The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Sotheby’s have joined forces to unveil a truly unique travel and culture experience: Masterpieces & The Mediterranean, an exclusive seven-night voyage aboard Luminara, the newest superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. This luxury experience will be auctioned during Sotheby’s Summer Marquee Sale in London, with bidding open from June 20–30, 2025.

Departing October 17, 2025, from Rome and concluding in Barcelona, the itinerary covers glamorous Mediterranean ports including Livorno, Portofino, Saint-Tropez, and Mallorca. The winning bidder and a guest will stay in the prestigious Owner’s Suite aboard Luminara, enjoying panoramic sea views, personalised service, and curated fine dining — including a modern Italian tasting menu at Seta su Luminara, helmed by award-winning Chef Fabio Trabocchi.

Elevating this voyage further is a bespoke cultural itinerary curated in collaboration with Sotheby’s specialists. Guests will gain behind-the-scenes access to private art collections and institutions, such as:

• A private tour of the founder’s residence at FAMM (Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins) in Florence.

• A curator-led exploration of the FAMM museum in Saint-Tropez, home to the Levett Collection.

• An exclusive visit to Fondation Maeght to view Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life.

• A Provençal lunch at the iconic La Colombe d'Or in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, surrounded by original works of Picasso, Matisse, and Calder.

"The Mediterranean has always been a vibrant crossroads of artistic exchange," shared Ottilie Windsor, Co-Head of Contemporary Art, London. "This initiative invites guests to experience art as a living continuum, shaped by place, memory, and dialogue."

"This extraordinary voyage reflects our passion for creating journeys that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression," said Gaby Aiguesvives, CMO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

George Hammer, Global Head of Luxury Marketing at Marriott International, added, “At the Luxury Group, we believe in offering guests rare access, meaningful connection, and storytelling that stays with them long after their journey ends.”

As part of the partnership, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will be the Presenting Partner of Sotheby’s Fine Art Marquee Auction and co-host a private brunch in London on June 22, 2025.

Following four previous successful auctions of bespoke travel experiences, Masterpieces & The Mediterranean affirms the shared vision of The Luxury Group and Sotheby’s: to craft luxury journeys that rival the emotional impact of great works of art.

For details or to view the listing, visit sothebys.com/MediterraneanYachtVoyage.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has pushed the boundaries of luxury travel yet again with the reveal of the Skyview Regent Suite, the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise suite in maritime history. Set aboard the soon-to-launch Seven Seas Prestige™, this two-level masterpiece measures a staggering 8,794 square feet and starts at $25,000 per night.

Slated to debut in December 2026, Seven Seas Prestige will embark on 13 voyages across Europe and the Caribbean, offering a new level of opulence across 12 suite categories. Among these, the Skyview Regent Suite is the crown jewel—featuring panoramic ocean views, 3,703 sq. ft. of wraparound balcony space, a private in-suite elevator, a floating staircase, two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a fully equipped private gym, spa, and massage room.

Guests will also have exclusive access to The Study, a private dining venue that seats 12, nestled between the ship’s signature restaurants—Chartreuse and Prime 7. Designed by Studio DADO, the suite’s interiors blend modern Italian influences with handcrafted luxury—from sculptural leather wall panels to a custom-crafted Flou bed positioned for ocean-facing slumber.

The experience goes far beyond space and style. Guests in the Skyview Regent Suite enjoy a wealth of ultra-luxurious inclusions:

• A dedicated personal butler

• Daily Serene Spa & Wellness® treatments

• A private car with driver and guide in every port

• Caviar service, designer bath amenities, in-suite Dom Pérignon and Louis XIII Cognac

• Unlimited laundry, personalized stationery, curated linen menus, and more

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas, remarked,

“At nearly 9,000 square feet, this breathtaking two-level suite delivers the most exclusive and elevated experience at sea, complete with every imaginable luxury included in the voyage fare.”

Inaugural voyages for Seven Seas Prestige begin with a transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami. Subsequent itineraries span the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Europe, including overnight stays in cities like London, Lisbon, and Bordeaux, and visits to private islands like Harvest Caye, Belize.

Guests can register their interest starting June 11, 2025, with bookings opening on June 25 via RSSC.com/ships/seven_seas_prestige, calling 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-473-4368) or contacting a professional Travel Advisor.

With the Skyview Regent Suite and the upcoming launch of Seven Seas Prestige™, Regent Seven Seas Cruises continues to define The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience® on the high seas—where elegance, comfort, and exclusivity sail together.

In a landmark moment for Indian tourism, a delegation of Arab influencers recently embarked on a journey through the lush hills, cascading waterfalls, and mist-draped valleys of Meghalaya. Their verdict? This tranquil Northeast Indian state is poised to become the next dream summer destination for Gulf travelers.

A Perfect Monsoon Escape for the Gulf Market

With its refreshing monsoon climate, untouched natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere, Meghalaya offers an ideal antidote to the harsh summer heat of the Gulf. But what made this trip truly historic was not just the scenic landscapes—it marked the launch of a focused initiative to position Northeast India, particularly Meghalaya, as a prime travel destination for Arab tourists.

A Warm Welcome from Meghalaya Tourism

The delegation, facilitated by Gateway Malabar Holidays, was received with open arms by Shri Cyril Darlong Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism, Meghalaya. His hospitality and enthusiastic support were instrumental in building early momentum for this initiative. A key highlight of the visit was a strategic meeting with the Meghalaya Travel Agents’ Association, setting the stage for future collaborations and industry alignment.

Further fostering ties, the group was also hosted over a special lunch by Mr. E. Banlum Blah, President of the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya, reinforcing the local tourism community’s commitment to welcoming Arab travelers.

Strategic Launch Ahead of Summer Holidays

With the Gulf region’s summer holiday season fast approaching, Gateway Malabar Holidays rolled out a strategic blueprint to position Meghalaya on the Arab traveler’s map. Central to this campaign was a content-rich familiarization trip featuring three well-known Arab influencers:

• Mr. Rajis Al Khudari (Saudi Arabia)
• Mr. Ali Habeeb (United Arab Emirates)
• Mr. Abdullah – Abu Dana (United Arab Emirates)

These influencers are known for their distinctive storytelling styles, often centered around monsoon adventures and hidden gems. Their journey through Meghalaya—capturing everything from cloud-covered cliffs to soulful local encounters—quickly resonated with their Gulf-based followers, many of whom are seeking new, meaningful travel experiences.

A Roadmap for Growth

The next phase is already in motion. Gateway Malabar Holidays, in partnership with the Meghalaya Tourism Department, is crafting a long-term action plan that includes:

• Tailor-made itineraries respecting Arab travelers’ cultural, culinary, and hospitality preferences
• Improved accessibility through direct flight promotions via Guwahati and Shillong
• Arabic-language content across digital platforms, travel guides, and promotional materials
• Continued influencer collaborations and partnerships with Gulf-based travel media
• Cultural sensitization programs for local tourism staff, guides, and service providers
• Participation in Gulf tourism expos and B2B networking events to create visibility and trust

What began as a scenic exploration is quickly transforming into a deeper cultural exchange and an economic opportunity for the region. With active support from Meghalaya Tourism and the authentic voice of trusted Arab influencers, the Northeast is now on the radar of a new and growing segment of global travelers.

Building on Meghalaya’s success, Gateway Malabar Holidays is setting its sights on other Indian destinations, with upcoming initiatives planned for Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. Conversations with respective state tourism boards and travel associations are already underway.

For Gateway Malabar Holidays, this is more than a campaign—it’s a celebration of connection, discovery, and hospitality. As we continue our mission to bridge India and the Gulf through tourism, wellness, and medical travel, one message echoes clearly:

This is just the beginning.

About the Author:
Jihad Husain is the Founder & Managing Director of Gateway Malabar Holidays & Medisafar. With two decades of excellence, his company specializes in curating tourism, wellness, and medical travel experiences between India and the Gulf region.