Welcome back to The Check-In, your weekly touchpoint for luxury travel news.
From a South Pacific debut to a whisky-fueled opening in Scotland, here's what's making waves this week.
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One&Only Announces Fiji Resort for 2029
One&Only is preparing to plant its flag in Fiji, on Nacula Island in the Yasawa Islands. Spanning 127 acres, the retreat will feature 40 suites, 20 private homes, six dining venues and the brand’s Club One Wellness Center.
The location is just a 30-minute flight from Fiji’s international airport, offering easy access without losing its island seclusion. Private residences are set to go on sale in November 2025, giving buyers a head start before the official opening.
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Pelorus Launches 2026 Adventure Agenda
Pelorus has unveiled its 'Adventure Agenda' for 2026, revealing five fresh journeys crafted with conservationists, filmmakers and local experts.
Among them is The Odyssey, a journey that retraces the mythic voyage of Odysseus across the Mediterranean by sea, land and air. Another expedition takes guests to Mongolia, where they will traverse various landscapes, including steppes, deserts and mountains. Scotland provides another backdrop, with participants joining ecologists and land stewards to restore rivers, restock salmon and track wildlife.
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Mandarin Oriental to Open Seoul Hotel in 2030
Mandarin Oriental has announced a new hotel in Seoul’s Central Business District, marking the brand’s debut in South Korea. Opening in 2030, the 128-room property will be designed by acclaimed architect André Fu.
A destination restaurant will crown the 21st floor, offering sweeping views across the city. The 20th floor will host two further dining concepts: one focused on international cuisine, another on Chinese specialties, along with a Korean chef’s counter. Ground-floor highlights will include a bar, a lounge and The Mandarin Cake Shop.
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Ardbeg House Opens on Islay
Whisky fans have a new reason to head to the Hebrides with the official opening of Ardbeg House. The 12-bedroom property, formerly known as Islay House, has been completely redesigned by Russell Sage Studio, to incorporate local arts and design.
Sitting on the shores of Port Ellen, the house connects guests directly to the distillery’s heritage and its famously smoky spirits. Dining is central to the experience, with the Signature Restaurant and Islay Bar offering everything from hand-dived scallops to Ardbeg-infused creations. Outside, The Untamed Courtyard features a smoker and grill, continuing the whisky theme in culinary form.
