Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: May 2026 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 and aviation. In this issue:
- Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is now accepting reservations
- Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro reopens July 1, 2026
- Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé opens in Morocco
- One&Only announces a luxury hotel in Courchevel, France
- Raffles will debut its first Alpine resort in Courchevel, France
- Rosewood will make its urban debut in Japan with landmark Tokyo hotel
- St. Regis Hotels & Resorts debuts in the heart of Budapest
- W Hotels continues its Italian expansion with the debut of W Sardinia
- The Luxury Collection opens a hotel on the Greek island of Rhodes
Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is now accepting reservations
Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is preparing for its first summer season, offering a luxurious retreat on Kalo Livadi Bay with cascading terraces, landscaped gardens, and a private beach overlooking the Aegean Sea. Designed by Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis in traditional Cycladic style, the 15-acre property features 94 accommodations, all with panoramic sea views and many with private plunge pools. Located just 20 minutes from Mykonos Airport and Chora, the hotel provides easy access to the island’s vibrant culture, beaches, boutiques, and nearby archaeological sites such as Delos. Guests can enjoy personalized experiences curated by local experts, including yacht excursions, family adventures, and hidden culinary discoveries. Dining venues include Mediterranean, Greek, and Italian-inspired concepts, while the spa, fitness studio, yoga pavilion, private beach, and infinity pools offer relaxation and wellness. Families benefit from a supervised kids’ club and connecting suites, while couples can celebrate weddings at the on-site chapel. Reservations open for arrivals beginning June 26, 2026.
Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro reopens July 1, 2026
As already mentioned on my blog a few weeks ago, Aman Sveti Stefan – one of the best Aman resorts I’ve ever stayed at – is reopening. Now a date has finally been announced. The legendary Adriatic retreat in Montenegro will officially welcome guests again from July 1, 2026, marking the long-awaited return of one of Europe’s most iconic luxury resorts. Perched on a tiny fortified island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, Aman Sveti Stefan has long been celebrated for its medieval stone cottages, pink-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched sense of privacy. Closed since 2021 following disputes over beach access, the reopening signals a major revival for Montenegro’s luxury tourism scene. Guests can once again expect Aman’s signature understated elegance, world-class wellness experiences, refined Adriatic cuisine, and breathtaking sea views across the Budva Riviera. Villa Miločer, the mainland companion property and former royal residence, has already reopened earlier on May 22, 2026. The return of Aman Sveti Stefan is set to restore the glamour and exclusivity that once attracted royalty, Hollywood icons, and discerning travelers from around the world.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé opens in Morocco
Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé has officially opened its doors in Morocco’s iconic Mohammed VI Tower, the country’s tallest building, bringing a new level of luxury to the capital. Located between the twin cities of Rabat and Salé, the 55-room hotel combines timeless Waldorf Astoria elegance with Moroccan heritage, offering sweeping views of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. Designed with celestial-inspired interiors, the property features one of North Africa’s largest private art collections, with nearly 7,000 works displayed throughout the hotel. Guests can enjoy five distinctive dining concepts, including Peacock Alley and Aldabaran by celebrated chef Alain Ducasse, alongside a serene spa rooted in traditional Moroccan wellness rituals. Additional highlights include indoor and infinity pools, extensive event spaces, and personalized concierge service in every room and suite. Positioned near UNESCO-listed landmarks such as the Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower, the hotel also offers convenient access to Rabat-Salé International Airport and Morocco’s high-speed rail network, establishing itself as a landmark destination for luxury travelers visiting the country.
One&Only announces a luxury hotel in Courchevel, France
Kerzner International has announced One&Only Courchevel, the ultra-luxury brand’s first resort in the French Alps, set to open in 2030 in the prestigious ski destination of Courchevel 1850. Marking a major milestone in One&Only’s alpine expansion following the debut of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana, the resort will transform the historic Courcheneige Hotel into a glamorous mountain retreat blending exceptional design, immersive wellness, world-class dining, and branded private residences. Positioned in the exclusive Jardin Alpin area with direct ski-in/ski-out access to the Bellecôte slope and Les Trois Vallées ski domain, the property will offer panoramic mountain views, elegant guestrooms and suites, vibrant après-ski experiences, and a vast wellness sanctuary focused on recovery and rejuvenation. Guests and residents can also expect refined culinary concepts, stylish social venues, and personalized service synonymous with the One&Only brand. Alongside the resort, a limited collection of One&Only Private Homes will offer one of the rarest ownership opportunities in Courchevel, reinforcing the destination’s status as one of the world’s most exclusive alpine markets.
Raffles will debut its first Alpine resort in Courchevel, France
Another luxury hotel brand is eyeing a hotel opening in Courchevel: Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced plans for its first alpine resort, Raffles Courchevel, set to open for the 2028 winter season in the exclusive Jardin Alpin area of the French Alps. Developed with Art de Vivre, the slopeside retreat will offer direct access to Les Trois Vallées and panoramic views of the Tarentaise Valley. Designed by JMV with interiors by Humbert & Poyet, the intimate property will feature 50 guestrooms and suites, many with private balconies facing the mountains. Guests will experience signature Raffles service alongside refined dining venues, a tea lounge, destination restaurants, and a wellness-focused spa offering longevity and recovery treatments. Additional amenities include a panoramic pool, thermal experiences, fitness facilities, and curated activities for younger guests. The project marks Raffles’ continued expansion in France after Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris and reinforces its entry into alpine luxury hospitality in one of Europe’s most prestigious ski destinations.
Marriott brings its JW and Ritz-Carlton brands to Peru
Marriott International has announced two major luxury brand conversions in Lima, Peru, set for completion in 2028, reinforcing the city’s growing role as a leading South American luxury destination. The current The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center in San Isidro will become the JW Marriott Hotel Lima, relocating the JW Marriott brand to Paseo Begonias, a major mixed-use development combining hospitality, retail, and office spaces. At the same time, the existing JW Marriott Hotel Lima in Miraflores will be converted into The Ritz-Carlton, Lima, marking the brand’s second property in South America and strengthening its presence in the region’s most sought-after destinations. The Ritz-Carlton is known for its refined service, cultural immersion, and elevated design, and the new Lima property is expected to reflect these hallmarks while showcasing Peru’s rich heritage and contemporary sophistication. Marriott highlighted that these transformations reflect strong confidence in Lima’s cultural, culinary, and urban appeal, positioning the city more prominently on the global travel map. The new JW Marriott will enhance Paseo Begonias as a premium mixed-use hub, blending business, lifestyle, and hospitality, while offering a more holistic luxury experience for international and corporate travelers. Together, the two conversions underline Marriott’s long-term investment in Peru and strengthen its wider luxury portfolio across Latin America, which already includes key properties in Cusco and Paracas.
Rosewood will make its urban debut in Japan with landmark Tokyo hotel
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced Rosewood Tokyo, its first urban property in Japan, set to open in the heart of Roppongi as part of a major mixed-use development connected directly to Roppongi Subway Station. Developed in partnership with Mori Building Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd., the hotel will feature around 200 guestrooms and suites, including spacious three-bedroom accommodations, alongside destination dining, bars, wellness facilities, and event spaces. Inspired by Tokyo’s culture, craftsmanship, and culinary scene, the property will combine contemporary luxury with Rosewood’s signature “A Sense of Place” philosophy. Guests will enjoy access to Manor Club, the Asaya wellness concept, an indoor pool, yoga and fitness spaces, and a grand ballroom designed for international events and cultural exchange. Rosewood Tokyo marks the next phase of the brand’s expansion in Japan following the debut of Rosewood Miyakojima in 2025, while reinforcing the company’s broader growth across Asia Pacific and globally.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts debuts in the heart of Budapest
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has officially debuted in Hungary with the opening of The St. Regis Budapest, located within the historic Klotild Palace, a Neo-Baroque landmark overlooking the Danube in the heart of the city. Once a ceremonial gateway to Pest, the UNESCO-listed palace has been transformed into a luxurious retreat featuring 63 guestrooms and 39 suites, including the Klotild Tower Suite and a grand Presidential Suite with panoramic city views. Inspired by Budapest’s artistic heritage, opera culture, and famous thermal baths, the interiors blend Belle Époque grandeur with Art Nouveau elegance through rich textures, ceramics, bronze accents, and flowing design details. Guests can enjoy signature St. Regis Butler Service, sophisticated dining at 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, cocktails at The St. Regis Bar, and pastries at Klotild Patisserie. The hotel also features a serene spa with a hammam, Finnish sauna, indoor pool, and treatments inspired by Hungarian wellness traditions. Positioned near Budapest’s major landmarks, The St. Regis Budapest marks a significant new chapter for luxury hospitality in Central Europe, combining timeless glamour with contemporary refinement.
W Hotels continues its Italian expansion with the debut of W Sardinia
W Hotels has officially opened W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu, marking the brand’s debut in Sardinia and expanding its presence in Italy alongside W Rome and W Florence. Located on Sardinia’s northeast coast between Porto Cervo and Baia Sardinia, the resort overlooks the Marina dell’Orso in the picturesque village of Poltu Quatu, known as the “hidden port.” Designed by Meyer Davis and DE.TALES, the property features 157 guestrooms and suites inspired by the island’s landscapes, culture, and craftsmanship, with select suites offering private plunge pools and panoramic coastal views. The resort combines contemporary luxury with Sardinian heritage through curated local art, natural materials, and immersive social spaces including the W Lounge, WET Deck, AWAY Spa, and FIT wellness center. Dining is led by Chef Antonio Bitetto and Pastry Chef Fabrizio Fiorani, with highlights including the marina-front seafood restaurant TANIT. Guests can also enjoy island-inspired programming such as artisan workshops, live music, wellness experiences, and private boat excursions to hidden coves and the La Maddalena Archipelago, creating a vibrant luxury retreat deeply connected to Sardinia’s culture and natural beauty.
The Luxury Collection opens a hotel on the Greek island of Rhodes
The Luxury Collection has officially debuted on the Greek island of Rhodes with the opening of Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort, Rhodes, a refined seaside retreat overlooking the Mediterranean near the historic town of Lindos. Set along Kavos Beach and bordered by an ancient Hellenistic-Roman limestone quarry, the resort blends contemporary luxury with Rhodes’ rich cultural and archaeological heritage. Designed by London-based Studio Lost, the property features 197 elegant rooms and suites, including private pool accommodations and the exclusive Rhoda Presidential Suite. Guests can enjoy two private beaches, eight restaurants and bars celebrating Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences such as olive tastings and sunset aperitivos. Wellness is centered around Elispa, offering treatments inspired by traditional Greek ingredients alongside a modern fitness center, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. Through its thoughtful design, culinary experiences, and strong sense of place, Amoh introduces a sophisticated new expression of Greek island living while strengthening The Luxury Collection’s growing presence across Greece.
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