Park Hyatt Johannesburg named one of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’
• Opened in July 2025, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has been listed on TIME Magazine’s 2026 annual global hotlist of 100 must-visit destinations.
• The 31-key 1930s colonial mansion is among a select group of hotels and resorts across seven continents to be featured in the ‘Places to Stay’ category.
• The Park Hyatt brand continues to expand into new, sought-after destinations like Cabo San Lucas with the recent opening of Park Hyatt Cabo Del Sol and planned debuts in Mexico City, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam later this year.
CHICAGO (March 26, 2026) - Within just a year of opening, South Africa’s first Park Hyatt branded hotel, Park Hyatt Johannesburg, is setting new standards in luxury hospitality. Adding to the property’s growing list of awards, TIME Magazine has named the hotel one of its 100 ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for 2026, an accolade shared by a select group of exceptional properties around the world.
Compiled and curated by TIME’s international network of contributors and eagerly anticipated by its international readership, the annual list honors extraordinary destinations across the globe, serving as a snapshot of the most exciting and inventive new experiences across travel, hospitality, culture and design.
Notably, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley was also recognized on this year’s list, further underscoring Hyatt’s collection of distinctive, world-class hotels and resorts.
Jo’burg’s unique boutique retreat
Set in the city’s dynamic Rosebank neighborhood, Park Hyatt Johannesburg is housed within a beautifully restored 1930s colonial mansion, balancing heritage features – inspired by the architectural influence of Sir Herbert Baker – with refined contemporary detailing, care of the revered South African designer Stephen Falcke.
In its dedicated Greatest Places issue, TIME paid tribute to the hotel’s boutique character – a noted rarity in the city – and design, weaving together South African aesthetic influences, including Ndebele-inspired patterns and a considered material palette. Restaurant Room 32 is acknowledged as a particular highlight, winning affection from locals and visitors alike for its inventive afternoon tea and “compelling” fine dining.
“Since opening, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quickly established itself as something truly exceptional and a powerful expression of the Park Hyatt brand, so it’s a thrill to see the hotel recognized by TIME. Being named among the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ is a tribute to the extraordinary commitment of the team, who continue to craft the most memorable, elevated and personalized experiences in hospitality today.”
– Tamara Lohan, Global Brand Leader – Luxury, Hyatt.
An evolving portfolio of character properties
The recognition of Park Hyatt Johannesburg’s unique identity coincides with a period of thoughtful expansion for the Park Hyatt brand consolidating its identity as a world leader in considered, character-led luxury.
In December 2025, Park Hyatt Cabo Del Sol opened its doors on the spectacular coastline of Baja California Sur introducing the brand’s distinctive blend of harmonious contextual design, signature dining and wellness, and locally inspired cultural programming to Mexico.
Meanwhile in Japan, the long-awaited recent reopening of the iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo concluded 19 months of extensive, sympathetic renovation – the most comprehensive renewal in the hotel’s 30-year history. Asia’s first Park Hyatt property, the hotel helped define modern luxury hospitality in Japan, earning it a starring role in Hollywood cinema. Now updated to meet contemporary needs – without compromising its unmistakable architectural identity – the landmark hotel has been reimagined for a new generation of travelers.
Coming soon: Park Hyatt Mexico City
Later this year, Park Hyatt is expected to make its debut in one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the Americas. Designed by third-generation Mexican architecture studio Sordo Madaleno, Park Hyatt Mexico City will sit in the upscale neighborhood of Polanco, beside the Chapultepec Forest. Natural stone, filtered light, integrated greenery, and materials such as marble, brass, clay, wood and leather create a sense of grounding and connection to nature, while geometric lines and sculptural details reference the art deco legacy that defines much of the city today.
Park Hyatt Mexico City will also be joined by Park Hyatt Riviera Maya on Mexico’s eastern coast, and Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, Vietnam, both set to open late in 2026.
These new openings will take the Park Hyatt portfolio to a total of 52 hotels and resorts around the world – a collection of unique, deeply considered and contextually rich destinations, where luxury is personal.
To learn more about the Park Hyatt brand, please visit www.parkhyatt.com.
Tags: Tamara Lohan, Hyatt
