Go back to the e-newsletter Etihad Airways has confirmed plans to begin flying its Airbus A380 double-decker to Paris Charles de Gaulle, effective 1 November 2024. The French capital becomes the third major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience after London and New York. “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris is the perfect destination for our iconic A380 aircraft. This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering award-winning comfort and service across all cabin classes,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “The introduction of the A38 ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter North American travel consortium, Ensemble, has announced its second consecutive year of profit sharing with 90% of members increasing their payouts from the previous year. The group says the achievement reflects Ensemble’s “commitment to delivering enhanced profitability and value to its members”. The result also represents an increase from last year when 73% of the consortium’s top-performing members earned a higher percentage than they did pre-pandemic in 2019. Along with continued strong demand for travel, the notable increase in payouts is attributed to Ens ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter &Beyond has extended its lodge circuit in Southern Africa, unveiling plans for an Exclusive Tourism Concession spread over 18,000 hectares in the Suyian Conservancy in Kenya. The new project is in partnership with global conservation charity Space for Giants. &Beyond Suyian Lodge will consist of 14 suites including a two-bedroom Family Suite, and one Triple Suite, accommodating up to a maximum of 31 guests. The suites are 180 square metres and feature a private veranda, plunge pool, private bar, indoor and outdoor showers and coffee station. The family s ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter Lobby, Six Senses Kyoto Six Senses Kyoto opened its doors for the first time this week, marking the brand’s entry into Japan and an exciting new addition to its flourishing urban collection. Conveniently situated among the iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital, Six Senses Kyoto invites guests to both an epicentre and an escape, to enjoy holistic wellness, signature sustainability and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Six Senses Kyoto marks a historic milestone of taking the Six Senses brand into new frontiers, while continuing to enrich ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter Following a two-year transformation that has added new vim and vigour to almost every part of the resort, the 12-year-old Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare has evolved with the times to cater to the needs of the most discerning luxury travellers. From the rooms and suites to public areas, dining experiences and immersive guest experiences that create meaningful encounters with Seychellois culture and nature, every aspect of the resort has been made over. Upgraded guest rooms, fresh-faced public areas and a raft of new experiences focused on local cult ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter Explora Journeys has promoted Christopher Austin to the position of President, North America. Based in Miami, Austin joined Explora Journeys in November 2020 as the brand’s Chief Sales Officer. Prior to joining Explorea Journeys, Austin spent nearly three decades in leading hospitality roles, including Senior Vice President Global Marketing & Sales at Seabourn and Vice President Global Luxury & Leisure Sales at Starwood. Austin has been appointed to assume full ownership of the North American teams and market for Explora Journeys, spanning the United Sta ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter Oceania Cruises has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days, to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Europe. The line’s Marina and Nautica will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call. Cities including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon frame the 16 voyages, encompassing resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano and Sorrento, to hidden gems including Tir ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter Marriott International has inked a new deal with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination located in the northwest region of the country, the property will offer a complete escape into a private world of luxury. Designed for discerning travellers seeking a bespoke experience, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world. Highly personalised service is centred around human connection while the design is reflective of the vision, experiences ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter Members of Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, are now able to earn and redeem points at more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas around the globe within the Mr & Mrs Smith portfolio. Bookings within the Mr & Mrs Smith stable have opened from today, after Hyatt acquired the luxury travel platform 12 months ago. From glamping stays and boutique wellness retreats to grand palazzos, world-class ski resorts and more, members can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in hundreds of destinations when they book through Hyatt c ..read more

Go back to the e-newsletter The highly-anticipated Dior Spa has opened its doors at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, heralding a new era of indulgence and marking a significant milestone for the hotel. The first Dior spa to open in the UAE, the space is inspired by the inimitable elegance of the French designer and offers an oasis of tranquillity, embodying The Lana’s commitment to creating Dubai’s ultimate luxury enclave. Commenting on the opening, Helen Smith and Eugenio Pirri, joint CEOs at Dorchester Collection, said Dior has been a “long-standing partner” of Dorchester Collecti ..read more