Aperture

☀️ Royal Caribbean's 80-hectare Perfect Day Mexico is set to open in fall 2027 near Costa Maya, with an investment of $292 million. It will feature the world's longest lazy river and tallest waterslide tower in the Americas, Jaguar's Peak, with over 30 slides. The resort includes 24 bars, 12 restaurants, and various themed areas, with amenities for relaxation and entertainment. Reservations start this autumn for Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, New Orleans, and Florida.

🌴 Aman unveils its first Bahamian property, Amancaya, on two private Exuma cays. The ultra-luxurious resort features 36 pavilion rooms and branded residences, developed with Swiss investor Dona Bertarelli. Facilities include a marina, beach club, Aman Spa, and restaurants. CEO Vlad Doronin highlights this as a milestone for Aman in the Caribbean, joining Amanera in the Dominican Republic and Amanyara in Turks and Caicos.

🚢 Waldorf Astoria Nile cruises launch in 2026, offering 4- and 6-night itineraries from Luxor to Aswan and vice versa. Stops include Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The ship, with five decks and 29 suites, features a fitness center and spa, and dining options like Peacock Alley. Cuisine includes Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international dishes. Dino Michael, Hilton's senior VP for luxury brands, highlights the unique travel experience.

📅 The luxury sector has shifted significantly over the past two years. Travelers now value transformative experiences over mere destinations, redefining luxury as unique and emotional rather than extravagant. The Longevity Suite philosophy emphasizes long-term life quality, with plans to open resorts focused on immersive wellness experiences. This approach reflects a broader trend in Italian resorts, highlighting a gentler, well-being-centered imprint. Read more in the Spring edition of TTG Luxury magazine.

🍕 Luigi Seccia, a Neapolitan entrepreneur born in 1998, launched PIANETA PIZZA - Al Ruotino in 2023, transforming the traditional "pizza nel ruoto" into a scalable business model. The first location opened in Naples on September 5, 2024, occupying 200 sqm with 80 seats. Following positive feedback, a second 700 sqm venue with professional Sud Forni ovens was opened in Rome at Mercato Plebiscito on May 2, 2025. Both locations employ 14 staff with an initial investment of 300,000 euros. The architectural project was designed by Costa Group to optimize operational efficiency. The menu features a distinctive 30 cm pizza with 80% hydration dough and over 28 hours of fermentation. The expansion plan considers direct or franchise development after testing the format in strategic markets.

🏦 Hotel Gabrielli in Venice reopens on July 9, 2025, as a 5-star establishment under Starhotels, featuring a restoration designed by Andrea Auletta. The hotel, owned by the Perkhofer family since 1856, joined The Leading Hotels of the World and reduced its rooms from 105 to 66. Over 700 chandeliers and sconces by Murano glass masters were restored. The hotel offers a 600 square meter winter garden, a 150 square meter panoramic terrace, a K Lounge Bar, a Ballroom, and an exclusive SPA with hammam and treatment rooms.

🥂 Palermitan entrepreneurs Giuseppe Costanza, Gioele Errera, and Giorgio Naselli are set to open Vermuteria on May 14, dedicated to vermouth—a wine infused with herbs and spices originating from 18th century Turin. Vermuteria will offer a vast selection of vermouths and is designed as a sophisticated, multisensory experience, featuring live music sets and a unique interior. This new venue extends the trio's successful ventures, including the cocktail bar "I Corrieri" and the pizzeria "Caddìa – Condivisioni culinarie," further cementing their reputation in Palermo's gastronomy scene. Located at Piazza Cattolica n. 5, 90133 Palermo, Vermuteria aims to create an unparalleled experience combining refined drinking and quality music.

🎉 The ORGANICS SkyGarden in Milan unveils its "Tropical Menu Equatore," a mixology and gastronomic experience celebrating tropical and equatorial flavors. Food options include dishes from Kenya, Ecuador, Brazil, Kiribati, and Colombia, alongside tropical-inspired desserts like manioc balls from Congo. The Equatore drink list features exclusive cocktails with international ingredients. Available every evening from 18:00 to 00:00, with the kitchen open until 22:30, at Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale, Via G.B. Pirelli, 20. The SkyGarden offers a taste and atmosphere journey on Milan's spectacular terrace.

🍴 "Futura", Rome's first independent restaurant by Chef Anastasia Paris, born in 1994 in Celano (L'Aquila), opened on April 9 in Rione Monti at Via Panisperna 222a. With just 20 seats, half arranged around the chef's table overlooking the open kitchen, the intimate restaurant reflects her extensive experience across Italy and abroad, including Australia. The evolving menu consists of 8-9 fixed dishes changing bi-monthly and 5-6 rotating weekly specials, accompanied by a wine selection of 50-60 labels starting at 20 euros, curated by partner Luigi Carofilis.

🏠 Helvetia & Bristol of Starhotels Collezione introduced two new panoramic suites on the fifth floor, with views of Florence landmarks. Suite 560 (66 sqm) overlooks Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's bell tower, while Suite 550 (74 sqm) offers a glass balcony with city views. Both suites mix classic elegance and contemporary design, featuring traditional Florentine craftsmanship. Exclusive room service partnerships include Cibrèo and Iginio Massari Alta Pasticceria. Starhotels recently secured a 10-year, €350 million financing deal with a banking pool to replace the previous €460 million loan due in 2027, focusing on maintaining and enhancing their portfolio, acquiring new hotels, and signing new management contracts.