It is estimated that global luxury travel spend will reach $1.5 trillion in 2024 – and Accor is ready with a highly focused luxury and lifestyle division specifically oriented toward tailor-made hospitality concepts and high-growth drivers. This division is structured around four brand groups: Orient Express; Raffles & Fairmont; Sofitel, MGallery Hotel Collection & Emblems Collection; and Ennismore.
Following the debut of Raffles Udaipur in 2021, the storied brand is set to bring its glamourous spirit and legendary service to Jaipur, with the opening of Raffles Jaipur in early 2024.
Part of the Golden Triangle, Jaipur connects with New Delhi and Agra in a 720 km tourist circuit. Featuring just 50 intimate suites, Raffles Jaipur’s design was inspired by the Zenana, or women’s quarters of the Mughal court, and features the best of Rajasthani craftsmanship. Guests will enjoy the 620 square metre spa, indoor swimming pool and rooftop garden, along with a holistic wellness programme built on the principles and community of India’s greatest wellness masters, helping guests to enhance their health and balance.
When the original Raffles hotel in Singapore opened its doors in 1887, it represented the dawn of the Golden Age of travel and captured the world’s imagination.
Now, Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa will expand on this illustrious legacy with a 62-villa resort overlooking Tanjong Beach on the southern tip of Sentosa Island opening in mid-2024. Inspired by the brand’s storied history and heritage in the destination, the Yabu Pushelberg designed resort will serve as a tropical oasis, enticing guests to explore more than 100,000 square meters of lush gardens, enjoy a world-class spa dedicated to regenerative wellness, and experience a new destination for dining and celebrations.
Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel features an extraordinary location along the vibrant Victoria & Albert Waterfront, with breathtaking Table Mountain as a backdrop. South Africa’s famed five-star Cape Grace hotel has been refashioned as a Fairmont property, and is set to reopen this winter.
Fairmont Breakers, Long Beach brings a legend back to life with the revival of this iconic California beach hotel, opening in 2024. With 185 boutique rooms and suites, guests will enjoy 360-degree Pacific views from the rooftop pool and open-air lounge. A blissful two-story spa and wellness center and a live jazz club will round out the experience.
Fairmont Golden Prague is an enchanting landmark hotel on the banks of the Vltava River in the Old Town of Prague. The sophisticated hotel captures the spirit and energy of the prestigious Parizska Boulevard. Opening in 2024, guests will love the modern spa with indoor and outdoor pools, multiple restaurants and bars, and the grandest of ballrooms.
Hotel Sousei Sapporo – MGallery Collection is opening in early 2024 on the historic site of the very first authentic beer brewery founded by the Japanese - the Sapporo Brewery, which led to the industrial development of Sapporo city. This frontier spirit and unique history is reflected in the hotel’s design, positioning MGallery as an intrinsic part of the neighborhood redevelopment along the East side of the Sousei River.
Gem Forest Nairobi – MGallery Collection is set to open in spring 2024. Designed by Sudukovy Sisters, it will feature 105 rooms and suites; four restaurants, including an all-day dining venue, a signature dining experience, a pool bar, and a rooftop restaurant and bar; meeting rooms and a business center; and wellness facilities spanning a gym, pool and spa. With a prime location on Gigiri’s Limuru Road, 8km from Westlands, 10km from Nairobi’s city center and close to Village Market, a major shopping, recreation and entertainment complex currently under expansion, it will appeal to UN and NGO delegates, consultants and contractors, as well as diplomats, leisure visitors and the local community.
Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is a unique gem of luxury, just steps away from the beach at the heart of Benin. Opening in early 2024, the hotel features the largest hotel convention centre in the city, as well as a chic culture and entertainment complex with cinema, casino, and the brand’s signature bar and nightclub concept called SO/ Lounge. For the ultimate in luxury, the hotel offers villas with private pools, as well as two resort swimming pools, three concept restaurants, two tennis courts and a 1000 square meter spa.
Luxury trains and sails
Orient Express Silenseas, inspired by the Golden Age of the French Riviera, is preparing for its first voyages in 2026.
The largest sailing ship in the world, Orient Express Silenseas is a 220-metre-long ocean treasure that features 53 of the largest suites on the sailing market – including a monumental Presidential Suite complete with a private terrace and two swimming pools. With an emphasis on culture and artistry, Orient Express Silenseas will entertain guests at the ship’s glamorous Amphitheatre-Cabaret, and at a private recording studio for giving voice to the most beautiful melodies at sea. The interiors of the ship will be designed by Maxime d’Angeac, bringing exceptional craftsmanship and Art Deco elements to life.
The Orient Express train will be 90 per cent powered by electricity when it debuts on the European rails in 2026, becoming the highest renewable electricity-powered train on the luxury train market. Designed by French artisans, sustainability is an essential part of the Orient Express journey. Meanwhile, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita debuts in late 2024 – a luxurious ‘slow travel’ experience along the Italian rails in partnership with Arsenale Group. The train will cross Italy, revealing the wonders of the Alps to the paradisiacal beaches of the South, from the beauty of Venice to Rome or Palermo.
The brand’s first hotels – Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice – will welcome guests in late 2024 and early 2025 respectively.