Mandarin Oriental Tops the World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024

Mandarin Oriental Tops the World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 9, 2024

LTI—Luxury Travel Intelligence—has unveiled its much-anticipated World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024 report, with Mandarin Oriental securing the top spot for the second consecutive year. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Mandarin Oriental scored an impressive 81.6%, cementing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

Top Performers and New Entrants

This year, the list has expanded to 15 brands, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sector. Notable new entrants include Bulgari, which debuted in second place with 81.3%, and the Dorchester Collection, landing at 11th. COMO also made a return to the rankings at 14th, having last appeared in 2022.

The Oetker Collection retained third place with 80.7%, while Six Senses and Aman maintained their strong positions at fourth and fifth, respectively.

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Criteria and Assessment

The rankings are based on LTI’s proprietary algorithm, which evaluates 130 touchpoints relevant to the luxury hospitality sector. These include a brand’s ethos, management quality, staff commitment, investment in new properties, and refurbishment initiatives. The assessment focuses on overall brand performance, distinguishing it from evaluations of individual properties.

Michael Crompton, founder of LTI, shared insights on the report:
"This year’s adjustments to the qualifying criteria and the inclusion of Bulgari highlight the evolving competitive landscape. These brands represent the pinnacle of luxury hospitality, delivering unparalleled guest experiences. Congratulations to all 15 for their remarkable achievements.”

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Highlights from the Rankings

  • Mandarin Oriental impressed with its strategic new openings and consistently high standards, earning widespread loyalty from its patrons.
  • Bulgari's second-place debut showcases its meticulous focus on ultra-luxury guest experiences.
  • Six Senses continues to excel in sustainability and wellness, solidifying its position among the elite.

Full Rankings

  1. Mandarin Oriental – 81.6% (1)
  2. Bulgari – 81.3% (New Entry)
  3. Oetker Collection – 80.7% (2)
  4. Six Senses – 80.2% (4)
  5. Aman – 78.1% (5)
  6. One&Only – 77.4% (8)
  7. Rocco Forte – 76.8% (9)
  8. Rosewood – 75.1% (10)
  9. Belmond – 73.9% (6)
  10. Auberge – 72.1% (3)
  11. Dorchester Collection – 71.8% (New Entry)
  12. Four Seasons – 71.5% (7)
  13. Peninsula – 70.1% (11)
  14. COMO – 69.7% (New Entry)
  15. Raffles – 69.4% (12)

Luxury Hospitality Outlook

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As the industry evolves, factors such as significant investments, innovative guest experiences, and management shifts will continue to shape the rankings. LTI's annual assessment underscores the fierce competition and dedication required to excel in the luxury hospitality sector.

For affluent travellers seeking informed choices, this report serves as an indispensable guide to the best in luxury accommodations worldwide.

Source:

This announcement has been shared with the compliments and full permission of LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence. If you wish to use any part of it, please credit LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence as the source.

For more details, visit their website at www.lti-members.com/invite-login

Media Contact

Jane Lucas

jane.lucas@lti-members.com


World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 1, 2026

Countries across the South Pacific were the first to welcome 2026, with New Zealand leading global celebrations as Auckland marked the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. The show was launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country, even as rainy weather swept across parts of the city.

Auckland, home to nearly 1.7 million people, entered the New Year well ahead of major global cities, celebrating almost 18 hours before festivities begin in New York’s Times Square. Despite the wet conditions, the celebrations reflected the city’s vibrant spirit and enthusiasm to usher in the new year.

The island of Kiritimati, part of the Pacific nation of Kiribati, became the very first place in the world to welcome 2026. Located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii and north-east of Australia, Kiribati spans a vast region of coral atolls and is known for its unique geographical position on the global time map.

Several Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea, followed with New Year celebrations later in the day, joined by Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. While many cities marked the occasion with festive events, Hong Kong opted for a subdued approach this year.

Instead of its usual large-scale fireworks display, Hong Kong organised a light show and limited musical performances as a mark of respect following a recent tragic apartment fire in the city. The decision reflected a more sensitive and thoughtful way of welcoming the New Year.

As 2026 unfolds across time zones, celebrations around the world continue to reflect a mix of joy, remembrance and hope, bringing people together in anticipation of a positive year ahead.


From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

Kenya’s coastline is often described in broad strokes, white sand, warm waters, and Swahili culture. All of this is true. Yet, viewing the entire coast through a single beach narrative does not do it justice. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s shoreline unfolds as a series of distinct experiences, each shaped by its own rhythm, landscape, and history.

From refined resort towns and reef-lined lagoons to bustling port cities and car-free heritage islands, every coastal stop answers a different traveller’s question. The Kenyan coast is less about ticking beaches off a list and more about choosing the pace, mood, and experience that suits you best.

Diani Beach reflects Kenya’s most polished coastal escape, with luxury resorts, private villas, and curated experiences that blend comfort with nature. Watamu offers a quieter rhythm, defined by coral reefs, marine parks, and conservation-led exploration. Lamu slows life down entirely, revealing centuries of Swahili heritage through its lanes, architecture, and traditions. Mombasa, the cultural heart of the coast, layers history, street life, food, and trade into a vibrant urban experience.

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Kenya’s coastline is not about finding the best beach, but about choosing the right experience. From leisure and luxury to heritage and everyday culture, the coast reveals many faces of the Indian Ocean. For travellers willing to explore beyond the obvious, it offers stories, contrasts, and a sense of place that stays long after the journey ends.


Four Seasons Maldives Unveils Immersive New Year Celebrations Across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Maldives Unveils Immersive New Year Celebrations Across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 30, 2025

Four Seasons Maldives is ushering in the New Year with a vibrant festive season spread across its two island resorts, Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, each offering a distinct yet equally engaging celebration experience. Designed to spark curiosity and delight, the festivities combine imaginative themes, immersive dining, music, and beachside gatherings, all set against the serene beauty of the Maldives.

At Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the celebrations unfold around the mystical narrative of Ellgy Island, a once-in-a-century awakening that blends fantasy, flavour, and festivity. The island comes alive through creative storytelling, vine-draped settings, and experiences that blur the line between dream and discovery. Guests are invited to explore unique culinary concepts, including treetop dining moments, underwater-inspired flavours, and dishes that draw inspiration from the Indian Subcontinent, adding a familiar warmth for Indian travellers seeking global luxury with regional resonance.

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Dining takes centre stage through a series of curated evenings at Blu Beach Club and Café Landaa, where rare ingredients, soulful music, and relaxed beachfront settings create an atmosphere of understated indulgence. From truffle-focused gourmet nights to evolving lobster celebrations and Asian-inspired feasts, each experience is designed to be engaging without being overwhelming. Craft beers from across Asia, including India and neighbouring regions, add a casual yet well-thought-out touch to the festivities.

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A highlight of the season is the exclusive Japanese Omakase pop-up, led by a master chef from Kobe, offering intimate dining experiences that celebrate precision, craftsmanship, and seasonal flavours. These limited-seat experiences reflect Four Seasons’ focus on quality over scale, appealing to guests who value meaningful culinary storytelling.

Adding to the festive spirit, Landaa Giraavaru also hosts a special collaboration with a renowned two-Michelin-star chef from the Netherlands, bringing coastal European flavours to the Maldivian shores. With an emphasis on seafood, fire-led cooking, and fermentation, the experience is presented in an open-air beach setting, blending global gastronomy with island simplicity.

At Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, the New Year celebrations take on a more rhythm-driven character. Under the theme of retro glamour and throwback beats, the resort transforms into a lively celebration of music and style. From vintage-inspired beachfront elegance to energetic poolside gatherings, the focus here is on fun, movement, and shared moments.

The highlight at Kuda Huraa is a millennium-themed New Year celebration that draws inspiration from early-2000s music and pop culture. With iconic tracks, stylish décor, and a high-energy atmosphere, the evening is designed to be nostalgic yet fresh, offering guests a joyful way to step into the New Year.

Together, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa present a festive season that balances imagination with comfort, global influences with local warmth, and celebration with calm. For travellers looking to welcome the New Year in a setting that feels special yet approachable, Four Seasons Maldives offers a thoughtfully crafted escape that lingers well beyond the final countdown.

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