Rocca delle Tre Contrade in Sicily hosts renowned chefs for week-long culinary residencies. Pastry chef Claire Ptak recently led a program focusing on Sicilian pastries and local ingredients. The program is highly luxurious, combining gourmet cooking with stays in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa. It offers an immersive Sicilian experience, blending food, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Americans are planning a major travel surge in 2025, with increased budgets, trip frequency, and brand loyalty. Social media influencers significantly impact travel decisions, while international travel, ‘baecations,’ and luxury travel, particularly among Gen Z, are booming. This presents significant opportunities for the travel industry.
Azamara Cruises has announced its winter 2026-2027 cruise collection, featuring 66 new voyages, including eight Grand Voyages spanning 35+ nights. The collection includes European winter cruises, a return to China, and diverse itineraries across five continents. Azamara emphasizes immersive experiences, longer port stays, and exclusive onboard amenities.
Andrew Harper’s 2024 Editors’ Choice Awards celebrate the best in luxury travel, with &Beyond Punakha River Lodge in Bhutan named Hideaway of the Year. The awards, based on incognito editor reviews, highlight top hotels, restaurants, and experiences globally, emphasizing authenticity in an AI-driven world.
Slow travel, a rising trend, emphasizes immersive cultural experiences and relaxation over superficial indulgence. Destinations like the Maldives, Jamaica, and Crete showcase this trend by offering authentic interactions, local traditions, and sustainable adventures. These experiences create deeper connections with the world, aligning with the growing desire for meaningful travel.
Pula Heritage & Resort Hotel Monumenti in Croatia is set to open in Spring 2025, blending historical charm with modern luxury. This €35 million hotel is part of a larger €85 million development and will offer stunning sea views, luxurious amenities, and create around 70 jobs. It aims to position Pula as a top destination for luxury tourism and conferences.
Sino Jet, a global leader in business aviation, has opened its Middle East headquarters in partnership with Dubai’s Falcon. This collaboration combines Sino Jet’s global network with Falcon’s regional expertise, offering enhanced services and addressing the growing demand for luxury business aviation in the Middle East. The partnership aims to redefine industry standards through innovation and personalized service.
Druk Asia, a Bhutanese luxury travel specialist, wins the Best Luxury Travel Specialist in Bhutan award. They offer bespoke experiences, from adventure treks to cultural immersions, and partner with prestigious hotels. Druk Asia also launched MICE Bhutan for corporate events, emphasizing sustainability and cultural authenticity.
The Soleil cruise ship, redesigned by architect Vanessa Victor, blends ancient Egyptian grandeur with modern elegance, offering a luxurious Nile cruise experience between Luxor and Aswan. The ship’s stunning design, incorporating local craftsmanship and contemporary amenities, sets a new standard for Nile cruises, attracting discerning travelers seeking culturally immersive and exclusive experiences.
Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo, and Sharjah are experiencing a surge in luxury tourism, blending modern amenities with rich cultural heritage. Significant investments in infrastructure and entertainment are driving economic growth and attracting affluent travelers. These cities are solidifying their positions as global leaders in luxury travel.
