Rosewood Hotel Group launches a global gender-neutral parental leave policy, offering 16 weeks of fully paid leave to associates around the world
- EDITOR
- 11 hours ago
- 14 min read
Rosewood Hotel Group has announced the introduction of its Global Parental Leave Policy, establishing a global minimum standard of 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible associates across its international portfolio. The policy reflects the Group’s long-term commitment to associate well-being, personal development, and workplace equity across its corporate offices and properties worldwide. By embedding consistent and equitable support into its global standards, Rosewood Hotel Group is strengthening sustainable workforce practices while inspiring meaningful, systemic change within the hospitality industry.
Advancing Purpose Through Action
Effective January 1, 2026, the gender-neutral policy applies across job levels and pathways to parenthood, wherever legally permissible.
The policy aligns with the Group’s purpose — to create a future where people and place enrich one another — by translating intent into tangible support for working parents during one of life’s most significant milestones.
The new global standard supplements local statutory parental leave entitlements. Where local paid leave falls below 16 weeks, the Group will top up pay to ensure eligible associates receive 100% of base pay for at least 16 weeks. In markets where statutory benefits exceed the global minimum, existing provisions remain in place.
“Hospitality is a people-driven business,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “This policy reflects our commitment to move from intent to action. Supporting our associates and their paths to parenthood is essential to advancing equity and family wellbeing, while strengthening the long-term resilience of our business. As we continue to grow globally, our standards for supporting our people must grow with us.”
Creating Equitable Workplaces
The gender-neutral policy applies equally to mothers, fathers, non-birth partners, and diverse family structures. It covers birth, adoption, surrogacy, and other medically supported pathways to parenthood, wherever permitted by local law.
By recognizing and supporting all paths to parenthood, the policy removes one of the most persistent barriers to career continuity and progression — parental responsibility — while reinforcing the Group’s commitment to inclusion and equitable opportunity across regions and cultures.
Keno Lung, Senior Vice President, Talent and Culture, Global, added: “Our associates are the heart of everything we do. Across hospitality, parenting responsibilities can make it challenging for people to stay and grow in their careers. By addressing this in a meaningful way, we are investing in our people and in the long-term strength of our teams. Supporting associates through important life moments helps us attract, retain, and develop exceptional talent – and reflects the kind of culture we are committed to building together.”
As Rosewood Hotel Group continues its global expansion, the Global Parental Leave Policy is intended to become a permanent component of the Group’s global benefits framework. By building equitable workplaces worldwide, the Group is strengthening its workforce, supporting families, and ensuring that both people and place continue to enrich one another. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts: A New Era of Purpose-Driven Luxury Expansion
As the global hospitality industry continues its amazing evolution, few luxury hotel groups have charted as ambitious and thoughtfully considered a growth trajectory as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. With the December 2025 announcement of Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin—the group's first-ever ski resort—Rosewood has not only added another stunning property to its portfolio but has also signaled its entrance into an entirely new sector of experiential luxury travel. This milestone opening, which came on the heels of seven other properties debuting throughout 2025, represents just one facet of a meticulously planned global expansion strategy that extends well into the end of the decade and beyond. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
The Courchevel Milestone: Entering the World of Alpine Luxury
The opening of Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin in December 2025 marked a significant departure for the brand while remaining entirely faithful to its foundational philosophy. Nestled in the exclusive village of Courchevel 1850, one of the world's most celebrated ski destinations, the property brings Rosewood's signature residential-style luxury to the French Alps for the first time. With just 51 keys, the intimate retreat offers guests direct ski-in/ski-out access, elevated dining concepts, and curated wellness experiences that celebrate the distinct character and natural beauty of the alpine environment. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
What makes this opening particularly noteworthy is the way Rosewood has approached the integration of art and place. The lobby features an installation by renowned artist Olafur Eliasson—two crystalline structures suspended within mirrored walls and ceilings, creating the illusion of infinite, snowflake-inspired forms. This commitment to connecting each property with its destination through meaningful artistic expression has long been a hallmark of the Rosewood experience, and Courchevel demonstrates that the brand's ability to create a sense of place translates seamlessly from urban sanctuaries and beachfront resorts to mountain retreats.
Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, described the Courchevel opening as "a milestone that reflects our long-term commitment to thoughtfully expanding our global portfolio and our ability to enter new, experience-driven sectors." This sentiment captures the essence of Rosewood's current phase: growth that is not merely about increasing room counts or geographic footprint, but about strategically entering new categories of luxury travel that align with evolving guest expectations. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
A Transformative Year: Seven Openings in 2025
The Courchevel debut capped a remarkable year for Rosewood, which saw seven properties open across three continents throughout 2025. This accelerated pace of expansion demonstrates the group's operational capabilities and its ability to maintain exacting standards across diverse cultural contexts and property types.
Among the most significant 2025 openings was Rosewood Miyakojima, the brand's first property in Japan. Located on Okinawa's untouched coastline, this serene island escape brings together Japanese craftsmanship, regenerative design, and crystalline ocean landscapes to define a new era of luxury in Japan. The property reflects Rosewood's commitment to entering markets with deep cultural resonance and creating experiences that honor local traditions while offering the sophisticated comforts the brand is known for.
On Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, Rosewood Mandarina opened its doors as a sanctuary embracing three biodiverse ecosystems. The property delivers a deeply immersive connection to ancient culture, pristine nature, and transformative coastal living, further strengthening Rosewood's presence in a region where it already operates celebrated properties including Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos and Rosewood Mayakoba.
The year also saw the opening of New World Jinzhou Hotel in China's vibrant port city of Liaoning. With 215 keys, this modern haven offers contemporary comfort and intuitive service in a region experiencing significant economic development, demonstrating Rosewood's ability to serve both business and leisure travelers in emerging markets.
Perhaps most significantly from a strategic perspective, 2025 marked the launch of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills, the brand's first standalone residential property available for exclusive sale. With just 17 homes, this exclusive private residence combines refined residential design with Rosewood's signature service to create an intimate enclave of elevated West Coast living. This milestone reaffirms the group's expansion into the luxury residential category and its strategic focus on redefining private branded residences by creating neighborhood landmarks that appreciate in both emotional and financial value.
The year also saw two major European debuts with Rosewood Amsterdam and The Chancery Rosewood in London. The Amsterdam property, located in the former Palace of Justice, represents an ultra-luxury retreat within a meticulously restored UNESCO-listed landmark, uniting Dutch heritage with contemporary artistry and canal-side elegance. The Chancery Rosewood, overlooking Grosvenor Square, transforms a reimagined London icon into a contemporary landmark where heritage architecture meets visionary design and community-driven cultural programming.
Rosewood Doha, the group's entrance into Qatar, opened as a striking architectural statement along the Lusail Marina. Inspired by Arabian Gulf coral formations, the property offers 155 keys, 162 fully serviced apartments, and 276 Rosewood Residences, creating an immersive blend of design, ritual, and renewal at the heart of Qatar's "City of the Future."
The Residential Strategy: Beyond Traditional Hospitality
The successful launch of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills represents a significant evolution in the group's business model and points toward future growth opportunities. Rosewood now operates residences at 14 destinations, with seven additional residential projects in the pipeline. These are not merely accommodations but spaces that exist on purpose, meticulously crafted to facilitate what the brand terms "Enriched Living."
The residential strategy encompasses both properties co-located with Rosewood hotels and resorts, as well as standalone for-sale residences like the Beverly Hills project. This approach allows Rosewood to deepen its relationships with guests who wish to stay longer, while also creating new revenue streams and strengthening the brand's presence in key luxury markets.
Upcoming residential projects include Rosewood Residences Calistoga in Napa Valley, Rosewood Residences Dubai on the shores of Peninsula Dubai, Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek in Dallas honoring the legacy of the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, and Rosewood Residences Lido Key overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Each of these projects has been carefully selected for its location and market potential, ensuring that Rosewood's residential expansion maintains the same quality-driven approach that characterizes its hotel development.
The GCC: A Region of Strategic Focus
The Middle East, and particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council region, has emerged as a critical focus for Rosewood's expansion strategy. The forthcoming opening of Rosewood AMAALA builds on the group's expanding presence in the region, joining Rosewood Doha, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, and the upcoming Rosewood Dubai.
Rosewood AMAALA represents one of the region's most anticipated ultra-luxury developments. Set on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast between the world's fourth-largest barrier reef and the scenic Hijazi mountains, the property is designed as an ultra-luxury regenerative retreat that harmonizes wellness, sustainability, and the surrounding natural landscape. As part of the larger AMAALA destination, which itself is a component of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea tourism development plans, this property positions Rosewood at the forefront of the kingdom's efforts to create world-class luxury tourism offerings.
Similarly, Rosewood Red Sea, located along Saudi Arabia's west coast on Shura Island, will be part of The Red Sea destination. Poised to become one of Saudi Arabia's top cultural and lifestyle hubs, the development comprises a stunning marina offering a yacht club, commercial retail and dining options, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course. These projects demonstrate Rosewood's commitment to entering experience-rich markets and shaping the next generation of transformative travel.
In Dubai, Rosewood Dubai and Rosewood Residences Dubai are set to take shape on the shores of Peninsula Dubai, an upcoming landmark destination within the city's most prestigious waterfront district. This property will further cement Rosewood's presence in a city that has become synonymous with luxury hospitality and architectural innovation.
European Expansion: Heritage and Modernity
Europe continues to be a vital market for Rosewood, with several significant openings planned through 2028. The group's European portfolio already includes such iconic properties as Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, Rosewood London, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, and Rosewood Vienna, and the pipeline promises to add several equally distinguished addresses.
Rosewood Blue Palace and Rosewood Residence Crete will mark Rosewood's entrance into Greece. This coastal retreat, woven seamlessly into the island's landscape, honors Crete's rich cultural heritage whilst offering the sophisticated luxury experiences for which the brand is known. The property represents Rosewood's ability to enter established luxury destinations with a fresh perspective that respects local traditions.
In Italy, Rosewood Rome will occupy the former headquarters of Italy's Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, spanning three historic early-1900s buildings on Via Veneto. This urban retreat blends timeless Roman elegance with contemporary design, complete with a rooftop Asaya Spa, modern Roman Bathhouse, and sweeping city views. The property joins Rosewood Milan, scheduled for 2026, and the future opening of Rosewood Hotel Bauer in Venice, further strengthening the group's presence in a country where it already operates the acclaimed Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco.
The Chancery Rosewood in London, which opened in 2025, represents the group's second property in the British capital. Located overlooking Grosvenor Square, the property transforms a reimagined London icon into a contemporary landmark where heritage architecture meets visionary design. This expansion in one of the world's most competitive luxury hotel markets demonstrates Rosewood's confidence in its ability to offer something distinct and compelling even in well-served destinations.
The Americas: From California to the Caribbean
In the Americas, Rosewood's expansion encompasses everything from urban sanctuaries to beachfront resorts and wine country retreats. Rosewood Calistoga and Rosewood Residences Calistoga, scheduled for 2027, represent a contemporary hillside estate where forest, vine, and sky converge. Located in Napa Valley, the property invites guests into a modern yet soulful sanctuary rooted in terroir, togetherness, and the quiet magic of California's natural rhythm.
Rosewood The Raleigh in Miami Beach promises the rebirth of an iconic property, with residences complementing the hotel offering. This project demonstrates Rosewood's ability to honor the legacy of beloved properties whilst bringing them into a new era of luxury hospitality.
In the Caribbean, Rosewood Barbuda is scheduled for 2028, joining an existing Caribbean portfolio that includes Rosewood Baha Mar in The Bahamas, Rosewood Bermuda, Rosewood Le Guanahani in St. Barthelemy, and Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands. The Barbuda property will offer both resort accommodations and residential opportunities, further strengthening Rosewood's presence in one of the world's most desirable island destinations.
Rosewood Mexico City, scheduled for 2026 in the fashionable Polanco district, will mark the group's fourth Mexican property, joining Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Rosewood Mayakoba, and Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. This expansion in Mexico reflects the country's continued importance as a luxury travel destination and Rosewood's success in creating properties that resonate with both international visitors and domestic luxury travelers.
Asia: Deepening Roots in a Vital Region
Asia remains central to Rosewood's global strategy, with an extensive pipeline of projects across Greater China and beyond. The successful opening of Rosewood Miyakojima in 2025 demonstrated the brand's ability to enter the sophisticated Japanese market with a property that honors local traditions whilst offering the Rosewood experience.
In Greater China, the pipeline includes Rosewood Shenzhen (2026), Rosewood Shanghai (2028), Rosewood Chongqing, Rosewood Hangzhou, Rosewood Ningbo, and Rosewood Xi'an. These properties will join existing Chinese hotels including Rosewood Beijing, Rosewood Guangzhou, Rosewood Hong Kong, and Rosewood Sanya, creating a comprehensive network across the country's most important cities and resort destinations.
Elsewhere in Asia, Rosewood Seoul is scheduled for 2027, marking the brand's entrance into the South Korean capital. Rosewood Ranfaru in the Maldives is also planned for 2027, adding an Indian Ocean resort to a portfolio that already includes Rosewood properties in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and New Zealand. Rosewood Hoi An in Vietnam is planned for future opening, further expanding the group's Southeast Asian presence.
The Asaya Wellness Concept: A Holistic Approach
As Rosewood expands its global footprint, the group continues to develop and refine its approach to wellness through the Asaya concept. Launched at Rosewood Phuket in 2017, Asaya represents an innovative, holistic wellness approach that goes beyond traditional spa offerings to provide comprehensive well-being experiences.
Asaya is now featured at key properties including Rosewood Hong Kong, and will be an integral component of many upcoming hotels including Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Rome. The integration of dedicated wellness spaces within Rosewood properties reflects the growing importance of health and well-being in luxury travel and the brand's commitment to offering transformative experiences that resonate with guests on a deeper level.
A Sense of Place: The Enduring Philosophy
Throughout this period of rapid expansion, Rosewood has remained true to the philosophy that has guided the brand since its founding in 1979: A Sense of Place. This commitment to reflecting each individual location's history, culture, and sensibilities ensures that no two Rosewood properties are alike, and that each offers guests an authentic connection to its destination.
This philosophy is evident in the diversity of the pipeline: from the coral-inspired architecture of Rosewood Doha to the restored Palace of Justice in Amsterdam, from the alpine elegance of Courchevel to the coastal serenity of Miyakojima. Each property is designed to feel as though it belongs exactly where it sits, rather than representing a standardized template imposed upon a location.
The group's commitment to A Sense of Place extends beyond design and architecture to encompass culinary offerings, wellness experiences, cultural programming, and community engagement. Rosewood properties are intended to serve as gateways to their destinations, offering guests not just luxurious accommodations but meaningful connections to the places they visit.
Looking Ahead: The 2026-2028 Pipeline
As of early 2026, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has over 30 projects under development worldwide, ensuring continued growth through the end of the decade and beyond. The immediate pipeline includes several highly anticipated openings.
In 2026, Rosewood will debut in multiple new markets. Rosewood Blue Palace in Crete will mark the brand's entrance into Greece, while Rosewood Milan and Rosewood Rome will strengthen its Italian presence. Rosewood Mexico City will bring the brand to the Mexican capital for the first time, and Rosewood Shenzhen will continue the expansion in Greater China.
The year 2027 will see the opening of Rosewood Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, part of the historic Diriyah development near Riyadh. Rosewood Seoul will mark the brand's Korean debut, and Rosewood Ranfaru will add a Maldivian resort to the portfolio. Rosewood Calistoga will bring the brand to California's Napa Valley wine country.
In 2028, Rosewood Barbuda will open in the Caribbean, and Rosewood Shanghai will join the growing Chinese portfolio. Beyond these firmly scheduled openings, numerous additional projects are in development with opening dates yet to be confirmed, including Rosewood Chongqing, Rosewood Hangzhou, Rosewood Hoi An in Vietnam, Rosewood Hotel Bauer in Venice, Rosewood Ningbo, Rosewood Red Sea, Rosewood The Raleigh Miami Beach, and Rosewood Xi'an.
Quality-Driven Growth
Throughout this ambitious expansion, Rosewood has emphasized that growth must be quality-driven rather than quantity-driven. Each new project is carefully evaluated for its potential to enhance the brand and deliver the exceptional experiences guests expect. This selective approach ensures that the Rosewood portfolio, even as it expands, maintains the exclusivity and distinction that define the brand.
The group's focus on entering new sectors, such as ski resorts with Courchevel and standalone residences with Beverly Hills, demonstrates a willingness to evolve and innovate while remaining true to core values. Similarly, the expansion into regenerative tourism with properties like Rosewood AMAALA reflects an awareness of changing guest expectations and environmental imperatives.
Sonia Cheng's vision for the group is clear: "We are guided by a clear ambition: to grow with purpose, to create enduring value, and to deliver transformative experiences that resonate with our communities. As we bring our brands to the world's most extraordinary destinations, our vision and commitment remain focused on quality, innovation, and the sustainable success of our global business."
As of March 2026, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts stands at an exciting juncture. With the successful openings of 2025 demonstrating the group's ability to execute on its ambitious vision, and with a robust pipeline extending through 2028 and beyond, the brand is well-positioned for continued leadership in the ultra-luxury hospitality sector.
The entrance into ski resorts with Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin opens new possibilities for the brand, while the expansion of standalone residences creates opportunities for deeper guest relationships and new business models. The geographic diversification across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas ensures balanced growth and exposure to the world's most dynamic luxury markets.
Yet amidst this expansion, Rosewood has not lost sight of what makes it distinctive: the commitment to A Sense of Place, the dedication to authentic experiences, and the understanding that luxury is ultimately about meaningful connections—to destinations, to cultures, to communities, and to oneself. As the brand brings its philosophy to an ever-widening circle of extraordinary destinations, it remains focused on the purpose that has guided it for more than four decades: creating hotels and residences that are not merely places to stay, but gateways to discovery and transformation. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
Small Tip To Landing Good Senior-Level Hotel Management Positions in 2026
Many of our members have remained with us since the inception of our job lead service seven years ago. They continue to renew their memberships, staying on board even after securing new positions, and for good reason.
Daily, our editors dispatch bulletins detailing new job vacancies, projects, and industry shifts, including hotel launches, expansions, strategies, and market trends.
We recognize that numerous long-standing, senior-level members utilize these bulletins as conversation starters, reaching out to hotel chains and potential employers, sometimes with unsolicited applications and messages. LHN endorses such proactive engagement. It's an excellent, informal method to gain early interest from prominent hotel groups and upcoming projects, indicating your interest and broadening your opportunities for intriguing interviews or discussions about potential roles, particularly at the upper echelons of management.
Our editors also keep these proactive efforts in mind, shaping many bulletins to cover "new openings, new projects, and new market developments."
While membership spots for 2026 are limited, it's not too late to renew.- Read more her
The Team
at LEADING HOTELIERS NETWORK / JOB LEAD SERVICE
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