Preferred Hotels & Resorts Adds 30 New Member Properties in Q2 2024

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Adds 30 New Member Properties in Q2 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 27, 2024

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of 30 new member properties to its global portfolio from April 1 to June 30, 2024. These properties, which include an adults-only all-inclusive resort and a historic villa, offer unique and personalized guest experiences in destinations such as South Africa, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and the Dominican Republic.

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the new additions: “We’re thrilled to welcome these 30 stunning properties to our global portfolio of luxury independent hotels. In addition to representing our largest announcement of new members since 2018, each one exemplifies our commitment to transformational travel experiences. In particular, our eight new prestigious Legend Collection members demonstrate the highest levels of luxury in some of the most inspiring destinations across the globe.”

Properties joining the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio include:

Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) – Lifestyle Collection: An adults-only boutique resort on Mexico's Pacific Riviera with 80 suites, private immersion pools, and scenic garden and golf course views.

Forth Hotel & Club (Atlanta, Georgia) – L.V.X Collection: Urban resort with 196 rooms, four dining concepts, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and members-only social club.

The Marker Union Square (San Francisco, California) – Lifestyle Collection: Renovated historic hotel with Beaux-arts architecture, 208 guestrooms, and a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

Boutique Hotel Stresa (Stresa, Italy) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious retreat in a 250-year-old villa, known as "Casa d’Oro," in the town of Stresa, often called the Pearl of Lake Maggiore.

Only YOU Hotel Sevilla (Seville, Spain) – L.V.X Collection: Modern hotel in Seville, blending Mediterranean and Arabic influences with Andalusian elegance.

The RuMa Hotel & Residences (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – Lifestyle Collection: Urban sanctuary in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle with 253 luxurious rooms, combining tradition and modernity.

Mahali Mzuri (Masai Mara, Kenya) – Legend Collection: Luxury tented camp in the Masai Mara, offering an exclusive safari experience.

Kasbah Tamadot (Asni, Morocco) – Legend Collection: Prestigious luxury property in Morocco.

Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek, South Africa) – Legend Collection: Luxurious hotel located in South Africa’s wine country.

Necker Island (The Valley, British Virgin Islands) – Legend Collection: Exclusive private island resort in the British Virgin Islands.

Son Bunyola (Mallorca, Spain) – Legend Collection: Elegant estate in Mallorca, Spain, offering a luxurious retreat.

Ulusaba (Sabi Sands, South Africa) – Legend Collection: Luxury safari lodge in Sabi Sands, South Africa.

Bluesun Hotel Maestral (Brela, Croatia) – Lifestyle Collection: Upscale hotel in Brela, Croatia, known for its stunning coastal views.

HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPA & LIDO (Pesaro, Italy) – Lifestyle Collection: Luxurious spa hotel in Pesaro, Italy.

Galeria Plaza Leon (Leon, Mexico) – Lifestyle Collection: Modern hotel in Leon, Mexico, offering stylish accommodations.

Leiro Residences (Málaga, Spain) – Preferred Residences: Exclusive residential property in Málaga, Spain.

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (Sonoma, California) – L.V.X Collection: Elegant hotel and spa in Sonoma, California.

Ocean El Faro (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic) – Lifestyle Collection: Beachfront resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort (Naturno, Italy) – Lifestyle Collection: Luxury wellness resort in Naturno, Italy.

Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel (Sesimbra, Portugal) – Lifestyle Collection: Oceanfront hotel in Sesimbra, Portugal.

Silverado Resort (Napa, California) – Lifestyle Collection: Iconic resort in Napa, California, known for its wine country charm.

The Branson Beach Estate (Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands) – Legend Collection: Luxury beach estate in the British Virgin Islands.

The Lodge (Verbier, Switzerland) – Legend Collection: High-end alpine lodge in Verbier, Switzerland.

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge (Tucson, Arizona) – Lifestyle and Preferred Residences Collection: Scenic resort and club in Tucson, Arizona.

Vivienda Al Hada (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Al Hada Residences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Exclusive residences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda DQ (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Prestigious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Granada (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Elegant residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Jeddah (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Upscale residential property in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Turki Al Awal (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

These properties are part of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which includes over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. The loyalty program allows members to earn points redeemable for cash-value reward certificates, Titanium status, and other exclusive benefits.


Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

Planet Hotels & Resorts is steadily strengthening its presence across India, with a clear focus on lifestyle-driven hospitality and premium travel experiences. Based out of Mumbai, the brand is building a strategically curated pipeline aimed at high-potential leisure, urban, and spiritual destinations.

Under the leadership of Anand Chatterjee, who has led the hospitality vertical for over a decade, the company is positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving premium hospitality space.

The group’s journey began with the launch of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Goa in 2013, which set the tone for its design-forward and experience-led approach. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across destinations such as Thane, Powai, and Manali.

Flagship urban properties like Planet Hollywood Thane City and The Beatle Hotel reflect the brand’s commitment to design-led stays and immersive guest experiences. Expanding its boutique footprint, the group also marked its entry into the hills with a Manali property under The Beatle brand in 2025, catering to travellers seeking elevated mountain retreats.

In line with its focus on the elite segment, the brand recently introduced Kings Mansion in North Goa. Designed as an ultra-premium destination, the property aims to deliver privacy, bespoke services, and a refined hospitality experience tailored to discerning travellers.

Looking ahead, Planet Hotels & Resorts has outlined an ambitious roadmap with upcoming projects planned across New Delhi, Tirupati, Udaipur, and Hyderabad, while also evaluating additional markets. The expansion strategy is focused on tapping into India’s most sought-after travel destinations, spanning leisure, spiritual, and urban segments.

Speaking on the growth trajectory, Anand Chatterjee highlighted that the brand’s expansion is driven by a deep understanding of emerging lifestyle destinations and evolving consumer expectations. He emphasised that the focus remains on creating design-forward environments, intuitive service, and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

With a growing portfolio that blends aesthetics, personalisation, and experience-led offerings, Planet Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself to play a significant role in shaping India’s next phase of premium hospitality growth.


Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a significant recognition for luxury wellness hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui has been named the “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by The Luxury Spa Edit.

The award reflects a combination of expert panel evaluations, insights from global travel journalists and sustainability specialists, and over 85,000 public votes, reinforcing the resort’s strong positioning in the global wellness space.

At the heart of this recognition is the resort’s integrated approach to holistic wellbeing. The spa experience at Banyan Tree Samui goes beyond traditional treatments, offering a thoughtfully curated journey rooted in its “8 Pillars of Wellbeing” philosophy, focusing on rest, nourishment, mindfulness, movement, and personal growth.

A standout feature is its signature hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, which takes guests through a multi-sensory circuit of water jets, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and vitality pools. This immersive experience has become a defining element of the resort’s wellness offering.

Speaking on the achievement, Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager, credited the team’s rigorous training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy and their commitment to delivering personalised guest experiences. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by customised herbal oils and signature rituals that include sound healing, breathwork, and traditional techniques.

The award also coincides with the rollout of Banyan Tree Spa 2.0, an evolved concept that blends ancient Asian healing practices with modern wellness techniques. From personalised therapies to curated closing rituals featuring herbal foot cleansing and tea ceremonies, the experience is designed to create a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Koh Samui’s Lamai Bay, the resort’s 88 private pool villas further enhance the sense of seclusion and calm. Complemented by curated dining experiences, wellness programmes, and nature-integrated design, the property continues to offer a sanctuary for travellers seeking both luxury and restoration.

With this recognition, Banyan Tree Samui strengthens its reputation as one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, setting new benchmarks for immersive and experience-driven hospitality.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.

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