Hot News
from ILTM Cannes 2025
Four Seasons Finally Returns to Berlin
Four Seasons is making its return to the German capital after 20 years. The luxury hotel brand will take over Berlin’s Hotel de Rome at the end of 2027, following a full renovation. Until late 2026, the property will continue to operate under Gruppo Statuto as Hotel de Rome. The landmark building on Bebelplatz will then reopen as the Four Seasons Hotel Berlin with about 140 rooms, several F&B outlets, and a new spa. General Manager will be Christian Poda, formerly based at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.
Belmond Debuts Pompeji-Route
Belmond will start a new route on its Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in spring 2026, taking guests from Paris to Pompeji. The brand is also launching "Villeggiatura by Train", a series of journeys combining rail travel with stays at Belmond hotels. In South Africa, Mount Nelson will debut three new Magugu Suites and the Magugu House in January. And on April 28, Villa San Michele will reopen after an 18-month renovation – now featuring a spa. On Sicily, Villa Timeo will complement the Grand Hotel Timeo starting in May 2026.
Aman Looses the Summer Palace
Chinese travel agent platforms have been buzzing for days, and now the confirmation is official: Aman Summer Palace will remain an Aman property only until December 29, 2025. After that date, the owners intend to operate it independently as the Summer Palace Hotel. While no formal explanation has been shared, industry chatter points to a reluctance from the owners to invest at the level required to maintain Aman’s brand standards. A lower revPAR has also been discussed as a contributing factor.
Regent Seven Seas Expands Its Concierge Collection
For the 2027/28 season, Regent Seven Seas is expanding its partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). Twelve new three-night land programs ahead of select sailings will be available to book starting December 22. These pre-cruise packages include stays at ten of GHA’s most renowned properties, including Capella Sydney and Pan Pacific Singapore Orchard. Regent has also announced a collaboration with Knightsbridge Circle Concierge. Guests booked in the top-tier Regent Suite and Skyview Regent Suite aboard the new Seven Seas Prestige will receive this elite concierge service at no extra cost, handling both everyday and extraordinary requests on land. Sister brand Oceania Cruises shared updates as well: its upcoming ship, Oceania Sonata, will introduce the line’s first dedicated Nikkei-cuisine restaurant, along with a new French-bistro-style F&B venue. Oceania Sonata debuts in 2027, while Seven Seas Prestige enters service in late 2026.
Singita Buys Mozambique Isle
Singita shows no signs of slowing down. The family-owned African luxury brand has four new lodges in the pipeline, starting with Elela – its first camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta – opening on December 11, 2026. The property will feature eight circular suites connected by elevated walkways, with a second lodge in the area already being planned. Singita has also purchased Paradise Island off the coast of Mozambique to establish a marine conservation area, where two additional luxury properties are set to be developed.
Zephalto Offers Pioneer Journey
Daring travelers have until January 31, 2026 to secure a truly singular adventure: the Zephalto Pioneers Program offers the chance to be among the first to travel to the stratosphere with Zephalto in summer 2026, experiencing Earth from roughly 25 kilometers above. The focus is on sustainable, low-carbon spaceflight solutions. Scientific data will also be collected during the journey. Participants will be inducted into the Hall of Pioneers, featured in a TV documentary, and invited to join press events along the way.
Luxury Resort .Here Debuts in Baa Atoll
The Maldives are welcoming a new gem: .Here by Seaside Collection opens on December 15. Set in the Baa Atoll, the island sits about 30 minutes by speedboat from Hanifaru Bay. The resort spans two private islands: "Somewhere", home to the residences, and "Nowhere", where the public spaces are located. A standout architectural feature: the elongated, two-story residences function as both beach villas and overwater villas, each with an impressive 45- to 47-meter (147 to 154 feet) infinity pool.
Hilton Luxury Brands Embrace “Hushpitality”
The Hilton Luxury Brands press conference kicked off with a smile: CMO Mark Weinstein (second from right) greeted the audience with a playful "Welcome to day 47 of ILTM." We feel you! And Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Global Category Head (far right), joked that he’s genuinely relieved no one is asking about Waldorf Astoria New York anymore. The spotlight has shifted to Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch – and GM Guillaume Marly (at the microphone) suddenly found himself center stage. Like all new openings within Hilton Luxury, the property will align with the "quiet luxury" movement: no loud statements, just being present where guests want to travel and fulfilling their needs effortlessly. As Dino Michael put it, "We firmly believe it’s purpose first, destination second, hotel third."
Numo Runs New Conrad Corfu
Hilton is adding a new luxury address to Greece with the upcoming Conrad Corfu, slated to open for the summer 2026 season. Located in southern Corfu, the resort will offer 136 rooms, suites, and villas – many featuring heated pools, jacuzzis, or direct access to the Aqua Piazza water landscape. A four-bedroom villa is also in the plans. Guests can look forward to multiple restaurants, a wellness area with spa, a kids club, and curated cultural programming. The property will be operated by Numo Hotels & Resorts.
Explora Journeys Goes Global
Explora I is set for its first-ever world cruise, departing January 6, 2029, on a 128-day journey from Dubai to Barcelona. The itinerary spans 29 countries, 63 ports, and four continents, with highlights including first-time calls in Australia and New Zealand, a Panama Canal transit, the South Pacific, and the Azores. The voyage is divided into seven segments, catering to guests with ample time for deep discovery. Arrival is scheduled for May 14, 2029. Meanwhile, Explora III will offer a special prelude sailing in 2026 ahead of its inaugural voyage.
Meliá Announces 23 New Openings
Meliá Hotels International continues to accelerate its growth in the luxury and lifestyle space, with 23 new properties slated to open worldwide by 2026 – including locations in Bali, the Maldives, Dubai, and the Seychelles. The brand is also expanding its luxury all-inclusive portfolio with new additions such as Paradisus Bali (pictured) and the revamped Paradisus Cancún. Meliá is equally committed to small-scale, character-driven projects, including Casa Alameda Cádiz and two boutique openings on Gozo (Malta).
Scenic Unveils Scenic Ikon’s 2028/29 Debut Season
Arriving as an all-new ship class, the Scenic Ikon will be noticeably larger than her predecessors. With 26,500 gross tons and a length of 205 meters (672 feet), she surpasses the 168-meter (551 feet) Scenic Eclipse I and II. The new yacht, set to launch in April 2028, will accommodate 270 guests in 135 suites, each with its own veranda. The maiden voyage from Venice is already sold out. Her debut season, running through March 2029, includes 110 ports across 21 countries and introduces 26 new destinations. Operated as a fully all-inclusive yacht, Scenic Ikon is designed for both warm-water and polar regions, featuring Polar Code 6 certification and an ice-reinforced 1A Super hull. Onboard offerings include 15 F&B venues, a two-level spa, two helicopters, a submarine, plus Zodiacs and tenders.
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Six Senses London Comes to Bayswater
Set in a standout location, Six Senses London is slated to open in Q2 2026 in Bayswater, housed within the historic former department store The Whiteley. The hotel will feature 109 guestrooms and suites along with 14 Six Senses residences. A rare perk for London: 30 accommodations will include balconies. The project forms part of a broader revitalization of the entire neighborhood. Inside, rooms highlight natural light and Art Deco influences, enhanced by a striking design detail – a shower positioned at the center of the space.
Bicester Collection Builds on Long Island
The Bicester Collection is keeping busy on the luxury retail front. At La Vallée Village Paris, an entire floor of new Personal Shopping Suites has just been added (pictured), while on Long Island – about half an hour from Manhattan – a new village is taking shape. Belmond Park Village is a pilot project designed to blend fashion, dining, and entertainment, with a multi-purpose arena for sports events and concerts being built right next door. Good to know: The Bicester Collection is now a member of Serandipians.
