New Resorts and Major Acquisitions: Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton Expand Globally in June 2025

Published on July 1, 2025

June has been a significant month for the hotel and resorts business with significant acquisitions, new openings that generate buzz, and brand extensions. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts was in the headlines with new openings in quick succession and with its strategic acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts to bring fifteen luxury resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico into its growing fold. Hilton and Marriott too announced robust expansion with Hilton reaching a milestone of 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels. Club Med celebrated its 75th anniversary with expansion plans in the pipeline for the Asia Pacific, Gulf States, and Africa.

Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection experienced significant growth in June with four new resort openings. AluaSoul Sunny Beach in Bulgaria officially opened as an adults-only all-inclusive resort. Set on the Black Sea in Sunny Beach coastal town in Bulgaria, the resort has close to 400 rooms, six restaurants, and direct access to Blue Flag beaches. The new resort marks Hyatt’s further development of its footprint in Eastern Europe to cater to travelers in search of a peaceful, adults-only retreat.

Further expanding the portfolio, the Zélia Halkidiki, part of Hyatt’s Destination by Hyatt brand, opened in Halkidiki, Greece. This adults-only resort offers just over 100 rooms and suites, farm-to-table dining, wellness offerings, and more, providing guests with a tranquil escape immersed in Greek culture. Located on the mainland, near Thessaloniki, this resort further solidifies Hyatt’s presence in Southern Europe, catering to travelers seeking both luxury and wellness during their stay.

Meanwhile, Hyatt’s expansion continued in the Caribbean with the opening of Secrets St. Lucia, an adults-only all-inclusive resort offering 355 rooms, five restaurants, and a range of daily activities, such as kayaking. This new addition to the Inclusive Collection is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for luxury resorts in the Caribbean. St. Lucia, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and rainforests, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

In Aruba, Hyatt welcomed the Secrets Baby Beach Aruba into the Inclusive Collection. This adults-only resort offers 304 suites, four restaurants, a spa, and a host of wellness and fitness activities. Located on the southern tip of the island, Baby Beach is known for its clear waters, making it an ideal spot for guests looking to indulge in a serene beach vacation. The resort’s opening further enhances Aruba’s growing appeal as a luxury destination in the Caribbean.

Hyatt’s expansion wasn’t limited to resorts alone. The Fiesta Americana Nuevo Vallarta, located in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, also welcomed guests in June, offering a new destination for travelers in one of Mexico’s most popular beach regions. In addition, the Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is scheduled to open this fall, marking a continued expansion of Hyatt’s resort offerings across the Caribbean and Latin America.

In addition to Hyatt’s busy June, Hilton reached a major milestone in global expansion, surpassing 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels in operation. This achievement is indicative of Hilton’s strong position in the market and its ongoing commitment to luxury and upscale hospitality worldwide. As Hilton grows its footprint, it continues to target high-demand destinations, with particular attention on Africa.

Marriott International, too, is increasing its presence globally. The hotel giant announced it will open over 50 properties across Africa by 2027, a move that reflects the continent’s rising tourism appeal. The expansion is expected to encompass a variety of brands within Marriott’s portfolio, including premium, luxury, and select-service hotels, helping the brand cater to diverse traveler segments in the region. Africa is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international tourists, with growing interest in both cultural and adventure travel.

Meanwhile, Club Med, celebrating its 75th anniversary, continues to showcase its expansion efforts. The company announced several new developments, including its first BREEAM-certified resort in Asia Pacific, slated to open in 2026. Additionally, the company plans to open its first beach resort in the Gulf States in 2028 and an Exclusive Collection resort in Africa in 2026. These developments will further solidify Club Med’s presence in key regions, responding to the growing demand for sustainable and luxurious all-inclusive resorts.

Club Med’s expansion is part of its broader strategy to cater to the growing desire for eco-conscious tourism. The company’s focus on sustainability, alongside its all-inclusive model, ensures that guests can enjoy a unique, luxurious experience while minimizing their environmental footprint. As the company continues to innovate, it remains a leader in the all-inclusive resort industry.

For the hotel and resort market as a whole, June proved to be an incredibly strong month of expansion and strategic acquisition. With significant expansions from Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Club Med, the hotel industry has great things in store for the future, particularly as destinations in Bulgaria, Greece, the Caribbean, and Africa become increasingly popular. The expansions are also in line with larger global tourism trends that include a growing need for wellness-oriented resorts, adults-only resorts, and luxury hotels in mature and emerging markets alike.

As these brands expand and new resorts are introduced to market, travelers can look for a series of exciting new options for future trips, whether for leisure, adventure, wellness, or culture. With international travel continuing and recovering, the hotel and resort environment seems set for a strong year to come.

(Source: Hyatt Hotels, Hilton group and Marriott Hotels.)