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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Royal Jordanian Airlines Flights Grounded By Airspace Crisis: What You Need To Know About Your Upcoming Travel!

Royal Jordanian (RJ) Airlines has decided to suspend all flights to destinations where airspaces have been closed because of increasing regional conflicts. The flight suspensions affect all countries that include Iraq, Syria ,Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The United States and Israel military operations against Iran have created major problems for regional air travel which has led to these flight suspensions.

Airspace Closures Impact Royal Jordanian Operations

Royal Jordanian’s CEO, Samer Majali, has confirmed that flights to affected destinations will remain suspended until airspace is reopened. While the airline prioritises the safety of its passengers, this move is expected to cause notable disruptions to aviation networks, both for passengers flying with RJ and other international travellers transiting through Jordan.

With the closure of multiple airspaces, including those of Iraq and Syria, RJ’s operations to these regions have been temporarily halted. However, flights to Europe, North America, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and North Africa have continued, albeit with some minor delays. RJ’s efforts to keep operations running smoothly have helped mitigate the impact, ensuring that travellers to more stable regions have minimal disruption.

Travel Impact on Gulf Countries and Regional Passengers

As the Gulf region sees heightened tensions, flights to countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE remain grounded. For travellers heading to these destinations, this has meant delays and uncertainty about when flights will resume. Royal Jordanian’s CEO assured that no passengers were stranded, with the airline managing to maintain its schedule on routes to Europe and other unaffected destinations.

Royal Jordanian has also offered alternative options to passengers affected by the airspace closures. For those travelling to Syria, the airline has resorted to bus transportation between Queen Alia International Airport and Damascus, as flying remains unfeasible. This move is a testament to the airline’s flexibility in navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing airspace restrictions in the region.

The suspension of services to the Gulf and other affected countries has not only disrupted the airline’s regional operations but also placed a strain on the broader aviation network. Passengers travelling to or from the Middle East have faced challenges with connecting flights, especially in destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain, where RJ’s network is a key part of connecting travellers to Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Aviation Network Disruptions and Future Considerations

With major airspaces closed, many airlines have had to adapt their schedules, diverting flights or postponing operations. As Royal Jordanian navigates these challenges, the airline’s decision to suspend services to specific destinations remains in place until further notice. The broader impact on aviation networks, including flight schedules, has raised concerns among both travellers and the tourism industry. For tourists planning their trips to the Gulf region or neighbouring countries, these disruptions mean that their travel plans will likely be delayed or completely altered, as Royal Jordanian is one of the primary carriers operating between Jordan and these key destinations.

The closure of airspaces in this region highlights the volatility of air travel in the Middle East, a region that frequently faces geopolitical tensions. This uncertainty affects not only business travellers but also those engaged in tourism, who now must reconsider their travel routes and make alternate arrangements to ensure their trips are not completely derailed.

Efforts to Minimise Disruption to Tourists and Passengers

Despite the disruptions, Royal Jordanian has been commended for its efforts to keep the majority of its flights operating smoothly. The airline’s cooperation with local authorities and Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission has played a crucial role in maintaining air traffic within Jordan’s airspace, despite the challenges faced by other regional carriers. This has helped to reassure travellers that the airline remains committed to providing services where possible, despite the ongoing turmoil in the region.

RJ’s measures to support stranded passengers have also been a key part of its contingency plan. In response to the heightened security concerns, the airline has communicated directly with its passengers about the status of their flights. Additionally, Jordanian travellers whose flights to the Gulf region were suspended are being provided with timely updates regarding the situation. For now, the airline will continue to monitor the evolving situation closely, awaiting the reopening of affected airspaces to resume operations.

Airspace Closure Effects on Tourism and Travel Plans

As regional tensions continue to simmer, the aviation industry faces an uncertain future. Royal Jordanian’s suspension of flights to several key destinations underscores the challenges airlines face when airspace closures impact their networks. While the airline has managed to maintain some routes, the disruption caused by these closures will undoubtedly affect tourism in the Middle East.

For travellers planning to visit countries in the Gulf or the wider Middle East, it is essential to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and flight schedule changes. The situation remains fluid, and with airspace closures in place, it may take time for full operations to resume. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, so too will the travel patterns and aviation strategies that define this critical region in global air traffic.

Bottom Line

Royal Jordanian Airlines continues to deliver its highest service standards while facing operational challenges through its commitment to passenger safety and comfort during ongoing flight disruptions. The airline continues to maintain its dedication to passenger service despite flight suspensions and delays which create problems for many travelers. Passengers who need to travel to and from the Middle East must stay updated about flight changes which will continue to occur.

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