Sofitel unveils some special sweet treats

Sometime it is the little things that define an enjoyable hotel stay. 

Sofitel, a pioneer of French luxury hospitality, has just unveiled a global collaboration with Nespresso running from September until November 26 at 20 selected Sofitel properties worldwide. 

A new bespoke croissant and coffee combo is being delivered through the Please Disturb experience, a fun in-room taster. 

Building on the international success of La Haute Croissanterie by Sofitel, the limited-edition collab stars the café-croissant combo. 

Each pairing features freshly baked pastries meeting roasted Nespresso coffee. 

“Partnering with Nespresso for this latest limited-edition run of La Haute Croissanterie has allowed us to elevate one of gastronomy's most iconic pairings, the inimitable café-croissant, into a truly harmonious moment," says a very excited Anne-Cécile Degenne, corporate executive chef, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.

"By combining the creativity of our pastry chefs with the expertise of Nespresso's coffee experts, we have crafted a fresh expression of French art de vivre that guests can enjoy in the privacy of their own room. 

"The final coffee touch adds theatre and flair, celebrating this perfect French pairing and ensuring every element feels uniquely personal.” 

The pairing menu invites guests to discover three signature La Haute Croissanterie creations: Le Brulé: cappuccino mousse brûlée and crispy honey cream croissant; L'Epicé: spicy chocolate coffee and  coffee-choco exotic croissant and Le Tonique: iced orange espresso tonic and Paris Brest croissant. 

The pairings are available on demand throughout the day via room service. 

The Croissant & Coffee Pairing Menu will be available at selected Sofitel properties worldwide, including Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Brisbane Central. 

See sofitel.com

Andaz hotel brand set to make its Australian debut

 

The new Andaz Gold Coast is now accepting reservations ahead of its late 2026 opening, marking the debut of the globally known lifestyle hotel brand in Australia and the Pacific.

Located in Broadbeach, the heart of the glitter strip, the 202-room hotel will bring Andaz’s "design-led, locally-rooted" approach to hospitality to the dynamic coastal destination. 

Guests can expect contemporary guest rooms and suites, dining and social spaces, local experiences, elevated wellness and a pool deck designed to aid guests transition from laid-back days to vibrant evenings.

The site is surrounded by resorts, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping, placing guests moments from the beach, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Andaz Gold Coast represents an important milestone as the Andaz brand prepares to debut in Australia and the Pacific,” says David Udell, executive vice president and group president for Asia Pacific at Hyatt. 

“The hotel has been designed to capture the optimism, creative energy and natural contrasts of the Gold Coast, giving guests new ways to experience the destination through design, food, culture and personal discovery."

The design was conceived by Australian architecture firm DBI Architects, with interiors by award-winning design firm Hachem. 

Nove Restaurant and Bar will "reinterpret Mediterranean hospitality through a modern Australian lens" while Vista Lounge and Verde Bar (below) will be a destinations for cocktails and bites. 

The rooms and suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows with select rooms (that means more expensive rooms) will have private outdoor spaces.

The Grand Opening Offer provides 20% off eligible room rates, with World of Hyatt members able to receive an enhanced saving of 25%. The offer is available to book until December 22 for stays between December 14 and June 30, 2027.

Guests seeking an elevated coastal escape can book the Gold Coast Escape package, which includes a $100 dining and drinking credit and complimentary upgrade. World of Hyatt members can receive an additional 5% off eligible rates. 

Phnom Penh to get the first Ritz Carlton in Cambodia

Cambodia is a fascinating Asian destination, a little rougher around the edges than some of its neighbours, but all the more interesting for that.

Marriott International and The Royal Group have announced plans to debut The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand in Cambodia in 2032 with The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh.

The plans reveal a new 152-key Ritz-Carlton Hotel alongside 119 branded residences.

“The Ritz-Carlton is defined by its presence in destinations of cultural significance and enduring appeal, and Phnom Penh embodies the promise and vitality we seek in the world's great cities,” said Brad Edman, regional market vice president for Marriott International.

“Combining an unrivalled downtown location with legendary service, sophisticated design, and a remarkable collection of hotel accommodations and branded residences, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh are set to establish new benchmarks for luxury living and hospitality in the Cambodian capital.”

Located in a prime spot on Norodom Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the Daun Penh district of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penhare planned to form part of a new mixed-use development which also features an office tower.

The new hotel will be on the doorstep of the city’s main cultural and commercial attractions, including the Central Market, Royal Palace, and National Museum of Cambodia, while Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport is 20km away.

The rooms and suites will have views across the city and Mekong River. The design plans also include scope for an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness centre, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and five restaurants and lounges, including a sky bar and an exclusive Club Lounge.

For info see www.ritzcarlton.com

Mountain High: Ardour Lilianfels unveils new spa offerings

One of Australia’s newest contemporary spa brands has landed in the Blue Mountains with Ardour Lilianfels unveiling a contemporary luxury day spa and wellness offering - Èliva Blue Mountains.

The new spa features "soft, contemporary interiors" across four treatment rooms, a recovery lounge with vibroacoustic bed (never tried one of them), traditional saunas, steam rooms and mineral pools. 

The space offers a selection of holistic, full-body treatments across the brand’s three core pillars":  Rest, Recovery and Invigorate.

Treatments include advanced body therapies, "high-performance facials and innovative recovery rituals, combining the latest evidence-based practices and advanced technology", with products including those from Hungarian luxury skincare house, Omorovicza.

A range of botanical oils including avocado, macadamia, grapeseed and apricot will be on offer for guests to infuse with Èliva’s own essential oil blend featuring kunzea, cedarwood, blue cypress, juniper berry and lime, which are reportedly inspired by the Blue Mountains region, west of Sydney.

“The launch of Èliva brings something completely fresh to the Blue Mountains region," says Èliva Blue Mountains Spa manager Trudi Zurlinden. 

"It will move away from the traditional spa approach to offer a holistic, whole-body experience that is truly connected to each individual guest’s needs.

“Our goal is to create a space where guests can deeply relax and restore their energy by approaching wellness as a complete ecosystem– one that matches the peaceful nature of the Blue Mountains region.”

Èliva’s arrival marks a milestone in the estate’s multimillion-dollar refurbishment by Salter Brothers Hospitality. 

Èliva Blue Mountains is now open Monday to Thursday 10am-5pm and Friday-Sunday 9am- 6pm.

See https://www.worldsapart.club/ardour/lilianfels/wellness

Myriad new wellness options land at Chiva-Som

Chiva-Som Hua Hin, a pioneering health and wellness resort for over 31 years, has introduced a range of new treatments from sound therapy to a sport-focused massage for recovery and injury prevention. 

The treatments at the luxe Thai facility now number over 200 options. 

The Tuning Fork Sound Resonance Therapy sees precision-tuned frequencies used to support circulation and a sense of energetic balance through vibrational sound. 

Guests can book this for a 30% reduction on the standard rate, available from August 1 to December 31. 

The Onsen Hydro-Therapy Journey is a private thermal treatment alternating warm mineral immersion with cold contrast to ease muscle tension and stimulate circulation. Warm water and 180 massaging jets are followed by a cold water finish.

The Warm Sand Renewal Therapy is a multi-layered treatment opening with a magnesium oil massage using thumb, elbow, and forearm pressure, followed by a warm sand-and-herb compress. This is particularly suited to guests dealing with ongoing muscular tightness or recovering from physical activity.

The Chiva-Som Sport Massage, meanwhile,  is a structured, performance-focused treatment combining muscle assessment, deep tissue work and silicone cupping for fascial release. Ideal for guests wanting to train, recover or simply move better. Available until September 30. 

These treatments can be added on to the resort's 16 different wellness retreats, each built around a personalised consultation with a health and wellness advisor. 

Retreats span gut health and cell vitality to natural renewal and stress recovery, blending Western and Eastern practices across spa, fitness, physiotherapy, holistic health, nutrition, and aesthetics. 

Sounds just what I need. 

Wellness cuisine is also central to the experience, with produce grown in the resort's own certified organic gardens. 

New Hunter Valley hotel concept unveiled

Details have been revealed about a new luxury hotel in the Hunter Valley. 

HVL Hotels has announced the launch of Laval Hunter Valley, a "landmark new luxury resort and tourism destination" scheduled to open in the second half of next year. 

The property is set across a 165-acre Estate in Pokolbin that previously housed Lindeman’s Estate and Ben Ean Estate. 

Laval will mark the Hunter Valley’s first new-build luxury resort development of this scale in more than two decades. 

The resort is set to become a major new culinary destination for the region with a dining offering led by leading chef Justin North, including signature Mediterranean restaurant Vallery, an on-site kitchen garden, Cali-Mex poolside bar La Vida, and a social lobby bar.

A drink program curated by wine expert Jon Osbeiston spans a 10,000-bottle cellar and 1,000-strong list celebrating Hunter Valley heritage along with global producers - featuring rare private collections, Coravin by-the-glass access, and an emphasis on local shiraz and semillon.

The new-build luxury resort will feature 65-pavillion-style villas surrounded by 165-acres of commercial vineyards, a Veraia Spa, and one of the world’s largest collections of Gillie & Marc artworks.

The project is expected to generate approximately $49 million per annum in economic activity and create up to 479 jobs in construction and ongoing operations, delivering lasting impact for the region.

“Laval is more than the answer to a longstanding gap in the Hunter Valley’s luxury accommodation segment," says Dominic Lambrinos, managing director of HVL Hotels. 

"It represents an ambition to do something that hasn’t been done before, on the most magical piece of land within the valley. 

"Building from the ground up, we have complete freedom to shape our vision for Laval without constraint. What we’re creating is a unique experience where intentional contrasts unfold at every turn, designed so our guests can experience the joy of feeling something new”

A private helicopter landing facility will enable fly-in, fly-out access. 

Find out more at  https://www.lavalhuntervalley.com.au/

Doing the south of France in elevated leisurely style

Barge holidays are great way to explore France at a leisurely pace and French Waterways has just upped the ante with a luxury spin on the concept. 

French Waterways has announced a voyage along the historic Canal du Midi that combines luxury barge cruising with excursions through and above the Mediterranean countryside by vintage Citroën 2CV and helicopter. 

From May-October, cruisers can visit medieval villages and a 17th-century château, enjoy private wine tastings at Minervois vineyards, shop local markets, and, aboard the hotel barge Savannah, enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a private chef. 

All-inclusive six-night charters are available from May through October, starting at $US32,000 for four guests or $US39,000 for six.

“A Canal du Midi voyage on the Savannah truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Rosie Mansfield, CEO of French Waterways. 

“From serene cruising amid stunning nature and engineering marvels to private wine tastings and thrilling excursions like a fun-filled drive in a vintage car and a breath-taking helicopter flight, it’s the ultimate immersive escape. And the itinerary can be tailored to suit your family or group of friends, making it one of the most flexible in France.”

After a welcoming Champagne reception aboard the Savannah, guests will spend a week cruising the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi’s locks, aqueducts and stone bridges from La Redorte to Bram, taking in villages, vineyards, wheat fields and sunflowers.

Guests can take to the roads of the Languedoc-Roussillon region at the wheel of a vintage Citroën 2CV, as well as flying over the spectacular Château de Quéribus and Château de Peyrepertuse ruins, the Carcassonne citadel, the Étang de Leucate, and Salses fortress by helicopter.



The itinerary also includes privately guided excursions by chauffeured Mercedes Viano to Minerve, named one of the prettiest villages in France, and a local vineyard for a private tasting with the winemaker. 

Wines have been made since Roman times in the Minervois. 

Visits to Narbonne, a founded in 118 BC, Mirepoix, and Carcassonne, are also among the highlights.

The Savannah has three double cabins and a single cabin with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, and a sun deck with shaded dining area, loungers and a spa pool.

Departures are available from either La Redorte or Bram, with transfers from Narbonne or Carcassonne included.

For more info visit https://www.french-waterways.com/ 

Club Med to offer a new South African experience

South Africa remains one of the best "bang for your buck" travel destinations anywhere on the planet. 

Now Club Med, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays, is set to make its debut in South Africa with the launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari. 

The new resort is located on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and is scheduled to open in July. 

“The launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari marks an exciting first for our brand – our very first footprint in South Africa," said Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med East, South Asia and Pacific. 

"This project not only celebrates the extraordinary beauty of KwaZulu-Natal but also introduces a one-of-a-kind combination of beach and safari experiences. It's a truly unique (sic) offering that we believe will deeply appeal to our clients in ESAP and beyond, who are consistently seeking new and immersive travel experiences.”

The resort will be situated just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport [in Durban] and developed across 32 hectares of unspoilt natural surroundings.

It will feature 411 accommodations, including superior and deluxe rooms as well as an Exclusive Collection Ilanga section with 66 suites.

Guests at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari can look forward to "a holiday experience that combines world-class resort amenities with unrivalled opportunities for discovery". 

The resort will feature four swimming pools, including a main pool, a family pool, an adult-only Zen pool and a dedicated Exclusive Collection pool. 

Dining options will include Oceana, an all-day restaurant showcasing international cuisine, and the Nguni Gourmet Club, a refined dining venue highlighting South African seafood and regional produce. 

Several bars will complete the offering. 

For the first time in Club Med's history, a resort experience will be paired with an exclusive private safari adventure.

Located within an 18,000-hectare game reserve four plus hours north of the resort, Mpilo Safari Lodge will be reserved for Club Med guests, offering premium tented accommodation with panoramic views and a full range of amenities. 

Daily guided drives led by experienced rangers will give guests the opportunity to encounter the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo – in their natural element. 

The Dolphin Coast will also play host to Club Med's very first Surf School while a wellness centre will provide spa treatments, hammam rituals and yoga palapas. 

See Club Med's website. 

Meet Ninh Binh, Vietnam's up-and-coming tourism destination

Make a note of the name Ninh Binh, a region in northern Vietnam that is fast emerging as a tourism destination.

Known as "Ha Long Bay on Land," Ninh Binh is a UNESCO-protected province that offers dramatic limestone karsts, rice paddies, and winding rivers.

It is 100km from Hanoi and known for temples, paddleboat tours and climbing vacations.

You can get a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, where 500 steps have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain.

Pullman Hotels & Resorts, part of global hospitality giant Accor, has just announced the opening of Pullman Ninh Binh - the region's first internationally-branded hotel.

Ninh Binh sits approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and Cuc Phuong National Park.

The city's tallest building, Pullman Ninh Binh boasts of offering uninterrupted views across the landscape. The hotel has 283 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the city or surrounding mountains.

Suites include separate living areas and access to the Executive Lounge, while the Presidential Suite offers two balconies, a private kitchen, and a dedicated dining area.

FoodConneXion, located on the lobby floor, offers an all-day dining experience, while Lumi Lounge, is billed as a relaxed gathering space filled with natural light.

Bublx, meanwhile, is a rooftop Champagne bar, while Mad Cow Wine & Grill and Hoa Thuy Tien will be opened later this year.

Pullman Ninh Binh has three swimming pools - indoor, outdoor, and rooftop - a 24-hour gym equipped with smart technology, and full-size sports courts.

“We are pleased to expand our network into Ninh Binh, a destination that is rapidly emerging as one of Vietnam's most compelling places,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

“Introducing Pullman to Ninh Binh reinforces our confidence in the destination's long-term growth potential and our strategic focus on shaping new benchmarks for premium hospitality beyond Vietnam's traditional gateways."

To celebrate its opening, Pullman Ninh Binh is offering an opening offer, with room rates starting from VND 3,300,000++ ($175) per room per night for two guests, including daily breakfast, and VND 500,000 net in food and beverage credit per night.

I haven't visited yet, but have added it to my list for my next Vietnam visit. 

See www.pullmanninhbinh.com.

Final touches added to Coogee's hotel showpiece

An oceanfront pool deck, Club InterContinental with al fresco terrace and new wellness experiences have seen the completion of the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

The opening signalled the final pieces of the multi-million dollar project in Sydney's eastern suburbs with the Èliva Spa set to follow in early May.

At the centre of the experience is the hotel’s pool deck with coastal views.

The infinity-edge pool is heated year-round and surrounded by private cabanas, sun loungers and seating.

The adjoining poolside dining offering has been designed to mirror the ease of beachside living with a menu featuring classics as well as lighter dishes including new ‘Nourish Bowls’.

Club InterContinental at Coogee Beach, meanwhile, features comfortable lounges, low coffee tables and quieter nooks.

For more active guests, the addition of two pickleball courts is a one-of-a-kind Sydney hotel offering.

Èliva Spa will offer magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room alongside a dedicated recovery lounge featuring advanced wellness technologies such as "PEMF infra-red masks, LED facial masks, compression boots and vitamin C-infused showers for a refreshing finish".

Sounds scary!

“These new experiences reflect our vision to create a refined yet relaxed coastal retreat where guests can connect with Coogee’s natural beauty while enjoying a truly elevated stay," says hotel GM Melinda Lampier.

"From the year-round heated pool to the ocean-facing terrace, we have designed spaces that invite both locals and international visitors to linger, unwind and experience the rhythm of the coastline.”

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden St, Coogee, NSW 2034

Click here for hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards.

Shop swap: Wellness focus at new London hotel

Many new hotels in London are located in the East End, but Six Senses Hotels has gone west for its first UK property. 

Six Senses London has opened its doors within The Whiteley building, the former Whiteley's emporium and department store on Queensway in Bayswater. 

Close to Hyde Park and Notting Hill's colour, Six Senses London offers 109 rooms and suites, many with private terraces, alongside 14 branded residences. 

Crowning the hotel, the Whiteley Suite has a 125 square-metre roof terrace. 

“We wanted Six Senses London to feel like a hotel that embraces you from the moment you arrive," says GM Nick Yarnell. "Warm, genuine, and instinctive, yet delivered with exacting standards and quiet precision. 

"As part of The Whiteley, we honour the heritage of British craft and innovation while creating something that gives back to the neighbourhood and feels deeply connected to its community.”

The Whiteley's original Grade II listed façade has been maintained, along with its Art Deco heritage. 

At the centre of the hotel is the restored grand staircase, once the defining feature of the original department store. Deconstructed, lengthened, and rebuilt by hand, it now ascends through three floors up to the glass-domed ceiling.

Alongside London's first hotel magnesium pool, which supports muscular recovery and nervous system regulation, there is a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a 325-square-metre fitness centre, and dedicated yoga and mindful movement studios along with a spa. 

Thirteen wellness spaces and six treatment rooms encompass cryotherapy, flotation, red-light therapies, a traditional hammam, and a sensory suite. 

Six Senses London offers "maverick British cuisine" at Whiteley's Kitchen, Bar and Café. 

Executive chef Eliano Crespi and head chef Jose Jara present vegetable-forward menus while at the bar, cocktails are constructed to work with or without alcohol. 

Above the lobby sits the world's first Six Senses Place - a social and wellness members' club. 

Reservations for Six Senses London are now open at sixsenses.com 

St Regis to make its New Zealand debut in Queenstown

 

Global luxury hotel brand St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is to make its New Zealand debut in Queenstown. 

Marriott International this week announced a signed agreement with PHC Queenstown Limited with the property due to open late next year. 

The hotel is set to be located on a prominent corner site in central Queenstown, with views to The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. 

Expected to feature 145 rooms, the new-build luxury hotel is set to be Marriott’s inaugural foothold in Queenstown as the first St. Regis hotel in New Zealand. 

"Securing a luxury presence in Queenstown has been a strategic priority for Marriott, and we’re thrilled to soon establish the iconic St. Regis brand in such an exceptional destination," said Richard Crawford, vice president for Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International. 

"Founded on New York’s 5th Avenue more than 120 years ago, St. Regis is a globally revered name in luxury that is sought after by discerning travellers worldwide. 

"Queenstown attracts more than two million visitors annually, making it ideal for a world-class luxury hotel.

“This latest signing is another example of Marriott’s leadership as the world’s largest operator of luxury hotels, a rapidly growing segment in the industry. The St. Regis Queenstown is set to be undeniably the destination’s finest hotel offering and will further elevate Queenstown’s status as a must-visit destination.”

The St. Regis Queenstown is expected to feature an all-day dining venue and an event space. 

St. Regis’ butler service has been a signature offering of the brand for over a century, and will offer guests personalised service that ensure their preferences are understood and realised," the media release says. 

It will also offer a hydrothermal facilities zone and a relaxation and wellness lounge, complemented by the hotel’s indoor heated pool and fitness centre.

The St. Regis portfolio now consists of more than 65 properties globally. It will also open a property on the Gold Coast in Australia in 2027. See marriottbonvoy.com.

Otahuna Lodge offers a chance to be Lord of the Manor

Ever considered hosting a special occasion where you have an entire luxury property to yourself, your family and friends?

Historic Otahuna Lodge outside Christchurch in New Zealand has just launched its "Lord of the Manor" package.

Whether you're looking to celebrate a milestone birthday, family reunion or a memorable workplace retreat, weekend dates in 2026 are now open.

The Lord of the Manor package (available from May 1 through October 15) can be reserved at the rate of $NZ 9995 per night (weekday nights) or $11,995 (Friday and Saturday nights).

All Lord of the Manor bookings enjoy the following inclusions for up to 10 guests:

# Accommodation across five suites and two master suites

#·Pre-dinner drinks with canapés

# A four-course, set menu dinner

#· Matched wine pairings with every course

# Continental and cooked breakfasts.

Up to six additional guests (for a maximum of 16 people) can be added at a rate of $600 per additional person per night.

It is a remarkably stylish property celebrated for its architecture, award-winning gardens and sophisticated cuisine. A special place to stay.

For full details see www.otahuna.co.nz/

Discover a special gourmet tour of Asia

UPDATED with new dates

Looking to mark a special occasion in style? Or just feel like splurging?

H4U Travel, an Australian boutique luxury travel specialist, has announced the launch of Flavours of Asia by Private Jet, an eight-day, seven-night culinary journey designed for discerning travellers. 

If you are looking for special food, wine and travel experiences this might be up your runway. 

Departing on October 20, 2026, the fully hosted adventure combines private jet travel, Michelin-starred dining and Michelin key hotel experiences, along with behind-the-scenes chef activities. 

Travellers will board a chartered Gulfstream G550 private jet and explore some of Asia’s iconic culinary destinations, from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and on to Macau, with luxury accommodation and bespoke experiences at each destination. 

Highlights will include six Michelin-starred tasting menus designed exclusively for this journey, featuring intimate chef and sommelier interactions, market tours, wine tastings and private cocktail masterclasses.

There will be private jet transfers between destinations with gourmet inflight dining and premium beverages, along with stays at luxury properties including Fairmont Singapore, Hotel des Arts Saigon, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau (top image) and Raffles Hotel Sentosa.

“This is not just travel, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary narrative woven through Asia’s most celebrated gourmet spaces,” said Adam Geneave, CEO, H4U Travel.

“Guests will enjoy privileged access to Michelin chefs, and sommeliers, all while travelling in the utmost comfort and privacy.” 

Bookings are open (maybe have your black Amex card handy) at https://www.h4utravel.com.au/flavoursofasia

Change of pace for exclusive Bordeaux hostelry

One of the very best addresses in the vineyards of Bordeaux will re-open for the summer season with a refresh and a new name.

COMO Hotels and Resorts has taken over the historic Cordeillan-Bages property, with the rebranded COMO Cordeillan-Bages scheduled to open for stays in May. 

The 19th-century château in Pauillac was converted into a hotel and restaurant in 1989 by the Cazes family (the owners of Château Lynch-Bages among others).

It is home to a restaurant that has been helmed by several esteemed chefs.

COMO Cordeillan-Bages will mark COMO's debut in one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions but it does have French properties in COMO Le Beauvallon in Saint-Tropez and COMO Le Montrachet, a delightful village' inn at Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy.

It says: "This intimate 28-room retreat brings together craftsmanship, understated luxury, and a profound appreciation for food and wine in the heart of the Médoc.

"With interiors by longstanding design partner Paola Navone, the beautifully restored 19th-century estate pairs contemporary comfort with the quiet elegance of Pauillac.

"A destination for true wine lovers, offering privileged access to Château Lynch-Bages and Bordeaux’s most legendary vineyards."

A stay or a meal will not be cheap, but the setting is superb. The property is exclusive and exquisite - when we dined a couple of decades ago Yves Saint-Laurent was among our fellow guests. 

All that jazz: Montreux meets Africa among the vines

Fancy combining a trip to South Africa's beautiful wine regions with a spot of jazz and some luxury accommodation?

How about Franschhoek for the debut of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek from March 27-29 while staying at ultra-chic La Residence.

The Montreux Jazz Festival has been held on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland over six decades and this year its finds its rhythm in the Cape Winelands: Montreux meets Africa in a jazz-inspired cultural experience.

The town’s iconic Franschhoek Monument will be transformed into the Arches Stage, an intimate listening space for world-class performances from the likes of Mali maestro Salif Keita and Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence.

And for accommodation? 

Located on a private 30-acre estate, The Royal Portfolio’s boutique hotel La Residence - a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) - is the perfect base for those seeking luxury.

Think private arrivals, African themes, curated journeys and estate wines. Guests are encouraged to book early. 

The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek heralds a vibrant year in the valley.

Franschhoek’s annual events continue to celebrate its French heritage, fine wines and creative spirit.

Think the Franschhoek Literary Festival (May), the exuberant Bastille Festival (July), chamber music concerts, the Classic Car Festival (October) and the Cap Classique & Champagne Festival (November).

All in one of the world’s most beautiful wine villages.

For more information see https://mjfsa.com/ and https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence/

So you fancy a wine tasting on a luxe Florida island?

So you really like your wine? And you don't mind a little bit of island luxury?

An ultra-luxe trip promising wines representing “the pinnacle of Napa Valley” will be held on a private island in Florida next month for couples with US$35,000 to spare.

The wine event is due to take place between February 5-8 on the private Little Palm Island in Florida.

So if you are willing to risk a trip to the US, braving airport interrogations and masked thugs on the streets then this might be up your alley.

Accessible only by boat or sea plane, the island is located close to the Florida Keys and is named after the many palm trees that line its shores.

As high-end wine producers increasingly up their experience-led offerings, Little Palm will play host to the ‘Vintners Voyage’, a three-night wine getaway that promises “Michelin-calibre cuisine, boutique wines and direct interaction with industry masters, all unfolding across an entire private island.”

Hmm. Private islands have not enjoyed good press recently.

Forbes magazine reports the extravagant wine weekend is described by master sommelier Desmond Echavarrie from the Scale Wine Group as “an insider experience, one that remains inaccessible, even in Napa itself.”

Echavarrie says that “The wines featured in this journey represent not only the pinnacle of Napa Valley quality, but rare, family-owned estates that open their cellars only to close friends.”

Echavarrie will walk guests through a series of private wine tastings and masterclasses, while Michelin-starred chef Julien Lefebvre (ex Château Cordeillan-Bages and now from the L’Âtre restaurant in Honfleur, Normandy) will host interactive French cooking classes, where visitors can try his signature dishes such as truffle-stuffed poultry ballotine and roasted lobster with a pinot noir reduction.

Guests will also enjoy a private show by Grace Potter, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter.

Spectacular luxury lodge to re-open after major investment

One of Australia's most spectacular rural luxury lodges is to re-open with new branding and a new attitude.

Emirates and Marriott International this week signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge - a 40-key all-inclusive lodge on a 7,000-acre conservancy in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, will be the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world. It was previously operated by One & Only. 

Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, designed to reflect their surrounds while prioritising minimal environmental impact and "delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftmanship".

Since 2006, Emirates has invested $150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, including restoration of historically significant landmarks - including the original homestead dating back to 1832.

This has included planting of more than one million native trees across the site.

After closed since 2023 due to access issues, Emirates is now investing an additional $50 million in renovations.



The new iteration is scheduled to open in mid 2026.

Guests will access the resort by a four-wheel drive service via the Donkey Steps, which will become part of the rural off-road experience of the resort, or via helicopter.

“In our 30 years of operations in Australia, Emirates has consistently sought to deliver value to our customers, and to Australia," says Sir Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline.

"Our commitment extends well beyond the provision of air transport services. It is reflected in the strong, enduring relationships we have built with our industry partners, and in our active engagement with the broader Australian community through Emirates Wolgan Valley, and our extensive sponsorships in sports and the arts.

“We are proud of our long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts. Our unwavering commitment to the resort leads us to today’s announcement of an exciting agreement with Marriott International to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

“For us, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will not only be an extraordinary resort appealing to discerning travellers seeking to be close to nature, but also a powerful engine for local economic growth, helping to rejuvenate the Wolgan Valley locality."

Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific forMarriott International, said: "This milestone development sees the world’s largest hotelier and the world’s largest international airline come together to reinvigorate the luxury tourism offering in New South Wales."

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to pristine landscapes beneath some of the world’s clearest night skies, rare native flora such as the ancient Wollemi Pine, and an extraordinary array of wildlife including kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats, and brush-tailed rock wallabies.

Fast-expanding brand has an ardour for hospitality

Get familiar with the Ardour hotel brand - it's a name that's getting plenty of traction. 

Salter Brothers Hospitality, the luxury retreat hotel operator, today announced that two more well-known destinations will join its Ardour Hotels & Estates collection in 2026. 

Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley (above) and Kingsford The Barossa in South Australia will both be re-branding under the Ardour banner. 

Spicers Guesthouse, known for its wine tourism and epicurean experiences will become Ardour Guesthouse Hunter Valley, while Kingsford The Barossa, an award-winning heritage estate, will become Ardour Kingsford Barossa.

Ardour Hotels & Estates debuts with two of Australia’s best-known rural heritage estates, Ardour Milton Park Bowral and Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, with both revealing multi-million-dollar renovations. 

“Ardour is about elevating Australia’s most extraordinary places into destinations of global calibre,” says Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality, 

“We’re not simply creating hotels, we’re shaping experiences that celebrate the beauty, culture and authenticity of each region.”

So the bar is being set high. 

Signature rituals will include Ardour Hour, a daily celebration of connection in spectacular surroundings, and curated wine experiences developed with leading regional producers. 

Ardour Milton Park Bowral will be open for stays from next month (opening Monday, February 2) with Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains and the two newly announced destinations following later in the year. 

At Ardour Milton Park Bowral, the hotel’s reopening introduces its signature dining destinations; Horderns and The Polo Bar, with The Polo Bar’s dedicated charcuterie room to open soon after.

The culinary offering at Ardour Milton Park Bowral is led by executive chef Mark Holland, whose pan-European approach underpins the dining experience at Horderns.

“We’ve created a menu for Ardour Milton Park Bowral that feels at home in the Southern Highlands," says Holland.

"It’s refined but relaxed, guided by flavour, season and a deep respect for the ingredients rather than passing trends.

"One dish I’m especially excited to cook for guests is our steamed rainbow trout with a classic beurre blanc. It’s simple, precise and lets the quality of the fish speak, which really sums up how we want to cook here."

To learn more see: https://www.worldsapart.club/ardour

Aman unveils luxury at sea

So you are cashed up and like to relax in serious style?

Ultra-luxury resort operator Aman has just unveiled a series of inaugural yacht voyages.

Aman at Sea’s Amangati yacht will begin a season of five- to eight-night Mediterranean journeys from spring 2027 with bookings now open.

Many travellers will be familiar with the Aman brand and its ultra-luxe resorts.

The 180-metre Amangati is currently under construction. It will accommodate 94 guests in 47 suites, all with their own terrace.

Wellness will be an integral part of the yachting experience with the two-level Aman Spa housing eight ocean-facing treatment suites with private terraces and open-air whirlpool baths.

The vessel willl also features yoga, meditation, a fitness studio, medi spa and beauty lounge.

There are also open-air pools and sun decks.

Dining aboard Amangati will range from all-day Mediterranean to Japanese teppanyaki and the Aman Grill.

Additionally, in-suite dining will be available round the clock.

Onboard entertainment will includes The Jazz Club, the cinema and a youth lounge.