Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: August 2025 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:
- Mandarin Oriental will debut in Downtown Dubai this October
- Mandarin Oriental will debut in Xi’an with an immersive urban resort
- Aman’s Janu brand will open a luxury hotel in Turks and Caicos
- Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Opens In Malaysia
- ITA Airways launches new Business Class menu
- Air France unveils collection inspired by the French Riviera
- Etihad Airways welcomes its first Airbus A321LR
- Viking takes delivery of its newest Egypt ship
- COMO Hotels will operate two Arctic voyages in 2026
- The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand is coming to Fiji
Mandarin Oriental will debut in Downtown Dubai
2. Mandarin Oriental will open a urban resort in Xi’an
Mandarin Oriental will open Mandarin Oriental, Xi’an in 2029, marking the brand’s first urban resort in Northwestern China and offering a blend of tranquility, wellness, and cultural immersion in one of the country’s most historic cities. Located in the former capital of 13 dynasties and home to the Terracotta Warriors, the resort will draw inspiration from the Tang Dynasty while delivering refined luxury through 166 spacious rooms and suites with outdoor terraces, natural hot spring experiences, and seven private villas with pools. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will feature extensive wellness facilities, including exclusive hot spring pavilions, an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, a children’s pool, and holistic rituals, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in wellbeing. Designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS, the property will embrace natural materials, understated elegance, and a deep sense of place tied to Xi’an’s heritage and seasons. Guests will also enjoy five dining venues, including a Chinese specialty restaurant, as well as expansive social and event spaces highlighted by a 1,200-square-metre ballroom with park views, positioning the resort as a destination for both cultural discovery and luxury hospitality.
Aman’s Janu brand will open a hotel in Turks & Caicos
Janu Turks and Caicos, set to open on the northwest coast of Providenciales within an 1,800-acre nature reserve, will be the first Janu property in the Americas and the fifth worldwide under Aman’s lifestyle brand. Designed to emphasize human connection and social wellness, the resort will feature unique amenities such as an apothecary bar, IV lounge, meditation studio, 50-meter pool, and multiple dining concepts centered around a beach club, all of which highlight Janu’s innovative approach to redefining luxury travel. Guests will have rare access to pristine Caribbean ecosystems of white-sand beaches and rocky coves while enjoying thoughtfully designed accommodations and exclusive beachfront Janu Residences that embrace indoor-outdoor living against a jungle backdrop. Positioned as a hub for “dynamic lifestyle experiences” that foster genuine connection and playful expression, the resort reflects Aman Group’s commitment to purposeful travel and represents a significant step in its expansion strategy. With Turks and Caicos chosen for its unrivalled natural beauty and vibrant energy, the property joins a global pipeline of 12 Janu destinations, including forthcoming openings in Dubai, Diriyah, and AlUla, building on Aman’s established portfolio of 36 intimate retreats across 20 countries and signaling a bold new era for the brand. Aman is one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands.
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opens in Malaysia
Park Hyatt has officially debuted in Malaysia with the opening of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, located atop levels 75 to 114 of the iconic Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, offering guests a refined “home in the sky” with sweeping views of the city. Marking the brand’s 50th property globally, the hotel features 252 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites inspired by traditional Malay Kampung houses, with artisanal detailing, natural materials, and curated artworks celebrating Malaysia’s cultural heritage. Guests can explore the Merdeka 118 precinct with exclusive access to historic landmarks such as Stadium Merdeka and the Textile Museum, while culinary offerings include Merdeka Grill for premium cuts and seafood, Park Lounge for heritage Malaysian recipes and afternoon tea, and Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, the city’s first chocolate-themed bar. Wellness takes center stage on the 99th floor with circadian therapies, a yoga studio, infinity pool, spa suites, and a salt alcove designed to harmonize energy cycles. With bespoke meeting spaces and event venues, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur blends heritage, artistry, and world-class hospitality to redefine luxury experiences in Southeast Asia’s cultural and architectural landmark.
ITA Airways launches new Business Class menu
ITA Airways – the flag carrier of Italy – has introduced a new Business Class menu on intercontinental flights from Italy, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Moreno Cedroni of Madonnina del Pescatore. Known for blending global influences with traditional Italian cuisine, Cedroni designed four dishes that reflect his sustainable, sea-inspired culinary philosophy. The menu begins with steamed octopus and couscous, followed by a pasta Matriciana di pesce with smoked sturgeon and tomato ragù, then a sea bass fillet in a rich stew, and concludes with a dark chocolate mousse enhanced with salt and orange-infused olive oil. Crafted to evoke colors, flavors, and memories while showcasing creativity and respect for the environment, Cedroni’s recipes elevate ITA Airways’ onboard dining with a distinctly Italian yet innovative touch, complementing other seasonal offerings and signature specialties. This collaboration highlights the airline’s commitment to offering passengers a refined culinary journey that mirrors the excellence of Italian gastronomy, transforming each flight into a memorable dining experience.
Air France unveils French Riviera inspired collection
Air France has launched “La Croisette,” a new collection of elegant and practical travel bags and accessories inspired by the French Riviera and the iconic Cannes promenade, designed to accompany summer holidays with both style and functionality. Showcasing clean, timeless lines that reflect the airline’s signature aesthetic, the range celebrates the art of French travel while combining chic design with durable, lightweight materials made of 65% recycled cotton. The collection includes an XXL beach bag ideal for seaside or city outings, a versatile tote with adjustable straps and secure compartments, a padded laptop bag that balances style with protection, and a sporty-chic duffle bag perfect for short trips or casual travel. To complement these, Air France also offers smaller travel accessories, including a pouch, passport cover, and keychain, each crafted with the same attention to detail and practicality. Available at shopping.airfrance.com and at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, the “La Croisette” line reinforces Air France’s commitment to timeless elegance, sustainable materials, and the spirit of refined French travel.
Etihad Airways welcomes its first Airbus A321LR
Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR, the first of 30 set to join its fleet, marking a major milestone in its expansion strategy and elevating the standards of single-aisle travel. Delivered in Hamburg, the aircraft is the first narrowbody in the airline’s history to feature First Class Suites, offering private enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully flat beds, and 20-inch 4K screens. Configured with three cabins, it also introduces a herringbone-style Business Class with direct aisle access, while Economy passengers benefit from seatback entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB charging, alongside larger overhead bins for greater convenience. Entering service on 1 August 2025 with the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, the aircraft will later expand to destinations across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, including Milan, Paris, Bangkok, Tunis, and Zurich. As part of Etihad’s broader growth plans, which saw 27 new routes added in the past year, the airline expects nine more A321LRs to arrive by year-end, reinforcing its commitment to delivering premium experiences on every route and redefining luxury in single-aisle travel.
Viking takes delivery of its newest Egypt ship
Viking – one of the world’s best cruise lines – has taken delivery of its newest Nile river ship, the Viking Amun, offering travelers enhanced opportunities to explore the region in comfort. Designed to accommodate 82 guests across 41 staterooms, the Viking Amun features the elegant Scandinavian design and modern amenities that Viking is renowned for, including a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, creating a refined environment for sightseeing and relaxation. Built specifically for Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, the ship is an identical sister to the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, and Viking Hathor, combining contemporary design with practical features for navigating the Nile. It joins other vessels in Viking’s Egypt fleet, such as the Viking Ra and MS Antares, with plans to introduce five more new ships over the next two years, bringing the total fleet to 12 Nile vessels by 2027. This expansion is part of Viking’s broader long-term growth strategy, which includes taking delivery of 27 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 more ocean ships by 2031, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing exceptional experiential travel experiences and maintaining its leadership in global river and ocean cruising.
COMO Hotels will operate two Arctic voyages in 2026
COMO Hotels and Resorts is expanding into expedition cruising with the second edition of its exclusive 11-day journey, COMO Journey: Into the Arctic, launching on 30 July 2025. Set in the remote northern Svalbard Archipelago, the expedition combines COMO’s signature luxury, wellness, and culinary experiences with the expertise of Natural World Safaris, offering immersive encounters with Arctic wildlife and pristine landscapes. Guests will embark from Longyearbyen aboard the M/S Polarfront, a converted Norwegian weather ship featuring eight light-filled suites, a sauna, and a hot tub, while enjoying zodiac and land safaris led by expert guides, including Emmy-nominated director and National Geographic photographer Andy Mann. The journey highlights rare wildlife sightings—polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer—alongside lectures, workshops, and discussions on photography, sustainability, and Arctic culture. Complemented by COMO Shambhala wellness treatments and East-West fusion cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this limited-edition expedition blends adventure, comfort, and luxury, redefining Arctic exploration for discerning travelers.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand is coming to Fiji
Marriott International has announced plans to open The Ritz-Carlton Fiji, Namuka Bay in 2030, marking the brand’s debut in the country and a significant addition to the Coral Coast. Set on a 28-hectare beachfront site with a lush jungle backdrop, just over an hour from Nadi International Airport, the resort is designed to blend Fijian cultural heritage with modern luxury. It will feature 166 guest rooms and suites with sweeping ocean views, along with 83 private villas, many equipped with plunge pools and outdoor decks, while the 480 sqm Presidential Villa will showcase an expansive pool, private balcony, and yoga lounge. Guests will have access to seven distinct dining options, as well as a wide range of wellness and recreational facilities including two swimming pools, a yoga studio, tennis courts, a fitness center, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, complete with treatment rooms, sauna, dip pools, and salon services. Families will also benefit from a bespoke Ritz Kids program with a dedicated children’s recreation center. Positioned to be the most luxurious resort on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, the property aims to deliver the brand’s signature blend of world-class service and unforgettable experiences.
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