Design Hotels Transforms Asia Pacific With Major Expansion, Redefining Luxury Travel

Published on December 4, 2025

Design Hotels, a leader in design-focused hospitality, has announced a major expansion in the Asia Pacific region with 14 new hotels set to join its portfolio. This expansion includes properties in six countries: Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and India. By 2025, this region will contribute a record 28% to the brand’s global growth, marking an exciting milestone for the company. This growth shows Design Hotels’ commitment to engaging with one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets while celebrating the unique design and local culture of each independent hotel.

The brand’s expansion aims to offer travelers more diverse and authentic experiences rooted in culture, creativity, and community. These new properties are carefully chosen, highlighting the brand’s signature focus on original design and creative ownership. Each new hotel promises to offer a fresh sense of place, providing guests with not just a room, but an immersive experience connected to the local culture and history.

Growth Strategy in the Asia Pacific

Design Hotels’ commitment to increasing its presence in the Asia Pacific highlights the region’s growing importance in the global hospitality industry. The company has selected properties that reflect the brand’s values: a mix of design, culture, and authenticity. By focusing on independent hotels, Design Hotels ensures that each property offers a unique and personalized experience for guests.

Stijn Oyen, the brand’s Managing Director, stressed that expanding into the Asia Pacific is crucial to their global strategy. He noted that independent hoteliers in the region are reshaping the hospitality landscape, adding creativity and originality that appeal to today’s luxury travelers. With this growth, Design Hotels aims to create deeper connections between travelers and the distinctive local culture and history of each destination.

Notable Property Additions

The 14 new properties across Asia Pacific offer a wide range of experiences, from urban retreats to peaceful escapes in nature. Here are some highlights:

China: The ArcadiaPlace, near the stunning Lugu Lake in Sichuan, features breathtaking design inspired by the matriarchal Mosuo culture. Designed by IMAGO, the hotel visually celebrates the surrounding mountains and rich cultural heritage.

Thailand: Public House in Bangkok introduces a modern take on the British gentleman’s club, crafted by 4b Architects. Located in the heart of the Sukhumvit district, this property combines luxury with accessibility in an urban setting.

Japan: Yoruya, a cozy 13-room hotel in Kurashiki, showcases traditional Japanese townhouse architecture from the Edo period. This intimate property immerses guests in the country’s historic and cultural roots.

Malaysia: ELSE Kuala Lumpur occupies a restored 1930s heritage building, becoming a new focal point for the city’s cultural scene. Its design blends old-world charm with modern luxury.

Indonesia: Magia de Uma in Bali provides a peaceful retreat above the rice paddies of Canggu, promising a transformative experience for guests seeking authentic Balinese culture.

India: Hotel Irada in Pune is a remarkable 66-acre winery with a rich historical connection to Vijay Mallya’s estate. This property marks Design Hotels’ first entry into India, expanding the brand’s presence in the South Asian market.

Each of these properties not only enhances the Design Hotels portfolio but also tells a unique story tied to its location. From upscale urban spots in busy cities to serene retreats in nature, these hotels offer varied experiences for all kinds of travelers.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Local Connection

Design Hotels’ growth in the Asia Pacific is not just about increasing the number of hotels; it’s about ensuring that each property reflects the brand’s sustainable approach to tourism. The hotels in this expansion connect deeply with their surroundings, allowing travelers to experience local culture and natural beauty in an authentic and responsible manner. Many of these new properties incorporate sustainability throughout, using local materials, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly practices during the guest experience.

The brand’s global portfolio, which has increased by 15% in the past year, benefits from its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy®. This partnership provides Design Hotels’ members access to Marriott’s leading loyalty program, adding value for travelers seeking both luxury and authenticity. Through this collaboration, Design Hotels continues to offer innovative hospitality solutions in an increasingly interconnected world.

Design Hotels’ Future Outlook

As Design Hotels continues to expand, the company is targeting further growth not only in the Asia Pacific but around the globe. It has also seen significant growth in the United States and regions like the Caribbean and Latin America. The company’s commitment to offering exclusive, design-focused hospitality shines through in its portfolio, which now spans over 50 countries.

The brand recently moved its headquarters to Berlin, designed by RHO, which reflects its dedication to innovation and creativity. The new office, featuring panoramic views of the city and a rooftop terrace, serves as a center for the brand’s forward-thinking strategies and global operations. This modern headquarters symbolizes Design Hotels’ ongoing evolution and its ambition to redefine the luxury travel experience.

Conclusion: The Future of Design-Led Hospitality

Design Hotels’ expansion into the Asia Pacific marks an exciting new chapter for the brand, blending creativity, culture, and design with authentic travel experiences. With its carefully curated properties, the brand is set to strengthen its position in the global hospitality market. For travelers looking for unique, design-focused hotels that offer more than just a place to sleep, Design Hotels presents an exciting selection that transforms the meaning of stylish travel.