Luxury travel tips

India is actively promoting itself as the next big wedding destination. At the first “Wed in India” Expo ongoing in Jaipur till Wednesday, tourism ministry official Manisha Saxena said that the rapid infrastructure development across India is aiding destination weddings. 

Michelin revealed its top picks for hotels in Italy, using its new hotel “key” system. Only a small number of hotels made the grade.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, April 30. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Portrait Milano is a case study in how to put a new luxury hotel on the map. The 73-room property opened in Milan’s fashion district in December 2022. It’s part of the Lungarno Collection — a set of boutique hotels solely owned by the family behind fashion house Ferragamo.

The Sirreti List is a first in its sector as an independent guide launching in Spring 2024 showcasing exceptional vacation rentals, which have met the Sirreti accreditation standard, and as such are amongst the very best in the world.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) aimed for 300 hotels by 2025-26. But the parent company of Taj Hotels reached this goal two years early. The hotel group now has 309 hotels by the end of the 2023-24 financial year.

Luxury travel has grown in popularity in recent years, with the sector’s boom expected to continue this year. So what are the major trends in luxury travel?

The Luxury Chalet Company is a portfolio of some of the most super luxe ski properties available to rent across Europe, offering a money can buy experience to those who have the cash to splash. Launched in 2022 by Cameron Temple, The Luxury Chalet Company’s passion for premium alpine properties began on the slopes. As avid skiers and snowboarders, the team has spent many decades in Europe’s most popular ski resorts witnessing a shift in the accommodation available. Where there were once rather standard holiday homes, gradually more and more exquisite slopeside properties have begun to emerge across Europe. Today, the continent’s luxury ski chalets are some of the world’s most opulent, and with the amenities to match. From outdoor pools overlooking the snow capped mountains to temperature-controlled cellars filled with some of the rarest French wines around.

LXR is a Hilton brand with 14 luxury hotels and resorts. Last week, Hilton announced a deal for an LXR resort in Saudi Arabia, and it has seven other properties in its pipeline worldwide.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, and leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company Four Seasons announce the development of a new luxury wellness resort and Private Residences at Triple Bay AMAALA.

For true travellers, it’s never enough to simply see the world – one must experience it. Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, invites guests to go beyond the sights and souvenirs and into the heart of each destination it calls home, sharing the stories of people and places that will be the starting point for each traveller’s own story. “The Middle East and Africa offers an incredible range of opportunities to explore, learn from and be inspired by, given the centuries of history and culture found in abundance here,” says Adrian Messerli, who was appointed to the role of Four Seasons President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa last year and is now based in Dubai. “As Four Seasons pairs ancient wonders with modern luxury for today’s adventurous travellers, we invite you to join us in being part of the continuously unfolding story of the region.”

Skift Research’s latest report, “Navigating Q4 2023: Analysing the Value of Travel Credit Cards in the U.S.”, presents a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. travel landscape. This report introduces a special focus on travel credit cards alongside U.S. travel highlights.​

Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Named the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 m (124 ft) yacht will operate on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands. Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure. “A uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, the Galapagos is a natural choice for the further expansion of our portfolio in South America. We are absolutely thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring our brand of responsible tourism to this precious part of the world, which the Ecuadorian government has protected from over-tourism by strictly limiting the number of operating licences issued,” says andBeyond Executive Chairman & CEO, Joss Kent.

A romantic escape is the best gift imaginable. Picture the most astounding beach you’ve ever stepped foot on and an impossibly idyllic island that makes for a dream getaway. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort are pleased to present specially crafted experiences as part of the Marriott Bonvoy in the Maldives romantic programing, ‘Eternally Ours,’ which guests can take advantage of until the end of the year. For a limited time only, Marriott Bonvoy in the Maldives invites couples to experience a luxurious getaway to celebrate meaningful occasions, whether it’s birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries, or babymoons. This package incorporates two carefully curated romantic experiences and culinary indulgence through breakfast and dinner.  The booking period starts from February 1 to February 29, 2024, for stays from February 1 to December 21, 2024, ensuring that couples will have the opportunity to celebrate love throughout the year.

Luxury cruise expert Mundy Cruising has launched an extraordinary programme, The Ultimate Luxury Cruise, which combines iconic destinations, amazing travel experiences and superlative accommodations to create a 105-day journey, departing Tokyo on 14th April 2025 and finishing in Dubrovnik on 26th July 2025. Customer research at the top end of the market by Mundy Cruising has revealed a range of travel trends and priorities for its discerning client base, including longer trips, slow travel, iconic experiences, bucket list destinations and a desire to return to gentler (and arguably Pre-Covid) times.

The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Aquellum, a luxury and experiential space embedded within the mountains, and the latest striking addition to the ongoing regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia. With its foundations steeped in cutting-edge technology, avant-garde architecture and forward-thinking concepts, Aquellum will offer guests a taste of futuristic living through its array of pioneering experiences.

To continue with JA Manafaru’s 2024 visiting VIP practitioner program, the island team has announced that from the 31st January to the 13th February guests can experience the wisdom and positive energy of internationally-acclaimed healer Vandana Mendonca.

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, the newest luxury hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai, invites guests to discover the best of northern Thailand with three exclusive experiences that showcase the local heritage and natural beauty of the region.

The Vietage by Anantara announces the introduction of a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon commencing its first journey on 15th May 2024.

Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons announces the latest line-up of Private Jet itineraries for 2025 with insider perspectives on the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience through guest testimonials. From the idyllic shores of the Maldives to the endless plains of the Serengeti, the three final journeys for 2025, International Intrigue, African Wonders, and World of Adventures, return with exciting new destinations and experiences, including an extended private cruise exploration of the Galápagos islands and a stay at the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. Based on a True Stay

Nature’s Playground unveils its tantalising festive programme, with traditions wrapped up in island style and uniquely Niyama intrigue. Throughout the season, guests are invited to give in to indulgence, with daily tantalising culinary experiences, expertly paired with award-winning wines from our selection, spa bliss & holistic treatments with visiting practitioners from around the world.