One&Only Resorts Considers Returning To Australia, Hints At New Global Expansions

One&Only Resorts is exploring the possibility of returning to Australia, a country it once called home with two significant resorts. One&Only Resorts President Mark Kirby spoke about the brand’s future in Australia at the Forbes Travel Guide conference which took place in Monaco. Kirby explained that the brand lost its Australian presence over time yet the company continues to view Australia as a possible luxury market.

One&Only’s Previous Australian Ventures and Current Strategy

A decade ago, One&Only operated two high-profile resorts in Australia: Hayman Island in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands and Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort in the Greater Blue Mountains near Sydney. However, the brand exited Queensland after Cyclone Debbie struck Hayman Island in 2017, causing significant damage, leading to the resort’s closure. The brand further severed ties with Emirates Wolgan Valley in 2024, citing ongoing inaccessibility issues that hampered the resort’s ability to function properly.

Despite these setbacks, Kirby expressed that One&Only still values Australia as a premier destination for ultra-luxury travellers. The brand currently sees a significant percentage of Australian guests staying at their properties worldwide, underscoring the country’s importance as a market.

One&Only Expands Globally with New Urban Concept and Global Growth

Looking forward, One&Only is focused on broadening its global footprint. Kirby hinted at the brand’s growing interest in urban properties, as demonstrated by the recent launch of One&Only One Za’Abeel in Dubai. This property marks the first urban resort under the One&Only brand, blending the signature resort experience with the vibrancy of a bustling city. While no additional urban locations have been confirmed, Kirby noted that One&Only is considering key cities across the globe for future expansion.

In addition to Dubai, One&Only is steadily expanding its presence in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Recent announcements include the opening of One&Only Moon Basin in Montana, which provides a truly unique experience for guests with ski-in, ski-out access in winter and outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing in the summer. The resort, which opened in November 2025, has already seen strong growth, with Kirby noting a good up-swing in bookings during the early months of 2026.

Future One&Only Openings: New Resorts in New York and Fiji

One&Only’s growth isn’t limited to North America. The brand has also confirmed its plans to expand to New York State’s Hudson Valley with a resort opening scheduled for 2028. This property will feature 62 luxurious cabins and offer the quintessential One&Only experience in a serene, natural setting, just outside New York City. Additionally, One&Only has plans for a resort in Fiji, set to open in 2029, marking the brand’s debut in the Asia-Pacific region.

Strong Financial Growth and Future Prospects for One&Only

One&Only Resorts has demonstrated robust financial performance, with Kirby reporting a 15% increase in total revenue from the brand’s properties in 2025 compared to the previous year. The brand’s growth has been driven by both an uptick in occupancy rates and an increase in the average rate per guest, which points to the rising demand for luxury resorts worldwide.

Kirby attributes this growth to a strategic focus on high-end offerings, including private residences and wellness services. Additionally, the brand has witnessed a nearly 10 percent growth in its suite business, with more guests opting for larger, more luxurious accommodations, in line with the multigenerational travel trend.

Looking Ahead: The Future of One&Only and Its Role in the Luxury Travel Market

As One&Only continues to expand and explore new territories, it remains firmly committed to delivering the highest quality experiences for its guests. Whether in remote destinations like Moon Basin or bustling urban environments like Dubai, the brand is ensuring that each property offers a distinctive and memorable experience. Kirby’s comments about returning to Australia show that One&Only remains open to revisiting its past markets when the right opportunity presents itself, reinforcing its long-term vision for expansion in the luxury travel sector.

Final Thoughts

With new resorts slated for opening in the coming years and positive growth across its portfolio, One&Only Resorts is well on track to solidify its place as a leader in the ultra-luxury travel industry. While the future in Australia remains uncertain, the brand’s global expansion strategy and commitment to providing exceptional, tailored experiences suggest that One&Only will continue to thrive in the luxury tourism sector for years to come.

Image Credit: One&Only Resorts

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