Independent luxury and lifestyle soft brand WorldHotels has reported a year of significant expansion in 2025, adding nearly 100 luxury and upscale properties across 12 countries.
The growth included new hotels in urban, resort and culturally driven destinations, the debut of the brand’s first glamping locations and the launch of WorldHotels Residences, now under development. Looking ahead, WorldHotels—which is part of BWH Hotels—enters 2026 with approximately 40 hotels in development.
“2025 marked an important inflection point for WorldHotels,” Ron Pohl, president of WorldHotels, said in a statement. “Beyond portfolio growth, we focused on evolving the brand to better serve today’s luxury traveler, who values individuality, flexibility and meaningful experiences. Our hotels retain their independent character while benefiting from a global platform.”
One of the key additions for the global brand in 2025 was the Arya Hotel & Suites Coconut Grove, WorldHotels Distinctive in Miami. Other leisure and coastal additions included Acqua di Mare Resort, WorldHotels Distinctive in Roatan, Honduras; and Van der Valk Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire, WorldHotels Elite in Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands.
Meanwhile, boutique and heritage‑driven additions included Collini Rooms, WorldHotels Crafted in Milan, Italy; Velvet Hotel, WorldHotels Crafted in Manchester, England; and Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, WorldHotels Distinctive in Inverness, Scotland.
New urban lifestyle properties in global cities included Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou, WorldHotels Elite in Hangzhou, China; The Florian Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, WorldHotels Crafted in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; and Acueducto Hotel, WorldHotels Crafted in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Going forward, the brand is set to introduce WorldHotels Residences with Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences in Ho Chi Minh City, combining residential living with hotel‑style services and amenities.
WorldHotels will also expand its glamping portfolio, following its first opening in 2025, with nature‑forward projects including Asheville River Cabins in North Carolina, The Lodge at Pico Bonito in Honduras and Marangatu Luxury Hotel in Brazil. In the wellness segment, Soul Spring Sanctuary, WorldHotels Luxury is scheduled to open its second resort in Cabo in March.