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


Global Tourism Faces Early Setbacks Amid Political Tensions and Extreme Weather

Global Tourism Faces Early Setbacks Amid Political Tensions and Extreme Weather

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 29, 2026

The year began on a positive note, with pleasant weather and high travel enthusiasm giving global tourism a strong start. However, this optimism soon faced a setback due to rising political tensions and extreme weather conditions across key regions. A major disruption occurred on January 3, 2026, following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, who led Venezuela, by U.S. forces. The military operation in Caracas led to airspace closures and safety concerns across the Caribbean and northern South America. Destinations close to Venezuela faced flight bans and cancellations, with Canadian travellers avoiding Aruba and Curaçao. Colombia prepared for possible refugee movement and border instability, while Guyana increased security amid Essequibo tensions.

Even countries not directly involved felt the impact as travel advisories weakened visitor confidence. The FAA halted hundreds of flights to Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, stranding thousands during the peak holiday season. Puerto Rico alone saw over 400 flight cancellations, though airlines such as JetBlue and American offered flexible rebooking, and cruise operations resumed shortly after.

At the same time, tensions involving Iran disrupted Middle East tourism through flight cancellations and heightened advisories across the Gulf and Levant. Destinations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan were affected, with Petra witnessing a drop of over 75 percent in visitors and hotel occupancy falling to just 10 percent.

Adding to this slowdown, severe snowstorms across Russia and parts of Europe grounded flights, delayed transport, and restricted access to Alpine regions. Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula faced its worst snowfall in decades, discouraging tourism, while parts of France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland dealt with closures and safety warnings. Together, these factors have slowed January's global tourism, though stability is expected to return soon.


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.

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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

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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

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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/

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