WATG and Wimberly Interiors in the Global Press: January 2026

Our January 2026 roundup of WATG global press coverage across architecture, hospitality, development, and design publications reflects a broad range of coverage, spanning large-scale master planning, luxury hospitality openings, investment performance, and industry recognition across multiple regions.

What’s Next for Hospitality in 2026? was published and circulated across leading hospitality news platforms, including HospitalityNet and Hotel-Online. The article references WATG Advisory insights within its analysis of travel behaviour, experience differentiation, and future development priorities.

“Wellness and self-care continue to be a major component of the hotel and resort experience, but the definition of wellness has expanded beyond traditional spas and fitness centers. According to WATG Advisory, wellness travelers spend more than 40% above the average traveler per trip , and hotels with integrated wellness offerings have 20% to 35% higher ADRs.”

“WATG Advisory reports that children influence roughly 67% of family travel decisions, and properties with stronger children’s programming tend to see longer stays and higher overall guest spending than hotels with limited kid-friendly amenities.”

Design-led commentary in January also addressed the relationship between hospitality environments, emotional experience, and guest well-being.

HospitalityNet and Hotel Executive published Designing Feel-Good Hospitality Destinations, authored by Toby Kyle, Associate Principal, Landscape Architecture. The piece explores how hospitality design supports wellness, comfort, and long-term destination appeal.

“Wellness is not merely demand‑led growth; it responds to a pressing need. The commercial incentives are clear. Wellness travelers spend more than 40% above the average per trip, and hotels with integrated wellness routinely report 20–35% higher ADRs. It is a business strategy that underpins sustained performance.”

January coverage included international reporting on large-scale planning and infrastructure projects, highlighting WATG’s long-term role in shaping culturally significant destinations.

Zawya, Goood, and Construction Week both reported on WATG’s long-term master plan for Egypt’s Giza Pyramids region. The coverage focused on balancing heritage preservation, visitor experience, and infrastructure planning at one of the world’s most historically significant sites.

“WATG is taking a leading role on a regional tourism framework plan in Egypt, encompassing one of the world’s most famous cultural treasures: The Great Pyramids. The brief has been led by several key organisations in Egypt, including the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) as well as the supporting institutions; the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.”

A significant portion of January press coverage centered on luxury hospitality developments designed by WATG and Wimberly Interiors, with particular focus on new Four Seasons destinations and high-profile openings.

Global Traveler USA reported on the opening of Regent Bali Canggu, highlighting the brand’s evolving luxury portfolio and the growing demand for experience-led, resort-driven destinations in Southeast Asia.

“Nestled on Bali’s southwestern coast, Regent Hotels & Resorts opens its first property in Indonesia since IHG Hotels & Resorts’ acquisition of the brand in 2018. This stunning beachfront property, designed architecturally by WATG, has one of the world’s first Regent Spa experiences, five dining venues, nine swimming pools and a Regent Club.”

HospitalityNet announced the opening and reservations launch of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, highlighting the project’s positioning at the intersection of heritage architecture and contemporary luxury.

The Globe and Mail covered the same project from an investment and market perspective, framing the Cartagena development within broader luxury hospitality and real estate trends.

Additional travel and tourism coverage appeared in Travel and Tour World, which examined the impact of the Four Seasons opening on Cartagena.

Luxury Travel Advisor also reported on the opening of reservations for the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena.

“Comprising a remarkable assembly of historic buildings ranging from the 16th-century San Francisco cloister and temple to a collection of theatres and the 1920s landmark Club Cartagena, this intimate hotel invites exploration at every turn. Exquisitely restored façades, quiet courtyards and outdoor walkways, intricate stone and woodwork, hidden frescoes and elegant public spaces give way to Old World-influenced rooms infused with at-one’s-fingertips technologies.”

January also included coverage that positioned WATG and Wimberly Interiors within the broader global design community.

Hospitality Design announced the judges for the 22nd Annual HD Awards, including Joon Kim, Creative Director, Wimberly Interiors, among the selected jurors, reinforcing peer recognition and industry standing.

Artelier named Wimberly Interiors among its Top 15 Luxury Hotel Interior Designers, highlighting the studio’s global reputation for hospitality-focused interior design.

Travel + Style included a number of WATG-designed projects in its overview of the best new luxury hotels opening in 2026.

RSU referenced WATG insights in its analysis of 2026 vacation rental trends, situating hospitality-led design and destination planning within broader market shifts affecting short-term rental and hybrid accommodation models.

“According to WATG Research, high-end tourism is already a $1.38 trillion market, and is expected to grow faster than any other luxury segment through 2028. That resilience matters, because platforms and brands don’t respond to sentiment; they respond to where revenue feels least fragile.”

We’re grateful for the continued interest from media partners around the world and for the opportunity to contribute to ongoing conversations about hospitality, place, and experience.