This month’s curation of much-anticipated launches in the world of luxury travel, encompassing new seaside villas, private jet charters, travel essentials, and beyond.
A Seaside Haven: Ao Yon Beach Villas by Elite Havens
Elite Havens, one of Asia’s premier luxury villa rental and management companies, recently announced they will be the exclusive management and marketing partner for the new Ao Yon Beach Villas development, a group of seven private resort-style beach villas tucked away in the tranquil south-eastern corner of Phuket. The project, which began construction in December 2024, is scheduled to be finished around mid-2026. When complete, each of these gorgeously designed villas will be available for sale for owners to potentially use however they wish – either as a fully private residence, a long-term investment, or to be included in the Elite Havens portfolio of luxury villas available for rent in Thailand.
Design-wise, the villas follow one of three different floor plans, with the largest being over 450 square metres, the smallest offering over 270 square metres of space, and the in between option measuring an impressive 316 square metres. As for the location, Ao Yon is a unique and unspoiled bay, with outstanding sea views, clean year-round sandy beaches, and excellent yachting opportunities.
Travel In Style: Jim Thompson’s The Thai Explorer’s Collection
Jim Thompson, the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand, recently unveiled ‘The Thai Explorer’s Collection’, an exclusive collaboration with Four Seasons Thailand. The colourful designs take inspiration from Four Seasons properties across Thailand, respectively featuring Bangkok’s majestic temples, Chiang Mai’s serene rice fields, Koh Samui’s vibrant tropical flora, and Chiang Rai’s iconic elephants. The collection itself consists of six versatile travel essentials, starting with a range of five bags – the Capri Large and Capri Medium, Cactus Medium, FIG Pouch Medium, and Lotus Bag Medium – and finishing with a captivating, printed scarf.
Jetting To Japan: Vistajet’s Itinerary Highlights
Whether your vacation plans call for a winter wonderland, or a sunny tropical island retreat, the team at VistaJet private jet charters can lend a hand, making sure you travel in unparalleled luxury. For ski and snowboard fanatics, one of their current itinerary highlights is Rusutsu, located in Hokkaido, Japan. Renowned for its consistently light, dry powder snow and expansive terrain, Rusutsu offers an exceptional winter sports experience, with three interconnected mountains, stunning views of Mount Yotei, and a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Japanese charm. Another top ski destination in Hokkaido serviced by VistaJet is Niseko, which also boasts consistently powdery snow and plenty of frosty festive charm.
Alpine Allure: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s Serlas Wing
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, an iconic lakeside property in St. Moritz, Switzerland, has been a symbol of elegance and hospitality since it opened its doors way back in 1896. Now, just in time for the ski season, the hotel’s highly anticipated Serlas Wing is set to open, introducing 25 new rooms and suites. Each accommodation is exquisitely furnished with Loro Piana materials, ensuring guests unparalleled comfort and style. In addition, this wing features an exclusive underground access corridor to both Chesa Veglia and the village centre. Another new highlight for visitors to Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is what they’re calling “the largest outdoor pool in St. Moritz”, which offers a unique alpine experience – warm, soothing, 36° Celsius waters surrounded by a picturesque snowy landscape.
Forest Journeys: Shishi-Iwa House Launches Trail Series
Starting this month, Shishi-Iwa House – an award-winning retreat in Nagano with a One-Michelin Key rating – is launching a series of guided hiking and walking trails in the ‘Japan Alps’ of Nagano Prefecture. This meticulously curated programme offers a selection of 10 distinctive trails, each of which showcases a particular aspect of the region’s beautiful mountain ranges. Tailored to cultivate holistic well-being, these forest jaunts allow guests to dig deeper into the spiritual side of hiking in Japan; a meditative pastime that’s been practiced by Shinto priests for centuries. From serene waterfalls and volcanic parks, to sacred shrines and tranquil ponds, the trails vary in difficulty and duration, catering to both novice and seasoned hikers. For this luxury adventure experience, Shishi-Iwa House will provide accommodation, transport, nutritious meals and snacks, gear and equipment, expert guides, translation, and even post-hiking recovery treatments such as onsen baths and shiatsu massage.
Featured image: Ao Yon Beach Villas by Elite Havens
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.