Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, has unveiled an ambitious global expansion plan, with over 35 new hotels slated to open in 2026 alone. This announcement marks a new chapter in the company’s explosive growth, which recently celebrated a milestone of over 200 properties worldwide—a portfolio that has doubled in just four years. The planned expansion is not merely about scale but represents a calculated strategy to plant its distinct brand flags in key emerging and established markets. This article will explore the driving forces behind Ennismore’s rapid ascent, analyze the strategic pillars of its 2026 pipeline, and assess the broader implications for the future of experiential travel.
From Niche Player to Global Powerhouse: Charting Ennismore’s Meteoric Rise
To appreciate the significance of its 2026 vision, it’s essential to understand Ennismore’s swift evolution. What began as a creative collective of entrepreneurial brands has transformed into a global force, largely through a landmark joint venture with Accor. This partnership combined Ennismore’s curated portfolio with Accor’s extensive lifestyle assets, creating a powerhouse that redefines the segment. The company’s success is rooted in its ability to build and nurture brands that resonate deeply with modern travelers, focusing on unique design, authentic local experiences, and destination-worthy food and beverage programs. Doubling its portfolio since 2020 demonstrates a remarkable ability to execute this vision at an unprecedented pace, setting the stage for its most ambitious year of growth yet.
Strategic Pillars of Expansion: A Closer Look at Key Markets and Brands
The Americas as a Primary Growth Engine
A clear focal point of Ennismore’s 2026 strategy is strengthening its presence in the Americas, with Mexico emerging as a pivotal market. This move reflects a deep understanding of regional travel trends and a commitment to introducing its diverse brand portfolio to new audiences. The mid-2026 opening of the 106-room Hyde Mexico City Reforma will bring urban sophistication and a high-energy social scene, complete with a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar. In contrast, the 100-room Mama Shelter Mexico City will cater to a different demographic in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, offering a playful, accessible experience with a signature courtyard and rooftop bar. This dual-brand entry into a single city showcases Ennismore’s nuanced approach to market penetration, ensuring it captures multiple consumer segments.
Reimagining Icons: The Delano Miami Beach Revival
Beyond new builds, a cornerstone of Ennismore’s strategy involves the acquisition and meticulous reimagination of legendary properties. The most anticipated project in the 2026 lineup is the reopening of the iconic Delano Miami Beach. This is not a simple renovation but a complete reconceptualization designed to restore the hotel’s status as a beacon of modern luxury. The property will feature 171 guestrooms, suites, bungalows, and penthouses, complemented by advanced wellness offerings. Critically, its four food-and-beverage venues will be operated by Paris Society, Ennismore’s acclaimed F&B platform, ensuring the hotel becomes a culinary destination in its own right. This project highlights Ennismore’s ability to blend heritage with contemporary relevance, leveraging a property’s existing legacy to create a new chapter of success.
Diversification and Brand Synergy Across Continents
While the Americas are a key focus, the 2026 expansion is a truly global endeavor, with new properties planned across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. A prime example of this geographic and conceptual diversification is the launch of the Rixos brand in the Americas for the first time. The late-2026 opening of the 345-room Rixos Cancún will introduce the company’s luxury all-inclusive resort concept to the region, featuring extensive dining, entertainment, and family-focused amenities. This strategic move allows Ennismore to tap into the lucrative and resilient all-inclusive market while leveraging a brand already renowned in other parts of the world. By deploying a varied portfolio—from the urban energy of Hyde to the all-encompassing luxury of Rixos—Ennismore demonstrates a sophisticated, market-specific approach to global growth.
Beyond 2026: The Evolving Landscape of Lifestyle Hospitality
Ennismore’s aggressive expansion signals a broader industry shift where “lifestyle” is no longer a niche but a dominant force in hospitality. As articulated by co-CEO Gaurav Bhushan, the goal is to enter new markets with brands that offer distinct, experience-driven stays. This approach challenges the traditional, standardized hotel model by prioritizing culture, community, and culinary excellence. Looking ahead, Ennismore’s integration of powerful F&B platforms like Paris Society will likely become a new industry standard, transforming hotels from places to sleep into vibrant social hubs. This will intensify competition, compelling legacy hotel groups to innovate and invest more heavily in creating unique brand identities and authentic guest experiences to remain relevant.
Decoding the Ennismore Playbook: Strategies for Success
The 2026 expansion offers a masterclass in modern hospitality growth. Several key takeaways emerge from Ennismore’s strategy. First is the power of a diversified brand portfolio, which allows the company to tailor its offerings to specific locations and demographics rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. Second is the dual focus on developing new properties and reviving iconic hotels, creating a balanced portfolio of fresh concepts and celebrated landmarks. Finally, the emphasis on creating holistic lifestyle destinations through integrated, high-quality food and beverage programming is crucial. For other industry players, the lesson is clear: future success lies in building brands with strong narratives and delivering experiences that extend far beyond the guest room.
A Definitive Statement on the Future of Travel
Ennismore’s plan to open over 35 hotels in 2026 is far more than a set of development goals; it is a bold declaration about the future of travel. It affirms that the modern consumer craves connection, authenticity, and experiences that are both memorable and meaningful. By rapidly scaling a collective of distinct, culturally relevant brands, the company is not just meeting this demand but actively shaping it. This ambitious global push solidifies Ennismore’s position as a leader in the lifestyle sector and sets a new benchmark for what it means to be a hospitality company in the 21st century. As these new properties open their doors, they will undoubtedly redefine hospitality in their respective markets and inspire a new generation of travelers.
