The Best in the World of Luxury Travel this May

The Dandelion Chandelier Luxury Travel Calendar highlights the news on new luxury hotel and resort openings and new travel experiences and products around the world in May 2019. For the rest of the Luxury Calendar, click here. And for our list of the top 10 luxury travel destinations in May, click here.

the best in the world of luxury travel this may

The month of May brings two debuts in the cruise industry.  The first is the arrival of the industry’s first-ever electric hybrid engine powered ship, Roald Amundsen, from Hurtigruten.  The second is the debut of the energy-efficient Celebrity Flora Mega Yach, built specially for the Galapagos Islands.

Other notable happenings this month include the opening of 1 Hotel West Hollywood, the brand’s first West Coast property. The first Kimpton Hotel in Asia is the new Kimpton Da An. And the second Rwandan camp from Wilderness Safaris’ is Magashi Camp.

Where will your wanderlust take you this month?

What are the top news and events in luxury travel in May?

1. Europe

The new Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia is surrounded by ancient olive groves. Set inside a renovated 16th-century structure, the property blends local heritage with contemporary luxury.  The hotel features Olga Polizzi-designed rooms, a romantic sunset rooftop bar, and a restaurant overlooking the resort’s swimming pool – May 1

Occupying six levels of Manhattan Loft Gardens in East London, The Stratford is a design hotel with interiors by SPACE Copenhagen. They’re the design duo behind legendary NOMA – May 13

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian based cruise and ferry operator, unveils its 530-passenger Roald Amundsen this month.  The ship is the cruise industry’s first vessel to run on electric hybrid engines. They’re designed to save fuel and also allow for silent operation in wildlife-sensitive areas.  Other features include a full-blown science center with state-of-the-art gadgets and underwater drones for use by guests – May 17

Opening above the Spanish Steps is Hotel de la Ville in Rome. Inspired by the era of the Grand Tour, the hotel elegantly marries 18th-century architecture with contemporary luxury and service – May 23

Delta Air Lines will begin flying daily nonstop flights between Boston Logan International Airport and Edinburgh, Scotland – May 23

2. united states

The Guild hotel, located in the former YMCA building, is now open in the center of downtown San Diego.

Nestled at the base of the Hollywood Hills, with sweeping views from Downtown LA to Santa Monica, 1 Hotel West Hollywood is the brand’s first West Coast hotel. It draws inspiration from the land, sea and abundant sunshine of Southern California.

Located in a sleek 61-story skyscraper in Back Bay, the new Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street opens in Boston this month. The property features contemporary New England design – May 20

The Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah is a modern version of a ranch escape. Not only are guests surrounded by panoramic views, but the resort offers a wide range of outdoor adventures. They include fly fishing, snowshoeing and even helicopter rides. It doesn’t have to be all rugged, though. The property is also home to Auberge spa.

3. asia

The Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy One opens in the heart of “India’s Silicon Valley” – May 1

Kimpton Da An marks the brand’s first Asian location. The 129 guest rooms feature Atelier Bloem toiletries, in-room yoga mats, and Chromecast devices for content streaming.

The opening of the Gangtey and Bumthang lodges means that the new Six Senses Bhutan is now fully open and operational.

The Fantauzzo in Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves has opened under the city’s Story Bridge.  It features 166 guest rooms, each of which celebrates contemporary Australian artists.

4. middle east and africa

The Farmstead at Royal Malewane opens this month in South Africa.  The property offers dramatic views over Greater Kruger National Park. The lodge itself surrounds a watering hole popular with the abundant wildlife – May 1

Wilderness Safaris’ is opening its Magashi Camp in Rwanda.  Situated in the diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, the camp is focused on sightings of the“Big Five.”

The beauty of the Moroccan landscape and culture is the central focus at the new Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar es Salam.  The resort has extensively landscaped gardens, 440 acres of oak forest and a golf course.

5. latin america and Caribbean

Celebrity Cruise Line will launch the new Celebrity Flora Mega Yacht this month.  It will be one of the most energy-efficient ships of its size in the Galapagos Islands. She was built specifically to sail in the famously wildlife-rich archipelago.  The vessel features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows in most spaces to maximize the nature views.

Overlooking Jamaica’s famed Doctor’s Cave beach, the 120-room S Hotel Jamaica combines urban sophistication and a laid-back resort vibe.

6. new luxury product launches

Never be without WiFi during your travels thanks to Skyroam Solis ($149.99).  For around $9 a day you get access to unlimited data. You pay only for the data you use, and there are no roaming fees. The device is small enough to put into your purse or briefcase. And it doubles as a power bank (6000 mAh).

Marc Newson has designed a soft rolling Horizon Duffle Bag luggage for Louis Vuitton ($2,600).  Opting for a soft exterior, the outer-shell is made of thermos-formed 3D knit and features the house’s monogram. The advertising campaign is all about traveling light.

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see other May 2019 events:

• Food and Drink
• Planes, Yachts and Autos
• Fitness and Sports
• Fashion and Design
• Entertainment
• The Arts

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