Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, has bolstered its global collection with 10 new member properties joining between 1 April and 30 June 2026. The additions span eight countries and territories, including Bali, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kenya, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. To mark the expansion, members of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at these new hotels for a limited period.
New members span wellness, safari, design and island luxury
The latest cohort reflects a broad range of hospitality concepts. In Bali, The Meru Sanur opens as a wellness-focused beachfront sanctuary, while Ilora Retreats in Kenya's Maasai Mara offers an intimate luxury safari camp. Antwerp's Via Antwerp brings a design-driven city retreat to Belgium, and The Botany on Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, debuts this winter as a Caribbean hideaway.
Other notable additions include MYTHIC SANA Downtown Suites in Lisbon, San Clemente Palace Venice, and Wynn Al Marjan Island in the UAE. Many of these properties participate in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme, which now counts over 6 million members globally.
Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, commented: "As travellers continue seeking more meaningful and personalised ways to experience the world, we are proud to welcome these exceptional independent properties to our global portfolio."
The expansion underscores the group's strategy of curating distinctive independent hotels that offer authentic local experiences. This approach aligns with broader industry trends toward soft branding and data-driven luxury, as highlighted by Seema Roy of Preferred Travel Group.
Bookings for the bonus points offer must be made by 30 September 2026, with stays valid through 31 December 2026. The promotion is designed to drive early demand for the new properties and reward loyal I Prefer members.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts continues to position itself as a key player in the independent hotel space, competing with soft-brand collections from major chains. The group's focus on holistic wellness and experiential travel mirrors broader shifts in luxury hospitality, where guests increasingly seek personalised, immersive stays over standardised offerings.
For travel advisors and corporate booking channels, the new properties expand options for clients seeking unique accommodations in both established and emerging destinations. The inclusion of properties in Kenya and the U.S. Virgin Islands also opens opportunities for safari and Caribbean itineraries.
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