Chinese Luxury Travel Insights from Marriott International

Chinese Luxury Travel Insights from Marriott International

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 19, 2024

In a collaboration with Jing Daily, Marriott International has unveiled a compelling report titled “Luxury Explored: Chinese Luxury Travelers' Evolving Desires,” shedding light on the changing landscape of luxury travel in China.

Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International, said “Understanding the evolving desires of Chinese luxury travelers is paramount for us to continue delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with our guests. The findings in this report reaffirm our commitment to champion innovation, authenticity, and personalized service, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of China's dynamic luxury travel market.” 

The report provides a thorough overview of the Chinese luxury travel segment, highlighting its rapid growth driven by factors like increased affluence and discretionary spending power. Luxury travel in China has evolved into a pursuit of exclusivity, authenticity, and cultural immersion, with travelers seeking bespoke experiences tailored to their tastes.

Marriott International Luxury Group, with their diverse portfolio of eight luxury brands, is leading the charge in catering to the changing preferences of today's luxury travelers. The group focuses on creating unique brand experiences that resonate with modern travelers' quest for exclusivity and personal growth.

Key Factors Influencing Change in the Chinese Luxury Travel Market:

Attitude Shifts: Mature travelers prioritize exclusivity, while the younger generation seeks uniqueness and community-based experiences.

Digital Influence: The proliferation of digital platforms and social media has shaped consumer perceptions and fueled demand for unique, Instagram-worthy experiences.

Experiential Luxury: Affluent Chinese travelers seek meaningful encounters that foster cultural exchange, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual rejuvenation, moving beyond mere opulence to create lasting memories.

As the Chinese luxury travel market continues to evolve, there are ample opportunities for businesses to capitalize on growing demand. By embracing sustainability, wellness, and experiential enrichment, stakeholders can forge deeper connections and foster brand loyalty in this competitive landscape.

Understanding the nuanced motivations and aspirations of Chinese luxury travelers is crucial for unlocking the full potential of this growing market segment. Embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing authenticity will be key in shaping the future of luxury travel in China.


Valentine’s Day 2026 Brings Island Romance to Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

Valentine’s Day 2026 Brings Island Romance to Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

As Valentine’s Day moves away from grand gestures toward more personal and experience-led celebrations, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU invite couples to mark Valentine’s Day 2026 on secluded Maldivian islands where simplicity, connection and calm take centre stage. Set against the natural beauty of the Maldives, the celebrations are designed for couples seeking more than a conventional dinner.

On February 14, romance unfolds across two distinct island resorts, each offering its own mood and interpretation of love. At RAAYA by Atmosphere, Valentine’s Day is inspired by nature, creativity and understated elegance. Couples can choose between two thoughtfully curated dining experiences that reflect the island’s relaxed character.

image

Along the shoreline at Raaya Life Beach, a special Valentine’s communal BBQ creates a lively yet easy-going atmosphere, combining grilled flavours, bubbles and the soothing sounds of the ocean. For couples seeking a more intimate setting, Seb’s Farm hosts an exclusive five-course dinner paired with champagne and wine. Live saxophone music adds warmth to the evening, making it ideal for those who enjoy romance with depth and personality.

For travellers drawn to a more contemporary celebration, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, the adults-only escape from COLOURS OF OBLU, presents a Valentine’s Day experience that blends intimacy with playful energy. Couples can enjoy a themed buffet dinner at Ylang Ylang or opt for a refined four-course set menu at Gaadiya 17, complete with sparkling wine and rosebuds.

Those looking for a private celebration can reserve a bespoke Beach Dinner under the stars, featuring a four-course menu, a bottle of sparkling wine and uninterrupted moments by the sea. The day’s celebrations continue with a vibrant pool party, adding a light-hearted and social touch to the overall experience.

Across Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU, Valentine’s Day 2026 is reimagined as an experience rather than a single occasion. With carefully chosen settings, curated flavours and a sense of ease, couples are encouraged to connect in ways that feel natural and meaningful, whether dining barefoot on the sand or beneath the Maldivian night sky.


Tokyo Skytree Town Celebrates Winter With Desserts, Lights and Seasonal Magic

Tokyo Skytree Town Celebrates Winter With Desserts, Lights and Seasonal Magic

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

As Tokyo settles into winter, TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN continues its seasonal celebrations with a thoughtfully curated lineup that blends comfort, visual beauty and cultural moments. Following its New Year festivities, the iconic precinct turns its focus to food-led indulgences, romantic illuminations and fleeting natural spectacles, inviting visitors to slow down and savour the quieter side of the season. Rooted in Japanese traditions and shaped by modern lifestyle experiences, the winter calendar unfolds around one of Tokyo’s most recognisable landmarks.

Winter begins on a sweet note with Strawberry and Chocolate Tokyo Solamachi 2026, an outdoor gourmet event celebrating two flavours eagerly awaited each year in Japan. The festival brings together strawberry-based desserts, rich chocolate creations and warming cheese comfort dishes, offering visitors the perfect accompaniment to crisp winter evenings. The Sky Arena is enhanced with floral wall installations and seasonal décor, creating an inviting visual pause within the city and a popular photo spot for those exploring the area.
Dates: January 15 – February 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM)
Venue: Sky Arena, 4F, Tokyo Skytree Town
Entry: Free

image

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Tokyo Solamachi adopts a more romantic atmosphere with Happy Valentine Tokyo Solamachi 2026. A collection of limited-period pop-up stores features chocolates and sweets from established Japanese chocolatiers, alongside brands making their debut. The experience is complemented by Tokyo Skytree’s seasonal illuminations, designed around themes of affection and gifting, adding warmth to winter evenings spent in the district.
Dates: January 23 – February 14, 2026
Venue: Various locations across Tokyo Solamachi
Special Lightings:
Valentine’s Day Lighting – “My Gift to You” (February 11–14)
White Day Lighting – “Thinking of You” (March 12–14)

One of the season’s most anticipated moments arrives with Diamond Fuji on February 3, 2026. This rare natural phenomenon occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the summit of Mount Fuji, forming a glowing diamond-shaped silhouette. Tokyo Skytree is regarded as one of the city’s most striking vantage points to witness this event, which takes place only twice a year. Beyond its visual appeal, Diamond Fuji carries cultural meaning and offers visitors a moment of calm above the Tokyo skyline.
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: Around 5:00 PM
Viewing Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria

image

With its blend of food festivals, romantic winter illuminations, cultural traditions and rare seasonal spectacles, TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN continues to present a layered winter narrative that appeals to travellers of all age groups. For visitors seeking both indulgence and reflection, the destination offers a memorable way to experience Tokyo during the colder months.

To learn more about event schedules and visitor access, please visit:
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en
https://en.www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/


Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Unveils First Phase of Reimagined Water Villas

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Unveils First Phase of Reimagined Water Villas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has revealed the first phase of its resortwide design transformation, marking an important step in the resort’s evolution under Sun Siyam’s newly launched Luxury Collection. The five-star Maldivian resort has introduced a reimagined portfolio of overwater accommodation, setting a fresh design direction rooted in refined island luxury and local craftsmanship.

The newly reimagined Water Villas and Horizon Water Villas with Private Pool form the opening chapter of this transformation. Designed with a contemporary take on rustic Maldivian luxury, each villa offers an open-plan layout that frames uninterrupted ocean views. Spacious bathrooms feature bathtubs overlooking the lagoon, while private decks include multiple lounging areas, suspended hammocks, and intimate corners styled in soft green tones, creating a relaxed yet elevated living experience.

All Horizon Water Villas now feature a 22 sqm private pool with sunken seating, turning each space into a personal retreat suited for sunrise rituals, unhurried afternoons, and sunset views. Tailored experiences have also been curated for couples and honeymooners, ensuring stays feel personal and thoughtfully designed.

The overwater portfolio includes 40 Water Villas with Pool measuring 123 sqm, 16 Horizon Water Villas with Pool at 128 sqm, and 19 Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool, also spanning 128 sqm. Each category offers a seamless balance of comfort, privacy, and connection to the surrounding lagoon.

To guide the transformation, Sun Siyam appointed international interior design consultants Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, Founders and Creative Directors of London-based Studio Sixty7. Their design approach brings together muted tones, natural textures, and softly sculpted forms that reflect effortless barefoot luxury. Gently imperfect plastered walls, tactile finishes, and layers of breathable linen define the villas’ calm and inviting atmosphere. “Every element has been chosen to feel grounded and sensorial, inviting guests into a deep sense of calm.” said Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero.

Highlighting the intent behind the redesign, Resort Manager Abdulla Atham shared, “This transformation goes beyond aesthetics, it’s a careful orchestration of space, service excellence, and emotional detail. From villa layouts and in-villa experiences to the minibar selection, outdoor offerings, views, and quiet gestures from your butler, each moment is designed to immerse guests into the spirit of chic island living”.

With this unveiling, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi continues its journey toward becoming a destination defined by understated luxury and authentic island living, offering guests a refined yet deeply relaxed Maldivian experience.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.