Our curation of the latest and most exciting news in luxury travel, from Singapore’s first all-villa resort to Saudi Arabia’s newest contemporary art destination.
Raffles Renaissance: Raffles Sentosa Singapore Opens
Opening this month, Raffles Sentosa Singapore (featured image) is the country’s first all-villa resort, marking a new chapter in the storied Raffles legacy, which began in Singapore back in 1887. Nestled within 100,000 square metres of lush greenery on Sentosa Island, the new 62-villa resort offers direct access to Tanjong Beach.
Villas range from one and two-bedroom options to the expansive four-bedroom Royal Villa, each featuring private pools and outdoor terraces. Designed by international studio Yabu Pushelberg, the rooms seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces for a truly immersive tropical escape.
During their stay, guests can opt to unwind at the expansive Raffles Sentosa Spa or enjoy the nearby Sentosa Golf Club, while dining options include: Empire Grill, the signature Italian restaurant serving classic Tuscan dishes; Royal China, offering refined Cantonese cuisine; and Hashida, where Chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida curates innovative omakase experiences.
Sculpting the Sands: Wadi AlFann’s New ‘Valley of the Arts’
A new contemporary art destination has been revealed within Wadi AlFann, or ‘Valley of the Arts’, a 65-square-kilometre desert located near the rapidly developing AlUla old town in Saudi Arabia. Set against a dramatic landscape of rock formations that will one day house luxury hotels from some of the world’s biggest names in hospitality – including Banyan Tree and Aman – the site will soon feature exciting commissions from five renowned artists: James Turrell, Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater.
Epicurean Adventures: The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia’s 2025 Gala Dinners
The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, will welcome three acclaimed chefs for special editions of the Wild Malaysia journeys this year. Chef Vicky Cheng of Wing and VEA in Hong Kong and K by Vicky Cheng in Bangkok, Chef Jason Liu of Ling Long in Beijing, and Chef Jungsik Yim of Jungsik in Seoul and New York, will join Chef André Chiang to showcase the best of the region’s cuisine. In addition, renowned bartender and mixologist Shelley Tai will curate an exclusive cocktail menu for each gala dinner aboard to add to the experience.
A Brush of Luxury: Art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio is Unveiled
Art’otel, a hospitality brand under Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts renowned for its immersive, art-driven experiences, will debut in Italy this month with Art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio. The hotel’s 99 rooms and public spaces will feature pieces by renowned artist Pietro Ruffo, whose works are displayed at the Vatican and have beean featured in collaborations with brands like Dior. Upon opening, the hotel will become home to the largest permanent display of his work, marking an exciting addition to the brand’s existing portfolio that already includes properties in Berlin, London, Amsterdam, and beyond.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.