Checked In | The Global Travel News Worth Knowing Right Now

The world of travel moves pretty quickly, with new hotels, restaurants, experiences and destination news landing almost every week. To make sure you don't miss anything worth adding to your list, we've wrapped up the international travel updates you need to know—all in one place.

This is the inaugural edition of Checked In, our new rolling roundup of the international travel news on our radar. We'll be updating this article regularly with the latest global hotel openings, destination news, experiences and dining destinations shaping where we’re travelling overseas next, so consider this your excuse to check back often. 

Know about a noteworthy international opening, destination or travel experience? Email our Travel Editor at icroker@theurbanlist.com. 

A Sleek New Lakefront Hotel Is Opening In Queenstown Next Month

Image credit: Avani Queenstown | Supplied

Queenstown's hotel scene is about to get a highly anticipated fresh addition, with Avani Queenstown set to open this September on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Taking over the former Oaks Shores Resort following a major transformation, the slick new hotel marks Avani's Aotearoa flagship location (and the brand's second property in Aoteraroa) and is designed to become a luxe, design-led base for exploring the country's adventure capital.

You can expect lakefront rooms, a new spa, social spaces designed for après-ski drinks, private dining experiences and Six to Midnight, an all-day restaurant championing seasonal local produce. Whether you're visiting for ski season, hiking or a summer escape, Avani Queenstown is one to have on your radar before your next South Island trip. Keep up to date here.

One Of Indonesia's Most Anticipated Luxury Resorts Is Heading To Lombok

Image credit: Samara Lombok | Supplied (Render)

Bali may still dominate Australian holiday wish lists, but neighbouring Lombok is quietly emerging as one of Southeast Asia's most exciting luxury destinations—and Samara Lombok is hoping to be at the centre of it.

Expected to welcome guests in early 2028, the sprawling resort will become Southeast Asia's first Destination by Hyatt property. The opening will include three boutique hotels, luxury villas, 12 dining concepts, a tennis and padel academy, a marine biology centre and wellness facilities, all set along Lombok's spectacular south coast just 25 minutes from the airport.

While it's still a little way off, this is exactly the kind of opening we'd recommend keeping firmly on your radar, particularly if you're looking for an alternative to Bali that's a little less crowded but just as beautiful. We'll keep you updated with the progress—more details here.

COMO Opens A Boutique Wine Hotel In The Heart Of Bordeaux

Image credit: COMO Cordeillan-Bages | Supplied

If Bordeaux has long been on your wine-fuelled bucket list, there's a new reason to plan the trip. COMO Hotels & Resorts has officially opened COMO Cordeillan-Bages, a beautifully restored 28-room retreat in the heart of the Médoc wine region.

Surrounded by some of Bordeaux's most celebrated vineyards—including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild—the elegant hotel is designed for travellers who'd happily build an entire itinerary around long lunches and exceptional wine (yes, that's us).

Michelin-starred chef Fabien Ferré oversees the culinary direction at the onsite signature restaurant Le Cordeillan, with a focus on seafood and seasonal local produce, while the 1,600-bottle wine cellar is reason enough to linger another night. Throw in vineyard cycling, private château tastings and COMO's signature wellness offering, and you've got one very compelling excuse to book that France trip. For more details and bookings, click here.

Four Seasons Has Officially Opened A New Beachfront Hotel In Mykonos

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts | Supplied

If Mykonos has been sitting firmly in your saved folder, Four Seasons has just made a strong case for finally booking the flights. The luxury hotel group has officially opened Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos, perched above Kalo Livadi Bay just 20 minutes from the island's famous white-washed streets.

Designed to feel like a traditional Mykonian village, the jaw-dropping new property features 94 rooms, suites and villas, a private beach, two infinity pools and four restaurants overlooking the Aegean. When you're ready to venture beyond the sun lounge, guests can book everything from horseback rides and boat trips to nearby Delos through the hotel. It's the brand's second Greek property and we have a feeling it'll be one of the Mediterranean's hottest new stays this summer. For more details and bookings, click here.

Bali's Newest Beach Club From The Mrs Sippy Crew Is Serving Sunset Cocktails Right On The Sand

Image credit: Sunset Beach Bali | Supplied

If your Bali itinerary revolves around finding the perfect place to watch the sun go down (same), add Sunset Beach Seminyak to your list. The newest opening from the team behind the iconic Mrs Sippy sits directly on Seminyak Beach, pairing front-row sunset views with oceanfront daybeds, open-fire dining and cocktails best enjoyed barefoot in the sand.

The menu centres around The Grill, serving wood-fired seafood, premium steaks and generous sharing plates—we would dig into the yellowfin tuna with avocado puree and the Wagyu rump steak with chimichurri—while frozen cocktails and DJs level up the atmosphere for golden hour. Best of all, entry is free, making it a prime addition to any afternoon spent exploring Seminyak. For more details, click here.

Sheraton Has Just Launched Its First Hotel In Papua New Guinea

Image credit: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | Supplied

Sheraton has officially made its Papua New Guinea debut with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, bringing the global hotel brand to the country's capital for the very first time.

Located just five minutes from Jacksons International Airport, the 394-room hotel features contemporary guestrooms, suites and apartments alongside an infinity pool, day spa, one of the city's largest fitness centres and multiple dining venues. Connected directly to Vision City Mega Mall, it's designed as both a convenient stopover and a destination in its own right. For more details and bookings, click here.

London's Massive New Lifestyle Development Now Has A Five-Star Hotel To Match

Image credit: Hyatt Regency London Olympia | Supplied

After years of redevelopment, Olympia London has finally reopened as one of the city's newest lifestyle precincts—and now there's a high-end hotel to stay in while you explore it. The newly opened Hyatt Regency London Olympia sits at the heart of the £1.3 billion transformation, with 204 guestrooms and direct access to one of London's newest dining, entertainment and cultural hubs.

Beyond the hotel itself, Olympia is quickly becoming a destination worth visiting in its own right. We're talking: rooftop restaurants and cocktail bars, a sprawling food hall, live music at the brand-new British Airways ARC venue and a packed calendar of exhibitions and cultural events, all just moments from Kensington. For more details, click here.

Main Image Credit: Samara Lombok | Supplied (Render)