Ascott is expanding its global resort portfolio through asset-light growth, with around 50 properties in resort destinations in operation or development, supported by 11 new signings in the past 10 months via management and franchise agreements.
These account for about five per cent of its global portfolio of more than 1,000 properties, reflecting a focus on the leisure segment. The company is adapting its brands – Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection – for resort settings to scale in high-potential destinations.
Recent signings include Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort in Thailand, with 254 rooms and leisure facilities, and a 227-unit branded residence, located 150 metres from Patong Beach. In Vietnam, new properties include Somerset Nha Trang, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc and Harris Resort Cam Ranh. Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son in Thanh Hoa began opening in April 2025. In Indonesia, lyf Labuan Bajo will open in 2027, alongside Oakwood properties in Jimbaran, Canggu and Sanur.
In South Korea, an Oakwood property will open in Gangneung, and in the UAE, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection will open in 2027 on Marjan Island.
These additions build on Ascott’s existing resorts, which include Oakwood Suites Chongli in China’s winter sports hub, Oakwood Ha Long near Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Somerset Pattaya in Thailand and Château Belmont Tours in France’s Loire Valley. The portfolio will be further strengthened by upcoming openings such as Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao, Philippines, scheduled for late 2027, and other planned developments in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Ascott’s chief growth officer Serena Lim noted that rising leisure travel is driving strong interest from property owners, who are attracted to the company’s flex-hybrid model for serving both short and extended stays, supported by a brand strategy tailored to each resort setting.
Tan Bee Leng, chief commercial officer, Ascott, said: “From sun-drenched beachfront villas and serene mountain retreats to château stays and immersive wellness escapes, each resort adds lifestyle richness to the loyalty journey, deepening member engagement and incentivising cross-destination travel.
“Ascott’s flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand approach allow us to scale trusted urban brands into resort destinations with local authenticity and operational excellence, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits guests, members and property owners alike.”
