The Sanctuary this month

Japanese resorts

From the cedar-clad onsen of Hakone to the cypress baths of Kyoto — our editors trace Japan's most quiet sanctuaries this month.

SOAK UP CITY VIBES WITH EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SHENZHEN

Destinations · Four Seasons

SOAK UP CITY VIBES WITH EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SHENZHEN

/PRNewswire/ -- An inspiring city retreat awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, an urban oasis in the heart of China's cosmopolitan hub. With the launch of..., /PRNewswire/ -- An inspiring city retreat awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, an urban oasis in the heart of China's cosmopolitan hub.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Sep 20, 2026

An elegant, softly lit spa treatment room with natural wood and stone elements, featuring a massage bed and a tranquil atmosphere at Six Senses Spa Kyoto.

Destinations · Six Senses

Six Senses Spa Kyoto Hosts Renowned Wellness Practitioners This Autumn

Six Senses Spa Kyoto is poised to welcome two distinguished visiting practitioners this autumn, enriching its wellness offerings. These specialists will introduce advanced modalities to both hotel guests and local residents.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Sep 18, 2026

Exterior view of Amangiri resort seamlessly integrated into a desert canyon landscape with a pool overlooking the vast scenery

Gastronomy · Aman

Aman Resorts & Vegan Dining: A Property-by-Property Guide

For the discerning vegan traveler, Aman's reputation for bespoke luxury faces a unique challenge. We assess which properties seamlessly cater to plant-based preferences and which require advance planning.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Aug 30, 2026

A meticulously crafted cocktail, possibly a classic like a Martini or Manhattan, served in an elegant glass on a polished bar, likely featuring an Asian-inspired garnish or minimalist aesthetic, repre

Gastronomy · Four Seasons

Tokyo's Gold Bar Lands in Bengaluru for Exclusive One-Night Engagement

Copitas at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru hosts a rare takeover, bringing the acclaimed Gold Bar from The Tokyo EDITION to India for an evening of reimagined classic cocktails. This event promises a distinct blend of Japanese mixology and sophisticated hospitality.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Aug 19, 2026

Render of a contemporary building with curved lines and large windows, reflecting light, possibly the Waldorf Astoria Sydney

Destinations · Waldorf Astoria

Australia's Luxury Hotel Boom: What's Opening Through 2028

Australia is cementing its status as a top-tier luxury destination with a wave of high-profile hotel openings across its most coveted regions. From Sydney's urban landscape to the Hunter Valley's wine country, significant developments are set to redefine upscale accommodation.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 17, 2026

Ho Chi Minh City skyline at dusk with modern high-rise buildings and illuminated streets

Destinations · Nobu, Okura, Kempinski, Ritz-Carlton

Ho Chi Minh City: The Next Luxury Battleground

Vietnam's largest metropolis is poised for a significant luxury hotel influx. Global brands are banking on rising demand, transforming the city's hospitality landscape.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 15, 2026

An architectural rendering of the Rosewood Tokyo hotel within the Roppongi 5-Chome mixed-use development.

Destinations · Rosewood

Rosewood Plants Flag in Tokyo's Roppongi

Rosewood Hotel Group confirms its first urban Japanese property, anchoring a major mixed-use development in Tokyo's dynamic Roppongi district. The project promises to bring the brand's signature luxury to one of the city's most prestigious addresses.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Aug 12, 2026

Roland Fasel, President of Capella Hotel Group

News · Capella Hotels & Resorts

Capella Plots Global Expansion and a Return to the U.S. Market

Capella Hotel Group's new president, Roland Fasel, details aggressive expansion plans for both Capella and Patina brands, targeting new global hubs and a re-entry into the American market by 2030.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Aug 11, 2026

Aerial view of luxury overwater villas in the Maldives

Destinations · Soneva

Maldives All-Inclusive: Beyond the Basics

The Maldives reimagines all-inclusive, moving past the buffet line to encompass bespoke experiences from unlimited diving to private island dining. These comprehensive packages elevate the quintessential overwater escape.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Aug 11, 2026

Aerial view of Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi with overwater villas and palm-fringed beaches

Luxury Stays · Bulgari Hotels

Bvlgari Ranfushi: The Maldives' Newest 'Little Gold Island' Resort

Opening in 2026, Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi brings 54 ultra-luxury beachfront and overwater villas to the Raa Atoll. This tenth Bvlgari property promises fine dining and a signature spa experience in one of the world's most exclusive destinations.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 9, 2026

A modern building with large windows overlooking a snowy mountain landscape

Onsen · Fairmont

Fairmont Heads to Niseko with New Luxury Onsen Resort

Accor's Fairmont brand is set to open its second Japanese property in Niseko, Hokkaido, by early 2028. The resort promises authentic onsen experiences amid panoramic mountain views.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 9, 2026

Sunrise through the windows of The Peak Lounge and Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo, showcasing city views

Destinations

Tokyo's Pinnacle of Hospitality: Navigating the Luxury Hotel Landscape

Tokyo's luxury hotel scene is both expansive and fiercely competitive, attracting an ever-increasing number of international visitors. With global brands vying for attention and unique local offerings, discerning travelers have an embarrassment of riches.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 7, 2026

Exterior view of the historic building housing the Six Senses London, featuring distinctive architecture and multiple arched windows.

Wellness & Spa · Six Senses

Six Senses Unveils Wellness-Focused London Hotel

The Six Senses London, announced May 11, 2026, marks the brand's latest urban expansion, transforming a historic department store into a luxury retreat. This 109-room property promises some of the most advanced spa and wellness facilities in the capital.

M. CHEVALIER·2 min read

Jul 26, 2026

An architectural rendering of the One Beverly Hills development, featuring sleek modern towers surrounded by lush, expansive gardens and reflective water features under a clear sky.

Luxury Stays · Aman

One Beverly Hills: Aman's Sprawling SoCal Debut Secures Tranches of Capital

A multi-billion dollar financing package has been finalized for the One Beverly Hills development, which will feature the first West Coast Aman hotel, residences, and private members' club. This ambitious project aims to redefine luxury hospitality in Southern California.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Jul 23, 2026

Elevated view of a modern hotel exterior at dusk with prominent skyscraper architecture

Destinations

Park Hyatt Tokyo's Enduring Allure, Reimagined

The iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo recently unveiled its renewed interiors, a careful recalibration by Studio Jouin Manku that balances modernist legacy with contemporary refinement. The project underscores a sensitive approach to design evolution within an architectural landmark.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jul 23, 2026

The 9 Most Luxurious Onsen Experiences in Japan

News

The 9 Most Luxurious Onsen Experiences in Japan

A cornerstone of Japanese culture, onsen runs the gamut—but these destinations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and across the countryside are the height of luxury.

M. CHEVALIER·2 min read

Jul 11, 2026

A view of an ancient Japanese pond garden with meticulously shaped trees and a traditional pavilion, framed by modern architectural elements of the Four Seasons Kyoto.

Destinations · Four Seasons

Four Seasons Kyoto: Ancient Garden, Contemporary Luxury

Announced July 2, 2026, the Four Seasons Kyoto anchors itself around an 800-year-old pond garden, creating a serene escape within Japan's historic capital. The property seamlessly blends modern amenities with a profound sense of place, setting a distinct tone for luxury in Kyoto.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jul 3, 2026

The modern skyline of Manila at dusk, with glowing skyscrapers and city lights

Destinations · InterContinental

InterContinental Returns to Manila: A Decade-and-a-Half Long Wait Ends

For 15 years, InterContinental Manila was a void in the city's luxury landscape. On June 17, 2026, the brand confirms its highly anticipated return, signaling a new chapter for luxury hospitality in the Philippines.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Jun 23, 2026

A close-up of a wooden key card with a minimalist design, resting on a textured, light-colored surface.

Sustainability

A Wooden Key Card Reflects Biophilic Design's True Intent

A new wooden key card, announced June 17, 2026, isn't just eco-friendly — it's a statement. This small detail from GCSTIMES signals a deeper commitment to biophilic design philosophy.

M. CHEVALIER·2 min read

Jun 18, 2026

A view of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Thailand, featuring lush tropical landscaping and distinctive architecture

Destinations · Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Ritz-Carlton Reserve: The Complete Collection

Robb Report — Travel's seasoned contributor Jake Emen embarks on an unprecedented global quest to experience every Ritz-Carlton Reserve property. This exclusive tier within Marriott Bonvoy highlights bespoke luxury across diverse, remarkable locations.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Jun 15, 2026

An elegant banquet hall set with round tables, white tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and warm lighting.

Destinations · Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Conrad Kobe Arrives 2030, Anchoring New Hyogo Luxury Sector

Hilton expands its luxury footprint beyond Japan's major hubs with a strategic Conrad Hotels & Resorts collaboration. This 2030 opening marks a significant shift for the region's inbound tourism.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jun 14, 2026

Chef Vicky Cheng in his new restaurant Estuary at Capella Macau

Gastronomy · Capella Hotels

Vicky Cheng Reimagines French Dining at Macau's Capella With Estuary

Chef Vicky Cheng opens Estuary at Capella Macau on May 29, 2026, redefining French cuisine with Asian influences and a focus on nourishing ingredients. This new venture moves beyond traditional richness, offering a sophisticated, lighter approach to fine dining.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jun 13, 2026

Luxurious dining setting at NUNA, Four Seasons Hotel Miami, with a focus on a beautifully plated Nikkei dish.

Gastronomy · Four Seasons

NUNA by Jaime Pesaque Secures Permanent Home at Four Seasons Miami

After a year of acclaimed pop-up success, Chef Jaime Pesaque's Nikkei concept, NUNA, is now a permanent fixture at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. The move solidifies its standing as a premier dining destination in the city.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jun 12, 2026

A modern, minimalist building with expansive glass windows, nestled into a lush green mountainside with mist in the distance

Onsen · LXR Hotels & Resorts

Onsen Retreat: LXR Plants Flag in Hakone's Gora District

Hilton's luxury brand expands its Japanese footprint, targeting Hakone's renowned hot spring region. This development signals continued investment in Japan's high-end wellness tourism.

M. CHEVALIER·2 min read

Jun 11, 2026