Travel News: London Welcomes the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Silversea Cruises adds Silver Ray to its fleet, and More

From the opening of one of London’s most anticipated hotels to an opulent and locally inspired new resort generating buzz in Baja California, here’s our curation of most exciting debuts this month in the realm of luxury travel.

A New London Landmark: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Opens

This month marks the grand opening of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, one of the city’s most anticipated hotels. Nestled 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 complements the surrounding Georgian architecture, while its interiors, envisioned by Tokyo-based design studio Curiosity, capture the essence of the locale and verdant charm of the square.

Serving as a more intimate sister to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, the 50-room property offers diverse accommodations, ranging from deluxe rooms to the impressive Mayfair suite, which boasts a full-size kitchen and a striking central sculpture. Culinary delights await guests with the introduction of Dosa, an intimate chef ’s table; the stylish ABar Lounge; and the debut of Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s first UK restaurant. In the basement, the sprawling spa hosts Mayfair’s largest swimming pool and an array of indulgent amenities including vitality pools, steam and sauna facilities, and much more.

Golden Era of Travel: Rimowa x Aimé Leon Dore

Rimowa has collaborated with fashion label Aimé Leon Dore for a new collection that revives the romanticism of the golden era of travel in the early 20th century. The collection features two distinctive pieces: the Rimowa x Aimé Leon Dore Chest and the Rimowa x Aimé Leon Dore Cabin, both of which feature brown leather handles, co-branded logo badges with gold embossing, and bespoke interior lining inspired by ancient Greek stamp iconography, one of Aimé Leon Dore’s signatures.

Vitality Amongst the Vineyards: Baja California Welcomes Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe

Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe has debuted in Baja California. The resort houses 30 villas nestled amidst the rolling hills, complete with pools, breezy terraces, and panoramic views of the valleys. Embracing the 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 tasting at the resort’s private vineyard, and dining experiences that spotlight Baja’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing fresh produce and time- honoured cooking techniques.

Sophistication at Sea: Silver Ray joins Silversea Cruises’ Nova Class Fleet

Silversea Cruises has added Silver Ray to its esteemed Nova Class fleet, a ship that is expected to set a new benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising. With its unparalleled energy efficiency and distinctive asymmetrical design that is complemented by expansive exterior glass, the vessel allows guests to enjoy truly immersive experiences with the sea. Featuring the most extensive selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges in its class, along with the acclaimed Otium wellness programme and S.A.L.T. curated culinary experiences, Silver Ray is all set to impress.

Prestige Travel Diary

“During a recent trip to Italy, my wife and I journeyed from Milan to Tuscany and then Florence. Tuscany, where we stayed at the COMO Castello Del Nero, a resort housed inside of a 12th century castle, was my favourite region. Among the highlights were visiting the charming city of Siena, the quaint hill town of San Gimignano, and my top pick for a must-see, the Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery, which stood out for its captivating architecture and exceptional wine offerings.”

– Vasu Virajsilp, Founder and Principal Architect of Vaslab Architecture

Featured image: The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.