Auberge Resorts Collection has signalled plans to expand its hotel portfolio more rapidly, with the backing of a new investment partner. 

Merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners has taken a minority stake in the Auberge business, via an affiliated hospitality investment vehicle. Alongside this, the fund plans to make further “significant” capital investments, allowing the partners to acquire and develop assets for Auberge to brand and manage. Plans include adding both luxury hotels, and residential assets, in the Americas, Europe and further afield. The brand will focus on gateway urban markets, as well as seeking properties in experiential destinations. 

Strategic support

“BDT & MSD’s differentiated, long-term capital and expertise in luxury hospitality investments makes them a perfect strategic partner and will allow us to further grow the strength of the Auberge brand,” said Auberge chairman Dan Friedkin. 

MSD Partners is no stranger to hospitality investment, having involvement with major hotels including Four Seasons in Maui, Hawaii and Vail, and the Fairmont in Santa Monica. 

US-based Friedkin Group acquired Auberge in 2013, and has grown it since. Currently the business has 27 hotels and resorts, plus residences, restaurants and wellness offerings. While the majority of the sites are in the USA, there are five resorts in Mexico and two open in Europe. 

A strong pipeline of openings

Upcoming openings in 2024 include the College all Querce in Florence, Italy and Dunlin in South Carolina. For 2025, Auberge has planned launches of The Hearst in San Francisco and Shell Bay Club and Resort in Florida, while the pipeline also includes a hotel in Dallas, due to launch in 2026.