Luxury travel news from around the world (July 2025)

Aug 7 2025

From luxury train journeys through Italy’s picturesque golf courses and the British countryside to the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix experienced from a superyacht, the world of high-end travel continues to offer an array of unique experiences. This roundup of luxury travel news highlights new properties in the French Alps and Portugal, groundbreaking expeditions to the poles and the Galapagos, and a new wilderness lodge in Kenya… read on to learn more!

Prepare for a change in air travel as SWISS unveils its transformative “SWISS Senses” cabin, a luxurious leap into the future that elevates every class. Beginning autumn 2025 aboard the new Airbus A350-900, this redesign will see the airline’s new suites offer a sanctuary of serenity, with sliding doors for ultimate privacy, bespoke amenities, and human-centric lighting to combat jet lag. From the lavish seclusion of the First Class suites, with their cooling seats and vast screens, to the thoughtfully enhanced Economy Class with extra legroom and connectivity, SWISS is re-imagining the skies.

Atop Wynn Al Marjan Island‘s towering spire, a sanctuary of unparalleled opulence awaits, a world away from the desert sands below. Named the Enclave, this exclusive concept is a gilded cage for the discerning traveller, where every whim is not only met but anticipated.

From a private drive that parts the sea of common guests to a gallery of bespoke suites, the Enclave whispers a promise of elevated living. Guests will find themselves immersed in a private Eden, with verdant gardens cradling secluded pools and a beach where the sun sets like a paintbrush across the Arabian Gulf. A sky-lit restaurant, a Lebanese culinary gem by night, offers exclusive breakfasts to residents, while a private lounge transitions from morning coffee to evening champagne, a liquid testament to the Enclave’s all-day decadence.

For the modern adventurer, a hotel is no longer just a place to rest their head, but a springboard into the soul of a destination. Conrad Hotels & Resorts understands this wanderlust, launching its Conrad 1/3/5 program, a finely curated collection of itineraries built for those with an appetite for authentic discovery. Like a choose-your-own-adventure book for the discerning traveler, these bespoke experiences—from a single hour to a half-day—offer a key to unlocking a city’s hidden gems and local lore.

Whether it’s a deep dive into an ancient art form with a master craftsman in Morocco or chasing the setting sun on horseback in Portugal, Conrad has redefined the art of bespoke travel, proving that true luxury lies not in what you see, but in the stories you collect along the way.

Everything you need to plan your trip in 2025

In a year of soaring successes, Emirates has once again proven it’s a titan of the skies, cementing its reputation with a new flock of prestigious awards. Voted “Best Long Haul Airline” by 20,000 readers of The Telegraph Travel, this is the latest feather in a well-decorated cap, following consecutive wins and a recent title as “World’s Best Airline”.

This latest commendation is a testament to the carrier’s relentless pursuit of excellence, from its expanding global network and new A350 aircraft to a massive $5 billion retrofit programme that breathes new life into its fleet.

Cunard is set to raise its renowned Insights Programme to celestial heights with the addition of British astronaut Tim Peake aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Departing from Seattle on 20 July 2026 for a ten-night Alaskan odyssey, Peake will exchange the vast void of space for the breathtaking wildness of the Last Frontier.

Guests will have the rare opportunity to hear tales from his time on the International Space Station, sharing a stage with towering glaciers and majestic fjords. This cruise offers a captivating juxtaposition, inviting passengers to contemplate the final frontier while navigating one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, all for a starting fare of £1,459 per person.

American Airlines is charting a course for unprecedented comfort this winter, rolling out its Flagship Suite experience to four far-flung destinations across three continents. On select long-haul flights to the likes of London, Buenos Aires, Auckland and Brisbane, the newly designed Boeing 787-9 will include everything from the Flagship Suite’s chaise lounge and sleep-focused amenities to the thoughtful fleece blankets and lumbar pillows.

Blacklane has rolled out its new Platinum Class service, a majestic fleet of Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II vehicles now gracing the streets of Dubai. Driven by chauffeurs who have been meticulously trained at a dedicated academy, this new opulence marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious Middle Eastern expansion. It follows the addition of a fleet of electric Mercedes Benz EQEs to Blacklane’s Dubai offering last March, alongside the introduction of electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia and new operations launching in Kuwait.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is making its debut in Japan with a breathtaking property in the heart of Tokyo’s dynamic Shibaura district. Soaring above the cityscape from the 35th to 43rd floors of the Blue Front Shibaura Tower South, Fairmont Tokyo offers a sanctuary of serenity amidst the urban sprawl. With panoramic vistas of Tokyo Bay, five exquisite dining venues, and even an exclusive vinyl listening bar, the hotel solidifies Fairmont’s commitment to thoughtful luxury and a deeply rooted Japanese hospitality.

This autumn, the timeless romance of rail travel meets the pristine fairways of Italy as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express unveils two opulent golf-themed journeys. Far from a mere change of scenery, these itineraries are a moving masterpiece, weaving together Italy’s celebrated cultural landscape with its burgeoning golf scene. Guests will embark on an odyssey of putting greens, teeing off at world-class courses like the Ryder Cup’s own Marco Simone, before winding through the country’s diverse heartlands.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is pleased to announce plans for Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin, the brand’s first property in the French Alps, set to open in December 2025. Located in a prime spot in Courchevel 1850, one of the world’s most sought-after ski destinations, the property signals Rosewood’s continued evolution into highly experiential, destination-led hospitality, while expanding its footprint across Europe.

Situated at the pinnacle of Courchevel 1850, Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin, will offer ski-in ski-out access and an optimum blend of adventure and refinement. This exclusive mountain retreat will feature 51 guest rooms and suites, integrated retail and ski rental spaces, a spacious spa, an all-day dining concept with a terrace, a kids club, bar lounge and cigar room. With the highest suite inventory in Courchevel’s exclusive Le Jardin Alpin, the property will set a new standard for contemporary alpine experiences.

For the second year running, Explora Journeys is offering a front-row seat to the thrill of the Monaco Grand Prix, proving that the ultimate way to witness the race is not from the grandstands, but from the water. As a testament to MSC Group’s partnership with Formula One, the Explora I luxury yacht will drop anchor in Port Hercule, providing a prime-time perch just metres from the roaring track. From June 3-8, guests will not only witness the exhilarating blur of the cars but also enjoy exclusive events, from virtual reality racing to intimate encounters with racing legends like Sir Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard.

A bold new chapter in design, discovery and conservation unfolds as &Beyond Suyian Lodge officially opens its doors this month. Set on 44,000 acres of private wilderness in the heart of Laikipia, the lodge offers something rare – complete exclusivity on a wildlife conservancy, a design-led aesthetic shaped by ancient geology, and a curated set of experiences that go far beyond traditional game drives.

Meaning “wild dog” in the local Samburu language, Suyian is not just a sanctuary for guests, but also for wildlife. Suyian Conservancy offers rare access to northern Kenya’s most iconic and elusive species, including Grevy’s zebra, Laikipia hartebeest, reticulated giraffe, African wild dog and, although elusive, black leopards.

Fiji Airways is introducing a series of new onboard experiences beginning with a vibrant Pacific Rim inspired menu, now available on select flights. This signals a bold step forward in its commitment to exceptional Fijian hospitality, service and world class excellence.

Leading this transformation is the new Dine on Demand concept in Business Class, launching on select long-haul flights – a first for the airline. This tailored experience gives guests the freedom to choose what they want to eat, when they want to eat it, adding a new level of personalisation and comfort to their journey.

ME Lisbon marks the brand’s bold debut in Portugal, located at Marquês de Pombal, one of Lisbon’s most iconic and vibrant addresses. Wellness and gastronomy take centre stage, with indulgent treatments available at KORPO spa and the launch of two standout culinary concepts: Fismuler and Attiko. Refined living is showcased across 213 design-led rooms and suites, headlined by the Ultimate ME+ Suite — a spacious 107m² retreat boasting panoramic views of Lisbon and São Jorge Castle.

Belmond has launched the Britannic Explorer, a new luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, with its inaugural journey taking place this month. This train is the first of its kind in the region and offers three-night itineraries through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. The Britannic Explorer is designed to celebrate Britain’s rail heritage with a modern twist, featuring contemporary interiors, regionally inspired cuisine by Chef Simon Rogan, and a wellness suite.

Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection celebrated its first anniversary in style, winning the prestigious title of “Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025” at the World Travel Awards, reaffirming its role as a key player in the high-end hospitality landscape. Launched in July 2024, Bawe Island has quickly established itself as one of the most exclusive destinations in the Indian Ocean. This recognition comes as a crowning achievement for a first year filled with many highlights and successes.

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, is elevating the way guests experience the untouched beauty of the Galápagos Islands. Starting this month, guests travelling to the Galápagos with Silversea will experience an enhanced journey to and from the archipelago, eliminating a layover in Guayaquil, and reducing travel time to two hours. And, with pre- and post-cruise enhancements designed to make their adventure even more unforgettable, guests will experience the beauty of Quito and the Galápagos in a way only delivered by Silversea.

In the heart of Wadi Safar, close to Diriyah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and centrally located within Riyadh, a forthcoming Aman resort and exclusive branded residences will soon rise from a dramatic desert escarpment. Reflecting the spirit of one of Saudi Arabia’s most historically and culturally significant landscapes, the property will be known as Amansamar. Providing direct access to Aman’s signature way of life and best in class amenities, in a setting of natural beauty, Amansamar forms part of the wider Wadi Safar development. With facilities that reflect this premier lifestyle destination, Wadi Safar offers cultural enrichment and outdoor pursuits such as golf and polo, all of which are seamlessly woven into the desert environment.

Combining Aman, the Sanskrit word for peace, and Samar, an Arabic term referring to the ritual of sharing stories and knowledge with family and friends at nightfall, Amansamar represents a community founded on connection and tranquillity. The name also translates to ‘the peaceful acacia tree,’ a symbol of resilience and peace, known for thriving in arid landscapes. This storied tree will serve as a central feature of Wadi Safar’s design language, with acacia trees thoughtfully integrated across the site to reflect a deep connection to place.

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel, has unveiled its first-ever expedition Grand Voyage – the 94-day “Pole to Pole: Grand Expedition” on the purpose-built Seabourn Venture. Departing on August 17 and concluding November 19, 2027, the voyage will span more than 20,500 nautical miles, charting a course from the High Arctic to Antarctica and offering a once-in-a-lifetime combination of remote landings, immersive expeditions, rare wildlife sightings, and signature Seabourn luxury experiences.

The 94-day voyage begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland, followed by a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where guests will embark the ship. Over the course of the sailing, Seabourn Venture will offer 60 days of expedition experiences and visits to destinations across 14 countries and territories, including five days in Antarctica, three in South Georgia, and three in the Falkland Islands, as well as six days in the famed Northwest Passage and a new three-day experience to the remote and rarely-visited Ellesmere Island in the Arctic Archipelago. Additional highlights include 33 sea days; and crossings of the equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn. Between the poles, guests will also explore sun-drenched tropical islands and vibrant coastal regions across the Caribbean and South America, experiencing the full spectrum of the planet’s geography, from icy wilderness to equatorial warmth. The sailing concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina, with a post-cruise charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Explore the spectacular natural wonders of Krabi that are featured in the blockbuster film, Jurassic World Rebirth – all from the comfort and privacy of Banyan Tree Krabi. Banyan Tree Krabi’s ‘Jurassic Explorer’ experience blends adventure, wellbeing and discovery for guests of all ages.

This unique package includes: daily breakfast buffet for two persons at The Naga Kitchen; one-time Jurassic World Rebirth-themed welcome drink and snack; one-time half-day (4 hours) marine excursion to Hong Island and neighboring islands by private local longtail boat (excluding national park entrance fee); one-time tour (3 hours) to discover the natural wonder of Klong Root (Clear Water Canal), one of Krabi’s hidden gems and a filming location for Jurassic World Rebirth; one time 60-minute massage treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi; guidebook to explore the picturesque locations where Jurassic World Rebirth was filmed; and special price on tickets for two persons to the Jurassic World Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront.

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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.