Fly me to the moon and back

US startup company Moon Express said last week it had received approval from the government to send an unmanned lander to the moon in 2017, in a first for private industry. The trip is estimated to cost $25 million and promises to be the most expensive private travel venture of all time – well at least until SpaceX confirms its Mars mission.

Until now, only the governments of the United States, the Soviet Union and China have sent spacecraft to the surface of the moon. Commercial spacecraft have flown within the bounds of Earth’s orbit. According to Quartz, Moon Express is the first company to seek and receive approval to do business beyond near-Earth orbit. Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are the pioneers here and at least two of those have plans for the solar system at large, including the aforementioned Mars mission, scheduled for 2018. For now though, Moon Express has eclipsed everyone.

Read more: Luxuo.com

Richard Branson Launches Exclusive Spanish Villas

The billionaire property developer and owner of Virgin Air, Sir Richard Branson, added one more venture to his already impressive portfolio with the launch of luxury villas on the Son Bunyola Estates. Part of the truly scenic island getaway, the pair of villas are found nestled among citrus fruit, almond and olive trees. One can only expect the retreats to be as luxurious as his other exclusive luxury retreats and private islands.

Read more: Luxuo.com

Il Sereno Lago di Como Opens by Lake Como

By the tranquil banks of Lake Como’s eastern shore sits ll Sereno Lago di Como, a newly-opened five-star boutique residence that will also mark the first new hotel by the lake in decades.

Designed by prolific Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, the Il Sereno is located a convenient 6km away from the center of Como and a mere 50 minutes from Milan. It joins its neighbor Villa Pliniana by the same lake and Le Sereno Hotel and Villas in St. Barthelemy to be the third Sereno Hotels property.

Source: luxuo.com

La Réserve, First luxury hotel in Paris to offer butler service to every guest

Starting this July, La Réserve Paris is to become the first luxury hotel in Paris to offer a butler service to every guest.

It is already the ultimate insider’s address among Parisian hotels and now takes on a whole new dimension as each of the 40 suites will be waited on hand and foot.

The butlers of La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa are there to offer guests the full ‘La Réserve’ experience helping to make their stay as seamless as possible. Capable of almost anything, they fulfil guests every wish, meet all their needs and help make their wildest dreams come true to ensure every stay is truly unforgettable. Attentive to each and every detail, they combine keen foresight with absolute discretion.

Source: Luxury Travel Magazine

Four Seasons Private Residences Anguilla opens in October

In October 2016, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will assume management of the Viceroy Anguilla resort and will unveil Four Seasons Private Residences Anguilla.

Four Seasons will bring its 50 years of experience to the property, and guests will notice significant changes in the arrival courtyard, lobby, Sunset Lounge and restaurants, as well as the fitness center, which will be expanded with newly-added equipment. All guest rooms will be reimagined with “Four Seasons-inspired touches.”

Find out more: anguillaprivateresidences.com

Etihad Airways Opens Premium Lounge in Los Angeles

Together with Etihad Airways’ Premium Lounges in Washington, D.C., and New York’s JFK, the new First & Business Class Lounge Los Angeles is the airline’s third dedicated hospitality haven in the Americas, and the first on the US West Coast.

The new facility moves away from the normal conventions of airport lounge design, and features the same ‘Modern Arabian’ decorative elements which characterize Etihad Airways’ new international lounges. The décor draws inspiration from the geometric patterns found in the traditional and modern architecture of Abu Dhabi and its spectacular desert landscape.

Read more:Etihad.com

Dramatic New Cruise Terminal for Miami

Designs have been approved for a new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal at PortMiami. In a press release, global cruise company Royal Caribbean announced that a new 170,000-square-foot terminal had been approved at the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami, aka PortMiami. The terminal will also feature a thousand-space car park, loading bays and passenger drop-off points including taxi and bus stops.Winners of the design competition were architectural firm Broadway Malyan, who were selected from five of the most prominent architectural groups from around the world.

Read mode: Luxuo.com