Travel news: this month (April 2023) in luxury travel

Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.

Today: April 2023 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. In this issue:

Zannier Hotels reveals its plans for a new resort in the South of France
Aman will open two properties in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate
GHM annouces The Chedi Wadi Safar in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate
Rosewood will bring an ultra-luxury resort to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea
Rosewood will debut In the Maldives with Rosewood Ranfaru
Austrian Airlines modernizes its fleet with 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
United Airlines announces largest South Pacific expansion in aviation history
Waldorf Astoria will open a property in Jaipur, India
Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, Japan, is now open
Qatar Airways opened a new stunning lounge at Hamad International

1. Zannier Hotels reveals its plans for a new resort in the South of France

Zannier Hotels has announced its appointment to manage the redesign of iconic French private island Île de Bendor, facing the city of Bandol in Provence, first brought to life by pastis pioneer Paul Ricard 70 years ago. Over the next three years, Île de Bendor will undergo a complete transformation and will once again become a buzzing social hub in the bay of Bandol, embodying the playful spirit of the French Riviera. The renovation will see the six hectare island emerge as a Provençal-style village and convivial gathering space rooted in the island’s old-world glamour and inimitable spirit, home to an array of F&B outlets – including the second outpost of Nonna Bazaar, the immersive dining concept launched by Zannier Hotels in Menorca last year – alongside a characterful Beach Club, curated artisan village, nurturing wellness offering and impressive spa. A stylish boutique hotel with 93 keys will become the sixth property in the remarkable Zannier Hotels roster, with the brand currently operating five hotels, resorts and lodges around the world: Le Chalet (France); Phum Baitang (Cambodia); Omaanda (Namibia); Sonop (Namibia); and Bãi San Hô (Vietnam).

2. Aman will open two properties in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

Aman – one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands – has announced two forthcoming destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with Diriyah Company – Aman Wadi Safar and Janu Diriyah, both expected to open in 2026:

Aman Wadi Safar, located in the desert landscape near the city of Riyadh, will be home to a 78-key Aman hotel, a collection of up to 34 Aman Branded Residences, and expansive amenenities including a vast Aman Spa and an array of dining experiences. Following the successful opening of Aman New York, Denniston Architects has been appointed to bring Jean-Michel Gathy’s extensive experience combining Aman’s renowned design language with the local culture, heritage, and landscape of a destination to the project. Aman Wadi Safar will draw inspiration from its pristine natural environment, as well as traditional Najdi design elements, to embrace the values of a community lifestyle, creating a resort setting which weaves amongst the wadis and plateaus of the site, reinforcing the connection between the property and its otherworldly desert location.
Futhermore, Aman announced Janu Diriyah, an additional property in the strong pipeline for Aman’s sister-brand Janu, which means ‘Soul’ in Sanskrit. Announced in 2020, Janu has been created with a different pace and energy to Aman, designed to encourage connectedness and shared experiences. Janu Diriyah, expected to open in 2026, will be located within close proximity to the Unesco Heritage Site of At-Turaif close to the historic city of Riyadh. Comprising 120 hotel rooms and a spa, as part of the Janu Wellness offering, the property will include a multitude of dining and experiences and will create memorable moments which build lasting connection amongst its like-minded community of guests.

Aman has already announced three properties in the pipeline within AlUla, Saudi Arabia, two of which will be Aman destinations, as well as Janu AlUla. Additionally, Aman Group has announced Project Sama, the brand’s first luxury motor yacht being developed in partnership with Cruise Saudi, which will offer on-the-water voyages in the Red Sea, as well as in the Mediterranean.

3. GHM annouces The Chedi Wadi Safar in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate

General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) has announced the signing of The Chedi Wadi Safar in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The Chedi Wadi Safar joins a host of renowned hospitality brands (e.g. Aman) in Wadi Safar, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Diriyah region, which is the birthplace of Saudi Arabia and the capital of the First Saudi State. The Chedi Wadi Safar will draw upon the centuries-old At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site to create an immersive experience for guests visiting the mixed-use historic, cultural and lifestyle destination. The property will pay a fitting tribute to the majestic Wadi Safar by delivering its renowned authentic and unrivalled approach to hospitality. Tommy Lai, CEO of GHM said: “We are honoured to be part of this visionary project. Wadi Safar is famous for its unspoiled landscape and rich cultural traditions. Through The Chedi Wadi Safar, we look forward to exhibiting elegance and timeless authenticity imbued with our signature hallmark of ‘A Style to Remember’ to all who visit in Diriyah while staying respectful to the unique beauty of the place.” Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy of is targeting 100 million tourists by 2030, of which Diriyah is assigned to attract more than 27 million visitors annually.

4. Rosewood will bring an ultra-luxury resort to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea

Global hotel brands are rushing to be part of Saudi Arabia’s tourism push, and the latest brand to join the race is Rosewood. Rosewood Amaala will be part of The Kingdom’s Red Sea Global’s Amaala destination, an integrated wellness haven. Where ocean and land meets, Rosewood Amaala will be surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest reef and the scenic Hijazi mountains. Red Sea Global is aiming to not only protect the environment, but to also enhance the natural ecosystems actively through regeneration and destination development. From the moment guests enter the resort, they will be immersed in a world of contrasts. Hidden amongst the verdant green landscapes and the drama of the Red Sea coast, a timeless architecture immerges to delight and inspire. The property will offer an array of distinctive culinary experiences including fine dining, casual eateries and beach inspired club lounges, all taking advantage of the Red Sea views. To protect the precious coral reefs that wrap around the resort, the property will provide two rock pools, allowing guests safe access to the water and sand.

5. Rosewood will debut In the Maldives with Rosewood Ranfaru

Stretched across a chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll, Rosewood Ranfaru – opening in 2027- will be situated less than an hour away from Velana International Airport in Male. From touchdown to toes in the sand, guests will be able to make the journey to the resort via either a 35-minute yacht ride or a ten-minute seaplane hop. The resort will offer approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands. In true Rosewood fashion, unsurpassed service and amenities will be central to the guest experience, including a Rosewood Explorer’s Club to spark discovery and inspire imagination among the youngest visitors. At the heart of the property will lie several specialty restaurants, a beach club, and an Asaya well-being facility and fitness center, together offering a holistic wellness escape. A true leisure oasis, Rosewood Ranfaru will also feature numerous swimming pools, both for adults and families, paddle courts, and an array of water sports that will allow guests to fully explore the peaceful and crystal-clear waters of the encircling lagoon.

6. Austrian Airlines modernizes its fleet with 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

The arrival of ten Boeing 787-9 – an aircraft of the newest generation of technology – will spur the modernisation and growth of the Austrian Airlines long-haul fleet. The first ‘Dreamliner’ will be landing beginning 2024 in Vienna and will expand the flag carrier’s fleet to 66 aircraft already during the summer flight schedule 2024. Expected by 2028, nine additional Boeing 787-9 will replace the current long-haul jets of the 777 and 767 family. The ‘Dreamliner’ will be transferred gradually from Lufthansa Airlines respectively from existing orders of the Lufthansa Group. This will result in a significant rejuvenation of the Austrian Airlines’ fleet. Thanks to innovative technology, less weight, good aerodynamics and modern jet engines the ‘Dreamliner’ is considered to be significantly more efficient than preceding models. With 2.5 liter fuel per passenger on a 100 kilometer air route, fuel consumption is reduced up to 20 percent when compared to a Boeing 767. Austrian Airlines COO Francesco Sciortino: „With the Boeing 787-9 we are bringing one of the most innovative long-haul models on the market to Austrian Airlines. This is a team effort Austrian Airlines can be proud of.“

7. United Airlines announces largest South Pacific expansion in aviation history

United Airlines announced the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1. United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. and the South Island of New Zealand. With 66 flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year. The carrier is adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. And thanks to United’s relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region. United already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all other U.S. carriers combined, and now will have more flights and serve more destinations in the region from the U.S. than any other carrier in the world.

8. Waldorf Astoria will open a property in Jaipur, India

Hilton announced the launch of Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, marking the debut of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in India. Steeped in history and culture, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a truly unique destination in India’s famed Golden Triangle, making it an ideal location to launch the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in India. Spanning 22 acres overlooking the magnificent Aravalli Hills, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will be the epitome of luxury in Jaipur. Boasting 51 expansive pool villas and 174 elegant guest rooms, the hotel will exude a sense of space and grandeur. It will also feature a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and five distinctive dining experiences, including the world-famous Peacock Alley, the iconic lounge and bar synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand. Offering meeting space, open lawns, courtyards and gardens, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will serve as an unparalleled venue for celebrations, lavish weddings, and world-class events. The picturesque property will be ideally located off the Delhi – Jaipur Road and within easy access to historical attractions such as Amer Palace, Nahargarh Fort and Hawa Mahal.

9. Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, Japan, is now open

Occupying the 40th to 45th floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, a new skyscraper in the Yaesu 2-Chome North District, the new Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is located in a very central and convenient area at a walking distance to some of the best attractions in town such as the Imperial Palace and the vibrant shopping areas of both Nihombashi and Ginza. The hotel offers 98 rooms & suites decorated with Italian luxury residential furniture brands like Maxalto, Flexform and B&B Italia, as well as an extraordinary Bulgari Suite. Bespoke experiences and ultra-exclusive surroundings are at the heart of the one-of-a-kind culinary journey at Sushi Hōseki, the Japanese concept that started at Bulgari Resort Dubai. With only 8 seats overlooking a private Japanese rock garden, the restaurant will be helmed by the Japanese Chef Kenji Gyoten, awarded three Michelin Stars at Sushi Gyoten and will offer a memorable gastronomic approach with the finest ingredients from Japan. Iconic Bulgari Hotels signature features such as The Bulgari Bar, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, the fireplace Lounge, outdoor terrace, and the Bulgari Spa (which includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and a large indoor pool) add a further luxurious touch to the guests’ experience.

10. Qatar Airways opened a new stunning lounge at Hamad International

Qatar Airways has opened a new lounge at Doha’s Hamad International Airport named ‘The Garden’. The lounge overlooks ‘The ORCHARD’, surrounded by renowned retailers and restaurants, while offering uniquely designed relaxation spaces and areas to socialise and indulge in a scenic masterpiece. Accommodating up to 707 passengers and accessible for passengers travelling in Business Class, the new lounge offers a range of premium facilities, including numerous dining options, relaxation rooms, a fitness studio, pedicure & manicure stations, spa facilities, dedicated private spaces, recreational areas and a nursery. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, stated: “Passengers can enhance their journey to a new level at our newly opened Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport. This world-class lounge showcases a sophisticated way of travel, centred in comfort, wellness and nature.” Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden serves as an extension to the iconic Al Mourjan Business Lounge. Together, both lounges can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers at once, offering luxurious facilities that include showers, dressing rooms, business areas and spaces to unwind at the northern and southern parts of the airport.