World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024 Announced

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.

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.”

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

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

Luxury Hospitality Outlook

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

Saudi Arabia Introduces 90-Day Health Cover for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2026

Saudi Arabia has introduced a mandatory 90-day health insurance policy for overseas pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah. According to a report by The Times of India, the new rule applies to all international visitors entering the country on pilgrimage visas and is aimed at ensuring timely access to emergency medical care during their stay.

The health cover comes into effect from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia and remains valid for up to 90 days. It includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, accident-related care, and urgent healthcare needs that may arise during the pilgrimage period. The insurance is designed specifically to handle unforeseen medical situations and does not focus on routine check-ups or non-urgent treatments.

Under the new system, the insurance coverage is directly linked to the issuance of Hajj and Umrah visas. Pilgrims will automatically receive the health cover as part of the visa process, helping reduce the financial burden on individuals and families in the event of illness or injury while travelling.

Saudi authorities have rolled out this measure to strengthen healthcare preparedness during large religious gatherings, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons when millions of worshippers from across the world visit the country. Managing public health and emergency response remains a key priority during these periods.

The report notes that the move is part of broader efforts to improve services for pilgrims and streamline processes related to religious travel. By making health insurance mandatory, officials aim to ensure quicker access to medical care, improve safety standards, and minimise complications during emergencies.

The introduction of the 90-day health cover marks another important administrative update for international pilgrims, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on safety, planning, and structured healthcare support during Hajj and Umrah.

A Maldives Mushroom on a Mission at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

By Hariharan U

Published on February 20, 2026

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, sustainability has found an unlikely spokesperson - an oyster mushroom named Mo at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives.

Mo is not just any mushroom. He proudly calls himself the “Official Spokesmushroom” for the resort’s Planetary Wellbeing initiatives — a movement that reflects over two decades of earth-conscious practices across the island properties.

“We're the evolution of two decades of earth-friendly initiatives here at Four Seasons Maldives, yet these Four Seasons people hardly ever talk about us, they just get on with it,” Mo declares, half amused and half exasperated.

By “us,” Mo refers to a thriving ecosystem within the resort:

150 members of the United Featheration - chickens, ducks and quail
A 100-variety Garden Gang of herbs, fruits and vegetables
Around 8,000 orchids forming the Orchid Crew

Every day, nearly five kilograms of freshly harvested mushrooms, along with generous portions of island-grown produce, travel just 200 to 400 metres by bicycle across sandy paths to the resort’s restaurants. The concept? Zero-Mile dining - ingredients grown and served within the same island space.

For eco-conscious Indian travellers increasingly seeking responsible luxury, this farm-to-fork model reflects how high-end hospitality can coexist with mindful living.

In the Blu Beach Club kitchen, Mo and his fellow “volunteers” await their culinary destiny. Their final act? Appearing in signature dishes bursting with island-fresh flavours:

Landaa Happy Egg with local pumpkin cream, seeds and seaweed
White Snapper Carpaccio with Kulafilha leaf, melon and passion fruit
Slow-Cooked Rainbow Runner with cauliflower, dill and roasted lemon

Each plate tells a story of minimal food miles, reduced carbon footprint and maximum flavour.

Mo doesn’t shy away from playful commentary. He teases the orchids for their rotating display schedule and jokes about the “manhandling” in the kitchen but beneath the humour lies a serious commitment to sustainability.

After service, any leftovers return to the Compost Club, closing the loop in a regenerative cycle that supports the island’s natural ecosystem. While the Maldives has long been a favourite for Indian honeymooners and luxury seekers, resorts like Four Seasons are reshaping the narrative, blending indulgence with environmental accountability.

Through its Planetary Wellbeing pioneers whether mushrooms, herbs or poultry the resort quietly demonstrates that sustainability need not be a headline; it can simply be a way of life. As Mo would say, it is time these island heroes stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

CaratLane Debuts at New York Fashion Week with Global Runway Showcase

By Hariharan U

Published on February 19, 2026

CaratLane – A TATA Product and one of India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brands – marked a major global milestone with its first-ever international runway showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), held at Chelsea Piers.

The debut positioned CaratLane on one of the world’s most influential fine jewellery platforms, underscoring its growing global ambition and ability to blend Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics. Backed by the trust of the Tata Group, the showcase also highlighted the brand’s expanding international footprint, including its retail presence in New Jersey.

The runway featured eight curated looks from CaratLane’s celebrated collections Polki, Sol, Sandook, Eternity, Butterfly, and Peepal, crafted exclusively with natural diamonds. The Polki collection reimagined uncut diamond heritage pieces for modern wear, while Sol celebrated the radiance of sunrise with Citrines symbolising new beginnings. Sandook translated nostalgia into design through motifs inspired by marigolds and jharokhas, and Eternity highlighted timeless silhouettes in brilliant-cut diamonds.

Among the standout presentations were the iconic Butterfly collection, distinguished by its signature blue enamel, and Peepal, which combined diamonds with green alpanites set in yellow gold, inspired by the sacred peepal leaf.

Six of the looks were showcased by international models, while two were presented by Indian fashion influencers Pooja Mundhra and Anahita Bhooshan, adding cross-cultural depth and resonance to the event.

Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane, said, “Our first-ever global runway showcase at New York Fashion Week is a defining milestone for CaratLane, one that affirmed how Indian art, design aesthetics, and craftsmanship can resonate powerfully on the world stage. This showcase reflected our belief that jewellery rooted in tradition yet designed for modern life can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in global fashion.”

With this debut, CaratLane reinforced its commitment to redefining fine jewellery for contemporary lifestyles, merging heritage, innovation, and everyday elegance while setting the stage for deeper global engagement in the years ahead.

About CaratLane

Founded in 2008 as one of India’s earliest online jewellery start-ups, CaratLane evolved into a seamless omni-channel retailer after investment from Titan in 2016. Today, backed by the Tata Group, the brand operates over 350 stores across India and internationally in New Jersey. Known for pioneering services such as CaratLane LIVE, Try at Home, and Solitaire Lounges, the brand continues to blend digital innovation with trusted craftsmanship to serve modern jewellery consumers.

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

Top Performers and New Entrants

Criteria and Assessment

Highlights from the Rankings

Full Rankings

Luxury Hospitality Outlook

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Saudi Arabia Introduces 90-Day Health Cover for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

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A Maldives Mushroom on a Mission at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

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CaratLane Debuts at New York Fashion Week with Global Runway Showcase

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