Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a monumental step forward in its leadership in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector. Speaking at ILTM Cannes, the world’s premier luxury travel event, the brand unveiled plans to launch more than 50 luxury and lifestyle properties globally by 2026. This strategic move underscores Hyatt’s dedication to curating unparalleled travel experiences and solidifying its status as a global leader in high-end hospitality.
A Booming Market for Luxury and Lifestyle Travel
The demand for luxury travel has reached unprecedented levels. A 2023 surge in this segment was complemented by a forecast from Savills, predicting a 52.8% increase in Europe’s luxury hotel inventory by 2028. Such optimism reflects the confidence of investors and operators in the sector’s long-term growth.
With 70% of its global room inventory categorized as luxury and upper-upscale, Hyatt is exceptionally well-placed to capitalize on these trends. The company’s luxury portfolio has expanded rapidly, with 28 luxury hotels added over the past three years and doubling its luxury room count since 2017.
Lifestyle Hotels: The Pulse of Modern Travel
Hyatt’s influence in the lifestyle segment is equally impressive. Since 2017, the brand has quintupled its lifestyle room offerings by catering to experience-driven travellers. Hyatt’s acquisition of Standard International, the parent company behind iconic lifestyle brands like The Standard and Bunkhouse, is a significant driver of this growth.
To further enhance its lifestyle focus, Hyatt has established a dedicated Lifestyle group headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok. Amar Lalvani, a visionary in lifestyle hospitality and former Executive Chairman of Standard International, leads this initiative as President and Creative Director.
Transformative Wellness and Highly Anticipated Openings
Among Hyatt’s ambitious pipeline is the much-anticipated Miraval The Red Sea, slated to debut in late 2025. This project marks the Miraval brand’s international expansion and promises to redefine wellness travel. Featuring one of the largest spas in the Red Sea region, the resort is poised to attract luxury seekers and adventurers alike.
Other highly awaited openings include the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Park Hyatt Johannesburg, and Andaz Miami Beach, each embodying the distinctive qualities that Hyatt’s luxury and lifestyle brands are celebrated for. These developments build on the success of recent flagship properties such as the Park Hyatt London River Thames, Alila Shanghai, and The Standard, Singapore.
A Commitment to Thoughtful Growth
Hyatt’s approach to growth remains firmly rooted in strategic planning. With a collection of 256 luxury and lifestyle hotels across 45 countries, including 58 in Europe, the company continues to deliver exceptional, curated experiences to its guests.
To further refine its offerings, Hyatt has introduced a new brand architecture divided into two distinct portfolios:
- The Luxury Portfolio: Designed for travellers seeking ultra-luxe escapes, this portfolio includes flagship brands like Park Hyatt, Alila, and Miraval. Properties in this category are celebrated for their unparalleled service, unique design, and exceptional amenities.
- The Lifestyle Portfolio: Targeting culturally attuned guests, this segment showcases brands like Andaz, Thompson Hotels, and The Standard. These properties deliver immersive experiences, blending cutting-edge design with dynamic cultural programming.
Leadership Commentary: A Vision for the Future
“This year, we have much to celebrate at ILTM, the premier event for the luxury hospitality industry,” remarked Javier Águila, Group President, Europe, Africa, and Middle East (EAME), Hyatt. “2024 has been a remarkable year for the EAME region, with luxury and lifestyle segments driving our success. The excitement surrounding upcoming openings, like the Park Hyatt Marrakech and Park Hyatt London River Thames, is a testament to our robust strategy.”
Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Lifestyle & Luxury Brands at Hyatt, shared similar enthusiasm. “Our evolved brand portfolios align more closely with guest preferences and travel behaviors. We are committed to exploring innovative ways to deliver unparalleled experiences that not only meet but exceed our guests’ expectations.”
Upcoming Luxury and Lifestyle Openings
Hyatt’s pipeline of new openings is as diverse as it is expansive. Key properties slated to launch in the next two years include:
Park Hyatt
- Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (2025)
- Park Hyatt Johannesburg (2025)
- Park Hyatt Cancun (2026)
Miraval
- Miraval The Red Sea (2025)
Andaz
- Andaz Miami Beach (2025)
- Andaz Gold Coast (2025)
Thompson Hotels
- Thompson Miami Beach (2025)
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
- Noor-Us-Sabah Palace (2025)
These properties reflect Hyatt’s continued investment in sought-after destinations and its ability to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers.
Strategic Expansion in Europe and Beyond
Europe remains a priority market for Hyatt, where it has solidified its presence with properties like Alila Kothaifaru Maldives and Thompson Madrid. The company’s commitment to the region is further highlighted by acquisitions such as Mr & Mrs Smith, a trusted platform for boutique luxury stays.
Beyond Europe, Hyatt is expanding into high-growth markets across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The debut of Alila Dongao Island in China and Andaz Doha in Qatar showcases Hyatt’s global vision for luxury and lifestyle travel.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Hyatt
With over 50 new openings on the horizon, Hyatt’s commitment to excellence in the luxury and lifestyle sectors is undeniable. By blending thoughtful growth strategies with a deep understanding of guest preferences, Hyatt is redefining the future of high-end hospitality. As the world embraces transformative travel experiences, Hyatt stands ready to deliver unparalleled luxury and cultural immersion to travellers worldwide.
For more information on Hyatt’s upcoming properties, visit Hyatt’s Official Website.
Written by: Soo James
