Hilton Expands Luxury Portfolio with Small Luxury Hotels Partnership

Hilton Expands Luxury Portfolio with Small Luxury Hotels Partnership

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 12, 2024

Hilton has announced a major expansion of its luxury portfolio by adding nearly 400 boutique properties from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. This partnership makes these unique hotels available through Hilton's direct booking channels, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app.

This collaboration significantly broadens Hilton's reach in the luxury market. By integrating SLH properties, Hilton enhances its prestigious lineup, which includes Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR, and Signia by Hilton. These new additions offer travelers a variety of unique lodging experiences, from rustic retreats and rainforest lodges to coastal villas and city sanctuaries.

Hilton Honors members will particularly benefit from this partnership. They can earn and redeem points at participating SLH hotels, and enjoy exclusive perks such as free Wi-Fi, member discounts, room upgrades (subject to availability), and complimentary continental breakfast for Gold and Diamond members. The flexibility of the Hilton Honors program continues with options like Points & Money payments, no resort fees on point bookings, and a fifth night free on standard reward stays.

The SLH collection includes properties that offer personalized experiences reflecting local cultures and unique settings. Some notable examples are:

Hermitage Bay, Antigua and Barbuda: The property features elegantly designed suites that blend bright, beautiful interiors with natural wood accents and soft linens. Guests can unwind with Caribbean-inspired sundowners in the lounge or enjoy alfresco dining featuring organic produce sourced from local suppliers and the hotel's own kitchen garden.

image

Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: This luxurious hotel has recently been reimagined to offer light-filled spaces, refined dining options, and intricate touches that showcase top craftsmanship. Guests can enjoy a serene retreat within the city, featuring grand yet intimate accommodations that blend Hong Kong’s warm hospitality with chic, French-inspired design elements.

image

Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan: The boutique hotel boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests, providing a serene and spiritual escape. The lodge's suites are designed to reflect Bhutanese farmhouse aesthetics, offering a rich cultural experience.

image

Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark: This intimate hotel offers just 38 sophisticated rooms and suites, each designed with elegance and luxury in mind. Guests can indulge in the hotel's state-of-the-art wellness center, choose from five diverse dining options—including a classic French Brasserie—and enjoy the rustic charm of a wine cellar. 

image

Grove of Narberth, Wales, UK: This boutique escape is known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, featuring big, comfy sofas, roaring fires, and beautiful gardens. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills and dine at one of the most celebrated restaurants in Wales.

image

Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain: By day, the hotel exudes relaxed luxury with its pristine sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters, known as the Golden Mile. By night, it transforms into a high-end dining destination featuring the world-renowned Nobu restaurant. Guests can indulge in exceptional cuisine and enjoy the vibrant nightlife at the exclusive La Plaza, making it a prime destination for luxury travelers.

image

Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Wyoming, USA: This 40-room hotel is renowned for its excellent dining, relaxing spa, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can explore the great outdoors with activities such as skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lodge’s chic Western-style décor, complete with warming fires, offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure for travelers seeking an authentic Jackson experience.

image

Since the announcement in February, 390 SLH properties have joined the partnership, with more expected as the relationship between SLH and Hilton develops. This strategic move aligns with Hilton's goal of creating distinct, localized travel experiences for its guests.

Statements from Leaders

Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, stated, “Integrating with Small Luxury Hotels of the World allows us to expand the Hilton stay experience and travel aspirations for all guests, with special opportunities for our loyal Hilton Honors members. The hundreds of independently minded properties are highly complementary to our renowned luxury portfolio and support Hilton’s ongoing efforts to expand and create distinct, localized travel experiences for our guests.”

Shaun Leleu, Chairman of SLH, added, “Through this collaboration, Hilton guests and Hilton Honors members will receive a warm welcome at SLH member hotels, allowing them to experience our distinctive approach to hospitality. This alliance expands the reach of our boutique hotels to Hilton's loyal and discerning clientele, transforming the global landscape for independently owned hotels in a remarkable way.”

For more information about booking these properties and joining Hilton Honors, visit Hilton.com.


Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Hyatt Hotels in Goa have announced the launch of GOA YOU 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of the destination-led campaign that celebrates Goa beyond its traditional tourism experiences. This year's edition introduces Hyatt Hideaways, a seasonal stay offering designed to encourage travellers to experience the destination at a slower, more personal pace during the summer and monsoon months.

Built around the belief that Goa allows every traveller to discover a different version of themselves, GOA YOU 2026 focuses on meaningful experiences ranging from relaxed mornings and local discoveries to leisurely dining and moments of quiet indulgence. The initiative highlights how every visit to Goa is unique, whether for families, couples, or solo travellers.

The campaign brings together Hyatt's five properties across the state: Grand Hyatt Goa, Alila Diwa Goa, Hyatt Centric Goa, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, and Hyatt Place Goa. Together, the hotels offer diverse experiences spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary accommodation across North and South Goa.

Introduced as the centrepiece of this year's campaign, Hyatt Hideaways is a curated seasonal package available for stays from 28 April to 30 September 2026, with bookings open until 15 September 2026. The offer requires a minimum stay of two nights and is designed to encourage guests to explore Goa beyond the peak holiday season.

The package includes a welcome beer on arrival, daily buffet breakfast, one cocktail or mocktail per guest during dinner or a daily beer bucket, along with an INR 1,000 hotel credit per night. Through these inclusions, Hyatt aims to enhance the guest experience while promoting longer, more immersive stays.

By showcasing Goa's lush monsoon landscapes, local culinary experiences, and slower pace of life, GOA YOU 2026 encourages travellers to rediscover the destination from a fresh perspective. The initiative reinforces Hyatt Hotels' long-standing connection with Goa while positioning the state as a year-round destination for leisure and experiential travel.


Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on July 11, 2026

Encalm Hospitality has announced the launch of its new International Lounge at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, further expanding its airport hospitality portfolio and reinforcing its focus on delivering premium travel experiences.

The new lounge has been designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern international travellers by integrating comfort, wellness, dining, and personalised hospitality within a thoughtfully curated environment. The launch marks another milestone in Encalm's strategy of building a comprehensive airport hospitality ecosystem across India's leading aviation hubs.

Designed as a space for relaxation before departure, the lounge features state-of-the-art sleeping pods, therapeutic spa treatments, private dining facilities for families and guests seeking privacy, and a well-stocked bar. The experience has been curated to transform pre-flight waiting time into a seamless journey of comfort and rejuvenation.

Food remains a central part of the experience, with interactive live culinary stations serving freshly prepared dishes that combine regional Indian flavours with contemporary international cuisine. The curated dining programme is complemented by a refined beverage selection, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encalm, said the new lounge reflects the company's commitment to creating future-ready hospitality experiences driven by innovation, thoughtful design, and operational excellence. He added that Encalm aims to continue setting new benchmarks by delivering intuitive and differentiated experiences for global travellers.

Pooja Bhondekar, Business Head – Airport Hospitality, Encalm, said the expansion reflects the brand's mission of creating memorable experiences across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. She noted that every element of the lounge, from wellness facilities to curated dining and personalised service, has been carefully designed to offer warmth, comfort, and convenience.

With the addition of the Hyderabad International Lounge, Encalm continues to strengthen its integrated airport hospitality ecosystem, which includes premium lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, in-flight catering, and curated food and beverage concepts across major Indian airports.


Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

Taj Connemara, Chennai recently hosted the 15th edition of Screen Expresso, the popular conversation series by The Indian Express, marking the platform's first-ever event in Chennai. Held on June 30, the evening featured acclaimed actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, who engaged in an open conversation on cinema, gender equality, and staying true to one's values in the film industry.

The event was presented by AU Small Finance Bank, in association with Taj Hotels, with BMW KUN Exclusive as the Mobility Partner.

Known for her acclaimed performances across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Parvathy has built a reputation for choosing meaningful roles while also advocating for gender equality within the film industry. During the session, she shared her thoughts on speaking up, navigating challenges, and remaining committed to authenticity and artistic integrity throughout her career.

The discussion was moderated by Pooja Pillai, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express, and drew a distinguished audience comprising leaders from the business, arts, media, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, making it one of Chennai's notable cultural gatherings.

Commenting on the occasion, Shilpa Rameja, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said:

"It was a privilege for Taj Connemara to host the first-ever Chennai edition of Screen Expresso. At Taj, we have always believed that hospitality extends beyond creating memorable stays - it is about creating meaningful experiences and fostering conversations that inspire. Hosting an artist as accomplished and thought-provoking as Parvathy Thiruvothu made for an unforgettable evening. We are delighted to have partnered with The Indian Express to bring this celebrated platform to the city."

Guests were welcomed with an elegant high tea featuring a selection of regional delicacies and contemporary favourites. The menu included artisanal cookies, handcrafted tea cakes, open-faced canapés with roasted chicken and herb-infused mayonnaise, grilled seasonal vegetable sandwiches, cottage cheese and spinach turnovers, and a live station serving ragi paniyaram with gongura and cream cheese, accompanied by speciality teas, freshly brewed coffee, and refreshing beverages.

Following the conversation, attendees enjoyed a specially curated flying buffet featuring a mix of global and Indian flavours. The menu included honey chilli prawns, mutton galouti, Chettinad fried chicken, vegetable sushi, corn and jalapeño arancini, along with live stations serving dim sums, Thai curries, pastas, appams with stew, and dum biryanis. The evening concluded with desserts such as mango rasmalai, gulab jamun, vegan chia seed panna cotta, banana crème brûlée, and artisanal chocolates.

Through its association with Screen Expresso, Taj Connemara reinforced its commitment to creating spaces that celebrate meaningful conversations, creativity, and culture while continuing its legacy of blending hospitality with memorable experiences.

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.