Discover endless new cruise horizons in 2022/23

It’s no secret that the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet includes some of the most luxurious ships in the world. And they’re ready to make waves for the 2022/23 cruise season.

Docking in Kotka, you would be forgiven for thinking you had arrived in Russia. The town is, after all, only around 100 kilometres across the water from St. Petersburg, and its dramatic Lutheran cathedral is not dissimilar to colourful St Basil’s, holding court in Moscow’s Red Square.

You alight the ship to be greeted by your guide, ready to escort you around for a day of sightseeing. Perhaps to take in the Merikeskus Vellamo, a museum detailing the region’s seafaring history, housed in a dramatic steel-and-glass building. Or to glimpse the stunning fjords that envelop the town with natural drama. Welcome to Finland, and to one of Regent Seven Seas’ newest ports.

This culture-driven town in the country’s south, overlooking the Gulf of Finland, is one of 17 destinations set to debut on Regent Seven Seas’ cruise voyages for 2022/23. And it’s in good company, alongside the likes of Killybegs in Ireland, Monterey in California, Beppu in Japan and Gili Mas (Lombok) in Indonesia. The hardest decision you have to make is which itinerary to choose – there are 148 available across the season, in addition to five Grand Voyages of 61 days or more. Perhaps an easier place to start is with the ship.

A splendid way to travel

It’s hard to look past the newest ship in the Regent fleet: the lavish Seven Seas Splendor. With space for just 750 guests, Splendor made her maiden voyage earlier this year, setting the bar high for future cruise-line launches. The extent of the on-board luxuries is mindboggling: all-balcony suites, guaranteeing unbroken views over the ocean and colourful villages you pass; walk-in wardrobes and marbled bathrooms; indulgent L’Occitane amenities. Venture into public spaces to ogle a collection of more than 300 commissioned artworks, decorating spaces that unite sweeping staircases, Czech marble and chandeliers.

The other standout luxury is the all-inclusive nature of your voyage, from meals and drinks in the seven specialty restaurants and bars to pre-paid gratuities, Wi-Fi, valet laundry and even unlimited shore excursions. Which means you can sashay off the ship in Kotka, or any number of ports, and be met that chauffer to explore some of the world’s most beguiling destinations.

Book Splendor’s ‘Charming Windmills to Fine Chocolates’ itinerary (departing 26 July 2022), and your cruise will be bookended by stays in St. Petersburg, with northern Europe’s fairytale countryside, Norway’s stunning coastline and historic Baltic cities in between. When winter descends, the ship – dubbed ‘luxury perfected’ – cruises south toward the Caribbean, taking in the region’s palm-laced islands and powdery beaches at a leisurely pace, perhaps before journeying along the Panama Canal.

© Stephen Beaudet

An incentive to explore

Seven Seas Explorer will also begin her season in the Mediterranean, taking in blissful Greek islands, colourful Turkish ports, the Baltic Sea and the Holy Land. From here, she heads south toward Dubai and the Gulf Coast, preparing to journey toward Asia for the ‘Ancient Temples & Sacred Sites’ itinerary (departing 14 March 2022). Seeing Japan during sakura (cherry blossom season) is a rare treat, with the ship making a maiden call in Beppu and also stopping in Kyoto with some itineraries with overnight stays allowing for more immersive exploration.

If time is on your side, the 73-night ‘Grand Spice Route Quest’ (departing 31 October 2022) offers an intoxicating taste of Europe, Asia and Oceania, visiting Jerusalem and Luxor, lingering in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, then journeying south to explore the waters between Australia and New Zealand – she arrives in Sydney just in time for New Year’s Eve, which means you can end your journey with a bang.

This grande dame will begin the 2022/23 season in Miami, before exploring the Caribbean then sailing north around the Canadian coast into Greenland, the British Isles and Western Europe. Moving back to the US, she journeys south to take guests on a 25-night Amazon cruise.

Voyager of a lifetime

Seven Seas Voyager will similarly spend some of the 2022/23 season in Europe, cruising the Mediterranean before journeying toward Splendor in Northern Europe. In addition to unexpected stops around the British Isles – think five calls to Ireland, plus Portland, Liverpool, England and Wales – the ship’s star itinerary is the ‘Historic Sites & Crossroads’ (departing 12 October 2022), taking you on a voyage through Europe’s historic civilisations, visiting significant sights and attractions in Greece, Italy and Turkey.

For the remainder of the 2022 season, Voyager will take guests to unexplored ports around Africa, including along the west coast, before journeying to Rio de Janeiro to begin her South American itineraries.

For more information or booking requests, please contact our travel experts.

The Best Hotel Openings For 2021

It’s been a tumultuous year for travel, but there’s finally a little light at the end of the tunnel, which makes the idea of a holiday not quite so far-fetched. From suites overlooking the gardens of Versailles to treehouse hideaways in verdant jungles, these are the hotel openings to have on your radar.

Airelles Château de Versailles, France

Tipped to be the hotel opening of this year, this opulent addition to the Airelles portfolio is set within the grounds of Versailles, offering an experience like no other. Four years in the making, the ultra-luxe boutique hotel features 14 rooms and suites, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, Valmont spa and 15-metre indoor pool. The hotel will occupy a trio of buildings all designed in 1681 by Louis XIV’s favourite architect, with rooms featuring original wood panelling, flooring restored by some of France’s most talented artisans and 18th century chandeliers. To replicate the Versailles vibes, all technology has been carefully tucked away (telephones are hidden and rooms don’t have TVs) although guests won’t be devoid of entertainment, thanks to exclusive access to the Palace itself and its sprawling gardens.

Opening: Early 2021

Bethlen Estates, Transylvania, Romania

Sitting in the heart of Transylvania, nestled amongst alpine meadows and wild woods dotted with medieval citadels and fairytale castles lies Bethlen Estates. For the last several years, the Bethlen family has been transforming ancient ruins into modern marvels while supporting local communities through employment and education. Choose from three immaculately restored houses, available to rent for exclusive use or by the room. Expect stunning rustic interiors – think original wooden beams, Tom Dixon lighting, antique kilim rugs and sculptural staircases – and a five-star culinary experience with breakfasts, picnics and dinners sourced from the family’s orchards, farmlands and forests. For those not of the vampire-hunting disposition, the surrounding area offers horseback riding, vineyard visits, bird watching and historical tours of UNESCO Heritage sites.

Opening: Spring 2021

Can Ferrereta, Santanyí, Mallorca

In the quaint rural town of Santanyí in the south east of Mallorca, Can Ferretera is getting ready to open its doors. From the team behind Palma’s popular Sant Francesc, this new opening is reminiscent of a grand summer house, featuring a simple, light design: picture rustic wooden beams and original stone contrasted with sleek furnishings and an eclectic collection of modern art by local and Spanish artists. Many of the 32 rooms will feature private patios, while the hotel’s signature suite will offer a private garden and swimming pool. This Mallorcan hideaway will also be home to a Mediterranean restaurant, two bars, a 25m pool, gym and spa with a hammam and indoor pool. Santanyí is next to the second-largest nature park in the Balearics, a paradise for nature lovers, and offers easy access to some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches.  

Opening: March 2021

Nirjhara, Bali

Cocooned in a private enclave surrounded by rice paddies, a tropical forest and waterfalls, Nirjhara is the ultimate far-flung adventure. Consisting of 25 villas – including treehouse suites – this eco-luxury destination has been constructed to make as little impact on the environment as possible, with locally sourced timber, rattan and stone. At restaurant Ambu, regional specialities are served in a pavilion overlooking the largest of four waterfalls; and at the spa, there’s the opportunity to enjoy Balinese massages, open-air meditation sessions and reflexology. The hotel is minutes from volcanic beaches and Tanah Lot, a Hindu temple with some of the best sunsets in Bali. There’s also the option to charter Vela, the property’s six-cabin yacht, to take you to some of the most remote corners of the Indonesian archipelago.

Opening: January 2021 

OKU Ibiza, San Antonio, Ibiza

The coolest new launch for the Ibiza summer season, OKU is a laid-back hotel for those who want the best of the White Isle on their doorstep. Rooms include penthouse suites with impressive views; swim-up pool rooms and a private four-bedroom villa for exclusive hire. Don’t be put off by the San Antonio location – this secluded spot oozes Ibizan bliss and is one of the area’s hidden gems, just moments from Cala Gracio bay and beaches. Ideal for those looking for a tranquil escape, the spa is well worth a visit – think full-body massages as well as daily yoga and Pilates classes. 

Opening: May 2021

Hotel Castello di Reschio, Umbria, Italy

Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and ancient forests, the Reschio estate lies on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, coined Italy’s forgotten heartland. At the heart of the estate lies a thousand-year-old castle, which has recently been restored into a seriously stylish 36-room hotel. Rooms boast sumptuous Italian fabrics, bespoke furniture and curiosities hand-picked from local antique markets, and guests can feast in two restaurants, with produce coming from the estate’s garden, vineyards and beehives. Spend your days exploring the nearby meadows and forests on horseback, swimming in the lake, or having an Italian cooking lesson, or book a treatment at the Bathhouse, where you’ll find a hammam and sauna as well as tranquil treatment rooms tucked away in the castle’s vaulted stone cellar.

Opening: April 2021

Six Senses New York, USA

Six Senses’ first urban hotel in the US, this hotly anticipated opening will also be the first five-star hotel in Manhattan’s West Side, spread across ten floors with 137 rooms. Located in buzzy West Chelsea, the hotel rises above the Hudson River and the world-famous High Line, where the roof doubles as an organic vegetable patch. The style is touted as contemporary and calm with natural-hued fabrics and furnishings throughout, and guests will also have access to the Six Senses Spa, which will offer a range of high-tech treatments with a focus on medical wellness. The spa will also offer a meditation dome, yoga centre and magnesium pool – the ideal place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing in The Big Apple. 

Opening: Late 2021

The Farmyard at The Newt, Somerset

If you’ve struggled to book a room at The Newt – the staycation destination of 2020 – you’ll be pleased to hear the Somerset-based hotel is expanding its accommodation with the opening of The Farmyard, a renovated former dairy farm offering a further 17 bedrooms. Hidden in a secluded corner of the estate and accessed through cider orchards, The Farmyard has all the charm of the main hotel as well as its own farm-to-table culinary experience, indoor pool and bar and games room. 

Opening: Spring 2021

The Harper, Langham, Norfolk

Set to open in March, North Norfolk will soon be home to one of the UK’s newest boutique hotels, The Harper. Set in an old glass blowing factory in Langham, this unique hotel has embraced its history by adding bespoke glass features throughout and incorporating an artfully mismatched design. No two bedrooms are the same and with categories coming as ‘big’, ‘bigger’ and ‘biggest’ there’s something for all budgets. The perfect spot for a weekend break, the team’s mission is to make guests feel as though they’re staying in a home away from home. The hotel also has its own bikes and for keen ramblers, the hotel has devised its own walking routes, taking in the very best of Norfolk’s tranquil countryside.

Opening: March 2021

Three Mile Beach, Cornwall

For something a little closer to home, look no further than Three Mile Beach, a collection of 15 beach houses on the northern Cornish coast, just four miles from the bustling town of St.Ives. Tucked away on the coastline but easy enough to get to, these three and four-bedroom self-catered beach houses feature open plan lounge spaces, log burners and wrap-around terraces with sunken cedar hot tubs, barrel saunas and barbecues. Well-equipped kitchens make feasting at home a breeze, but if you don’t feel like cooking, the team can offer private chefs or send homemade dishes straight to your door. A stone’s throw from some of the UK’s best beaches (on a sunny day, the turquoise water can look like the Caribbean), the team can also arrange wetsuit and surfboard hire for adrenaline-fuelled adventures.

Opening: Spring 2021

Nobu Marrakech, Morocco, Africa

Nobu’s first outpost in Africa, Nobu Marrakech will bring a slice of luxury to this exotic city. Opening late this year, the hotel will be tucked away in the heritage-steeped Hivernage district, a stone’s throw from the historic heart of the city, various souks and the vibrant Djemaa el-Fina, Marrakech’s main square and the most important part of the Medina. Boasting 71 bedrooms and suites, an array of dining venues and rooftop spaces, a 2,000 sq ft spa and gym, indoor and outdoor pools, we predict this stylish spot will fast become the minibreak name to know. If you’re a fan of the Nobu brand, keep an eye out for openings in Chicago, Warsaw and Riyadh, also set to open later next year.

Opening: Summer/autumn 2021

CAYO Exclusive Resort, Elounda, Crete

For a seriously chic Greek getaway, look no further than CAYO, a new five-star resort situated on Elounda Bay overlooking the islet of Spinalonga – the perfect spot if you want to get away from it all but still have the option of day trips to some of the island’s northern sights. With UNESCO-listed sea views and plush facilities – think four gastronomic restaurants (the menus were designed by the first Greek chef to be awarded with a Michelin star), a mind-body balancing spa and its own private swathe of seafront – CAYO ticks all the boxes when it comes to warm weather luxury. Bedrooms are awash with natural daylight and bedecked in a soothing palette of cool greys, soft blues and greens with brushed marble, glass and stone. The little touches aren’t forgotten here either – with a strong eco-focus, guests are greeted with a seedling on arrival, which they can plant anywhere in the resort.

Opening: Early 2021

Ikos Andalucia, Estepona, Spain

In recent years, the Ikos brand has redefined the all-inclusive experience, with an emphasis on detail and quality as well as plenty of grown-up elegance. The group’s fifth hotel, and its first in Spain, Ikos Andalucia occupies a prime beachside position between Marbella and Estepona. An all-inclusive holiday with a luxury twist – we’re talking Michelin-starred menus, 300-option wine list and five-star accommodation – this new opening is perfect for couples and families alike. In the name of local discovery, guests are also gifted a MINI car for 24-hours to explore the area, tickets to the best museums in Malaga and free green fee passes for keen golfers.

Opening: April 2021

The Cloudveil, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

Situated in the alpine climbing and skiing playground of Jackson Hole, The Cloudveil is the ultimate paradise for keen adventurers. Just one hour south of Yellowstone National Park, The Cloudveil is moments from endless green spaces and world-class ski resorts. With 100 bedrooms, a bistro restaurant and bar, expansive rooftop terrace overlooking Jackson’s Town Square and Snow King Mountain, an outdoor pool and gardens, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, this new opening has it all. Leveraging raw, natural materials to create a connection to the local landscape, rooms have a warm, neutral palette, with plenty of wood and leather, and you’ll find crackling fires in every corner, too. 

Opening: Spring 2021

Six Senses Kitzbuehel, Austria

Featuring 80 bedrooms and 15 stand-alone chalets, this village-like resort is the first of its kind in the Austrian Alps. Offering ski-in, ski-out access to some of the best pistes in Europe (Kitzbuehel has been named the best ski resort in the world three times), and just 90 minutes from Innsbruck and Salzburg, this is the perfect spot for a long weekend in the mountains. Offering everything you’d expect from a Six Senses hotel, you’ll find stellar restaurants focusing on local dishes with ingredients supplied from nearby organic farms and a second-to-none spa, the ideal place to rest weary legs after a day on the mountain. The hotel will also organise unique experiences – think destination dining in igloos and tree pods, forest bathing and glacier skiing. 

Opening: Late 2021/2022

*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice before you book. Please ensure you are aware of the social distancing guidelines in place.

For more information on the above list, please contact your lifestyle manager.