Product News
from the VIP World
Mandarin Oriental's Expansion Quickens
The luxury hotel brand now has a presence in Zurich on Paradeplatz with the former Savoy Baur de Ville becoming the new Mandarin Oriental Savoy. It has been completely redesigned and now has 44 rooms and 36 suites. Beginning some time in 2027, the brand will also make its debut in Hungary's capital, Budapest, where it will take over the landmark Gellért Hotel. In Japan, three boutique hotels will be added between 2027 and 2030 in the Setouchi region around the Seto Inland Sea.
Virgin Atlantic Boosts Winter Schedule
The British airline recently launched its flights to Dubai and the Maldives. Thanks to healthy demand, there will now be daily services to these destinations in winter 2024/25. Barbados is more popular, too. Instead of once a day, Virgin Atlantic will fly to the Caribbean island twice a day from London Heathrow, and four times a week from Manchester next winter. In summer, there will also be ten direct flights a day from LHR to New York-JFK and three to Boston. Some of these flights will be operated by Virgin Atlantic's partner, Delta.
Riverside Debussy Starts in March
Following the Riverside Mozart and Riverside Ravel (pictured), the Debussy will soon join the fleet. The third ship of the young brand for luxury river cruises will make its debut on March 23rd with its maiden voyage from Brussels to Amsterdam. Starting May 22nd, the Debussy will sail along three rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest, cruising the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube. The Riverside Debussy is identical in construction to the Ravel. Both were built in 2018 and taken over from the insolvent estate of Crystal Cruises.
Formentera Gets New Boutique Hotel
Luxury hotels on this Balearic island were few and far between, that is until now. The Marugal hotel brand wants to change that and is opening the Dunas de Formentera this summer. The new boutique hotel is located on Playa Migjorn on the south side of the island and is surrounded by forest and nature. That has significantly influenced the design of the hotel and its 45 rooms, which are spread across several buildings. Sand and terracotta tones as well as wooden textures can be found everywhere. The hotel also has a restaurant.
New Boat Model for Catlante Catamarans
The French catamaran charter company is planning to expand its fleet with two new builds. The two vessels, which have been specifically designed for Catlante Catamarans, are currently under construction by Normandy Yacht Services, and can already be booked, either as private charters, or per cabin. The aluminum Catlante 560s each have four cabins for up to ten guests apiece. The first new boat will be delivered on October 15th, 2024, and the second will follow suit on March 15th, 2025.
Four Seasons Unveils Mexico Villa
There is a new estate in the middle of the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita on Mexico's Pacific coast: Casa Tesoro. It measures an impressive 5,000 square meters (54,000sq. ft.), offers suites for up to 18 people, and is part of the Four Seasons Private Retreats. Guests have all of the resort's facilities at their disposal, but retain the option of autonomy. A private chef can work in the kitchen, and there's also an infinity pool, a private stretch of beach for the villa, as well as its own spa, gym, and even a speakeasy club.