Luxury names reshuffle: Mandarin Oriental breaks ground, The Plaza leaves Marriott, Anantara goes on safari

Mandarin Oriental and Swire Properties have broken ground on the Brickell Key hotel and condo project in Miami, targeting a 2030 opening. Presales of the residential component have topped $1.7 billion.

The hotel is planned at 121 keys, down from the 151 originally announced. For advisors: a smaller inventory in a residential-led project suggests tight availability and top-of-market pricing when it opens. Nothing is bookable yet, but it is a long-lead name to flag for luxury clients who want a Mandarin Oriental in Miami again.

The Plaza Seoul has left Marriott's Autograph Collection to join Leading Hotels of the World, and it has closed for a renovation expected to last three years.

Two effects follow. Bonvoy earning and redemptions at the property end, and any future stays booked there need to be redirected. Central Seoul also loses a luxury option until the work finishes. LHW membership may help advisors on the commission and amenity side once the hotel reopens, but confirm terms directly, since the sources here don't detail them.

Minor Hotels' Anantara has opened Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, a 13-key lodge in Zambia's Kafue National Park, in partnership with African Parks. It is billed as the brand's first African safari property.

The small size makes it a lower-capacity alternative to busier Zambian and Botswanan camps, which suits luxury clients who want a quieter safari. The sources give no commission or rate details, so advisors should check terms with the supplier before pitching it.

IHG is sending targeted members a Diamond Fast Track and double Elite Night credits for stays through December 31, 2026. Frequent-stay clients should check eligibility, because the offer can influence where they book before year-end.

Separately, IHG has extended its 10,000 bonus points for every two nights at Ruby Hotels through November 4, a sign the newest brand is still being promoted. Clients need to register to get the bonus.

World of Hyatt is offering double points, capped at 50,000, to members at select large corporates who register. The promotion runs October 1 to February 28, 2027, which makes it useful for steering business travelers to Hyatt this winter.

GHA is offering Platinum status for a $100 fee to employees of select companies, with applications open until December 31, 2026. GHA's portfolio includes Anantara, Pan Pacific and Kempinski, so it is a cheap route to benefits for clients who stay at Asian and European luxury brands. Check each client's employer against the eligible lists.