From Railroads to Resorts: The New Standard of Escape

From contemporary resorts to wellness-driven properties that reflect guest priorities, Navigator rounds up the most exciting refurbishments and hotly anticipated openings reshaping the map of luxury travel.

A New Pace of Travel

The Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train.

This summer, LVMH expanded its luxury rail portfolio with the debut of The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. The first luxury sleeper train to offer extended itineraries connecting London with the Lake District, Cornwall, and Wales, the three-night journey invites guests to experience the UK’s most iconic landscapes through immersive off-board activities, including guided hikes in Wales, wild swimming in the Lake District, and private tours of distinctive English properties. Onboard, travelers enjoy 18 elegantly designed cabins – including three grand suites with ensuite bathrooms and personal butler service – alongside an onboard spa and a Botanic bar.

The train’s culinary program, led by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan, focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with menus that highlight Britain’s rich gastronomic heritage. belmond.com

Elevated Horizons

Aman Rosa Alpina, Italy

The re-opening of Rosa Alpina marks a new era for the picturesque village of San Cassiano in the Italian Dolomites. A sensitive renovation of the Pizzinini family property brings Aman’s signature blend of serenity, discretion, and design-led luxury. All guestrooms and suites have been reimagined, alongside the addition of two expansive Aman Suites and a reconfigured private chalet. The revamped, double-height arrival hall pays homage to the original piano bar, while new dining concepts include an Italian grill, all-day lounge, cocktail bar, and a cigar-and-spirits salon – with a Japanese restaurant to follow this winter. The new Aman Spa features indoor and outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi, and signature alpine treatments. For families, a games room and private cinemas further the property’s offerings. aman.com

A Personalized Approach to Modern Wellbeing

The Spa at Coworth Park, Berkshire

Nestled in the English countryside, just an hour from London, Coworth Park has always been a sanctuary of escape from the city. Embracing a broader shift in luxury travel, where wellness is now seen as an essential rather than optional part of the guest experience, the iconic property has reimagined and transformed its award-winning spa. With a strong focus on personalized wellness, The Spa at Coworth Park now features eight treatment rooms and a menu of bespoke therapies, all elevated by a comprehensive 360-degree consultation process to ensure every visit is both tailored and restorative. Innovative offerings include sound healing sessions, cold water therapies, and seasonal pop-up treatments.

The gym embraces the latest AI technology to create individualized exercise programs, while the estate’s natural surroundings inspire unique experiences such as equine therapy, guided nature walks, and foraging. dorchestercollection.com

Timeless Form, New Vision

Rosewood Amsterdam

Set within the storied walls of the former Palace of Justice, Rosewood Amsterdam brings a new level of refined luxury to the historic UNESCO-listed Canal District. With interiors by designer Piet Boon and outdoor spaces by world-renowned Dutch urban landscaping artist Piet Oudolf, the property, which opened in the summer, is poised to become a cultural landmark in its own right. Featuring 134 rooms and suites, many with canal views, the hotel offers guests a sense of place rooted in heritage and contemporary elegance.

Dining highlights seasonal Dutch cuisine across several venues, including a brasserie, bar, and garden terrace. Indulge in a treatment at Rosewood’s signature Sense Spa and indoor swimming pool, or discover Amsterdam with the property’s carefully curated experiences, including private canal cruises and behind-the-scenes access to the city’s leading cultural institutions. rosewoodhotels.com

A Landmark of Urban Wellness

Six Senses London

The Six Senses London is the newest addition to the capital’s luxury wellness scene. Set within the reimagined Whiteleys building in Bayswater, this highly anticipated flagship features 109 rooms and suites, alongside the first Six Senses Place – a private, members-only wellness club. Health-conscious travelers can expect holistic spa therapies, sleep optimization programs, and organic dining – all wrapped in the brand’s signature design and sustainability ethos. More than just a hotel, Six Senses London sets a benchmark for wellnessfirst hospitality in an urban setting. sixsenses.com

Grand Dame Makes a Grand Return

Waldorf Astoria, New York

This spring, New York’s legendary Waldorf Astoria made a fittingly grand return, unveiling the results of a multi-year restoration. Blending timeless grandeur with modern luxury, the renovation was led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with interior design from Pierre-Yves Rochon. Meticulously restoring iconic rooms like the Grand Ballroom and the Jade Room to their original glory, the reimagined hotel also introduced a host of new amenities, including a 30,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a signature restaurant helmed by Chef Michael Anthony. These enhancements usher the global icon into a new era of luxury. hilton.com