Travel news: this month (March 2025) in luxury travel

Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news.

Today: March 2025 luxury travel news

Every last Friday of the month, you can read my news round-up of what’s happening in the world of luxury travel and aviation. In this issue:

1. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas, Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, is now open

Set across a lush 21-acre forested expanse, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas features 19 exquisitely appointed luxury tents and two expansive luxury villas with private pools, offering guests unparalleled privacy and a deep connection with nature. The resort’s design draws inspiration from the spirit of the Vindhya mountain ranges, the architectural traditions and artistic heritage of central India, and the tribal cultures that have thrived here for centuries. A highlight of the design is the striking entrance door—handcrafted by local artisans and carved with tribal motifs, setting the tone for the immersive experience. Push past this grand wooden door, hand-chiselled by Gond artisans, one of the two predominant indigenous communities in the region, and guests arrive at a soaring lounge and bar, bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and lined with pale local Katni stone. Guests can embark on expertly guided game drives with expert naturalists trained by acclaimed Ratna Singh, offering opportunities to encounter tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants and over 250 species of birds in their natural habitat. The park’s rising tiger population underscores the success of conservation efforts, making every safari an exhilarating experience. Beyond the wilderness, guests are invited to discover the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

2. SWISS unveils special livery for first A350 delivery

What do a rock legend, Switzerland personified reclining on a lounger and a cute alpine rodent have in common? They’re all featured in the new special livery that SWISS will be applying to its first Airbus A350 aircraft. The livery, named ‘SWISS Wanderlust’, spotlights the close ties between the airline and its home country and cities. The individual behind the special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery is Swiss artist Frédéric Siegel, who is well known for his unique illustrations and animations. The special livery’s design elements are more than just images: they’re a gateway to the fascinating interactive experience ‘SWISS Treasure Hunt’. All the illustrations which will be carried on the aircraft can be explored using augmented reality (AR) at swiss.com/treasurehunt. Users of this feature can discover hidden details, solve intriguing puzzles and – with a little luck – win the top prize of a round-trip Business Class flight for two aboard the new SWISS Airbus A350. When it receives its first Airbus A350-900, SWISS will be taking off into a new era of even greater efficiency and even more sustainability. The airline will take delivery of ten of these advanced and fuel-efficient long-haul twinjets over the next few years. The first aircraft, sporting the special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery, should enter service in late summer of this year.

3. Bhutan’s new airport aims to transform the country forever

According to CNN, Gelephu, in southern Bhutan near the border with India, has been selected as the site of this city. The airport’s first renderings show a series of wooden diamond-shaped structures, all of which are modular, making it easier to update or expand the airport in the future. The airport, like the country, will be carbon-negative, its designers say, and use rooftop solar panels for power. Gelephu International Airport will have capacity for 123 flights a day, with a maximum of 1.3 million passengers annually. That may be peanuts compared to mega-airports like London Heathrow or New York’s JFK, but it’s a huge figure for the landlocked country of Bhutan, which received just 316,000 tourists in 2019. Currently, all foreign visitors fly into Paro International Airport (PBH), near the capital of Thimpu. Due to Paro’s challenging location between two Himalayan peaks, strong monsoon-season winds and lack of runway lighting, only a few small aircraft a day can fly in or out, all of which are short-hauls from nearby Asian cities like New Delhi and Bangkok. Gelephu is already home to a small domestic airport, but it was chosen as the site for the new international airport due to its flatter terrain, which means there will be space for longer runways that can accommodate larger jets.

4. Korean Air unveils new corporate identity and aircraft livery

Korean Air has introduced its new corporate identity, revealing a modernized version of its signature Taegeuk symbol. The unveiling took place on March 11 at the airline’s headquarters hangar in Seoul during an exclusive event titled “Rising Night.” The redesigned deep blue Taegeuk symbol, displayed prominently during the event, reflects Korean Air’s heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The updated logo aligns with modern and global minimalist branding trends while preserving the airline’s distinct identity. The accompanying logotype, “Korean Air,” positioned next to the Taegeuk symbol, combines the airline’s national prestige with a refined visual identity. Featuring subtle brushstroke-inspired details, smooth curves and open connections, the design offers a modern interpretation of Korean elegance.

Adding to the excitement, Korean Air also unveiled its new aircraft livery. As the curtain lifted, a Boeing 787-10 featuring the new design was revealed. This aircraft, registered as HL8515, showcases the airline’s latest Prestige Suites 2.0 cabin interiors and is set to enter service on March 12, operating from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita.Korean Air’s new livery showcases a bold “KOREAN” logotype, symbolizing its confidence as South Korea’s flagship carrier. The modern design features an enlarged logo and symbol for greater visual impact while maintaining overall balance. While preserving its signature sky-blue color, the airline has introduced a newly developed paint for a metallic effect to enhance its premium image. The traditional cheatline has been removed, replaced by a smooth, flowing curve that sweeps across the fuselage, creating a more refined and contemporary look.

5. Edelweiss welcomes its first Airbus A350 in Zurich

Edelweiss is Switzerland’s leading leisure travel airline and flies to the most beautiful destinations in the world. Last March 13th, the company welcomed its first Airbus A350 at Zurich Airport this afternoon. The aircraft, with the registration HB-IHF, had previously taken off from Lourdes Airport (LDE). Hundreds of spectators, plane spotters and aviation fans gathered at Zurich Airport today to witness this moment up close. During its landing approach, the modern long-haul aircraft provided a goosebump moment: after a planned go-around manoeuvre, the Airbus A350 made a celebratory lap of the airport before finally touching down safely on runway 16 at 3:13 p.m. More than 100 employees and the Edelweiss management team were waiting to give the newest member of the fleet and its flight crew a fitting welcome. Initially, the Airbus A350 will fly short- and medium-haul routes, to allow the crew to be trained. From mid-May 2025, the aircraft will then be deployed on long-haul routes, starting with Las Vegas. With the introduction of the second Airbus A350 from the beginning of July 2025, the Zurich-Vancouver-Zurich route will be operated daily. Edelweiss is procuring a total of six Airbus A350-900 aircraft. By mid-2027, the five existing long-haul Airbus A340-300 aircraft will be replaced and Edelweiss’ long-haul fleet will be expanded back to its pre-coronavirus level of six aircraft.

6. Six Senses announces a resort on Portugal’s Blu Coast

Stripped-back yet refined, within striking distance of Lisbon yet a world away, Comporta has a singular charm and serene beauty. A few miles south is the new Pinheirinho coastal estate, many years in the making, that will set anew standard in mindful design. For decades, the 400-hectare Pinheirinho estate was privately owned and accessible by invitation only, with much of it remaining a protected nature reserve of pinewood forest. Six Senses was chosen to introduce a 70-key hotel and 58 branded residences as part of a holistic, enriching, and harmonious way of life that blends the timeless appeal of nature and community with the Six Senses hospitality ethos and signature offerings. The architecture celebrates the natural contours of aromatic pine forests, tranquil lakes, and undulating sand dunes, over which Atlantic rollers break on a golden beach that unfurls for miles. The dining venues aim to gather hotel guests, residents, and the local community in the art of culinary celebration. Hidden among towering pines, Six Senses Spa Comporta will be topped with green roofs to blend into the landscape. The spa will house an indoor/outdoor pool, steam and sauna, and range of hydrotherapy facilities.

7. One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana, USA, is now accepting reservations

Enveloped by fragrant pines and glistening peaks, One&Only’s first resort and Private Homes in the United States One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, is set to welcome guests from 18 November 2025 and is now accepting reservations. Offering guests a sneak peek into the resort’s future offering, the ultra-luxury brand’s first alpine resort unveiled its brand-new ski lodge, One&Only Sky Lodge, on 20 December 2024. Guarded by evergreen forests and snow-drenched peaks, One&Only Moonlight Basin will be a place always in season. Located in the untamed wilderness of Montana and surrounded by vast and treasured mountain ranges, the resort will be a short drive from Yellowstone National Park. The Moonlight Basin property spans over 8,000 acres and the One&Only resort is situated inside the community on 240 acres.

“One&Only has set soaring standards in ultra-luxury hospitality – unlocking each destination with integrity, innovation and individuality. We are thrilled to extend this legacy to our first property in the United States with One&Only Moonlight Basin, an unexpected contemporary architectural marvel in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana,” says Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “Deeply embedded in the wilderness of the American West, our first alpine resort offers unrivaled access to the pristine ski slopes, hiking trails and outdoor adventures, creating an exceptional year-round escape for our guests.” Serge Ditesheim, the resort’s General Manager, will be at the helm of the opening, following the successful launch of One&Only Mandarina in Mexico. He brings over two decades of international hospitality experience to the role.

8. Aman opens its new Bangkok property, Thailand, next week

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will be Aman’s first resort and residences in Bangkok, and its second in Thailand after Amanpuri in Phuket (which I reviewed here). Amid the skyscrapers of central Bangkok, Thailand’s first urban Aman hotel and residences will rise from the verdant sanctuary that is Nai Lert Park. Here, history and nature will come together to tell a new Aman story, one entwined with the exceptional legacy of Thailand’s revered Nai Lert family. Amid the leafy embrace of Nai Lert Park, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will offer guests and residents a peerless experience of the Thai capital. Designed with wraparound views, open-air terraces and an innovative central atrium by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston, the 36-storey building will house the 52-suite hotel, no more than 50 residences and unparalleled leisure and entertainment facilities. On the 19th floor, exclusive to Aman Club Founders, will be an open-air terrace with skyline views, as well as two restaurants, an atmospheric Aman Lounge, and a Cigar Bar. In addition, Founders will also have access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art wellness facilities.

9. Raffles will debut a hotel on the shores of Lake Como, Italy in 2027

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a leading luxury hotel brand of Accor, announced plans to bring the storied brand to the highly coveted Lake Como region, marking Raffles’ first property in Italy. Raffles Lake Como will be a full-scale renovation and conversion of the former Grand Hotel Imperiale, a stunning art nouveau villa from the 1920s with one of the largest hotel shorelines in the region. Raffles Lake Como will be designed to reflect the elegance of Raffles and the vibrancy of the Italian culture. In addition to the brand’s world-renowned butler service, the hotel is expected to feature 84 rooms, including 18 suites and 2 villas, many of which will showcase stunning views of the lake. The hotel is slated to offer exquisite lakeside culinary experiences, in addition to a signature Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bar. For the best in leisure offerings, the resort will include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and fitness centre, and beach club. Guests will enjoy private lake access, including an exclusive arrival and check-in experience from the water.

10. Waldorf Astoria announces a luxury resort in Texas, USA

Located less than one mile from downtown Fredericksburg, Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will provide a central location for visitors looking to indulge in the beauty of Texas Hill Country—the most popular wine-tasting destination in the state, the second most visited wine country in the United States and home to over 100 wineries. Designed in collaboration between Studio CABAN, FAB Studio, TIPLER Group, Studio Outside and Paul Duesing Partners, the resort will stand as a refined haven for all visitors set against the backdrop of the breathtaking countryside. Expected to open in 2027, the sprawling property will encompass 60 dedicated hotel guest rooms and suites, 37 branded multi-bedroom resort villas eligible to participate in a hotel rental program as 74 additional keys, and 50 branded private residences. The resort will also include five food and beverage concepts, an 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, two resort-style pools and more.

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