The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging enterprise unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is scaling its international resort footprint by way of asset-light growth.
Riding on rising demand for experiential stays, Ascott now has round 50 properties in resort locations in operation and beneath growth worldwide, supported by 11 new signings previously 10 months secured through administration and franchise agreements. These signify about 5% of its international portfolio of over 1,000 properties, reflecting a strategic deal with the fast-growing leisure section. This momentum is pushed by Ascott’s multi-typology model technique, which adapts well-loved manufacturers equivalent to Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. This strategy permits environment friendly scaling in high-potential locations whereas fulfilling life-style aspirations of its rising Ascott Star Rewards membership and delivering brand-led options that drive long-term worth for property homeowners.
Recent signings throughout Asia and the Middle East replicate Ascott’s strategic growth into key leisure hotspots. These embody iconic seaside locations equivalent to Patong Beach in Phuket and Jimbaran Beach in Bali. Ascott can also be coming into Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s premier man-made coral island identified for its pristine seashores. In Vietnam, Ascott is rising its presence in Phu Quoc, voted the world’s second-best island[2], and Nha Trang, a longtime coastal metropolis usually dubbed the “Riviera of the South China Sea”. The firm can also be capitalising on rising alternatives in fast-growing locations equivalent to Cam Ranh, an up-and-coming aviation and leisure hub, and Sam Son, a rising home and regional tourism hotspot. Additionally, Ascott is coming into Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — the gateway to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage web site. In South Korea, it’s tapping demand in Gangneung, the main east coast vacation spot and host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Ascott’s push into resort locations capitalises on strong trade tailwinds. Global leisure journey spend is projected to triple to US$15 trillion by 2040, fuelled by rising demand from the burgeoning center class in rising markets equivalent to China, India and Saudi Arabia, the rise of experience-led youthful travellers, and surging home and regional tourism1. Notably, over 70% of travellers from rising markets now mix enterprise and leisure journeys, highlighting the rising significance of bleisure journey1. Within this broader development, the worldwide resort section – valued at US$300.03 billion in 2023 – is forecast to achieve US$945.38 billion by 2030, rising at 18.2% CAGR, pushed by rising disposable incomes, elevated worldwide journey, and desire for destination-led, experience-rich stays [3].
Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, mentioned: “As leisure travel continues to outpace global tourism growth[4], we are seeing strong momentum from property owners eager to grow with us in the resort space. Owners are drawn to our flex-hybrid model, which optimises returns and mitigates risk in dynamic leisure markets by serving both short and extended stays within a single operational framework. Complemented by our multi-typology brand strategy, we align the right brand and format to each resort setting, enabling differentiated, locally attuned guest experiences while staying responsive to evolving travel trends. Backed by a loyal and expanding member base seeking elevated leisure experiences, Ascott is well-positioned to deliver long-term value through exceptional resort stays, creating results for owners, delight for guests and impact across the markets we serve.”
Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, mentioned: “Resorts represent a powerful extension of Ascott’s brand promise to let guests ‘Stay Your Way’, unlocking a world of leisure-led experiences that elevate our Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme to new heights. 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. At the same time, a growing base of loyal ASR members fuels demand for these differentiated resort offerings globally — accelerating our resort expansion strategy with data-backed insights and a ready community of experience-driven travellers. 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.”
Expanding Reach Across Leisure Hotspots
Ascott is increasing into sought-after resort locations with new property signings that ship various, experiential stays. In Thailand, Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will characteristic 254 rooms and complete leisure amenities together with all-day eating, a swimming pool, rooftop bar, pool bar, spa, fitness center, youngsters’ membership and occasion areas. Located simply 150 metres from iconic Patong Beach and surrounded by vacationer points of interest, the resort enjoys a primary place in Thailand’s main leisure vacation spot, identified for its robust year-round demand and various customer base. Guided by the model’s understated luxurious philosophy, Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will showcase its “Fine Arts Inspired by Nature” idea, mixing luxurious, tranquility and native artistry in good concord. The mission additionally consists of Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket, a 227-unit branded residence, with completion focused for 2027.
Vietnam is a key focus of Ascott’s resort portfolio growth. Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection (pictured) in Thanh Hoa started working in phases from April 2025, simply six months after signing. Offering an immersive keep alongside certainly one of Vietnam’s most famed seashores, the resort options boutique rooms, personal villas, eating venues, a Korean jjimjilbang and occasion amenities together with a grand ballroom.
Ascott can also be scaling its resort portfolio in Vietnam. Somerset Nha Trang, a part of the landmark Libera Nha Trang growth, will convey the model’s trusted family-friendly resort dwelling to certainly one of Vietnam’s hottest seaside locations. Meanwhile, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc will anchor a mixed-use precinct on the island’s standard southwest coast. Opening in 2027, this 369-unit beachfront growth will provide premium facilities together with a spa with onsen amenities, all-day eating and expansive occasion areas. In Cam Ranh, alongside Long Beach, Ascott will debut the HARRIS model in Vietnam with the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh. Designed as an all-in-one resort vacation spot, it is going to characteristic specialty eating, a seaside membership, water park and leisure amenities. Business travellers will even be catered for with a ballroom and devoted assembly areas. Slated to open in 2026, HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh marks the model’s continued growth past Indonesia into high-potential Southeast Asian markets.
Separately, Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection in Thanh Hoa started opening in phases in April 2025, lower than six months after signing. The resort affords a particular retreat on certainly one of Vietnam’s most storied seashores, mixing boutique lodge rooms, personal villas, wellness facilities – together with a Korean jjimjilbang and devoted spa – a grand ballroom and culturally impressed eating. As the second property beneath The Unlimited Collection in Vietnam after Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An by The Unlimited Collection, it underscores Ascott’s dedication to culturally immersive experiences in fast-growing leisure locations.
In Indonesia, the 120-key lyf Labuan Bajo marks Ascott’s debut in one of many nation’s most sought-after resort locations, a rising eco-tourism hub and gateway to UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. Opening in 2027, the property will introduce lyf’s experience-led social dwelling idea to Labuan Bajo, that includes vibrant communal areas, coworking zones and curated native experiences designed to foster connection and exploration amongst next-generation travellers.
The upcoming 57-unit all-villa Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali (pictured) strengthens Ascott’s established Bali portfolio, offering direct entry to Jimbaran Beach, certainly one of Bali’s most coveted locations identified for its pristine shoreline, world-class seafood eating places and breathtaking sundown views.
Three different resort developments throughout Indonesia are additionally slated to open from 2026 to 2028. In Bali, the 57-unit Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali will present direct entry to the famend shores of Jimbaran Beach, whereas the 366-unit Oakwood Premier Berawa Beach Bali will provide upscale beachfront dwelling within the trendsetting district of Canggu. In Sanur, the 180-unit Oakwood Sanur Bali will likely be positioned inside the Special Economic Zone, adjoining to the extremely anticipated Bali International Hospital – a future hub for medical tourism. Featuring ocean views and handy seaside entry alongside various lodging decisions, the property will mix coastal attraction with wellness-focused facilities, complemented by leisure amenities, occasion areas and vacation spot eating experiences.
In South Korea, Ascott is introducing its Oakwood model to Lagoon Town, a landmark resort advanced beneath growth in Gangneung’s Cultural Olympic Special Zone. Overlooking each Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach, the 500-key property will meet rising demand for leisure-led prolonged stays on Korea’s scenic east coast. Located simply 5 minutes from Gangneung Station and two hours from Seoul through KTX, the property is positioned to change into a key coastal retreat for home and worldwide travellers.
In the UAE, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection is ready to open in 2027 on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship beachfront leisure vacation spot. The resort will characteristic 539 uniquely designed rooms and luxurious suites with a complete number of facilities together with all-day eating, specialty eating places, bars, a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, youngsters’ playroom, membership lounge and versatile occasion areas – making it a standout vacation spot for upscale coastal getaways.
These additions increase Ascott’s rising resort portfolio, which incorporates ski retreat Oakwood Suites Chongli in China’s premier winter sports activities hub, the all-villa Oakwood Ha Long close to Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, Somerset Pattaya on Thailand’s vibrant coast and Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection in France’s Loire Valley. Ascott will even debut its Preference model within the Philippines with Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao island, the nation’s celebrated browsing capital. The 100-unit property that includes suites and villas is predicted to function from late 2027. With over 20 new properties in resort locations set to open over the following three years, Ascott continues strengthening its life-style hospitality presence in key leisure markets worldwide.
