Celebrating Life’s Moments
Always believing that ultra-luxury should be personal, soulful and deeply connected to place, the vision of One&Only Resorts is not to be the biggest, but to be the most distinctive, crafting one-of-a-kind resorts that celebrate the character, culture and natural beauty of their surroundings. Mark Kirby, President of the company, offers more on this ethos in our one-on-one interview.
Every One&Only Resort is designed as a love letter to its destination, from the wild jungles of Rwanda and the azure waters of the Maldives, to the Cycladic light of Greece and the desert skyline of Dubai. What unites them is a shared purpose, to create experiences that move people, shaped by genuine care and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Today One&Only Resorts operate 13 extraordinary destinations across the globe, from Europe and the Middle East to Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Americas. Each is singular in personality and spirit, yet unmistakably One&Only. Alongside their resorts, their Private Homes portfolio continues to grow, with villas available to rent or purchase in Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Greece and soon, the US, redefining what it means to ‘live One&Only’.
The recent Greek openings have been transformative for the brand. One&Only Aesthesis, opened in November 2023 on the Athenian Riviera, marked the company’s return to Europe, whilst just months later, in May 2024, they unveiled One&Only Kéa Island, a secluded sanctuary perched above a protected cove in the Cyclades. Together, they form a quintessential One&Only journey through the country, two distinct expressions of Mediterranean soul, connected by sea, spirit and story.
“The next chapter for One&Only is one of thoughtful expansion, guided not by volume, but by vision,” explains Mark Kirby, President of One&Only Resorts. “Every new resort we create must feel essential, born from a deep connection to its place and purpose.”
This month, they will unveil One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, their first resort in the US and their first alpine destination. More than a new opening, it is the evolution of the brand spirit into an entirely new environment. Moonlight Basin brings together the raw beauty of nature and the refined artistry of design, offering guests a new way to experience mountain living through their lens of soulful luxury.
“From there, we will continue our journey across the Americas with One&Only Hudson Valley, a short drive from New York City, where we are creating a serene, design-led sanctuary that celebrates craftsmanship, culinary heritage and natural beauty,” comments Kirby.
Then in 2027, the company will debut in the Caribbean with One&Only Antigua, marking their first resort in the region, followed by their long-anticipated arrival in the South Pacific with One&Only Fiji in 2029. Each of these upcoming projects represents a new milestone, expanding their presence while staying true to their promise of individuality, intimacy and integrity.
For the business, destination is everything and it is where the story begins. Their philosophy is to lead rather than follow and they are drawn to destinations that are not yet overdeveloped, where they can play a pioneering role in shaping sustainable tourism and setting new benchmarks for luxury hospitality. Ultimately, what attracts them to new destinations is the chance to create something lasting, not just in architecture or design, but in emotion and impact. Every resort begins with a sense of awe and purpose and their mission is to translate that feeling into an experience their guests will never forget.
“What has become clear in recent years is that luxury has entered the digital age and we have embraced this evolution with purpose,” highlights Kirby. “We have moved from being a traditional resort operator to a truly digitally-minded experience brand. Our CRM and automation systems allow us to create personalised journeys before, during and after each stay, tailoring communication and experiences to individual preferences.”
As for social media, their channels are not just showcases; they are invitations into a world, windows into culture, craftsmanship and connection. They collaborate with tastemakers, artists and designers who help the company to speak to new audiences authentically, keeping One&Only culturally relevant and emotionally resonant.
As guardians of some of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings, sustainability is not just an initiative for them; it is a responsibility and a way of being. This year, they joined the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, reinforcing their commitment to responsible growth and collective action. Across the brand, their focus is to leave every place they touch in a better place than when they found it, safeguarding these extraordinary destinations for generations to come.
“Each resort is born from a deep respect for place, its people, landscape and culture. That sense of belonging runs through everything we do, from design and architecture to cuisine and service. But our greatest strength lies in our people. Their passion, empathy and craftsmanship transform our vision into something tangible, something guests can feel. Across continents and cultures, it is our teams who create that consistent thread of emotional excellence that defies the business,” Kirby enthuses.
As he returns to speaking about their ethos, he mentions three timeless principles – authenticity, artistry and empathy. Authenticity keeps them grounded in place. Artistry gives every experience soul and empathy, the invisible thread, is what turns service into connection and luxury into something deeply human.
“Looking forward, we are focused on deepening what makes our brand extraordinary – our people. As part of Kerzner International we also see great synergy with our sister brand SIRO, which is pioneering immersive fitness and recovery experiences. Together, we are shaping the future of wellbeing and redefining what it means to live and travel, well.”
