October 23, 2025
Dispatch from Deer Valley: What’s New in Luxury Travel
By crafted-admin
Seven of our Crafted Escapes advisors gathered in Deer Valley, Utah for four jam-packed days of connection and inspiration — alongside 300+ of our fellow Departure Lounge advisors and 150+ luxury travel partners (from tour operators to hoteliers and luxury cruise representatives).
We returned buzzing with ideas, updates, and insider intel — here’s what we’re most excited to share:
🌙 One&Only Moonlight Basin Opening in Montana
The first-ever One&Only resort in the U.S. is opening Nov 25 — and it’s stunning. If you’re a fan of their Mexico properties (Mandarina and Palmilla, add this to your list). Nestled amid Big Sky’s alpine wilderness, this property redefines mountain luxury. We had a sneak peek at unpublished photos and we’re blown away! Enjoy access to Madison Base and the wider network of Big Sky ski resorts via the resort’s private Gondola.
Specials:
- Be among the first to stay at One&Only Moonlight Basin and receive up to 25% off and $500 resort credit when you book three or more nights. ($500 PER BEDROOM for houses/cabins).
- Enjoy five nights for the price of four in the Cabins or Private Homes
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⛳️ Orient Express Takes on Italy — by Train
Launching soon: The Italian Swing, a new golf-themed journey from Orient Express. This itinerary winds from Puglia to Siena, Perugia, and Rome, pairing Italy’s most scenic courses with five-star service and that signature Orient Express glamour. Enjoy tea time, and then cocktail hour by the piano in the evening. The buzz amongst our Italian colleagues is that the new Orient Express hotel La Minerva in Rome is a design dream. Orient Express is also diving into the luxury cruise (excuse us, YACHT) game in 2026 with itineraries in the Amalfi Coast, Caribbean and Adriatic.
🛥️ Four Seasons Yachts Set Sail in 2026
Four Seasons is bringing its legendary hospitality to sea — and we’re thrilled to share that our host agency is the #1 seller for these soon-to-launch yachts. Expect 95 spacious suites per yacht, world-class design, and tailor-made itineraries. They’re even taking their kids club to the high seas! Now’s the time to get on the waitlist. They will have itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas.
🎾 Playful Pursuits: Group Trips with a Twist
Pickleball. Padel. Mahjong. Themed friend getaways are trending! We’re seeing travelers gathering not just to go somewhere beautiful — but to play, laugh, and connect through shared passions. We have access to some gorgeous villas around the world to fit your whole crew and can help negotiate group room blocks at hotels. We’ve also helped groups plan a cruise together!
Bonus: Sporting events we’re excited about: The next Ryder Cup will be hosted at the lovely Adare Manor in Ireland and Explora’s yacht will be docked during the Monaco Grand Prix race again! We’ve got the inside scoop on these events.
🧊 Expedition Cruising Still Rising
For the adventurers chasing their 7th continent — Antarctica, the Arctic, and beyond remain top of the list. Expedition ships now blend discovery with comfort, offering Michelin-level dining alongside penguin sightings. Our top pick from the conference was Quark.
🎄 A Few Christmas Market River Cruises Remain
There’s still limited space on select European river cruises for this holiday season. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, and storybook towns along the Rhine or Danube.
🏖️ Eau Palm Beach: Family Fun Meets Fine Dining
This Florida favorite continues to impress — now with both a kids’ and teens’ club, a NOBU, and a sprawling spa. Perfect for multi-generational escapes.
🎿 The Future of Deer Valley
A major expansion is underway in Utah: Deer Valley East Village will add 130 new runs, heated gondolas, and new luxury hotels including a Four Seasons. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Residences and got a first look at the future of ski luxe. There will be 40+ shops and restaurants!
Auberge Resorts: In the Mountains
We are big fans of Auberge resorts in Mexico, but the mountains are calling us this winter!
The Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah is offering unique winter activities like cocktail making and private dinners in the yurt, snowmobile tours, dogsledding, and a Native Sweat Lodge ceremony.
Annie had the chance to stay at Goldener Hirsch in Deer Valley. Their multi-bed residences are perfect for groups of friends or families with washer/dryer, full kitchens, and room to spare. The location (next to Stein Eriksen) is ideal and the ski lockers / ski butlers make vacation a breeze.
In Aspen and Telluride, the Madeline, Element 52 Residences, and The Jerome all have 20-30% specials running over the fall and winter.
⛷️ Ski Like an Olympian
Yes, really. We have exclusive access to a Olympic medalist Picabo Street offering private ski lessons this season — a one-of-a-kind experience for our snow-loving clients. Our advisor, Viviana Bertinetto-Garret, had the opportunity to meet her and try on the medal.
We came home inspired and ready to craft unforgettable journeys — from the mountains of Montana to the shores of the Adriatic.
If any of these destinations (or yachts, or trains!) spark your wanderlust, we’d love to start planning your next escape.
