One&Only Resorts: The 2025 Ultra-Luxury Expansion and Leadership Opportunities
- EDITOR
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
As the ultra-luxury hospitality sector continues its robust post-pandemic recovery, One&Only Resorts solidifies its position as the undisputed leader in exclusive, high-touch destination experiences. Under the strategic direction of Kerzner International, the brand currently operates 19 properties worldwide with 12 confirmed developments slated to open through 2027, maintaining an uncompromising standard of privacy and personalized service that has become its hallmark.
Recent market performance data from STR Global reveals One&Only achieved a record-breaking system-wide RevPAR. The brand's private villa accommodations and bespoke experience offerings now generate 48% of total revenue, up significantly from 35% in 2023, while its "Ultimate Access" loyalty program members account for 45% of all bookings with an impressive 60% repeat guest rate.
The brand's development pipeline through 2027 focuses on three distinct property concepts: private island escapes, urban ultra-luxury sanctuaries, and elite wilderness retreats. The coming year will see the highly anticipated debut of One&Only Kiawah Island on the U.S. East Coast, featuring a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and private yacht charters, followed by the cliffside Mediterranean masterpiece One&Only Athens Riviera in Q3 2025. Looking further ahead, 2026-2027 will introduce groundbreaking properties including One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana, a wilderness-chic alpine retreat; One&Only AlUla in Saudi Arabia, a UNESCO-backed desert oasis; and the rainforest villa concept One&Only Mandarina in Mexico with culinary offerings by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Global Expansion: 2025-2027 Pipeline
One&Only’s growth strategy focuses on three pillars:
Private Island Escapes
Urban Ultra-Luxury Sanctuaries
Wilderness & Safari Elite Retreats
2025 Highlights:
One&Only Kiawah Island (USA) – A secluded East Coast haven with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and private yacht charters.
One&Only Athens Riviera (Greece) – A cliffside Mediterranean masterpiece opening Q3 2025.
2026-2027 Flagship Projects:
One&Only Moonlight Basin (Montana, USA) – A wilderness-chic alpine retreat with heli-skiing and private ranches.
One&Only AlUla (Saudi Arabia) – A UNESCO-backed desert oasis blending ancient heritage with ultra-modern luxury.
One&Only Mandarina (Mexico) – Expanding the brand’s footprint with rainforest villas and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.
Compensation packages remain the most competitive in the sector, offering base salaries between usd 350,000 and 500,000 with 25% performance bonuses tied to Forbes Travel Guide scores and private event revenue. Notably, properties in remote locations including private island resorts are offering equity incentives to attract and retain top talent.
The ideal One&Only General Manager candidate in 2025 possesses a minimum of 10 years' experience in ultra-luxury hospitality, including at least five years in GM roles at Forbes Five-Star properties. Beyond operational excellence, successful candidates demonstrate proven expertise in managing high-profile guests including celebrities and royalty, with multilingual capabilities - particularly in French, Arabic or Mandarin - providing a distinct advantage for upcoming openings.
Technological innovation continues to play a pivotal role in One&Only's service delivery, with recent implementations including AI-driven guest preference systems that anticipate bespoke needs before arrival, ultra-exclusive "One&Only Moments" experiences priced at $50,000 and above, and cutting-edge privacy technologies like facial recognition for discreet check-ins. The brand's "Master Host" leadership development program grooms future GMs through 18-month rotations across diverse property types, direct mentorship from Kerzner's C-suite executives, and a strong culture of internal promotion that fills 60% of GM positions.
For hospitality executives seeking the pinnacle of luxury career opportunities, One&Only's 2025 expansion presents a rare window to join one of the most prestigious brands in the industry. With its uncompromising standards, breathtaking locations, and unparalleled compensation packages, the brand remains the employer of choice for those who demand absolute excellence.
Verified Sources:
STR Global Luxury Benchmark (Q1 2025)
Kerzner International Annual Report (2025)
Hospitality Insights Executive Recruitment Data (April 2025)
Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings (2025)*
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