The Leading Hotels of the World expands its portfolio with ten new member properties across Africa and Europe, reflecting rising demand for independent luxury hotels with strong regional identity and experiential design.
The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) has added ten independent properties to its global membership, strengthening its portfolio of more than 425 hotels across 80+ countries. The new Winter Collection spans South Africa’s coastline, the mountains of Réunion Island, the cultural landscapes of Türkiye and Italy, and the alpine regions of Austria and Switzerland. The intake broadens LHW’s representation of owner-operated, experience-driven hotels that emphasise locality, architecture and personalised service.
Deniz Omurgonulsen, vice president of member experience at LHW, noted that the additions illustrate the organisation’s continued focus on culturally grounded hospitality: “This in-take comprises a renovated grain silo in South Africa, a nature lodge in Reunion Island, re-imagined monastery in the Dolomites and a cutting-edge mountain spa in Switzerland. All have the ‘LHW DNA’, including family-led vision, cultural integrity and joyful hospitality experiences of the highest level.”
Africa: nature-anchored retreats and contemporary design destinations
Four properties join from Africa, each representing a distinct interpretation of luxury rooted in local environments.
Birkenhead House, Hermanus offers an 11-room coastal retreat known for whale watching, cliff-side dining and access to the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route.
La Residence, Franschhoek combines vineyard settings, estate gardens and bespoke interiors with tailored dining and wellness experiences.
Royal Malewane, Hoedspruit brings safari-based luxury through four lodges and exclusive-use villas with some of Africa’s most qualified guiding teams.
The Silo, Cape Town, a repurposed grain silo above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, blends industrial heritage with contemporary African aesthetics, complemented by destination dining and curated art.
Diana Dea Lodge in Réunion Island further extends the region’s representation, offering a secluded eco-lodge environment shaped by the island’s volcanic terrain and local culinary traditions.
Europe: alpine sanctuaries, heritage architecture and design-forward wellness
Europe’s additions underscore the strength of independent hotels that reinterpret heritage and landscape.
Argos in Cappadocia, Türkiye brings a village-within-a-village concept, restored from ancient caves and monasteries, with sustainability and Anatolian cuisine at its core.
Castel Badia in the Italian Dolomites, opening December 2025, transforms a millennium-old castle into a contemporary alpine retreat with three dining concepts and access to Dolomiti Superski.
Grand Resort Zürserhof, Austria, offers a long-established family-run luxury ski hotel with an extensive 34,000 ft² wellness centre and direct access to the Arlberg slopes.
Huus Quell, Switzerland, opened October 2025, delivers a high-concept mountain wellness retreat with advanced longevity therapies and regional gastronomy.
The Florentin, Frankfurt, opening in 2025, combines a restored 1901 villa with a new architectural extension, providing contemporary urban luxury in Sachsenhausen.
Implications for global luxury hospitality
The Winter Collection reflects broader market momentum toward independent properties that provide differentiated design, curated experiences and strong cultural context. For operators, joining LHW offers access to global distribution, branding support and a loyalty platform, which can enhance visibility and revenue performance without compromising individual identity.
The additions also highlight how travellers increasingly prioritise narrative-rich, regionally expressive hotels — a segment where independent brands continue to gain competitive relevance.
