Hilton’s newest brand has quite a bit to supply discerning travelers who value a combination of adventure, authentic experiences and upscale accommodations. With 13 hotels and resorts already opened and lots of more within the pipeline, LXR by Hilton could soon be a household name.
For travelers, navigating the jungle of hotel brands may be overwhelming. Even for members of hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy, finding the correct brand that matches their travel style is not all the time a given.
You could also be wondering what Hilton’s LXR offers that you simply don’t already find at a Conrad or Waldorf Astoria. Here’s what Feisal Jaffer, the Global Head of the LXR brand, says:
Typical Hilton luxury features
“The signature Hilton luxury feature you’ll find at all LXR Hotels & Resorts is an unwavering commitment to service, product standards and experience,” says Jaffer. “What sets LXR apart is the opportunity for our guests to stay at an independent hotel that is truly true to its destination, while knowing that the standard of service and experience will be exceptional.”
Hilton founded LXR in 2018 as a soft brand. In hotel parlance, this implies a brand that doesn’t need to adhere to certain standards when it comes to furnishing and operation, but allows independent property owners to learn from the loyalty program of a worldwide hotel company and other administrative benefits.
“Hilton is a name that consumers trust. It has a history and infrastructure that has put hotels and brands on the map, and it has a lot to offer independent hotels. LXR celebrates the individuality of each hotel, while giving them global distribution power and reach,” says Jaffer.
Hilton Honors
For the patron, this implies they’ll enjoy the advantages of the Hilton Honors program without staying at a standardized hotel that may sometimes feel overly formulaic.
LXR Hotels & Resorts is a hand-picked collection of independent and spirited luxury properties on this planet’s “most alluring destinations that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure,” as Jaffer describes it. He adds that LXR connects legendary properties in an exclusive network of hotels and resorts which are distinguished by individual design, an unmatched commitment to personalized service and stylish yet locally immersive experiences. In addition, each hotel has its own character, shaped by the originality of its location and its own unique design.
So what are these “tantalizing” travel destinations?
Bali
Last yr LXR launched Balithe brand’s first opening in Southeast Asia. Based on the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy and its three pillars – nature, people and spirituality – the aim is to create a meaningful yet contemporary guest experience.
“Anyone who has visited Bali can attest to the vibrancy of the culture and the magic of the destination. Umana Bali offers an unparalleled opportunity to feel a personal spirit of adventure, whatever adventure means to you,” says Jaffer, adding that every stay at LXR is designed to provide guests exclusive access to rigorously curated, immersive experiences due to the local team’s extensive knowledge of the destination.
At Umana Bali, these adventures can include an exhilarating helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of the volcanic peak of Mount Batur, followed by a barbecue around a campfire on the beach. Guests also can go stargazing with a resident astronomer or construct kites with a master kite maker. Not to say essentially the most authentic Balinese experience of all: a stroll through a neighborhood village market, followed by a meal in a Balinese home hosted by the owner, who can also be a member of the Umana Bali team.
LXR destinations around the globe
At Susona BodrumOn the idyllic and exclusive southwest coast of Turkey, guests can take a non-public day trip to the village of Etrim, an ancient and unspoilt site on the Halicarnassus Peninsula, to find out about Turkish carpet making and natural dyeing and weaving techniques.
In the meantime Optional extras In California, there are specially curated activities similar to private yacht adventures, coastal horseback riding and helicopter rides over Malibu’s spectacular coastline. Or in Japan, Kyoto StationVisitors can try their hand on the centuries-old art of washi paper-making, using water drawn directly from Kyoto’s Tenjin River, or discover the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi within the studio of master Hiroki Kiyokawa, bringing broken pottery back to life with gold and lacquer.
“The world’s most discerning travelers are looking for hotels where service is targeted, personalized and tailored to their specific needs. LXR’s unique approach to hospitality is brought to life through personalized interactions and the ability to understand our guests’ desires,” concluded Jaffer.
LXR Hotels & Resorts currently comprises 13 destinations on five continents. Within the following few years, LXR is anticipated to have over 20 hotels in operation.