Design Hotels adds 14+ new APAC properties in 2025, strengthening its regional presence with design-driven hotels across Japan, Thailand, China, Malaysia & more
Design Hotels has announced a major expansion across Asia Pacific, welcoming more than 14 new properties to its global portfolio in 2025. The region now accounts for a record 28% of the brand’s overall global growth, marking the first time APAC has led portfolio expansion for the independent design-forward hospitality community.
For Design Hotels, this milestone underscores the region’s growing influence on global travel and its vibrant ecosystem of visionary hoteliers who are redefining hospitality through design, culture, sustainability, and deeply rooted local experiences.
A Strategic Push Into a High-Growth Region
Asia Pacific remains one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets, with travelers seeking hotels that offer both creative expression and authentic cultural connection. The brand’s increased presence reflects its long-term strategy to strengthen its footprint in key markets while supporting independent owners with distinct perspectives.
“This growth underscores Asia Pacific’s importance to the Design Hotels global strategy and reflects the remarkable vision of independent hoteliers across the region,” said Stijn Oyen, Managing Director at Design Hotels. “By welcoming these diverse properties into our portfolio, we deepen our ability to connect travelers with transformative experiences rooted in creativity and community.”
Six Countries, One Shared Design Ethos
The latest additions span Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and a celebrated return to India. Despite the geographic spread, each property reflects the core pillars of Design Hotels:
- original design
- visionary ownership
- a deep sense of place
From intimate townhouses to urban cultural hubs and nature-driven retreats, the 2025 APAC lineup showcases a rich diversity of experiences.
Highlights From the 2025 APAC Additions
China: The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake
Located in Sichuan and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this strikingly designed hotel by IMAGO pays tribute to the ancient, matriarchal Mosuo culture. Its architecture blends contemporary expression with heritage storytelling.
Thailand: Public House, Bangkok
Set in Sukhumvit, this new property brings an inclusive, modern take on a British gentleman’s club. Designed by 4b Architects, it blends social energy, creative community, and layered contemporary design.
Japan: Yoruya, Kurashiki
A small and soulful property with just 13 rooms, Yoruya captures the charm of traditional Edo-period townhouse design. Its intimate scale offers a slow, immersive gateway to one of Japan’s most picturesque old towns.
Malaysia: ELSE Kuala Lumpur
Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s heritage building, ELSE has become a cultural anchor in downtown KL. Its design-forward spaces champion community, creativity, and urban revival.
Indonesia: Magia de Uma, Bali
Created by the team behind Palazzo Daniele, this opening promises transformative experiences above Canggu’s rice terraces. Expect quiet luxury, profound calm, and a hyperlocal design narrative.
India: Hotel Irada, Pune
Design Hotels’ first member in India is a 66-acre working winery set on Vijay Mallya’s storied estate. It blends viticulture, heritage, and refined design in a setting rich with landscape and history.
Global Growth Momentum Across EMEA & the Americas
Asia Pacific’s rapid expansion comes as Design Hotels celebrates 15% overall global portfolio growth in the past 12 months. Notable new properties in EMEA include Esperanza Lake Resort (Lithuania), Stieg’nhaus (Austria), and Voaara (Madagascar).
Growth has also surged in the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America, with 11 new hotels joining the community—totaling 828 keys across destinations such as Miami, Atlanta, Asheville, Capistrano Beach, Costa Rica, Valle de Guadalupe, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.
Empowering Independent Hoteliers Through Full-Service Support
As the portfolio grows, more member hotels are utilising the brand’s comprehensive suite of services, from PR and digital marketing to web design, global sales representation, and content creation.
Through its integration with Marriott Bonvoy®, properties also gain access to one of the world’s leading loyalty networks, expanding global visibility and demand.
This support allows independent owners to remain creatively autonomous while benefiting from best-in-class global systems—a hallmark of the Design Hotels value proposition.
A New Creative Home in Berlin
The expansion follows the brand’s move into its new headquarters in Berlin, designed by RHO. Situated on the top floor, the space features modern design pieces, full-height windows, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. The light-filled, future-focused workspace reflects the brand’s ethos of creativity, collaboration, and community.
At a Glance: Design Hotels APAC Expansion 2025
- Total New APAC Properties: 14+
- APAC Share of Global Growth: 28% (record high)
- Countries Added: Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India
- Notable Openings: ArcadiaPlace Lugu Lake (China), Public House Bangkok, Yoruya Kurashiki (Japan), ELSE Kuala Lumpur, Magia de Uma Bali, Hotel Irada Pune
- Global Portfolio Growth: 15% in the past 12 months
- New Properties in EMEA: Lithuania, Austria, Madagascar
- New Hotels in the Americas: 11, covering USA, Caribbean, LATAM
- Member Services: PR, sales, digital marketing, web design, content creation
- Marriott Bonvoy Integration: Expanded reach through global loyalty network
- New HQ: Berlin, designed by RHO, with rooftop terrace and panoramic views
Also read citizenM Kuala Lumpur Joins Marriott Bonvoy: A Bold New Stay in Bukit Bintang
