Luxury travel news from around the world (May 2025)

From the skies above Riyadh to the rice terraces of Vietnam, and from barefoot islands in the Exumas to snow-draped chalets in the Alps, the month of May brings us yet more news from the world of luxury travel , with everything from a floating marina on a Four Seasons yacht, to a longevity retreat in Crete or a reimagined art deco palace in Shanghai. Read on for news from familiar names like Aman, Raffles, Etihad, and Disney…

Riyadh Air is rewriting the rulebook with its stunning cabin interiors that combine Saudi elegance with next-generation technology. Set to redefine air travel when the airline takes flight in 2025 the airline has crafted a consistent, luxurious experience across its Boeing 787 fleet, from the cocooned privacy of Business Elite’s 52-inch walls and double beds to the lavender-hued comfort of Economy.

Each seat is a sculpted sanctuary, wrapped in home-inspired fabrics and enriched with features like 4K OLED screens, integrated Devialet audio, and seamless Wi-Fi from gate to sky. Lighting syncs with circadian rhythms, colours echo Riyadh’s desert sunsets, and every detail—from Mocha Gold accents to canopy-tent motifs—demonstrates the extent of thought that has gone into every aspect of design. As the largest aviation start-up in a generation, Riyadh Air is quietly orchestrating a new era in flight.

Accor and Jinjiang International Group have announced a new era for the world-renowned Peace Hotel, one of Shanghai’s most beloved landmarks. Built in 1929 by Sir Victor Sassoon as the Cathay Hotel, the art deco masterpiece has been owned by Jinjiang Group since 1984, and became a part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 2010. The legendary hotel will remain open during its transformation before debuting in 2027 as the Raffles Peace Hotel Shanghai, a flagship among a celebrated portfolio that includes the illustrious Raffles Singapore as well as the historic Raffles London at The OWO.

Set to emerge like a phoenix from the sands in October 2025, Zeavola Resort will be reborn as OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort. The change will represent a new chapter for the Hawaii-based group’s Asia-Pacific expansion. Nestled on the untouched northern shore of Thailand’s iconic Phi Phi Island, the reimagined retreat will marry barefoot luxury with cultural immersion and eco-conscious design. With just 63 suites and villas, the resort promises intimate elegance infused with island soul, deepening OUTRIGGER’s Thai footprint.

After a 145% increase in 5 star and luxury ski holiday bookings, SNO Ski Holidays has increased by twofold its luxury chalet and 5-star ski hotel offering for the 2025/2026 winter season. The British skiing holiday specialist sno.co.uk is soft-launching the new and expanded programme across top resorts in France and Switzerland, with particular focus on the most sought after high-end destinations including Verbier, Val d’Isere and Courchevel and Zermatt.

Aman is casting its serene spell over the Bahamas with Amancaya—a name that whispers “peaceful island” in Taíno and promises just that. Nestled across two untouched cays in the Exumas, this sanctuary offers barefoot elegance with oodles of oceanic opulence, with 36 pavilions and a select number of private Aman Residences. A marina, Beach Club, Aman Spa, and refined dining will complete the experience, all envisioned through a low-impact lens in partnership with philanthropist Dona Bertarelli.

Drifting through the mirrored waterways of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, &Beyond’s new 74-metre expedition yacht, Amazon Explorer, will transform exploration into an art form — complete with lavish suites, jungle-inspired spa rituals, and wildlife encounters that read like magical realism. Set to launch in September 2026, every detail pays homage to the Amazon’s raw beauty and rich culture – from pink dolphins to midnight jaguars, and rainforest mosaics to Pisco-soaked sunsets, Solar-powered serenity, local craftsmanship, and expert-led adventures will ensure journeys are not just exclusive, but also deeply immersive.

Five-star Minos Palace Resort in Crete is opening the transformational Nao longevity hub, offering a revolutionary, evidence-based approach integrating ancient healing practices with advanced diagnostics and treatments. Targeting the 12 Hallmarks of Ageing, each Nao journey is guided by four pillars – Nutrition, Sleep, Movement and Self-Mastery – to guide guests to extending lifespan and health span. This data-driven approach allows Nao’s wellbeing team to craft tailored treatments, from optimised sleep schedules and meal plans to personalised fitness regimens and mindfulness practices.

Perched amid the poetic rice terraces of Northern Vietnam’s Mu Cang Chai, Garrya’s debut Vietnamese resort is a quiet revolution in retreat. Far from Hanoi’s honking chaos, this 6.5-hectare haven by Banyan Group offers not just panoramic views but a philosophy—beauty in simplicity, luxury in stillness. Here, modern design and ethnic charm combine, from brocade-draped pool villas to bamboo-clad spa suites. Guests can dine among live charcoal flames, sip cocktails under mountain skies, and find calmness in spa sanctuaries carved into the hillside. As the first international resort in this heritage-rich region, Garrya Mu Cang Chai offers a soulful pause in the heart of nature.

Hyatt is charting a bold course across the African continent, expecting to grow its regional footprint by 50% in room capacity by 2030. From the luxe serenity of Park Hyatt Marrakech to the dual-brand dynamism of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Nairobi, Hyatt is reaching new markets such as Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. Upcoming debuts in Lagos and Johannesburg signal more than just growth—they mark a conscious investment in places where culture, commerce, and curiosity converge.

Jade Mountain in St Lucia, has introduced a new Jet Lag Recovery Journey to help travellers acclimatise seamlessly and maximise the holiday experience. With more than 30% of Brits fearing jet lag will ruin holidays, it’s important to ensure wellbeing is supported. The Jet Lag Therapy Journey begins with a gentle, guided hike, followed by a rejuvenating open-air yoga session which concludes with soothing aloe-infused face masks and cooling eye gels. Guests will then enjoy a deeply restorative in-room spa ritual, with a calming cup of herbal sleep tea and gentle aromatic mist provided to complete the journey.

Imagine a land where desert dunes meet Disney dreams: Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, already a thrill-seeker’s haven echoing with the roar of Formula One and the splashes of aquatic adventures, is poised to welcome the shimmering mirage of a brand-new Disney resort. This landmark collaboration between the Mouse House and Miral promises a cultural confluence, weaving iconic Disney narratives on to Arabian shores – a seventh kingdom of enchantment to appeal to Disney fans the world over.

Set within the exclusive Sandy Lane Estate on Barbados’ Platinum Coast, Laughing Waters redefines the luxury villa rental market with its seamless blend of privacy, security, and world-class service. Boasting 32,000 square feet of living space on a four-acre estate, Laughing Waters offers travelers a sanctuary of sophistication paired with elite resort amenities. What sets Laughing Waters apart is its exclusive access to the neighboring AAA Five Diamond resort, complete with three championship golf courses, gourmet dining, a spa, and a children’s club. The villa also provides entry to the Sandy Lane Property Owner’s Association Beach Club which is members-only. Tailored for discerning guests seeking the ultimate island getaway, Laughing Waters features 12 impeccably designed bedrooms and accommodates up to 24 guests across three distinct buildings—the Main House, Guest Cottage, and Great House. With two private FBOs and two superyacht berths, the luxury jet set will find comfort and ease when traveling to Barbados.

Central to the estate is the Great House, a hub of indulgence and entertainment with its private gym, cinema, formal dining spaces, and striking art deco bar. Included with the experience is the use of a luxury SUV and golf cart, perfect for navigating the sprawling property and nearby amenities. Guests in residence will appreciate an unparalleled range of services from a dedicated team, including concierge, chef, butler, housekeeping, and security. For an unmatched island experience, Laughing Waters is the epitome of Caribbean luxury—a retreat where the world’s most sophisticated travelers feel right at home.

In anticipation of setting sail in 2026, Four Seasons l, the first in the Four Seasons Yachts collection, has unveiled exciting new details about the vessel’s standout marina experience and seaside programming. The innovative transverse marina – which opens across both sides of the yacht – will place guests directly at sea level for unparalleled access to the water’s edge.

The transverse marina introduces a revolutionary concept in maritime architecture. Featuring two retractable platforms – one portside and one starboard side – along with a spacious interior bar and lounge area, the marina spans the yacht, yielding up to 676 square metres (7,275 square feet) of total space on dedicated marina days, offerings options for watersports, wellness, activities, relaxation, dining and more. These offerings create experiences that encapsulate the spirit of bespoke yachting adventures for all guests.

Resting in the picturesque village of San Cassiano in Italy’s UNSECO-protected Dolomites, the historic mountain retreat of Rosa Alpina will soon emerge anew, reimagined as a fully-fledged Aman sanctuary. Known for creating hotels and resorts that are sensitive and authentic to geography, design and cultural heritage – every Aman experience gently unfolds with simplicity and elegance providing an immediate sense of belonging. In anticipation of a 24 July opening, the pioneering ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand is pleased to announce that reservations for Aman Rosa Alpina are now open, welcoming guests for the highly anticipated summer season and forthcoming winter season.

Following an extensive refurbishment penned by internationally acclaimed architect and long­ standing Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, Aman Rosa Alpina has been meticulously re-envisioned to future-proof its iconic status. Celebrating the enduring legacy of the Pizzinini family while exemplifying Aman’s DNA of privacy, serenity and unparalleled service, the design balances heritage with contemporary appeal, while speaking to a connection with the destination.

Etihad is elevating the art of air travel with the launch of its reimagined first class on the Airbus A321LR — the first narrow-body aircraft to feature such opulence — taking off from 1 August 2025 as part of its bold Journey 2030 strategy. This aviation milestone is not just about lie-flat suites with sliding doors and 4K screens, but a complete array of different services: a private chauffeur, round-the-clock concierge, fast-track boarding with a personal escort, and even a home check-in that turns the airport experience into an effortless glide. Paris, Milan, Copenhagen and Düsseldorf are among the new destinations, with business class seats echoing wide-body luxury in a 1-1 herringbone layout.

The Sylvan Lodge opened this May in the heart of Wyoming’s Snake River Sporting Club, among nearly 1,000 acres of wilderness. This 38-key lodge is where Frette linens and crackling fireplaces meet fly rods and MoonBikes. From panoramic balconies and Dark Sky stargazing to wellness rituals and chef-driven mountain cuisine, guests enjoy exclusive immersion as well as privileged access to members-only pursuits:golfing, riding, skiing, or simply stargazing in solitude—all just a stone’s throw from Jackson Hole and the rugged romance of Grand Teton National Park.

Marking the beginning of a new era of luxury in Mexico, the highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina welcomes guests to enjoy the captivating energy and cultural reverence of the Pacific coast. Nearly a decade in the making, this all-suite sanctuary was conceived to express an ancient harmony with the natural world and foster meaningful exploration – not only of the destination and the community that has cared for it, but of the self.

Set amidst the untamed beauty of Riviera Nayarit’s mega-diverse landscape and nearly 200 miles of untouched Pacific shoreline, Rosewood Mandarina offers an immersive experience across three distinct ecosystems: whether perched atop the lush mountain with sweeping ocean vistas, nestled along the pristine Canalan beachfront, or situated on the sprawling agrarian flatlands at the resort’s heart, guests are called to connect with the region’s dreamlike environment in a deeply personal way.

Shangri-La Group has launched its new ultra-luxury brand, Shangri-La Signatures, with the opening of its first property, The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou, on the banks of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Silk Lakehouse is the flagship property of the Shangri-La Signatures portfolio, designed to reflect the refined elegance of a Jiangnan silk merchant’s residence, and includes a crystal art installation in the lobby made up of 1,930 hand-blown Murano glass pieces. The hotel is located on the former site of the Xiling Hotel, a historic destination that once hosted state dignitaries. The property includes restored cultural elements such as the Autumn in Yandang Mountain Ou sculpture by Zhou Jinyun, originally commissioned in 1971 to welcome former U.S. President Richard Nixon.

Marriott International, Inc. has signed agreement with Solana PA, S.R.L. to debut the iconic St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica. The development of this visionary project, which will span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, is expected to begin in July of this year, with a planned opening in early 2027.

Inspired by the local culture and its ocean surroundings, the new-build St. Regis Papagayo is slated to feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units, offering unequaled luxury experiences for guests and residents alike. The hotel expects to offer six distinct culinary venues, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining; The Cliff, inspired by Japanese and Costa Rican influences; a Beach Club & Grill; and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Other planned amenities include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, an exclusive beach club, and 7,750 ft² of indoor space and 2,475 ft² of outdoor space for meetings and banquets space for celebrations and exquisite gatherings.

The Cocoon Collection has launched the Cocoon Circle, an exclusive new loyalty program designed to reward returning guests with elevated privileges, personalised experiences, and unforgettable touches across its award-winning resorts in the Maldives.

Inspired by the enduring charm of island hospitality, Cocoon Circle invites guests to become part of a warm, like-minded community that celebrates the spirit of barefoot luxury. From surprise room upgrades and candlelit dinners by the sea to sunset cruises and tailored gestures, the program offers returning guests thoughtfully curated rewards that turn each visit into something extraordinary.

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