Key takeaways
- Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya became all-inclusive on October 1, 2026, with the Waldorf shifting to adults-only starting January 10, 2027.
- Two more luxury brands, Park Hyatt Riviera Maya and JW Marriott Costa Elena, are converting to all-inclusive later in 2026.
- Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud opens mid-December with 101 rooms, five restaurants, and availability for IHG One Rewards redemptions.
- Royal Caribbean acquired a 50% equity stake in Sandals Resorts, signaling deeper integration between cruise and resort operations.
The luxury hospitality market is experiencing a significant shift toward all-inclusive operations, with two of Hilton’s flagship brands transitioning to this model in October 2026. The Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya both converted to all-inclusive properties on October 1, reflecting a strategic reorientation by major hotel operators toward simplified pricing structures that appeal to high-end travelers.
Hilton’s All-Inclusive Conversion on the Riviera Maya
Two Premium Brands Shift Their Operating Model
The Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya completed their transition to all-inclusive operations on October 1, 2026. All-inclusive models bundle room accommodations, meals, and activities into a single rate, eliminating the uncertainty of additional charges during a stay. For these two luxury properties, the conversion represents a calculated move to standardize pricing in the competitive Riviera Maya market while maintaining their premium positioning.
Waldorf Astoria Announces Adults-Only Format Starting January 2027
Building on its all-inclusive conversion, the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya will introduce an adults-only policy beginning January 10, 2027. This segmentation allows the property to differentiate itself within the luxury market by targeting travelers seeking an environment without families and children. The combination of all-inclusive pricing and adults-only restrictions creates a distinct value proposition for a specific demographic of luxury vacationers.
The All-Inclusive Trend Expands Beyond Riviera Maya
The Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Tulum conversions are not isolated moves but part of a broader industry trend. Two additional luxury properties will enter the all-inclusive category later in 2026. The Park Hyatt Riviera Maya in Mexico will join the segment, and the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Costa Rica will also transition to all-inclusive operations. This expansion shows that major hospitality chains view the all-inclusive model as compatible with luxury positioning, challenging assumptions that all-inclusives cater exclusively to mass-market travelers.
Airbnb Enhances Trip Planning and Social Connection
New Feature Lets Users Share Travel Plans with Friends
Airbnb has introduced a social feature that enables travelers to connect with friends and travel partners directly within the platform. Users can now view each other’s trips, access recommendations, and examine interactive maps shared by their travel companions. This integration reduces friction by consolidating trip information in a single app rather than requiring users to switch between platforms, messaging apps, and email threads.
AI Tools and Expanded Services for Guests
The platform also launched new artificial intelligence tools intended to streamline travel planning. These tools assist users in organizing their trips more efficiently. Beyond planning enhancements, Airbnb expanded its service offerings to include laundry and meal delivery options, broadening the support ecosystem available to guests during their stays and moving toward a more comprehensive hospitality experience.
Delano Brand Expands to the Italian Adriatic
The Delano brand is extending its geographic footprint beyond its flagship Miami property with the construction of Delano Puglia in Monopoli, located on Italy’s Adriatic coast. The property will open in 2028 and will include 76 rooms and 13 suites, along with multiple dining and social venues, including bars, restaurants, and pools. According to The Points Guy Articles, the new property will feature a reimagined iteration of the Miami Delano’s Rose Bar, a venue recognized for its distinctive cocktail program based on that outlet’s firsthand experience.
Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud Opens in Mid-December
Kimpton Hotels is launching a new property in Bali that represents a significant expansion of the brand’s Asian portfolio. The Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud will begin accepting reservations in mid-December and opens later this year. According to The Points Guy Articles, the property ranks among that outlet’s most anticipated hotel openings of 2026. The resort encompasses 101 rooms and suites alongside five restaurants, including a Japanese izakaya and an omakase restaurant led by Chef Imamura. Amenities include a two-story gym, multiple pools, and a spa facility. A particularly valuable feature for loyalty program members is that the resort is available for booking with IHG One Rewards points, allowing members to redeem their accumulated points for stays at this newly opened property.
Royal Caribbean Acquires Stake in Sandals Resorts
Royal Caribbean announced a significant partnership with Sandals Resorts that involves the cruise operator taking a 50 percent equity stake in the all-inclusive resort operator. Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, described the investment as a strategic opportunity to expand the reach of both Sandals and Beaches Resorts while pursuing a shared mission to continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations. The partnership structures expectations for deeper integration between the cruise operator and the resort chain in the coming years.
Source: The Points Guy Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum become all-inclusive?
Both properties converted to all-inclusive operations on October 1, 2026.
Can you book Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud with IHG One Rewards points?
Yes, the resort is available for booking with IHG One Rewards points. Reservations open in mid-December.
What other luxury brands are transitioning to all-inclusive in 2026?
The Park Hyatt Riviera Maya in Mexico and the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Costa Rica are both scheduled to become all-inclusive later in 2026.
