“We want to be able to remember all of our guests' names”: SLH grows with smaller hotels

If turning 35 is supposed to mean sensible shoes and a quieter pace, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) seems to have missed the memo.

The champion of independent upscale travel marked its 35th anniversary in Toronto this week (Apr. 21) at new cocktail lounge Bar Cart, where it shared updates on record growth, its partnership with Hilton and a 2026 pipeline that points to continued expansion. 

The event brought together about 20 select media, along with representatives and owners from boutique properties around the world.

A milestone year for the rule-breakers

In 2025 and the first half of 2026, SLH added more than 100 new member hotels to its curated collection, bringing its global footprint to more than 670 properties in over 90 countries.

According to Richard Hyde, SLH’s chief operating officer, the brand’s mission has remained unchanged since day one: “To champion the world’s most inspiring independent hotels."

“The size of the hotels that are joining us is trending downward,” said Anna Cooke, global communications director at SLH. 

“I love to see that! There are many that are 10 rooms or less — truly special, boutique properties with extremely personal touches.”

Thanks to a strategic partnership with Hilton, more than 500 SLH properties are now bookable through Hilton’s channels, meaning Hilton Honors members can use or earn points for stays at SLH properties while the hotels remain fully independent. 

The partnership has helped drive an 18 per cent revenue increase, making 2025 the most successful year in SLH’s history.

Historic buildings given new life as luxury properties by small proprietors emerged as a major theme in conversations at the Toronto event.

Daniele Nannetti of Villa Petriolo in Tuscany transformed a circa-1500s farm and aristocratic hunting lodge into a laid-back escape, where he insists on using only local staff, local products and local artisans.

“My family has lived in Tuscany for generations,” he said. 

“There are so many places here created to match what outsider’s idea of what Tuscany should be — I wanted to create something luxurious that would have been like what my ancestors did.”

Also in Tuscany, Christopher Mueller and his wife Heidi left corporate marketing jobs in Austria to open the 12-room Lupaia in Torrita Di Siena on a farm dating back to 1622.

“We never want to increase the number of rooms because we always want to be able to remember all of our guest’s names,” said Mueller. 

“We want it to be intimate and to feel like you’re staying at a friends’.”

In Dublin, The Dylan Hotel transformed a Victorian-era nurses’ residence into a fashionable stay in the heart of the city. 

The team has also purchased a decommissioned hospital nearby with plans to convert that into a hotel.

The 2026 hot list

SLH’s latest additions and upcoming openings point to a strong focus on individuality, sustainability and cultural connection.

Here are just a few of the hotels that have joined, or will be joining, the SLH family this year:

Sanctuary Rainforest Resort & Spa, Dominica (late 2026): SLH’s debut in Dominica will be a 72-key sanctuary set between volcanic hot springs and waterfalls.

The ONE GT Grand Cayman, George Town: Opening soon in the Cayman Islands, the property is expected to benefit in part from growth in Canadian travellers linked to Porter’s new direct route. The development features 95 hotel suites and 82 luxury residences. Rising 144 feet above sea level, the 11-storey building will include a rooftop level, two resort-style pools, an on-site café and three signature restaurants.

For travellers drawn to colder climates, SLH has also officially entered Finland: Skýra Retreat in Rovaniemi and Gáldu Hotel & Spa in Saariselkä both joined in 2025, offering front-row access to the Aurora Borealis and traditional northern wellness rituals.

Shanghai Muh Shoou Zhujing, China (April 2026): A 60-key property set in an ancient water town with a strong architectural focus.

The Landmark Rhodes, Greece (May 2026): Coastal villas tucked into centuries-old olive groves.

The Pasona, Japan (2026): This Awaji Island retreat will centre on marine-based wellness, including a state-of-the-art thalassotherapy centre.

Kunda Himalayan Resort (September 2026): Perched on a mountain ridge at 3,100 metres, the resort will feature just eight secluded dome villas and views of the Mt. Everest Himalayan range.

SLH launched its Wellbeing Collection in 2025 with an initial 15 hotels, including Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Bhutan and Namia River Retreat in Vietnam.

The collection is geared toward travellers seeking experiences that prioritize health and restoration.

The bottom line

As SLH looks ahead to the rest of 2026, it is continuing to expand both its footprint and its membership base.

With more than 300,000 SLH Club members and a growing portfolio of independent properties, the group is showing no signs of slowing down

MAIN IMAGE: Christopher Mueller, owner, Lupaia; Daniele Nannetti, owner and general manager, Villa Petriolo; Conor Dillon, general manager, Dylan Hotel; Rafaela Santos, sales manager, Wine and Books Porto Hotel; Jason Gordon, sales and marketing, Sailrock South Caicos; Donnette Hoilett, director of sales, ONE GT Grand Cayman; Beatrice Boccalini, sales manager, Hotel d’Inghilterra; Steve Fenton, DOSM, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate; Anna Cooke, global communications director, Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 

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