The Lux Collective Accelerates Global Expansion with New Signings and a Growing Worldwide Pipeline

 Award-winning global luxury hotel operator, The Lux Collective presents the next phase of its ambitious international expansion driven by strong momentum, following a highly successful ILTM showcase. With seven new signings secured in 2025 and a dynamic pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa, the Group reinforces its role as a forward-thinking industry leader. As its flagship luxury brand LUX*, sustainability-focused SALT, and newest bold urban brand SOCIO continue to evolve with purpose-led design and culturally resonant experiences, The Lux Collective's strategy remains focused on its vision to become the world's leading hospitality group.

Guiding this trajectory is Olivier Chavy, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective. “Our vision is clear: to redefine the conscious luxury hospitality of tomorrow. As we accelerate our global expansion and enter new markets, we remain committed to creating sustainable design-forward destinations that foster genuine connection. Through our innovative brands, these new signings reflect our ambition to push boundaries, elevate local narratives and craft experiences that truly resonate with today's travellers.”

Discovering Southern Africa's Natural Wonders at LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Following the announcement of LUX* Xinii Mababe in Botswana last December, The Lux Collective has signed a second hotel management agreement to operate LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

LUX* Xinii Mababe, Botswana presents an exclusive luxury retreat into the untamed landscape of Mababe, home to abundant wildlife including buffalo, zebras, elephants, giraffes, lions and leopards. Extending the LUX* footprint further into Southern Africa, LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls will immerse guests in the awe-inspiring surroundings of Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls.

Located along the banks of the Zambezi River, just 35 kilometres from Victoria Falls, the resort will offer ultra-luxurious safari and wellness experiences immersed in the natural wonders of Zimbabwe. Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel will feature 12 lodges each designed with a conical roof inspired by African hut traditions and local indigenous culture. These distinctive roofs not only create a striking aesthetic, but also support rainwater harvesting, reflecting traditional wisdom in resource usage. A second phase of opening will see the addition of 14 lodges, along with a second restaurant and an additional pool, further expanding its offerings.

The property's facilities include a signature restaurant, a swimming pool and comprehensive wellness and spa services, including yoga sessions, allowing guests to rejuvenate the body and mind amidst the African wilderness. LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls will provide curated experiences that celebrate the region's wildlife and culture – from gourmet destination dining, traditional game drives and walking safaris to adrenaline-fuelled adventures such as bungee jumping, zip-lining, helicopter flights and white-water rafting on the Zambezi River. Guests can also enjoy idyllic boat cruises and explore local cultural villages and markets, offering a seamless blend of luxury, adventure and cultural discovery. This successful collaboration is facilitated by advisory partner International Tourism Investment Corporation Ltd (ITIC).

A bold new chapter of growth and global reach

Looking ahead, The Lux Collective's global pipeline reflects robust momentum, with a diverse portfolio of 16 openings set to roll out across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In China, new destinations include SALT of Mount Siguniang, LUX* Guangzhou and LUX* Shaoguan. Southeast Asia will welcome the pioneering LUXNAM* Phu Quoc, Vietnam's and the region's first overwater all-villas resort, along with SALT of Virgin Beach in Bali, the Group's first entry into Indonesia. In the Middle East, the Group expands with the tented luxury desert retreat LUX* Al Bridi, the reimagined beach resort LUX* Khorfakkan overseeing the Gulf of Oman, and the significant Middle East debut of the SOCIO brand – introducing the first-ever hotel and branded residences, SOCIO By The Lux Collective in Sultan Haitham City, Oman. This milestone is complemented by ELIRE Managed by LUX*, the first LUX* branded residences in Business Bay, Dubai.

The pipeline also extends to Africa with LUX* Xinii Mababe in Botswana and the SOCIO Tribeca flagship in Mauritius. Collectively, these developments reinforce the Group's purpose-driven forward momentum and its commitment to shaping the next era of modern luxury hospitality – fortifying its position as a global leader in sustainability stewardship with clarity and intent.

Source: The Lux Collective Accelerates Global Expansion with New Signings and a Growing Worldwide Pipeline (11/12/2025)

Chinese to build luxury riverfront lodges in Victoria Falls

 Zimbabwe's tourism sector is set for a major boost following confirmation that The Lux Collective, a global hospitality group with Chinese backing, will develop a high-end eco-luxury lodge estate along the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. The project, named LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls, is expected to open in 2028 and marks the group's second major investment in Southern Africa after its Botswana venture, LUX* Xinii Mababe.

The new estate will be constructed in two phases, beginning with 12 luxury lodges designed with conical, African-inspired roofs that allow for natural cooling and rainwater harvesting. A second phase will expand the development with 14 additional lodges, as well as a restaurant and swimming pool, creating an exclusive retreat within reach of one of the world's most iconic natural attractions.

The development comes as part of The Lux Collective's wider global expansion, with the company announcing seven new hotel signings for 2025. Its pipeline of projects now stretches across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa, reflecting an ambitious growth strategy anchored in sustainable design and culturally grounded hospitality.

Chief executive Olivier Chavy said the company's goal is to "redefine the future of conscious luxury travel" by creating experiences that resonate deeply with modern travellers who value both comfort and environmental responsibility.

China remains a key focus of the group's expansion. In early 2027, it will launch LUX* Tea Horse Road Mount Tiantai in Sichuan province, offering accommodation both within a historic town and on nearby high-altitude tea plantations outside Chengdu. Another luxury development, LUX* On The Bund Shanghai, will open in the first quarter of 2027, featuring waterfront views, a private marina, fine-dining venues, a rooftop bar and an advanced wellness centre.

Beyond China and Southern Africa, The Lux Collective now has 16 properties under development worldwide, including new luxury projects in Vietnam, Bali, Dubai, Oman, Mauritius and several more cities in China. The company continues to grow its LUX*, SALT and SOCIO brands, drawing increasing international confidence in its eco-friendly, design-centred approach to hospitality.

The introduction of LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls is expected to significantly elevate Zimbabwe's visibility in the global high-end tourism market. Tourism experts say the investment reflects growing international interest in Victoria Falls as a destination for sustainability-driven luxury travel, potentially drawing in higher-spending visitors and injecting fresh momentum into the country's hospitality sector.

Source: Chinese to build luxury riverfront lodges in Victoria Falls (11/12/2025)

AFRY to update key studies for Batoka Gorge project, Zambia

AFRY has secured a contract from the Zambezi River Authority, the organisation jointly owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe, to update the feasibility study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Batoka Gorge hydroelectric scheme.

The proposed plant, to be sited in the Batoka Gorge about 47km downstream of Victoria Falls, is planned to have an installed capacity of up to 2400MW.

“We are committed to advancing sustainable hydropower solutions utilising the potential of the Zambezi River. Hydropower is a cornerstone of the global energy transition, and we are delighted to be part of empowering communities with reliable, renewable energy solutions that stand the test of time,” said Ernst Zeller, Segment Head, Hydro at AFRY.

Under the contract, AFRY will review earlier studies and update them with detailed technical, economic, and operational analyses aimed at optimising the plant’s layout and operations. The work will include assessments of hydrology and climate change, installed capacity, reservoir operations, energy production, and the associated transmission system.

The assignment also covers updates to the environmental and social impact assessments, a review of the implementation schedule, and preparation of tender documents.

Source: AFRY to update key studies for Batoka Gorge project, Zambia (04/12/2025)

Govt officials to lead journalists on a tour of Byo-Vic Falls Road

 CABINET ministers and senior Government officials will this week lead journalists from various media houses on a tour of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation and upgrading project.

The delegation will comprise Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairperson Cde Tawanda Karikoga, legislators and senior government officials will lead journalists on a tour to check on progress made so far.

The tour comes after the Government has prioritised the US$1,2 billion rehabilitation and upgrade of the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway — including the construction of modern toll plazas with weighbridges — as one of the flagship infrastructure projects to be rolled out between 2026 and 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is a critical trade and tourism artery linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, Namibia and Botswana, is being upgraded under the Government’s ongoing national road rehabilitation and modernisation programme.

Initially, five contractors — Fossil Contracting, Masimba Construction, Syvern Investment, Bitumen Resources and Tensor Systems — were awarded contracts to rehabilitate sections of the 440-kilometre stretch.

However, the Government recently added three more contractors for Lots 6, 7 and 8, covering the final approaches to Victoria Falls, to fast-track completion.

Source: Govt officials to lead journalists on a tour of Byo-Vic Falls Road (03/12/2025)