Travel News: The Fifth Avenue Hotel is Unveiled, White Desert Curates New Itineraries, and More

From the opening of one of New York’s most anticipated properties, to new Tuscan villas by Belmond, and an off-the-beaten-path Antarctic adventure, here are the most exciting developments in the realm of luxury travel.

White Desert Debuts a New Antarctic Experience

For those looking for an escape that combines off-the-beaten-path experiences with unparalleled luxury, White Desert has curated an itinerary that allows guests to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of the Antarctic Peninsula (pictured above). The trip begins with a flight out of Cape Town, South Africa, which lands directly on the remote ice runway of Wolf ’s Gang. This is followed by a cruise aboard the 77-metre M/Y Legend yacht, a helicopter ride above the icebergs, and a trip beneath the waves aboard a three-seater submersible. In-between adventures, guests will relax at the Whichaway luxury camp, perched next to the Schirmacher Oasis.

Manhattan Welcomes The Fifth Avenue Hotel

One of New York’s most anticipated developments, The Fifth Avenue Hotel, has finally opened its doors to guests, breathing new life into a Gilded Age landmark that’s been ambitiously redesigned as a luxury destination. Located in Manhattan’s trendy NoMad neighbourhood, the property’s aim is to delight all the senses, with 152 guestrooms and suites conceptualised by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio that feature a rich colour palette of greens, yellows, and pinks, across whimsical interior design items including Pagoda-style lamps, Murano glass chandeliers, and more. Several rooms also boast their own spacious terraces, a rarity in the Big Apple. The hotel’s signature restaurant, meanwhile, is helmed by Chef Andrew Carmellini – a James Beard award winner – who has crafted a fine dining experience that marries Italian and French cuisine. And for tipples, The Portrait Bar led by Darryl Chan is a must-visit for sophisticated cocktails and elevated nibbles.

Louis Vuitton Expands its City Guide App

First introduced in 1998, Louis Vuitton’s city guides have become synonymous with the art of travel, highlighting must-visit sites for discerning travellers from around the world; ranging from recommended restaurants to exhibitions, palaces, and more. Recently, the maison debuted the book in its app form, which allows you to curate a personalised address book and share tips with your close social network. And in the coming months more destinations will be added to the guide’s already impressive portfolio of 40+ cities, which already includes Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo, and Paris.

The Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Unveils Two Villas

The Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany, has announced the opening of two new private villas, each inspired by the property’s rich Etruscan heritage. Located just a five-minutes’ walk from the hotel, on a 10th century, 1,300-hectre estate, both villas offer incredible panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and its many vineyards and olive groves. Both villas can accommodate up to seven guests, and boast large private gardens, outdoor kitchens with wood fire ovens, double bedrooms, a sunlit dining room that seamlessly connects to a fully fitted kitchen, and access to a shared infinity pool.

Prestige Travel Diary

“I recently visited the Vermelho Melides Hotel, the first hotel from legendary shoemaker, Christian Louboutin, which just opened its doors earlier this year in the village of Melides, in Portugal. One of the standout features of my room was its private rooftop, which added an air of exclusivity to my stay. While many properties opt for minimalism, this hotel embraces a ‘more-is-more’ philosophy, which adds a refreshingly distinctive design character to every room. With plenty of spaces to soak up the sun, and surprises around every corner, the hotel is a must-visit for those seeking a different kind of luxury experience in Portugal.”

– Prom Parndejpong, Assistant Director of Educational Development, Lertlah School