Hyatt strengthens luxury portfolio with new leadership and global expansion plans - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has presented the next chapter of its luxury evolution at ILTM Cannes, announcing new leadership and an ambitious global development pipeline for 2026. Tamara Lohan, co-founder of the boutique and luxury hotel platform Mr & Mrs Smith, has been appointed Global Brand Leader – Luxury on an interim basis. Her new role coincides with a wave of international openings that will reinforce Hyatt’s position in the luxury segment.

Leadership rooted in independent style and guest insight

President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian emphasised the momentum behind Hyatt’s strategy: “Hyatt’s momentum in luxury continues to accelerate, powered by our insights-driven development strategy and commitment to delivering deeply resonant guest experiences. Tamara brings world-class luxury expertise, and her leadership will further strengthen our ability to differentiate our luxury brands while growing with intent in the markets our guests and owners value most.”

Lohan, who joined Hyatt in 2023 through the acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith, brings more than two decades of experience curating design-forward, experience-rich independent hotels. In her new position she will steer global luxury brand strategy, focusing on a consistent guest experience across Hyatt’s portfolio. “When Hyatt acquired Mr & Mrs Smith, it was clear how deeply Hyatt respects independent spirit, design integrity and the craft of luxury,” she said. “It’s a privilege to help shape the future of what luxury means for Hyatt, and I’m excited to develop the brands in our portfolio and take our guests on even more personal experiences whilst thoughtfully growing the collection.”

Hyatt’s luxury portfolio currently includes nearly 125 hotels worldwide across brands such as Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, Impression by Secrets and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

A milestone year: Miraval debuts internationally

The first quarter of 2026 will see the opening of Miraval The Red Sea on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia — the brand’s first resort outside the United States. The adults-only retreat will feature 180 rooms and suites, extensive wellbeing programming and the largest spa in the Red Sea destination. The launch reflects the surge in demand for transformative travel, with nearly half of travellers defining luxury as deeply personalised experiences.

Strategic growth across flagship brands

Throughout 2026, Hyatt will expand its footprint with a series of openings:

• Park Hyatt will celebrate the reopening of Park Hyatt Tokyo and unveil new properties in Cabo del Sol, Cancun, Mexico City, Vancouver and Phu Quoc.
• Alila will debut Alila Mayakoba in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
• The Unbound Collection by Hyatt will expand in EAME with Kennedy 89 in Frankfurt and a new coastal property in Nice.

These additions form part of a luxury pipeline of more than 170 hotels representing 141,000 rooms worldwide.

Momentum in EAME and a landmark winter season

Marc Jacheet, Group President, EAME, described the moment as a turning point: “As we approach a new calendar year, ILTM Cannes serves not only as a moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished in 2025, but as a powerful catalyst for what’s to come. This winter marks a defining moment in Hyatt’s luxury growth story, as the Miraval brand debuts on the international stage in the Red Sea – a sanctuary for wellbeing explorers and discerning adventurers alike spanning over 3 million square feet of pristine coastline and offering one of the largest spas in the region with 40,000 square feet and 39 treatment rooms. With an ever-expanding, world-class luxury portfolio across EAME, Hyatt continues to set new benchmarks in hospitality and remains a driving force behind our global growth journey.”

For more information or to book a stay, visit hyatt.com.

Image Credit: © Hyatt Hotels Corporation