Hyatt Appoints New Luxury Leader and Expands Portfolio with High-End Openings in 2026

Published on December 4, 2025

Hyatt, a renowned global hospitality brand, has appointed Tamara Lohan as its new interim Global Brand Leader for luxury. The announcement comes alongside significant plans for Hyatt’s luxury portfolio, with multiple luxury hotel openings scheduled for 2026. These changes were revealed during Hyatt’s presentation at the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, further solidifying its commitment to providing exceptional luxury experiences for travellers worldwide.

Tamara Lohan, who joined Hyatt in 2023 through the acquisition of the luxury hotel platform Mr & Mrs Smith, brings over two decades of experience to the role. Her extensive background in luxury travel positions her perfectly to lead Hyatt’s luxury brands, including Park Hyatt, Miraval, Alila, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. With Lohan at the helm, Hyatt aims to elevate the guest experience across its luxury offerings, ensuring that each property meets the highest standards of excellence in both service and design.

Major 2026 Luxury Hotel Openings Announced

Hyatt’s luxury expansion plans for 2026 are ambitious, with a focus on diversifying its global presence and offering unique experiences for guests. Among the key openings are:

• Miraval The Red Sea: This resort will mark Miraval’s first international property outside the United States. Located on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia, it promises to be a luxurious adults-only retreat with 180 rooms and the largest spa in the Red Sea region. This development will introduce Hyatt’s wellness brand to a new destination, offering travellers a tranquil escape.
• Park Hyatt Expansions: Hyatt will open multiple Park Hyatt properties in 2026, enhancing its footprint in key global locations. New openings include Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol in Mexico, Park Hyatt Cancun, Park Hyatt Mexico City, Park Hyatt Vancouver, and Park Hyatt Phu Quoc in Vietnam. Additionally, the iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo will undergo renovations and reopen, promising an upgraded guest experience.
• Alila Mayakoba: The Alila brand will expand in Mexico with the opening of Alila Mayakoba. Known for its eco-conscious approach and luxury amenities, Alila aims to provide a serene getaway, blending modern design with natural beauty.
• The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: This collection will grow in Europe with the opening of Kennedy 89 in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as a new coastal experience in Nice, France. These properties will offer a blend of unique design and luxurious comfort, catering to discerning travellers looking for something distinctive.

These new openings are set to enhance Hyatt’s position in the luxury travel market, offering a broad range of experiences for global travellers. From wellness retreats to city escapes and beachfront resorts, Hyatt’s expanded luxury portfolio will cater to various travel preferences.

What This Means for Travellers

For luxury travellers, Hyatt’s aggressive expansion strategy in 2026 will offer an abundance of new options to explore. The new properties will provide access to unique destinations, from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and European cities like Frankfurt and Nice. Hyatt’s commitment to enhancing its luxury offerings ensures that guests will enjoy a personalised and high-quality experience, whether they are seeking a rejuvenating wellness retreat, a cultural city escape, or a relaxing beach holiday.

The new developments will also bring the renowned Park Hyatt brand to more global destinations, offering exceptional service, sophisticated design, and luxurious amenities. Guests can look forward to new experiences in these highly sought-after locations, all with Hyatt’s signature style and service.

Hyatt’s Focus on Luxury Travel

Hyatt’s recent moves signal a strong push into the luxury travel market. By appointing a seasoned leader like Tamara Lohan, the company demonstrates its intent to strategically grow its luxury brand portfolio. The 2026 expansion is a clear indication of Hyatt’s commitment to capturing a larger share of the high-end travel market by introducing unique properties in prime locations worldwide.

This focus on luxury travel comes at a time when demand for premium experiences is on the rise. Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer not only exceptional service but also an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. Hyatt’s new properties are designed to cater to this demand, offering personalised services, top-tier facilities, and locations that promise both relaxation and adventure.

The Future of Luxury Travel with Hyatt

Hyatt’s announcement of a new luxury brand leader and its bold 2026 expansion plans offer a glimpse into the future of luxury travel. With the addition of high-end properties in coveted destinations, including Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Europe, and Vietnam, Hyatt is poised to redefine luxury travel for the modern traveller. The expansion of brands like Miraval, Park Hyatt, and The Unbound Collection will provide a diverse range of experiences, from wellness-focused retreats to city hotels and beachfront resorts.

As Hyatt continues to strengthen its luxury portfolio, travellers can look forward to more unique, unforgettable stays that meet their highest expectations. The company’s forward-thinking approach ensures that it remains a top choice for luxury travel, offering guests unparalleled experiences around the globe.