Seared Snapper with black bean sauce, seasonal greens and salted chilli (International Business) Representing a multi-million-dollar investment, Australia’s national carrier Qantas has introduced new dishes and larger portions across all cabin classes. As the single biggest investment to inflight and lounge dining in 10 years, Qantas has announced enhancements to its culinary offering that will draw on premium ingredients from some of Australia’s best producers. Luxury Travel recently attended an exclusive media preview of the new inflight and lounge dishes at Qantas HQ in Mascot. The anno ..read more

A guest room at Capella Hotel Sydney. Image credit: Timothy Kaye The first Australian property from Capella Hotels & Resorts is now open in the heart of Sydney. After a much-anticipated seven-year restoration and renovation project, Capella Hotels & Resorts has opened its first Australian hotel within the former Department of Education building in Sydney, just moments from Circular Quay. The hotel features 192 rooms and suites spread across nine floors, a spa on the sixth floor, and three luxurious dining and drinking venues, with cuisine in collaboration with The Bentley Group. On ..read more

Aman Residences, Tokyo (right) and Janu Tokyo (centre), part of the Toranomon-Azabudai development Aman’s new sister brand, Janu, will bring a luxury guest experience centred on connection to Tokyo with the opening of its first hotel later this year. Centred on social connection, adventure, and memorable interactions, Janu, a new luxury hospitality brand by Aman, will open a hotel in Tokyo in the northern hemisphere in autumn 2023. The new concept will offer a high-end guest experience in a similar vein to Aman, with an emphasis on social interaction in contrast to Aman’s more secluded sty ..read more

New suites aboard - The Royal Scotsman Belmond has unveiled the design for two new Grand Suites aboard the Royal Scotsman train, debuting in 2024. Passengers travelling onboard Belmond’s Royal Scotsman sleeper train can opt for one of two luxurious grand suites, which are set to join the rake from May 2024. The suites will elevate the train’s accommodation offering to four categories: grand suites, double, twin, and single cabins. The Royal Scotsman’s themed journeys span two to seven nights, offering an immersive way to experience Scotland‘s Highlands region through dining, live entertain ..read more

Singapore has achieved certification as a global sustainable destination. Singapore has been certified as a sustainable destination based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)’s Destination Criteria. Certification was carried out by Vireo Srl, a GSTC-accredited certification agency based in Italy. Singapore, the first destination to apply for the certification process on a country level, is committed to becoming a sustainable urban destination. The GSTC Criteria are the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, and Singapore was certified based on its performance in fo ..read more

In Sydney’s inner-city region of Surry Hills, a new, boutique 38-room hotel titled 202 Elizabeth has opened on, not surprisingly, Elizabeth Street. The designer, eco-conscious hotel spans six floors and is accessed through discrete doors. All 38 rooms vary, with no two exactly alike. Several feature balconies overlooking the street below. Guests will be greeted on arrival with a welcome drink that is a modern interpretation of an artisan tea. Australian brands are used throughout the hotel — including Hunter Lab supplying bathroom amenities; Piyama supplying luxury robes; and several food a ..read more

A render of the new Auckland Lounge. Image supplied. Australia’s national carrier has announced a planned $100-million investment to upgrade its airport lounges domestically and overseas and has unveiled the design of its ‘Project Sunrise’ A350 First and Business cabins. Qantas has unveiled plans to enhance its First and Business offering with upgrades to its existing international and domestic lounge network and the opening of four new lounges, including a flagship First lounge at London Heathrow. The planned three-year, $100-million project is the biggest investment in its lounge network ..read more

Classic Harbourview room evening Reopening in June 2023, Regent Hong Kong unveils a glimpse of its transformation. Regent Hong Kong, first opened in 1980 on the shores of Victoria Harbour, has been transformed by Hong Kong-born, Milan-based designer Chi Wing Lo. Highly regarded for his meticulous approach and working with the most skilled artisans, Chi Wing Lo and his team have brought more than 30 years of architecture, interior and furniture design to their first hotel project. Regent Hotels & Resorts joined the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle collection in 20 ..read more

Rascal Voyages - Rebel Bow lounge. Image supplied. Pioneering luxury yacht charter group, Rascal Voyages, will launch a new yacht, Rebel, in 2023 to cruise throughout Southeast Asia. Indonesian experiential yacht charter travel company, Rascal Voyages, will add ‘Rebel’ to its fleet in 2023 — a traditional handmade phinisi yacht that can accommodate up to 10 guests in five suites. Group spaces on Rebel include a fine wine cellar and outdoor cinema area. Rebel, along with its sister vessel, Rascal, can be hired for both cabin and private group voyages throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and Thail ..read more

Atria at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will open on 23 March 2023. Image supplied. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne’s new culinary destination Atria is set to debut with sweeping skyline views from 80 storeys high. A new sky-high dining experience is coming to the 80th floor of Melbourne’s Ritz-Carlton hotel, with new restaurant Atria set to open on 23 March. Named after the brightest star in the southern constellation, Triangulum Australe, the establishment will be headed by acclaimed executive chef, Michael Greenlaw (Bibendum, London, and Vue de Monde, Melbourne), with contributions from culinar ..read more