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Luxury Travel News from Around the World – April 2024

There’s quite a bit of exciting news in the luxury travel sector this month. From innovative marina projects and eco-friendly resorts in the Caribbean to a new Michelin grading system for hotels, there’s something for every luxury travel enthusiast. Dive in to discover the latest developments.

A New Era for Luxury Marinas

Suntex Marina Investors, a top player in the luxury marina scene, has teamed up with Centerbridge Partners in a venture exceeding $1.25 billion. Their goal is to acquire and develop premier marinas throughout the U.S., focusing on high-end experiences in prime locations. This will involve new acquisitions, improvements at existing facilities, and groundbreaking projects that set new standards in luxury marinas.

Next-Gen App for Luxury Experiences

Approved Experiences, a venture by the Approved Jets private aviation brokerage, has launched a new app aimed at affluent individuals. This app offers access to an exclusive social club, luxury private jet charters, curated news feeds, a marketplace for high-end experiences, and real-time concierge services for luxury travel arrangements.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Lisbon

IHG Hotels & Resorts is bringing the Kimpton brand to Lisbon, marking the first Kimpton property in the Portuguese capital. Set to open in early 2025, this boutique luxury hotel is IHG’s second Kimpton property in Portugal, following the Kimpton Algarve São Rafael Atlántico.

Culinary Cruise Experiences

Food & Wine Magazine has released its prestigious Global Tastemakers 2024 List. Leading the list of top cruises for food and drink is Silversea, followed by Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Hurtigruten/HX, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Viking Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and AmaWaterways. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is also noted.

Thornbury Castle Maintains Prestige

Thornbury Castle, a splendid 16th-century hotel, has retained its 3 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and 4 Red Stars for outstanding service. These awards highlight its top-notch food quality and exceptional hotel operations.

Bentley’s Most Striking SUV

Bentley Motors has unveiled the Bentayga S Black Edition, their most visually striking SUV to date. Featuring black-tinted wings, vibrant accent colors, and advanced chassis technology, this model showcases a darker, bolder side of the Bentayga.

Six Senses’ Caribbean Debut

Six Senses opens its first Caribbean resort, Six Senses La Sagesse, on Grenada’s south coast. Offering 56 pool suites and 15 villas, the resort focuses on sustainability, local dining, and world-class wellness facilities.

Jack’s Private Camp in Botswana

Natural Selection has introduced Jack’s Private Camp in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This two-bedroom villa provides a unique African safari experience, featuring private amenities and dedicated staff, ideal for families and multi-generational travelers.

Paws for Purpose at Hotel Indigo Bali

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is offering community spay and neuter services for pets, along with educational sessions and “Paw Yoga” activities. Guests can participate in these initiatives, which support the hotel’s animal welfare efforts.

Luxury Rail Travel with Orient Express La Dolce Vita

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a luxury rail project by Arsenale S.p.A. and Accor Group, begins its journey in 2024. It will offer six exclusive itineraries across Italy, from the Alps to Southern beaches, along with new hotels in Rome and Venice.

New Five-Star Resort in Turkey

Liberty Hotels & Resorts is launching a new five-star hotel, Liberty Signa, on the Turkish Aegean coast. Opening for the May-November season, this resort offers a range of activities and amenities, from child-friendly events to adults-only pools and fine dining.

Michelin Evaluates Luxury Hotels

Michelin has introduced a new Key grading system for luxury hotels, honoring 189 outstanding French hotels, with 24 receiving the highest “Three Keys” distinction. This system mirrors Michelin’s restaurant star ratings and celebrates hotels offering extraordinary experiences.

Louis Vuitton’s Crafting Dreams Event

Louis Vuitton’s Crafting Dreams event in New York City showcases the brand’s craftsmanship through a unique exhibition featuring haute couture, jewelry, and watches. Guests can engage with artisans and even personalize their Louis Vuitton items.

Emerald Kaia – A Next-Gen Luxury Yacht

Emerald Cruises will welcome the Emerald Kaia, a new luxury ocean yacht, in April 2026. Accommodating 128 guests, the yacht promises innovative and sustainable cruising experiences.

Queen Anne Delivered to Cunard

Cunard’s latest ship, Queen Anne, has been delivered and will begin its maiden voyage from Southampton to Lisbon in May. The ship offers a luxurious onboard experience with a variety of entertainment, dining, and accommodation options.

Aston Martin Showroom in Tokyo

Aston Martin has opened a new showroom at The Peninsula Tokyo hotel in Ginza. This two-story space, the first in Asia to embrace Aston Martin’s refreshed corporate identity, offers a bespoke design service and a digital media wall to enhance customer experiences.

Hennessy’s Award-Winning Tours

Hennessy’s guided tours in Cognac have won the ‘Best Innovation’ award at the 2024 Wine Tourism Awards. Their immersive VR experience, ‘Mobilis,’ celebrates the brand’s history and craftsmanship, offering visitors a virtual journey through the Maison’s legacy.

Fitness Retreat in Santorini

Vedema Resort, in partnership with Travelgems, is hosting a fitness retreat with celebrity trainer Amoila Cesar. This six-day program offers guests transformative fitness and wellness activities, promoting long-term healthy habits.

WTTC Projects Record-Breaking Tourism Growth

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the tourism sector is projected to reach a record-breaking economic contribution of $11.1 trillion in 2024. This growth reflects the global importance of travel and tourism, supporting millions of jobs worldwide.

Hyatt Expands with Mr & Mrs Smith Acquisition

Hyatt’s acquisition of the Mr & Mrs Smith collection brings over 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas into its World of Hyatt points program. This expansion allows members to earn and redeem points across numerous unique destinations globally.