Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: October 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:
- Hyatt announces plans for first Andaz Hotel in Hong Kong
- Hyatt will open an Andaz Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan
- Six Senses announces a ski resort near Mount Myoko, Japan
- Marriott debuts its JW Marriott brand in Tokyo, Japan
- The Red Sea EDITION opens in Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh Air launches its first flights (to London)
- The Waldorf Astoria brand arrives in Finland
- British Airways launches new Business Class amenity kits
- Banyan Tree Group celebrates opening of its 100th resort
- Air France elevates Business Class with exclusive desserts
Hyatt announces plans for Andaz Hotel in Hong Kong
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans for Andaz Hong Kong Central, the city’s first Andaz-branded hotel, set to open in 2027 within the landmark Central Crossing development at 118 Wellington Street. A collaboration with Wing Tai Properties and CSI Properties, the new lifestyle hotel will embody Hong Kong’s vibrant dualities—heritage and modernity, East and West—through locally inspired design and experiences. Featuring 125 guestrooms and suites, an inviting Living Room, all-day dining, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, the hotel aims to become a cultural and social hub in the heart of Central. The project will also debut the world’s first Andaz Village, a curated retail and wellness destination celebrating global creativity and local culture. With direct access to Hong Kong’s premier dining, cultural, and transport hubs, Andaz Hong Kong Central promises to redefine urban luxury—blending world-class sophistication with the authentic soul of the city. Guests can expect a design narrative that pays homage to the city’s storied architecture and hidden creative enclaves, offering an immersive sense of place at every turn. Under the leadership of seasoned hotelier Hervé Mazella, Andaz Hong Kong Central will deliver elevated hospitality infused with the energy, artistry, and spirit of modern Hong Kong.
Hyatt will open an Andaz Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced Andaz Hiroshima, the first Hyatt property in Japan’s Chūgoku region, slated to open in 2027 through a partnership with Takenaka Corporation. Occupying the upper floors of a striking new mixed-use tower in central Hiroshima, the 235-room hotel will showcase design elements inspired by the city’s cultural and historical legacy, blending modern sophistication with local artistry. Guests can look forward to panoramic rooftop dining, a fitness center with an indoor pool, and versatile event spaces, all set within a redevelopment project that reimagines the area once linking Hiroshima Castle to its surrounding town. As the City of Peace, Hiroshima offers a rich cultural landscape, from its UNESCO World Heritage sites to vibrant contemporary art and culinary scenes. Perfectly positioned for travelers arriving via Shinkansen or Hiroshima Airport, Andaz Hiroshima will immerse guests in the city’s creative spirit, uniting tradition and innovation. Building on the success of Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, this new opening marks a significant milestone for Hyatt’s Lifestyle Group, offering travelers deeply personal, locally inspired luxury in one of Japan’s most forward-looking destinations.
Six Senses announces a ski resort in Japan
Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has announced Six Senses Myoko, a new slopeside retreat and branded residences nestled at the foothills of Mount Myoko within Japan’s picturesque Suginohara ski resort. Developed in partnership with Patience Capital Group, the 57-room hotel and 21 residences will blend regenerative architecture by Kengo Kuma and Kume Sekkei with the brand’s signature focus on wellness, sustainability, and emotional hospitality. Guests will enjoy private onsens, two restaurants, a bar, and a holistic spa featuring hydrotherapy and curated wellness journeys. Set amid 90 hectares of ski terrain and one of Japan’s longest slopes, the resort will transform with the seasons—offering skiing in winter, hiking and waterfalls in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn. Inspired by the “Golden Wind” concept, the design harmonizes with nature’s rhythms while fostering community through local dining, culture, and artisanal experiences. Six Senses Myoko is poised to reimagine the historic Myoko Kogen region as a year-round mountain sanctuary where luxury, nature, and Japanese heritage meet in perfect balance.
Marriott debuts its JW Marriott brand in Tokyo, Japan
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo has officially opened in Takanawa Gateway City, marking the brand’s second property in Japan and its first in the capital. Perfectly positioned above Takanawa Gateway Station, with swift access to Haneda Airport and Shinagawa Station, the hotel embodies a sanctuary of Zen-inspired elegance and modern luxury. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, its 200 rooms and suites feature serene, nature-infused interiors with panoramic city views and will debut Asia’s first Mindful Rooms & Suites in December 2025 —spaces thoughtfully crafted for rest and reflection. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey across kappo-style dining, washoku fine dining, and Mediterranean cuisine, guided by world-renowned chefs including Conrado Tromp and Agustin Balbi. With its Spa by JW, panoramic pool, and expansive event spaces featuring Japan’s largest LED ballroom, the hotel sets a new standard for luxury and mindfulness in Tokyo. JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo invites travelers to experience a refined balance of tranquility, artistry, and connection at the heart of Japan’s most visionary new urban destination.
The Red Sea EDITION opens in Saudi Arabia
The Red Sea EDITION has officially opened on Shura Island, marking EDITION’s second property in Saudi Arabia and the first luxury resort to debut on the island’s pristine white sands. Developed in partnership with Red Sea Global, the resort embodies the kingdom’s Vision 2030 through a regenerative approach that blends ecological preservation with contemporary sophistication. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 240-room property—including 53 suites—features serene, minimalist pavilions inspired by coral, sand, and sea, with private plunge pools, sea-facing terraces, and an effortless dialogue between architecture and nature. Guests can experience a world of sensory pleasures across signature dining venues, including ANASA by Chef Basma Elkhereiji, JIWA Beach Club, and Central, each offering locally inspired, globally influenced cuisine. With a solar-powered infrastructure, immersive spa and wellness zone, and over 1,000 square meters of event space, The Red Sea EDITION sets a new benchmark for mindful luxury in the Middle East. Poised to become Shura Island’s social and cultural epicenter, it captures EDITION’s signature spirit—where modern design, authenticity, and elevated service converge against the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea.
Riyadh Air launches its first flights (to London)
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, marked a historic milestone on October 26th with the successful launch of its inaugural daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow, fulfilling its commitment to begin operations ahead of its full 2025 debut. Operated aboard its Boeing 787-9 aircraft “Jamila,” the flights represented a key phase in the airline’s Pathway to Perfect program, designed to ensure operational excellence before expanding to destinations such as Dubai. This launch was accompanied by the introduction of Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s groundbreaking loyalty program that redefined traditional models through its community-sharing concept, allowing members to share level points with friends and family to reach higher tiers together. Early Sfeer Founders gained priority access to future flight bookings and exclusive experiences, embodying the program’s spirit of generosity and innovation. Built for a digitally native generation, Sfeer offered gamified engagement, no points expiry, and a focus on connection and collaboration, mirroring Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ethos. With the London route now operational, Riyadh Air began its journey toward becoming a world-class global carrier, uniting cutting-edge service, cultural pride, and next-generation loyalty in one seamless experience.
The Waldorf Astoria brand arrives in Finland
Waldorf Astoria made its Nordic debut with the grand opening of Waldorf Astoria Helsinki, ushering in a new era of luxury and timeless elegance in Finland’s capital. Owned by M&L Group and operated by Hilton, the landmark property spans four meticulously restored historic buildings designed by Finnish architects Evert Lagerspetz and Armas Siitonen, offering 116 refined rooms and 32 suites that blended Nordic minimalism with modern sophistication. Select suites featured private saunas, steam rooms, and terrace jacuzzis, while the Nordic Wellness Spa provided a tranquil retreat with a glass-roof atrium, Finnish sauna, cold plunge, and hydrotherapy pools. The Peacock Bar, inspired by the famed Peacock Alley in New York, became Helsinki’s new social hub, complemented by a signature restaurant set to open in 2026. Each guest enjoyed the hallmark Personal Concierge service, ensuring a bespoke stay defined by Waldorf Astoria’s legendary hospitality. Located near Helsinki Cathedral and the Market Square, the hotel offered an ideal blend of history, culture, and elegance. According to Hilton executives, the opening marked a milestone for luxury hospitality in the Nordics, positioning Waldorf Astoria Helsinki as a new benchmark for refined living and a gateway to Finnish heritage within the brand’s prestigious global portfolio.
British Airways launches new Business Class kits
British Airways unveiled a limited-edition range of amenity kits in its Club World (long-haul business class) cabin, launched exclusively for London Gatwick flights, in partnership with luxury British wellness brand anatomē. The collection featured four collectible designs created by British artists through the platform Rise Art, celebrating the airline’s commitment to creativity, sustainability, and wellbeing. Each reusable travel pouch included a bespoke moisturiser and multi balm crafted with botanical extracts, essential oils, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid, alongside travel essentials like an eye mask, socks, and dental kit—all produced using recyclable or recycled materials, eliminating 26.5 tonnes of single-use plastic annually. The designs by artists Amelia Coward, Charlotte Roseberry, Kit Boyd, and Naomi Edmondson drew inspiration from British landscapes, optimism, and the rhythm of flight. British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, described the kits as part of the airline’s vision to deliver bold, original experiences that reflect modern British luxury, offering passengers a blend of art, wellness, and sustainability both in flight and beyond.
Banyan Tree celebrates opening of 100th resort
The Banyan Group celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, its 100th property worldwide and first in Singapore, located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Owned by Mandai Wildlife Group, the resort redefines eco-luxury through its sustainable architecture, featuring elevated structures that preserve native trees and integrate circular resource systems. Designed as a sanctuary where nature, wellbeing, and discovery converge, the resort opened alongside the Rainforest Festival (27 November–3 December 2025), a celebration of sustainability, culture, and community. The resort introduces immersive experiences such as yoga and wellness sessions at the Banyan Tree Spa, guided rainforest walks, and family-friendly activities at the Rangers’ Club. Culinary highlights include a Thai and Peranakan buffet collaboration and rainforest-inspired tastings, all reinforcing Banyan Group’s mission to make travel a force for good. Blending Banyan Tree’s signature hospitality with Singapore’s natural heritage, the Mandai Rainforest Resort emerges as a flagship for regenerative luxury and a symbolic homecoming for the brand.
Air France elevates Business Class with chic desserts
Air France is now partnering with renowned French pastry chef Yann Couvreur to create exclusive desserts for its long-haul Business Class cabin, offering passengers a sophisticated and indulgent taste of French pastry excellence. Chef Couvreur designed five unique creations, including crunchy biscuit entremets with intense dark chocolate ganache and mousse, and almond mousse with pear confit, showcasing his commitment to seasonal, high-quality ingredients and the essence of French pâtisserie. These desserts, gradually unveiled over six months, are now available on all long-haul flights departing from Paris. Since 2023, Air France has entrusted its Business Class dessert offerings to exceptional French culinary talents, reinforcing its reputation as an ambassador of French gastronomy. Born in Paris, Yann Couvreur trained at prestigious locations including Trianon Palace Versailles, Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme, and Eden Rock Saint-Barthélemy, before opening his own pâtisseries in Paris in 2015. Today, his brand spans nearly a dozen Parisian boutiques and international locations in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Miami, combining tradition, seasonal ingredients, and innovation. With this collaboration, Air France passengers now experience Couvreur’s artistry at 35,000 feet, blending refined flavors with an elevated in-flight culinary journey.
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