Hotels

Add one more travel segment that Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”) is now affording its star rating: river cruises.

After carving out a strong presence across Asia’s mid and upscale hotel segments over the last four decades, Thai hospitality firm Centara is cautiously stepping into the luxury market, with early signs of success inspiring more high-end properties.

Meliá Hotels International’s first luxury hotel in Peru, The Meliá Collection Lima, will start welcoming guests in July 2026, as the hospitality giant expands its footprint in Latin America.

Rosewood Calistoga and Rosewood Residences Calistoga, a 118-acre estate in California’s Napa Valley, will open in January 2027.

Driving the Rocco Forte brand’s expansion across Europe and the Middle East will be the focus of a new strategic partnership between Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has embarked on a series of renovations across its global portfolio, with each project designed to reflect the Accor brand’s focus on the guest experience.

Hyatt’s Unbound Collection will make its Thai debut with the signing of two new hotels – The Barai Hua Hin and Narai Hotel in Bangkok – in 2026 and 2028 respectively.

Atlantis Dubai has promoted Dean Walsh to the position of Executive Director of Sales, tasked with leading global leisure market growth for both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal.

An opening date has been confirmed for The Carlton Milan, with the Rocco Forte hotel now accepting reservations via telephone and email ahead of the 6 November 2025 launch.

Marriott International will bring its Ritz-Carlton brand to Kerala with the announcement of The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, scheduled to open in 2029.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur has officially opened in the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, with the brand’s Malaysian debut taking the Park Hyatt portfolio to 50 properties worldwide.

Naïa Island Dubai, the new project from development firm Shamal Holdings, has been confirmed as the location of the region’s first Cheval Blanc maison.