Hyatt advances luxury brand focus with new leadership and global expansion planned for 2026

CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation used ILTM Cannes to outline the next phase of its luxury growth strategy, announcing new leadership and showcasing an ambitious pipeline of luxury openings set for 2026. The company has appointed Tamara Lohan as Global Brand Leader – Luxury on an interim basis, reinforcing its commitment to elevating brand consistency and experience design across its luxury portfolio.

Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt, emphasized the momentum behind the company’s luxury offering. “Hyatt’s momentum in luxury continues to accelerate, powered by our insights-driven development strategy and commitment to delivering deeply resonant guest experiences,” he said. “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 – the boutique and luxury hotel platform she co-founded – brings more than 20 years of expertise in curating independent luxury properties and shaping experience-rich travel. In her new role, she will guide Hyatt’s global luxury brand strategy, enhance brand coherence across regions and support the continued evolution of the company’s luxury identity.

“When Hyatt acquired Mr & Mrs Smith, it was clear how deeply Hyatt respects independent spirit, design integrity and the craft of luxury,” Lohan 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.”

Strategic expansion across Hyatt’s luxury portfolio

Hyatt currently operates nearly 125 luxury hotels worldwide, representing more than 21,000 rooms across brands including Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, Impression by Secrets and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The group’s luxury pipeline spans over 170 hotels and 141,000 rooms globally, reflecting sustained demand from both travelers and owners.

A central milestone in Hyatt’s 2026 luxury development is the opening of Miraval The Red Sea, the brand’s first property outside the United States. Opening in early 2026 on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Island, the adults-only resort will feature 180 guestrooms and suites, immersive wellbeing programming and the region’s largest spa – 40,000 square feet with 39 treatment rooms. The project aligns with rising global demand for transformative, personalized wellness travel.

Beyond Miraval, Hyatt’s luxury pipeline includes several high-impact openings:

• Park Hyatt will reopen Park Hyatt Tokyo and expand with Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol, Park Hyatt Cancun, Park Hyatt Mexico City, Park Hyatt Vancouver and Park Hyatt Phu Quoc.
• Alila will grow its presence in Mexico with Alila Mayakoba, bringing the brand’s immersive, nature-led luxury to Riviera Maya.
• The Unbound Collection by Hyatt will add notable openings in EAME, including Kennedy 89 in Frankfurt and a new coastal property in Nice.

A defining year ahead for Hyatt’s luxury trajectory

Marc Jacheet, Group President EAME, noted that ILTM Cannes marks a pivotal moment for Hyatt’s luxury ambitions. “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,” he said. He highlighted the scale and ambition of the development, describing it as a sanctuary spanning more than 3 million square feet of pristine coastline and setting new benchmarks for wellness hospitality in the region.

As Hyatt strengthens its luxury leadership and advances an innovation-driven development strategy, the company continues to position itself as a leading force in global luxury hospitality, with 2026 poised to deliver significant brand-defining milestones.

The article Hyatt advances luxury brand focus with new leadership and global expansion planned for 2026 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The post Hyatt advances luxury brand focus with new leadership and global expansion planned for 2026 appeared first on Travel Daily News