The new premium lifestyle brand further diversifies Wharf Hotels’ portfolio, fulfilling another key milestone of the Group’s vision of '25 by 2025', with the aim of increasing its properties to 25 by 2025.

Maqo is a sister brand to the luxurious Niccolo Hotels, and premium Marco Polo Hotels.

“We couldn’t be more excited with our expansion into the lifestyle segment to address the evolving preferences of today’s global travellers,” said Wharf Hotels President, Thomas Salg. “Maqo has given us the opportunity to rethink hotel spaces and experiences, and we believe the brand will resonate with guests who appreciate blended spaces and our edited collections. Looking ahead — we are confident that the brand’s offerings will appeal to diverse guest segments from business and leisure, and are keen to take on development prospects in North Asia, Southeast Asia and China.”

Maqo, encompassing the ethos of “more is not better, only better is better”, envisions itself as stylish and edgy. Its approach is based around the art of selection where “editors” meticulously refine possibilities to arrive at crafted and “edited” art and culture programmes, food and drink offerings, music playlists and wellness concepts. Designed to provoke and inspire guests with the unexpected at every stay, Maqo is for those who want to connect, and are attracted by the edited experiences the brand provides. Please view the brand video here.

Speaking to the broader significance of the brand launch, Thomas Salg added, “We are optimistic about the future outlook of Mainland China and its steady resurgence of outbound and domestic travel. During the past seven months, we have noticed a strong uptick in domestic travellers and consumer spending. Among all the progressive cities contributing to the exponential growth of travel within China, Changsha continues to be a core domestic destination with considerable market potential,[1] and we are confident the brand’s inaugural hotel in the city will be popular for leisure and business travel.”

The debut of Maqo Changsha, on 1 November 2023, is testament to the Group’s success with Niccolo Changsha’s opening in 2018 at Tower One of International Finance Square, the city’s iconic hub for business and luxury retail. Maqo Changsha will be housed in Tower Two of International Finance Square, featuring 286 well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, co-working space, as well as a gymnasium.

The ambitious and new Maqo brand is one of many strategic opportunities to realise Wharf Hotels’ vision of “25 by 2025”. The Group plans to expand its presence by delivering new experiences with premium and luxury hotels in key Asian destinations, such as Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Bangkok. Wharf Hotels also intends to complement its portfolio with luxury newly built Niccolo Resorts and Residences. The Prince Hotel, Hong Kong of the Marco Polo Hotels brand has also recently reopened after a three-year refurbishment.