Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

SAii Hotels & Resorts, the distinctive lifestyle brand under Thailand’s S Hotels & Resorts (SHR), has officially relaunched with a renewed brand identity anchored on the belief that “Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Luxury.” This strategic evolution marks a key chapter in SHR’s long-term growth vision, positioning SAii to thrive in a competitive global market.

The refreshed identity brings together carefully crafted elements to elevate the guest experience and set SAii apart. A core part of this transformation is the introduction of SAii Brand Signatures, which include:

• SAii Local Gurus: Friendly local experts who curate authentic experiences, helping guests uncover hidden gems.

• SAii Wellness Gurus: Specialists offering tailored wellness journeys, from yoga to curated spa therapies.

• Sensory Lobbies: Welcoming spaces infused with calming scents, natural textures, and abundant light.

• Easy Check-in: Guests can opt for digital check-in via the SAii App or a warm, personal greeting by SAii Gurus.

• Digital Detox: Encouraging guests to unplug, with devices safely stored and returned fully charged.

• Fresh, Healthy, Happy: A culinary philosophy that celebrates fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, showcased at signature dining venues like Terra & Mar, Miss Olive Oyl, Mr. Tomyam, bean/Co, and SAii Beach Club.

Driving Growth Through Two-Pronged Strategy

SHR is executing a dual strategy to fuel SAii’s expansion. First, through asset enhancement, by renovating properties and elevating the guest journey with these new brand signatures and visuals. Second, through an asset-light approach, focusing on Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and targeted mergers & acquisitions across Thailand and the Asia Pacific, enabling rapid yet quality-driven growth.

This strategic shift is already yielding strong results. After its major renovation last December, SAii Laguna Phuket, the brand’s flagship, reported a record-high average daily rate (ADR), up 31% year-on-year, and a 23% rise in RevPAR in Q1 2025—highlighting the success of SHR’s asset enhancement initiatives.

Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, shared, “This relaunch reflects evolving traveller desires for more meaningful, mindful stays. At the heart of our brand evolution is a promise of true peace of mind—creating spaces where guests feel connected, cared for, and at ease. Our brand refinement and expansion strategy place us in a strong position for sustainable growth.”

Looking ahead, the upcoming renovation of SAii Phi Phi Island Village in 2026 will complete the revamp of the entire SAii portfolio, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering experience-led stays.

Sustainability at the Core

SAii Hotels & Resorts also continues to lead in responsible tourism. The brand has earned Green Globe certification three years in a row, while its properties in Phuket and the Maldives became the first in their countries to achieve the Sustainable Event Standards GOLD certification by the Event Industry Council (EIC). Across its portfolio, initiatives range from phasing out single-use plastics and reducing carbon emissions, to supporting marine conservation and local artisans—underlining a deep commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

About SAii Hotels & Resorts

SAii Hotels & Resorts, an upper-upscale lifestyle brand under Thailand’s S Hotels & Resorts PCL, reimagines affordable luxury by offering heartfelt service, nature-inspired surroundings, and customised guest experiences in idyllic Thai and Maldivian locales. A proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, SAii stands for peace-of-mind luxury with a sustainable heart.

Learn more at saiihotels.com or follow @saiihotelsresorts on Instagram and Facebook.