Le Victoria, a five-star sanctuary blending Riviera glamour with contemporary elegance. Positioned on Avenue de Suède, this milestone opening is the most ambitious project yet for Maison Albar Hotels, offering 102 rooms and 30 suites with sweeping sea and city views. Guests can indulge in rooftop infinity pool serenity, refined dining at Taulissa, and holistic relaxation in the spa, all within a setting that seamlessly merges high fashion and high hospitality.

Few & Far has unveiled its first-ever sustainable safari eco-lodge, Few & Far Luvhondo, a game-changing retreat in South Africa’s Soutpansberg Mountains that fuses luxury with large-scale conservation. Spanning 247,105 acres within UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, this pioneering lodge is a bold new chapter for founders Sarah and Jacob Dusek, blending biophilic design with regenerative tourism. Six cliffside suites offer unrivalled views, while Solfari, a solar-powered aerial safari, allows guests to glide over untamed wilderness with minimal environmental impact. More than a getaway, Luvhondo is a force for change: as a Verra Registered Carbon Project, it sequesters 100,000 tons of carbon annually, restores degraded landscapes, and supports local farmers, artisans, and eco-conscious businesses.

A new chapter in Swiss hospitality is set to unfold as Four Seasons takes the helm of The Park Gstaad, reimagining the legendary hotel for the 2026-2027 season. Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Alps, just two hours from Geneva, the transformed retreat will merge timeless elegance with contemporary refinement under the visionary design of Joseph Dirand. The 75-room sanctuary will boast exclusive Penthouse Residences, world-class dining, a state-of-the-art spa, and year-round recreational experiences, from skiing and cycling to an enchanting winter ice rink.

Boom Supersonic has shattered expectations with the first supersonic flight of its XB-1 demonstrator, a milestone not just for the company but for the future of high-speed commercial travel. Traditionally the domain of governments and militaries, supersonic innovation now finds itself in the hands of a private endeavour, with XB-1 proving that passenger supersonic flight is no longer a relic of the Concorde era.

HBO’s The White Lotus is heading to Thailand, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand joining forces to spotlight the country’s stunning landscapes and rich culture in the highly anticipated third season. Led by creator Mike White, the award-winning series continues its tradition of satirising wealth and privilege against the backdrop of exotic luxury, this time with a cast featuring Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Natasha Rothwell, alongside Thai actors Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong. Following Emmy-winning stints in Hawaii and Sicily, Thailand now takes centre stage as the next paradise for indulgence, intrigue, and inevitable disaster.

Qatar Executive is soaring to new heights in private aviation, adding two more Gulfstream G700s to its growing fleet, now 24-strong and setting the benchmark for luxury air travel. With six G700s already in service and four more arriving by 2026, alongside a formidable fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650ERs, Qatar Executive cements its dominance in ultra-long-range private jet charters. The G700, a pinnacle of aviation innovation, boasts cutting-edge technology, an expansive cabin, and unmatched comfort, redefining the standard for bespoke travel, all backed by Qatar Airways’ award-winning service and meticulous attention to detail.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok has arrived, weaving together the city’s rich cultural heritage with the brand’s signature sophistication in a dazzling 216-metre tower at One Bangkok. Overlooking the emerald expanse of Lumpini Park, this urban sanctuary redefines luxury, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Designed by world-renowned architects SOM and A49, with interiors by PIA, the hotel’s open-air terraces and refined spaces embody Bangkok’s past and future.

Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts is weaving the hypnotic allure of its iconic Serpenti motif into the fabric of luxury hospitality with the global roll-out of Serpenti Suites. Debuting in Shanghai and Beijing before unfurling across the portfolio on 27 January—perfectly timed for the Year of the Snake—each suite pays homage to the serpent’s eternal metamorphosis, from vintage Bvlgari campaigns and curated books to sumptuous furnishings adorned with the sinuous emblem. Elevating the experience, guests can indulge in cashmere blankets woven with the serpent’s mystique or slip into a VR journey dedicated to its allure.

The Romeo Collection’s latest jewel, ROMEO Roma, rises where history and modernity entwine, transforming a 16th-century palace near Piazza del Popolo into a striking tribute to the late Zaha Hadid’s visionary design. One of her final projects, the 74-room boutique hotel weaves futuristic elegance into its Renaissance foundations, a seamless dialogue between past and future. Indulgence reaches new heights with a Sisley spa and Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, where the Michelin-starred chef reimagines Italian cuisine. As ROMEO Roma makes its grand debut, the collection prepares to expand further with ROMEO Massa Lubrense, building on the legacy of ROMEO Napoli’s 2014 launch.

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort has emerged from a transformative four-week renovation with rooms that redefine the balance between luxury and nature. Vaulted ceilings on the third floor, expansive balcony doors, and earthy tones in the interiors bring a fresh sense of space and serenity, blending seamlessly with the lush gardens outside. The resort’s US$2 million upgrade also promises an expanded Kids’ and Teens’ Club and a cutting-edge Technogym fitness facility, enhancing the holistic experience for every guest.

Vienna’s tourism industry is reveling in its most successful year yet according to Vienna Tourist Board, as a surge of visitors led to a 9% rise in overnight stays, bringing the total to a record-breaking 18.9 million nights. The city’s revenue also soared to EUR1.2 billion, a 12% increase from last year. International travellers, particularly from Germany and the US, made up the majority of the influx, with Americans spending the most per night in five-star hotels. As markets like China and Japan continue their recovery, Vienna’s diverse events calendar promises to keep the momentum going. In 2025, the city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II’s birth and showcase its vibrant local culture through the “Heartbeat Streets” initiative and themed city walks

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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.

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Luxury travel news from around the world (January 2025)

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