Category Hotel, Organisations & Operators

Capella Kyoto will open on 22 March 2026, just as Kyoto’s legendary cherry blossoms reach their fleeting peak. Set in the historic Miyagawa-cho kagai (geisha district), Capella Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural property in Japan is located steps from the Kenninji temple and the Kamo river where kabuki was born.

Pulse Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Aura Maldives, a new 5-star luxury island sanctuary set to open in Q4 2026 within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, easily accessible via a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Male’, or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute yacht or speedboat transfer.

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, situated on the pristine south-west coast of Malaysia’s Jewel of Kedah, announces the launch of its newest guest experience, a private Lagoon 620 sailing catamaran with luxury itineraries. Named to symbolize enduring grace, Dayang Mastura will provide guests with an exceptional private charter experience and an invitation to explore Langkawi’s breathtaking Andaman coastline – the ultimate Langkawi sailing experience.

Effective 30 January 2026, The Sirēya Desaru Coast became Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, under the management of Mandarin Oriental.

To mark the resort’s new chapter, a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place on 5 February 2026 with a floral garland consisting of local flora. The ceremony was attended by members of Mandarin Oriental’s senior leadership team including Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive; ShaoWei Ong, Chief People and Culture Officer; Matthew Bishop, Chief Financial Officer; Kande Camara, Chief of Staff and Group Director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental; Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, and Area Vice President Operations; Christian Gerart, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Dato’ Mohamed Nasri Sallehudin, Chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels; and Mr. Darhim Dali Hashim, Group Chief Executive Officer of Destination Resorts and Hotels, owners of the resort. As the reimagined floral ribbon was cut, bubbles drifted to the sky, symbolising transformation and renewal.

Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 640 properties in 59 countries, has announced the signing of NH Collection Accra, the first property under the NH Collection brand in Ghana – set to launch in 2030. The agreement was signed during THINC Middle East 2026, underscoring the group’s continued expansion across gateway cities in Africa.

A seasoned professional in the world of luxury hospitality, Guillaume Ranvier has joined Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo as General Manager. He officially took up his position on January 5, 2026, succeeding Louis Starck, who was appointed General Manager of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo at the end of last September. With an impressive international career in prestigious hotel establishments, Guillaume Ranvier will now bring his expertise and ultra-luxury experience to one of Monaco’s most iconic hotels. Arriving directly from the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, where he served as Hotel Manager,

As cherry blossoms begin to bloom across the city, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo offers a rare Sakura experience set quite literally at its doorstep. Located just steps from one of Nihonbashi’s most celebrated Sakura-lined avenues, the hotel is surrounded by softly arching cherry trees that transform the neighborhood into a living spring tableau, allowing guests to experience Tokyo’s most poetic season within easy reach of the hotel.

Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has secured the Four Points by Sheraton brand for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The resort will reopen its doors on March 18 to begin the season with a wide range of new developments and unique experiences, where gastronomy and wellness will reach their greatest splenduor; in addition, there will be a special offer to enjoy Easter

Kempinski Hotels invites guests to experience moments of reflection, generosity, and togetherness through a distinguished collection of iftar and suhoor experiences across its global portfolio. Rooted in cultural authenticity and elevated by Kempinski’s timeless approach to luxury hospitality, each destination offers its own interpretation of time-honoured traditions while reflecting the brand’s enduring commitment to refined hospitality and meaningful moments.

Kempinski Hotels across the Middle East and Africa are participating in a Stay Longer campaign, with savings up to 25% on the room rate for stays through until 31 March, 2026. Participating properties and offers can be found here.