February looked quiet until Hyatt shook up the loyalty world: the chain is replacing its three-tier Peak/Standard/Off-Peak reward chart with five pricing tiers, from Lowest to Top. The new model could push redemptions much higher at popular properties during busy periods. The good news is the changes take effect in May, so you still have time to lock in award stays at properties you want.
Other big headlines from the month included the opening of Alila Mayakoba in Mexico, IHG launching its 21st brand, and Chase adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner.
Standout spas and wellness experiences
– Lake Como Edition Longevity Spa (opening in March) debuts seven treatment rooms and a program focused on longevity, biohacking and antiaging therapies. Signature offerings include an Ultimate Biohacking experience combining dry float therapy, infrared treatments and hydrogen-oxygen therapy aimed at sleep, immunity, inflammation and skin health.
– Hyatt’s Ulum Moab by Under Canvas in Utah has introduced a massage cave—a rock sanctuary with naturally balanced ambient temperature for Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massages. It’s designed as a soothing stop after exploring Moab’s red-rock scenery.
Quirky and convenient hotel touches
– The Alida Hotel in Savannah (a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property) launched a Biscuit Button: a QR code guests can scan between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. to order a tray of biscuits with butter and jam delivered to the room for $10.
New and upcoming hotels to watch
– Andaz Heber Valley, Utah: Hyatt plans an 85-room alpine Andaz resort due in 2029. It will be the brand’s first mountain-focused property and should appeal to World of Hyatt members heading to nearby ski areas.
– Conrad Meia Praia Algarve, Portugal: Hilton will open this beachfront Conrad in 2027 near Lagos. The resort will offer 116 ocean-facing rooms and suites, two restaurants, a beach club, indoor and outdoor pools (with a pool bar), a spa and a gym—a new option for Hilton Honors members visiting the Algarve.
– Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort, Vietnam: Located about 30 minutes from Ha Long Bay, the property will feature 178 villas and 38 rooms with access to Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh’s baths, a spa and an indoor pool. Food options include a modern Japanese restaurant and an all-day venue; guests can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points.
Mandarin Oriental expands in Egypt
Mandarin Oriental is making a major push in Egypt: the brand plans to reopen Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo in 2027, take over and renovate properties in Aswan and Luxor, transform the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract into a Mandarin Oriental, and launch a branded Nile river cruise. It’s a substantial rollout for fans of luxury hospitality along the Nile.
Quick reads and reviews
Other items worth checking: strategies for stretching Hilton points, the best places to travel in April 2026, luxury hotels where kids eat free that are bookable with points, point-friendly hotels for spring trips from Costa Rica to Paris, and a guide to planning a Niseko ski trip with points and miles.
Recent hotel reviews to read include the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek renovation, the reimagined Grand Hyatt Scottsdale resort, and the St. Regis Singapore remodel.
