From the opening of one of London's most anticipated hotels to a luxurious, locally inspired new resort making waves in Baja California, here are our picks of the most exciting debuts in luxury travel this month.
London's New Landmark: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Opens
This month marks the grand opening of one of the city's most anticipated hotels, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. Located on Hanover Square, the hotel is the first new build in the area in over a decade. Designed by renowned architects RSHP, the hotel's façade blends in with the surrounding Georgian architecture, while interiors, conceived by Tokyo-based design studio Curiosity, subtly capture the ambience and leafy charm of the square.
A more intimate sister property to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, the 50-room hotel offers a variety of accommodation, from Deluxe Rooms to the striking Mayfair Suite, boasting a full-size kitchen and a striking centrepiece sculpture. Delicious cuisine awaits guests, including the intimate Chef's Table Dosa, the stylish ABar Lounge and the opening of Michelin-starred chef Akira Buck's first UK restaurant. The spacious basement spa features Mayfair's largest swimming pool and a range of pampering amenities, including a vitality pool and steam sauna facilities.
The Golden Age of Travel: RIMOWA x Aimé Léon Doret
RIMOWA has collaborated with fashion label Aimé Léon Dore to launch a new collection that revives the romanticism of the golden age of travel at the beginning of the 20th century. The collection features two distinctive pieces, the RIMOWA x Aimé Léon Dore Chest and the RIMOWA x Aimé Léon Dore Cabin, both of which feature brown leather handles, gold embossed co-branded logo badges and bespoke interiors inspired by ancient Greek postage stamp iconography, one of Aimé Léon Dore's signatures.
Vineyard Vitality: Banyan Tree Bella Valle de Guadalupe Opens in Baja California
Banyan Tree Bella Valle de Guadalupe makes its debut in Baja California. The resort features 30 villas set into rolling hills, complete with pools, breezy terraces and panoramic valley views. Embracing local culture, the resort offers curated experiences that highlight the region's artisans, including meditative labyrinth walks and traditional temazcal sessions at the spa, wine tastings from the resort's private vineyard and meals that highlight Baja's rich culinary traditions using fresh ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques.
Sophistication at Sea: Silver Ray Joins Silversea Cruises' Nova Class Fleet
Silversea Cruises has added Silver Ray to its renowned Nova Class fleet, a ship that is expected to set a new standard in ultra-luxury cruising. With unparalleled energy efficiency and a distinctive asymmetrical design highlighted by extensive exterior glass, the ship will offer guests a truly immersive experience with the sea. Featuring the most extensive selection of bars, restaurants and lounges in her class, the acclaimed Otium wellness program and culinary experiences curated by SALT, Silver Ray is ready to impress guests.
Prestige Travel Diary
“On a recent trip to Italy, my wife and I traveled from Milan to Tuscany and then to Florence. In Tuscany, we stayed at COMO Castello del Nero, a resort set in a 12th century castle, which was my favorite part of the region. Highlights included the charming city of Siena, the quaint hill town of San Gimignano, and my top pick, a must-see winery, Antinori nel Chianti Classico, which stood out for its captivating architecture and amazing wines.”
– Vasu Virajsilp, Founder and Principal Architect, Vaslab Architecture
Featured image: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.
