Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. News

Hilton to expand Asia Pacific portfolio to 150 luxury properties

Hilton adds numerous properties to its Asia Pacific offerings

Bhutan, Gangtey Lodge
Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan Small luxury Hotels of the World

To meet demand in the Asia Pacific luxury travel segment, Hilton will expand its regional portfolio to 150 properties in the years ahead. The plan will quadruple the company’s presence in the region compared to the end of 2023. The project includes a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offering the unique experiences travelers increasingly seek out. That’s in addition to Hilton’s existing brands like Waldorf Astoria, LXR, and Conrad. 

Hilton Asia Pacific: Eclectic stays in uncommon destinations

Rendering of Conrad Yokohama Hotel
Rendering, Conrad Yokohama Hilton

Hilton’s decision to increase its Asia Pacific offerings is fueled by increased demand for unique accommodations and luxury travel. According to the company, luxury travelers’ needs keep changing, with many searching for art and culture, imaginative F&B offerings, and wellness experiences. 

Recommended Videos

Hilton’s already added Bhutan from Small Luxury Hotels of the World with Gangtey Lodge, and Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong. Building on that momentum are the signings of Conrad Yokohama in Japan, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, and Conrad Jaipur in India. Hilton also plans seven Waldorf Astoria locations in Tokyo, Xi’an, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, and Hanoi within two years. 

Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton, commented: Waldorf Astoria will more than double its presence in APAC over the coming years, from six to 13 hotels and we’ll add another 21 Conrad Hotels & Resorts properties to our existing 27. Our growth momentum demonstrates owner confidence in the strength of our brands and capabilities in managing iconic properties in gateway cities and destination resort locations.”

Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added: Demand for our luxury brands is on the rise, as owners and developers continue to seek out premium returns and trusted partners in destinations across Asia Pacific. From Tokyo to Maldives, Shanghai to Jaipur – the luxury segment is growing exponentially and Hilton’s luxury brands are poised to capture the significant opportunity across the region.”

Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the… Read Full Bio
First Look: Hard Rock is Opening a Baller Resort and Spa in Malta
Indoors, Architecture, Building

A petite rocky paradise which, as an island, is in itself a UNESCO World Heritage site, Malta’s popularity has been steadily growing. And paired with Delta’s first direct flight from JFK, today’s announcement of the Hard Rock Hotel Malta’s opening may be the perfect reason to pack your bags and explore this otherworldly Mediterranean archipelago, just south of Sicily. 

As the red-headed stepchild of bigger, more popular destinations like Greece, Croatia, Spain and even Turkey, Malta offers all the perks of a Southern European holiday in a pared-down, more compact setting. Yup, you still get beautiful beaches and clear turquoise water, but you’ll also be able to explore the easy-to-traverse prehistoric temples, Roman-era remains and Neolithic carvings, as well as access thriving local traditions like its Ventian-like dghajsa boats. With its new resort, however, Hard Rock hopes to cement the island country as a more sophisticated hotspot for International travelers, offering the first combination of 5-star luxury, beach club and live entertainment.

Read more
These Are the World’s Most Instagrammable Cities in the Fall
Road, City, Street

A new study has revealed that Paris is the most Instagrammable place for autumn travel. Having been there myself — albeit, in the winter — I can see why. Growing up in Los Angeles, you’re not accustomed to seeing the landscape change around you after each season. This is why yours truly is hitting up Portland, Maine, soon to experience foliage season. Paris in the fall is now on the bucket list.

The September 2026 study on the most Instagrammable places for autumn travel was conducted by Duel.com, which looked at how many Instagram hashtags each city has, along with the number of sights and landmarks available to photograph. It also measured average September temperatures and the overall cost of a trip. Each city was scored out of 100, revealing the best cities for travelers looking for the right angle and backdrop.

Read more
I stayed at one of Chicago’s most famous luxury hotels — and yes, it still deserves the hype
Ritz-Carlton Chicago

Chicago does luxury hotels exceptionally well. The city has historic grande dames, glossy new towers, and enough five-star addresses to make choosing one surprisingly difficult. Still, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago remains one of the names travelers hear again and again. Does that reputation still carry the same weight in a city with so much competition?

By the end of my stay, the answer was yes. The hotel repeatedly proved that real luxury is about noticing what a guest needs before they have to ask.

Read more