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Today: July 2026 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:
- Mamula Island by Banyan Tree celebrates its official opening
- Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island is now open
- Six Senses AMAALA opens in Saudi Arabia
- JW Marriott Mount Kenya opens a new safari lodge in Kenya
- The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún debuts in Mexico
- Hilton is bringing its Waldorf Astoria brand to Miami South Beach
- The iconic Danieli Hotel in Venice reopens as a Four Seasons property
- W Hotels makes its debut in Saudi Arabia
- Aman Hotels hints at South Korea debut
- Beond Airlines makes huge updates to its route network
Mamula Island by Banyan Tree celebrates its official opening
Mamula Island by Banyan Tree has officially joined the Banyan Tree portfolio, transforming a restored 19th-century fortress at the entrance to Montenegro’s UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor into a secluded 32-room luxury island retreat. Accessible by private boat or helicopter, the resort combines heritage architecture with contemporary design, offering sea-view rooms and award-winning suites, destination-led dining inspired by the Adriatic and Montenegrin coast, and the brand’s signature Banyan Tree Spa featuring holistic wellness therapies and state-of-the-art facilities. Guests can explore the surrounding coastline through kayaking, paddleboarding and curated cultural excursions, while an Artists-in-Residence programme, live performances and local workshops celebrate Montenegro’s creative heritage. Blending history, sustainability, wellness and immersive experiences, Mamula Island by Banyan Tree offers an exclusive sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, culture and the spectacular landscapes of the Adriatic while also serving as a unique venue for private events and celebrations.
Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island is now open
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island has officially opened, offering a new benchmark in barefoot luxury where sustainability, wellness and adventure come together on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Located just 25 minutes from Red Sea International Airport, the LEED Platinum-certified resort features 149 rooms and suites, 31 residences, six dining venues and a spa inspired by the region’s natural elements. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the island invites guests to explore one of the world’s largest barrier reef systems through snorkelling, diving, kayaking and marine conservation experiences, while land-based adventures include hiking, climbing and ziplining. Culinary offerings celebrate local flavours, plant-forward cuisine and Saudi coffee traditions, while wellness rituals draw on the healing properties of the Red Sea. With family-friendly experiences, championship golf, tranquil pools and 1.3 kilometres of pristine beach, the resort embodies regenerative tourism, encouraging guests to connect with nature, culture and the destination in a meaningful way.
Six Senses AMAALA Opens in Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global has announced the opening of Six Senses AMAALA, a beachfront wellness resort in the Triple Bay area of AMAALA that will welcome its first guests in mid-July. The property marks the second collaboration between Red Sea Global and Six Senses, following the debut of Six Senses Southern Dunes in 2023, and reflects the developer’s commitment to regenerative tourism, sustainability and luxury hospitality. Inspired by traditional Saudi coastal architecture, the resort features 100 suites and villas, 25 branded residences, a signature Six Senses Spa with advanced longevity and biohacking facilities, and wellness programmes combining holistic therapies with modern technology. Guests can enjoy three restaurants, a bakery, coffee roastery and cooking school, alongside nature-focused experiences centred on a mangrove lagoon, Earth Lab and conservation initiatives. With access to AMAALA’s marine, desert and cultural attractions, the resort further strengthens the destination’s vision as a world-class wellness hub supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
JW Marriott Mount Kenya opens a new safari lodge in Kenya
JW Marriott has opened the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp in Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve, introducing a wellness-focused safari experience set within a 45,000-acre private conservancy renowned for rhino conservation. The luxury camp features 19 nature-inspired tented suites with views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges and surrounding savannah, combining contemporary design with Kenyan craftsmanship. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, cycling and bespoke adventures, alongside farm-to-table dining showcasing fresh local ingredients and wellness treatments inspired by regional botanicals. Sustainability and community engagement are central to the experience, with solar-powered operations, water conservation initiatives, support for local schools and women’s empowerment projects, and opportunities to learn about wildlife rehabilitation at the Solio Rhino Orphanage, creating a meaningful blend of luxury, conservation and authentic Kenyan hospitality.
The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún debuts in Mexico
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has opened The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún, bringing its signature luxury and bespoke service to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Located north of Cancún near the ancient El Meco archaeological site, the beachfront resort blends contemporary design with Maya heritage, offering 163 guestrooms, 50 suites and panoramic views of white sand beaches, mangroves and the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Designed by Sordo Madaleno, the property showcases local craftsmanship, while nine dining venues celebrate Mexican and global flavours. Guests can enjoy hallmark St. Regis rituals such as Afternoon Tea and Champagne Sabrage alongside cultural workshops, coral reef restoration experiences and wellness journeys at the St. Regis Spa, inspired by traditional Mexican healing. With oceanfront pools, family-friendly activities, elegant event spaces and the brand’s renowned Butler Service, the resort positions Costa Mujeres as one of Mexico’s premier luxury destinations for travelers seeking culture, relaxation and refined hospitality.
Hilton is bringing its Waldorf Astoria brand to Miami South Beach
Hilton and Reuben Brothers have announced plans to transform a landmark oceanfront property (formerly W South Beach Hotel) on Collins Avenue into Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach, marking the luxury brand’s debut in the Miami Beach market ahead of its planned reopening in Winter 2027. The extensively renovated resort will feature 348 spacious suites, all with private balconies and ocean views, alongside a redesigned arrival experience with the signature Peacock Alley, new dining concepts, a luxury spa and wellness centre, enhanced pool deck with private cabanas, upgraded fitness facilities and revitalised event spaces. Designed by Avenue Interior Design, the property will combine Waldorf Astoria’s timeless elegance and personalised service with Miami Beach’s vibrant culture and coastal lifestyle. Once complete, the hotel will join Waldorf Astoria’s global portfolio of 40 properties, reinforcing Hilton’s growing luxury presence in Florida while further elevating one of Miami Beach’s most iconic beachfront addresses.
Danieli, Venezia, a Four Seasons Hotel is now open
The iconic Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel has reopened following an extensive restoration, welcoming guests back to its spectacular location on the Riva degli Schiavoni. Originally built in 1471 as the residence of the noble Dandolo family, the hotel spans three historic palaces and currently offers 120 rooms and suites, increasing to 168 when Palazzo Danieli Excelsior is completed in 2027. Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has reimagined Palazzo Dandolo and Casa Nuova, blending Venetian Gothic heritage with contemporary elegance. Interiors feature lagoon-inspired colours, restored gilding, Murano glass, terrazzo floors, Rubelli textiles and carefully curated artworks. Spacious rooms and suites overlook the Lagoon, canals or rooftops and combine historic character with discreet modern technology. The celebrated rooftop Terrazza Danieli has also been transformed, offering breathtaking views of San Giorgio Maggiore alongside contemporary Italian cuisine with a Venetian twist by Executive Chef Adriano Rausa.
W Hotels makes its debut in Saudi Arabia
W Hotels has made its debut in Saudi Arabia with the opening of W Riyadh – KAFD, a new luxury lifestyle hotel in the capital’s King Abdullah Financial District. Designed by LW Design, the property blends W Hotels’ contemporary aesthetic with Saudi heritage, incorporating Najdi-inspired textiles, Al Sadu weaving patterns, stone, marble and works by Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem. The hotel features 210 guestrooms, including 17 suites, two penthouse suites and the spectacular 390-square-metre W Penthouse with two bedrooms, living and dining spaces, an office, gym, steam room and sauna. Dining and social venues include Latin American-inspired Sira, coffee house Beni and the Mediterranean-style WET Deck with poolside cabanas, while outdoor lounge Sahari will open later this year. Guests can also enjoy the signature AWAY Spa and FIT gym. With 15 flexible meeting rooms and a ballroom, W Riyadh – KAFD combines design, dining, wellness and social experiences while bringing the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service to Saudi Arabia for the first time.
Aman hints at South Korea debut with new $500 Million partnership
Shinsegae Group has partnered with global real estate developer OKO Group to develop luxury hotels and residences for Aman Group, in a move that strongly hints at the arrival of the Aman brand in South Korea. OKO Group CEO Vladislav Doronin owns both OKO Group and Aman Group, which operates the ultra-luxury Aman and Janu brands. The partners plan to establish a joint venture with an initial investment of $500 million to develop Aman and Janu hotels and branded residences, alongside mixed-use projects in Korea and overseas. The venture combines Shinsegae’s expertise in large-scale integrated developments with OKO Group’s experience developing Aman properties worldwide. Aman currently operates 36 hotels, resorts and residences across 21 destinations, while sister brand Janu is expanding globally. Shinsegae is best known for its Starfield developments, combining retail, hospitality, entertainment and culture. While no specific Korean Aman project has yet been announced, the partnership makes a future Aman or Janu property in South Korea increasingly likely.
Beond Airlines makes huge updates to its network
Premium leisure airline beOnd is expanding its European network to Saudi Arabia’s The Red Sea, with direct all-premium flights launching from London, Paris, Moscow, Zurich and Munich from December 2026, while its Milan service returns in October. Flights will operate up to three times weekly using Airbus A320-family aircraft featuring lie-flat seats, gourmet dining and personalised service. The expansion will significantly improve European access to The Red Sea’s rapidly growing collection of ultra-luxury resorts, although the commercial dynamics behind the move are noteworthy. Saudi tourism and aviation authorities are supporting the expansion, suggesting incentives may play an important role in making these relatively niche routes viable. The shift also reduces beOnd’s reliance on Dubai as an intermediate stop, while questions remain over how onboard alcohol service will be handled on Saudi-bound flights. More broadly, the ambitious expansion comes amid ongoing questions surrounding the young airline’s financial position and long-term sustainability.
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The post Travel News: This Month (July 2026) in Luxury Travel appeared first on Luxury Travel Expert.