SLH expands India footprint to 12 hotels; global openings slated for 2026

With strong focus on conscious luxury, the global footprint of Small Luxury Hotels of the World now stands at 650+ hotels spread across 90 countries. In India, SLH is represented by Heavens Portfolio.   

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), a global community of independent hotels, has significantly strengthened its presence in India, expanding from five (last year) to 12 boutique properties across the country as part of its broader global growth strategy.  

During a media meet up in Delhi, Mark Wong, Senior Vice President – Asia Pacific acknowledged SLH’s accelerated expansion in India, calling it “one of the most exciting growth markets” for the brand. “We are happy to share that our portfolio in India has grown from five hotels to 12. We are expanding our frontier across regions, from north to south. SLH recently added two new hotels in Ladakh, including Dolkhar in Leh and Lchang Nang Retreat in Nubra Valley — marking the group’s entry into India’s high-altitude conscious luxury segment. Down south, Goa now has two additions: Baale Resort and newly opened The Evren.” he shared.  

The group continues to strengthen its Rajasthan footprint too with well-known boutique estates in Bikaner (Narendra Bhawan), Jaisalmer (Suryagarh), and Binsar (Mary Budden Estate) alongside the iconic Raj Palace in Jaipur.  

In Himachal Pradesh, SLH has added Amaya in Solan and is set to add Terrah Hills Resort, a new 24-room retreat in Dalhousie next January. To the east, SLH has expanded into Assam, introducing the Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa, offering a niche wildlife retreat in Pobitora for adventure seekers.  

Notably, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is represented by Heavens Portfolio in India.  

The global lens and new openings in 2026 

SLH’s global footprint, now 650+ hotels across 90 countries, continues to expand with a focus on highly individualised, properties. “Every property in our portfolio has its own story. They are not cookie-cutter hotels; they are destinations in their own right,” Wong said. 

In Europe, SLH added new properties in Germany, France, Italy and Scotland, strengthening its “core and most diverse” regional portfolio. In the Americas, the brand now spans from Portland, Oregon to Brewster, Massachusetts, and continues to grow in Latin and Central America. 

Going forward, SLH will add several new properties in 2026 including new hotels in Europe; a new urban resort in Shanghai, China; a wellbeing resort in Awaji City, Japan; a property in Yarra Valley vineyard, Victoria, ideal for wine lovers visiting Australia; among others.  

Japan: A major focus for Indian travellers 

Japan, “one of the favourite destinations for the Indian market”, remains a priority for SLH, as per Wong.  

The group has expanded beyond the Golden Route (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka) and is now promoting second-tier and regional cities to tackle saturation of traditional tourist hotpots. “Japan is facing overtourism in key cities, so we’re offering alternatives in regional areas like Shirahama and Nagoya,” he explained. 

The Kawana property offers panoramic Mount Fuji views directly from its championship golf course, which he described as “the Pebble Beach of Japan”. One of the most unique concept hotels is Cuvée J2 Hôtel in Osaka - 11 suites, one per floor and each dedicated to a different French champagne house.  

SLH is set to welcome its first Wellbeing Collection property in Japan next summer, specifically in Awaji City. The hotel will focus on preventive and longevity wellness programmes. 

Beyond Japan, SLH is expanding into surprising leisure destinations across China with Longting Vineyard Hotel on Penglai's coast. This hotel offers award-winning winemaking experiences “comparable to France vineyards”, shared Wong.  

Upping the ante for Southeast Asia growth radar, from Thailand to Vietnam and Bali, SLH is reinforcing its footprint across the region. Siri Sala Private Thai Villa, a filming site in Bangkok for the latest White Lotus Season 3, has become one of the star additions. SLH has also added Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam (part of its Wellbeing Collection) and The Ungasan Clifftop Resort in Bali, which is positioned as ideal for Indian family travellers. 

The four curated SLH Collections 

Accompanying Wong in Delhi, Josephine Tee, Regional Communications Director, Asia Pacific, explained how SLH simplifies its 650+ hotel portfolio into four curated collections to help travellers navigate their choices based on their preferences.   

The Finest Collection has 28 exclusive hotels offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including Cap Rocat (Spain) and Castle Hot Springs (USA). The Considerate Collection, launched in 2021 is focused on sustainability; now includes 82 hotels in 40 countries, with 20 hotels added just last year. SLH has also just released its first Call-to-Action Sustainability Report, detailing best hotel practices and SLH’s 2025 commitments. Thirdly, the Private Collection contains over 240 private villas and intimate retreats globally. Lastly, the Wellbeing Collection, the recent addition launched last August features 15 qualified hotels offering holistic wellness experiences including properties in Bhutan and Vietnam. This collection, said Tee, is expected to grow further next year.