Welcome back to The Check-In, your weekly touchpoint for luxury travel news.
This week, some familiar names are making bold moves. Aman has announced its long-awaited debut in Mexico, promising ultra-exclusivity in a beachside location, cruise giant Ponant trades expedition ships for intimate catamaran voyages and Ritz Paris extends its legacy into wellness with a new lifestyle collection.
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Aman Announces Amanvari, the brand’s debut Mexico property
Aman has announced Amanvari, set to open in spring 2026 on Baja California’s East Cape. The property joins the brand’s Americas and Caribbean portfolio—alongside Aman Miami Beach, Aman Beverly Hills, and Amancaya in the Bahamas — marking the sixth property in the region and, notably, the first in Mexico.
Mexico feels like a natural next step for Aman, and Amanvari will test how the brand’s signature wellness-led approach and minimalist design translate to a new geography. Baja California’s dramatic coastline and sense of seclusion align perfectly with Aman’s ethos of quiet, understated luxury. The resort will be boutique, debuting with just 18 casitas alongside a collection of Aman Residences, offering private ownership with full-service hospitality.
Dining options will span multiple concepts, complemented by a signature Aman Spa with a modern temazcal. Guests will also have access to Costa Palmas’ 1,500-acre estate, including orchards, swimmable beaches and a deep-water marina.
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Ponant Launches Private Sail Charter Service
Ponant Explorations Group is turning down the scale on luxury cruising with Ponant Yachting, a new brand focused on ultra-intimate expeditions. Operating in Polynesia, the Seychelles, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, instead of competing on size, Ponant has turned its attention to offering privacy and bespoke experiences. Each catamaran carries just crew members and a maximum of 12 guests, delivering the exclusivity of a private yacht while leaning on the operational reliability of a seasoned cruise operator.
And the fleet is expanding, with Spirit of Ponant II, an 81-ft Lagoon EIGHTY 2 catamaran, launching in late 2026 from French Polynesia. With five staterooms accommodating up to 10 guests, it joins Spirit of Ponant and La Désirade, rounding out Ponant Yachting’s three-ship fleet.
Charters start at €64,000 ($75,274), with itineraries fully bespoke from meals and wine pairings to anchorages and water sports, positioning Ponant as a middle ground between private yacht ownership and the convenience of luxury expedition cruising.
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Ritz Paris Unveils Branded Wellness Line
Ritz Paris is taking its first step into branded wellness with a new collection of yoga and pilates accessories, launching September 24, 2025, another step in the hotel's expansion from luxury hospitality to lifestyle brand. The line includes mats, cork blocks, sports bags and thermoses, all made from recycled materials. Bottles and bags incorporate recycled steel and cotton, and every piece carries Ritz motifs in the hotel’s signature blue.
Ritz Paris previously collaborated with fashion brand Frame on limited-edition collections, launching apparel and accessories in 2021 and expanding in 2022 to include loungewear, children’s items and even a dog coat. The collection will be available at the Ritz boutiques and online.
