The Ascott Limited, the lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is accelerating its expansion in resort destinations as global demand for experiential and leisure travel continues to climb.

Over the past 10 months, Ascott has signed 11 new properties across Asia and the Middle East, bringing its resort portfolio to nearly 50 locations worldwide. The new signings span Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, and represent about 5% of the company’s global portfolio of more than 1,000 properties.

The expansion builds on Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy, which adapts existing brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. The approach allows Ascott to scale efficiently in high-potential destinations while meeting the lifestyle aspirations of its Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) members.

“Owners are drawn to our flex-hybrid model, which maximises returns and mitigates risk by serving both short and extended stays within one framework,” said Ms. Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer. “Combined with our multi-typology brand strategy, we deliver locally attuned guest experiences and stay ahead of travel trends.”

Ms. Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Resorts extend Ascott’s ‘Stay Your Way’ promise, offering beachfront villas, mountain retreats, and wellness escapes that enhance the ASR programme. A loyal ASR base drives demand for differentiated resort stays, fueling our global expansion with data-led insights.”

Expanding in Vietnam’s leisure hubs

Vietnam has emerged as one of Ascott’s most dynamic resort markets, with projects spanning Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Cam Ranh and Sam Son.

Somerset Nha Trang will deliver family-friendly resort living as part of the landmark Libera development, while Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc will anchor a beachfront mixed-use precinct. Opening in 2027, the 369-unit Phu Quoc property will feature a spa with onsen and flexible event spaces.

In Cam Ranh, the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh is set to debut in 2026 with a beach club, water park, specialty dining and meeting facilities, marking the brand’s first entry into Vietnam.

Separately, Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection began opening in phases in April 2025, less than six months after signing. Located on one of Vietnam’s most storied beaches, the property combines boutique hotel rooms, private villas, and wellness amenities – including a Korean jjimjilbang – with a grand ballroom and culturally inspired dining. It is Ascott’s second Unlimited Collection property in Vietnam, following Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An.

Globally, among the headline projects is the upcoming Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, located 150 metres from Patong Beach. Due in 2027, the 254-room property will feature a rooftop bar, spa, pool, kids’ club, and event spaces, alongside 227 branded residences.

Indonesia is also a key market, with the debut of lyf Labuan Bajo in 2027. The 120-key property will introduce lyf’s social living concept to the eco-tourism hub and gateway to Komodo National Park. Additional resorts planned for Bali and Sanur include Oakwood-branded villas and residences, offering upscale beachfront living and wellness-focused amenities.

In South Korea, Ascott will launch an Oakwood property at Lagoon Town in Gangneung, overlooking Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach. The 500-key development is positioned to meet demand for leisure-led extended stays on the east coast.

Meanwhile in the UAE, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection is scheduled to open in 2027 on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. It will feature 539 rooms and suites, along with restaurants, bars, a spa, and event spaces.

Riding the wave of leisure travel growth

The push comes as global leisure travel spending is forecast to triple to $15 trillion by 2040. The resort market alone is projected to grow from $300 billion in 2023 to $945 billion by 2030, fueled by demand from emerging markets, “bleisure” travellers, and experience-led trips.

These additions expand Ascott’s growing resort portfolio, which includes Oakwood Suites Chongli in China’s premier winter sports hub, the all-villa Oakwood Ha Long near Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, Somerset Pattaya on Thailand’s vibrant coast, and Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection in France’s Loire Valley. Ascott will also debut its Preference brand in the Philippines with Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao Island, the country’s celebrated surfing capital. The 100-unit property, featuring suites and villas, is expected to open in late 2027. With more than 20 new properties in resort destinations set to launch over the next three years, Ascott continues to strengthen its lifestyle hospitality presence in key leisure markets worldwide.