In honor of International Women’s Day, we thought it would be cool to see which hotels were owned by women around the world. And it turns out, the list happened to include some of the top hotels – though it’s not too surprising. Women prove again and again that when they have a seat at the leadership table, it’s more than just 1,000-count Egyptian thread-count sheets that result. These women are building empires, and hotels are just the start. Forget the outdated notion that hospitality is a men’s club: these are the top luxury hotels and hotel chains owned by women around the world.
COMO Hotels & Resorts
Founded By: Christina Ong
Christina Ong, one of the most successful businesswomen, masterminded COMO Hotels and Resorts, a collection of properties that blends style and attention to detail. She redefined hospitality by making wellness the core experience at COMO. Their COMO Shambhala wellness program goes beyond standard massages. They offer EFT Tapping, Chinese acupuncture, reflexology, and personalized wellness plans curated by resident nutritionists. With over 20 locations across Bali, Bhutan, Thailand, the Maldives, London, and more, each property is as elegant as its setting. The dining scenes of these resorts are equally intentional. They feature Michelin-star-worthy meals that are both nourishing and refined. All of the menus have dishes that highlight organic, made from sustainably sourced ingredients.
Palazzo Avino, Amalfi Coast
Owned by: The Avino Sisters — Mariella, Attillia, and Mariavittoria
A 12th-century palace meticulously transformed into one of the Amalfi Coast’s most luxurious retreats Palazzo Avino thrives under the expertise of the Avino sisters—Mariella, Attillia, and Mariavittoria. Their father, Giuseppe Avino, acquired the historic property in the 1990s. The sisters later took the reins, infusing it with an unmistakable sense of exclusivity. Perched high above the Mediterranean in Ravello, the palazzo offers 33 rooms and 10 suites with spellbinding sea and mountain views. The sisters refined every detail, from the soft pastel interiors to the marble spa, making it one of Italy’s top boutique stays. And, dining here is serious business. Rossellinis, the Michelin-starred restaurant, serves local dishes, while the Lobster & Martini Bar specializes in exactly that. Unlike other boutique hotels in the region, Palazzo Avino offers a private beach club, accessible via Rolls-Royce transfer (because why not?). For those seeking history, elegance, and effortless Italian charm, this is the place to be.
The Lowell, New York City
Owned by: Dina De Luca Chartouni
If you want your New York trip to feel like living in a $10 million brownstone, The Lowell is the place. The owner, Dina De Luca Chartouni, is a film and TV producer and the owner of the beauty brand DDC28. She transformed the property in the 1980s into a townhouse-style retreat, which feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Though she didn’t build it from scratch, she meticulously refined every inch. She added working fireplaces, marble-clad bathrooms, and an aesthetic that channels old-school New York sophistication. No cookie-cutter luxury chain here, The Lowell stands proudly on its own, offering service that is warm, but not stuffy. It offers a level of discretion that attracts those who prefer to stay under the radar. The dining scene is equally intimate. Majorelle, its French-Moroccan restaurant, serves refined-yet-comforting dishes, while the Club Room provides a quiet escape for a drink away from the city’s chaos. If you are an afternoon tea lover, you can indulge in their latest collaboration with Dior Maison. They make it dangerously easy to justify a three-hour break filled with tiny, exquisite pastries.
Royal Champagne, France
Owned by: Denise Dupre
There are fancy hotels, and then there are hotels in the middle of Champagne country. Royal Champagne is practically an ode to French indulgence. Denise Dupré, a former academic turned hotelier, took this historic coaching inn and gave it a glow-up. She turned it into a 47-room retreat with vineyard views in every direction. She reimagined the property by adding sleek, modern suites, a world-class spa, and a dining experience that revolves around (what else?) champagne. The wellness scene here is next level, offering high-tech facials and massages using spa products from myBlend and Clarins Precious. The dining is just as refined; Le Royal holds a Michelin star, and the champagne list is longer than most people’s dream shopping lists. But what truly sets Royal Champagne apart is its location. Perched in the heart of Champagne Hills, a UNESCO heritage site, it offers easy access to Hautvillers — the birthplace of Dom Pérignon. If the perfect getaway includes sipping vintage bubbly in a bathrobe while gazing at rolling vineyards, this is the spot.
Lily of the Valley, St. Tropez
Owned by: Lucie Weill
Saint-Tropez may be known for yachts and wild parties, but Lily of the Valley is where one goes to reset after all that rosé. Lucie Weill, who transitioned from a fashion career at Givenchy, co-created this hotel with her father, Alain Weill. Their family has visited Gigaro Beach for three generations, and that deep connection to the region is reflected in the hotel. The 44-room property blends seamlessly into the Mediterranean landscape, featuring earthy tones, lush gardens, and a minimalist aesthetic, designed by Philippe Starck. Unlike the usual “party first, detox later” vibe of St. Tropez, Weill flipped the script by creating a health-focused escape. Personalized nutrition plans, intensive fitness retreats, and spa treatments designed for long-term results take center stage. The property offers tailored workouts, Ayurveda treatments, yoga classes, and gourmet-yet-healthy dining that proves ‘clean eating’ doesn’t have to be boring. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine that is both delicious and designed to keep guests feeling as good as they look. Unlike traditional hotels in the area, Lily of the Valley prioritizes long-term well-being over mere leisure. You might just find this at the top of your list if you are a health-conscious traveler.
Ambiente Sedona — A Landscape Hotel, Sedona
Owned by: Jennifer May & Colleen TeBrake
If Sedona is known for its mystical energy, Ambiente proves that it can be embraced in style. Originally envisioned by Michael Stevenson, this hotel found new life under the leadership of sisters Jennifer May and Colleen TeBrake. The duo understood that luxury and nature don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With their expertise, they transformed this 40-room haven into Sedona’s first landscape hotel, where cube-like atriums perch above the ground on stilts, giving the illusion of floating amidst the rugged terrain. The property remains a sustainability-forward escape, using dark-sky compliant lighting, renewable materials, and a commitment to zero single-use plastics. The Velvet Spa offers a full sensory experience, with options ranging from an athletic detox to an ancient salt stone massage. Forty1, the in-house restaurant, serves seasonal dishes inspired by local Arizona flavors. Every aspect of the experience revolves around sustainability, wellness, and a deep connection to the land. For those who love luxury with a side of Mother Earth energy, Ambiente is a must.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Founded by: Caroline Rose Hunt
Caroline Rose Hunt didn’t just start a hotel group — she built an empire of ultra-luxury escapes that redefined modern hospitality. This visionary Texan oil heiress decided in 1979 that the world needed hotels that felt less like hotels and more like lavish, curated private residences. The Rosewood Hotel Group was born with its first property, The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, setting the gold standard for what would become one of the world’s most sought-after luxury brands. Today, Rosewood boasts over 30 properties across 18 countries, spanning everything from beachside sanctuaries in the Caribbean to historic city retreats in Paris and Beijing. Rosewood’s ‘A Sense of Place’ philosophy ensures that no two properties look the same. Each one is designed to reflect its surroundings, so you never feel stuck in a generic luxury bubble. The wellness game is strong, with Asaya spas offering everything from Brazilian feather massages to high-tech spinal mobilization therapies. And for food lovers, Michelin-starred restaurants serve hyper-local flavors, while hotel bars serve artfully crafted cocktails.
FAQs
Q. Do I need a reservation for Majorelle at The Lowell?
A. Yes, a reservation is recommended for eating at Majorelle.
Q. Which UNESCO Heritage site is Royal Champagne located in?
A. Royal Champagne is located in the Champagne Hills which are designated as a UNESCO heritage site.
Q. Is Palazzo Avino a women owned hotel?
A. Yes, Palazzo Avino is owned by the Avino sisters.
Other Articles You’ll Like
Best Design Hotels 2024
Luxury Hotels in NYC
Top Resorts in the World
