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


New Thailand Visa Rules Allow Longer Stays and Easier Entry

New Thailand Visa Rules Allow Longer Stays and Easier Entry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 17, 2026

Thailand has introduced new visa rules that allow longer stays and make entry easier for international travellers, as part of a broader push to boost tourism and support economic recovery. The updated visa policy guidelines were recognised by the Cabinet following proposals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.

The changes confirm a set of measures that authorities have already rolled out in 2025. These include expanded visa-free access, the introduction of new visa categories, and the launch of a digital arrival system aimed at simplifying travel procedures for visitors entering Thailand.

Under the revised visa exemption scheme, passport holders from 93 countries and territories can now enter Thailand without a visa for tourism, work, or short-term business purposes. Travellers under this scheme are allowed to stay for up to 60 days as a special case, making longer visits more convenient. In addition, passport holders from 31 countries and territories can apply for a Visa on Arrival at immigration checkpoints, with authorities also considering adding eight more countries in the next phase.

To cater to changing travel and work patterns, Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa. This new category allows foreigners to stay in the country for tourism and remote work, targeting travellers who wish to work online while living in Thailand for an extended period. Alongside this, a new Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa has been launched, enabling foreigners to stay in Thailand for study or combined study-and-work purposes under specific provisions.

Authorities are also reviewing and adjusting criteria for long-stay visas, particularly for elderly travellers planning to retire in Thailand. These steps aim to make long-term stays clearer and more accessible.

As part of wider structural reforms, the government has reduced the number of Non-Immigrant visa codes from 17 to 7. This change came into effect on August 31, 2025. The electronic visa system has been updated to reflect the new structure, and relevant agencies have been informed to ensure smooth implementation.

From January 1, 2025, travellers have been able to apply for an electronic visa through all 94 Thai embassies and consulates-general worldwide using the official online portal. This move has further simplified the visa application process.

For arrivals, the Immigration Bureau has developed the TM.6 online system, also known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. In use since May 1, 2025, the system replaces the earlier Electronic Travel Authorization process and allows travellers to complete arrival information online, reducing paperwork and improving processing at entry points.

Through these measures, Thailand aims to simplify visa procedures, expand visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, support remote workers and students, and enhance the overall travel experience for visitors planning a trip to the country.


Year of the Horse Reunion Dinner Under the Stars at Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, Krabi

Year of the Horse Reunion Dinner Under the Stars at Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, Krabi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 16, 2026

Year of the Horse is a time that brings families together in the spirit of gratitude, abundance, and fresh beginnings. Rooted in meaningful traditions, the season is celebrated with festive meals, symbolic rituals, and lively performances that welcome the new lunar year with hope and happiness.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi, is preparing to mark the occasion with a refined oceanfront celebration that reflects the true essence of the festival. On 16 February, guests can gather at the Pool Lawn from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. for a special Reunion BBQ Dinner set under the stars.

The evening unfolds in a beautiful alfresco setting overlooking the ocean. A wide selection of live cooking stations will serve both hot and cold appetisers, wok-fried noodles, hearty soups, and freshly grilled specialities. The menu features jasmine tea-smoked BBQ pork ribs, whole grilled fish, crispy pork belly, flavourful side dishes, and festive desserts, offering a generous spread inspired by Chinese culinary traditions.

Adding to the festive mood, guests will enjoy a dramatic dragon dance and fire show, while a live band performs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., creating a lively and joyful atmosphere for families and friends.

The celebrations continue on 17 February with a specially curated Chinese New Year breakfast. The morning begins with traditional prayers and meaningful rituals, followed by a vibrant lion dance, symbolising luck, strength, and prosperity. Together, these experiences set a positive and auspicious tone for the year ahead.

With the ocean as its backdrop and time-honoured traditions at its heart, the Year of the Horse celebrations at Phulay Bay promise moments of reflection, reunion, and renewal, welcoming the new lunar year in a setting filled with beauty and warmth.


Emirates Expands Reach in China Through Interline Partnership with Loong Air

Emirates Expands Reach in China Through Interline Partnership with Loong Air

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 16, 2026

Emirates has signed an interline agreement with Loong Air, strengthening its presence in China and offering passengers access to more cities beyond its existing gateways.

With immediate effect, Emirates customers can now connect to 22 destinations across China operated by Loong Air through Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. These cities cover key regions across East, Northeast, South, Central and Southwest China, making domestic travel more convenient for both leisure and business travellers.

Under the partnership, passengers can book multi-airline itineraries under a single fare. The agreement also ensures one seamless baggage policy and consistent fare conditions throughout the journey, making the travel experience smoother. The expanded network opens up access to important domestic hubs such as Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang and Dazhou.

Tickets are available on www.emirates.com, Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s) and through all major GDS’ via travel agents. Customers booking through Emirates’ official website can also use online payment options including WeChat Pay and Alipay.

The agreement with Loong Air reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to the Chinese market. Last year, the airline introduced services to Shenzhen and Hangzhou and enhanced its onboard offering by deploying its Premium Economy on these routes. It also reinstated its A380 aircraft on Shanghai services.

Emirates has been operating in mainland China since 2004. The airline currently serves five major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou with 49 weekly flights using a mix of A380s, A350s and Boeing 777s.

Along with Loong Air, Emirates has partnerships with Air China, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Through these collaborations, customers can access more than 110 points in China beyond Emirates’ own network via its five gateways.

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