Orlando, FL — The Kessler Collection, an iconic Orlando-based hospitality company known for launching the soft-brand movement in the U.S. with the co-founding of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, has announced a strategic alliance with Highgate, a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company. The collaboration combines Kessler’s creative vision, pioneering spirit, and legacy of building high-performing hotels with Highgate’s proven ability to create long-term value through industry leading revenue growth strategies, operational mastery, and disciplined investment execution — forming a platform uniquely positioned to maximize asset performance and redefine excellence in the luxury and lifestyle space. Built by visionary hoteliers whose innovation and investment leadership have shaped the industry, the two companies are poised to unlock new growth in the luxury and lifestyle segments while enhancing value for their partners, associates, and guests.

Highgate brings decades of vision-led leadership and a reputation as a trusted, entrepreneurial partner. Highgate manages an expansive portfolio of luxury, lifestyle, full and select service hotels globally. Under this alliance, Highgate will assume management of several of Kessler’s most celebrated hotels in the United States, including:

• The historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine, a Moorish Revival landmark that blends timeless architecture, curated art and modern luxuries.
• The JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, a transformative mixed-use development that has redefined the city’s hospitality landscape.
• The Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, a striking architectural presence overlooking Falls Park, and centerpiece of the city’s cultural and social scene.

Collectively, these properties showcase Kessler’s distinctive approach to luxury through refined entertainment, creativity and sense of place — qualities that will now be amplified through Highgate’s luxury and lifestyle platform. Kessler’s property-level employees and key corporate leaders will transition to Highgate’s new “Kessler Hospitality^TM” division. Together, they will continue to curate spaces, create ambiance and deliver service that transforms experiences into memorable moments.

“Our mission has always been to create inspired guest experiences rooted in artistry, individuality, and purpose,” said Mark Kessler, President, The Kessler Collection. “When we looked for a partner to help us take the Grand Bohemian^R brand into its next chapter, Highgate stood out. Their operational discipline, deep revenue expertise, and ability to leverage technology to improve oversight and profitability made them the clear choice to complement our creative vision and expand our portfolio.”

“This alliance brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision for creativity, excellence, and growth,” said Richard Russo, Principal, Highgate. “By combining Kessler’s creativity and design-forward sensibility with Highgate’s investment acumen and operational expertise, we’re creating meaningful long-term value for these exceptional assets and setting a new standard for performance in the luxury and lifestyle space. We’re proud to welcome many talented Kessler team members to Highgate — their vision and ingenuity further strengthen our platform and reinforce Highgate’s ability to lead in this important area of hospitality.”

Russo continued, “White-label management is often described as a customized approach, yet what’s frequently delivered feels standardized. At Highgate, we take a fundamentally different view. We build tailored platform solutions with partners like Kessler that align with each organization’s unique objectives and amplify their strengths, unlocking enduring value. We look forward to our association with Kessler and to forging new alliances with like-minded organizations that share our vision for innovation, empowering us to continually evolve our platform, drive best-in-class results, and shape the future of hospitality.”

Kessler and Highgate are recognized pioneers, instrumental in shaping hospitality over the past four decades. Through this strategic alliance, the two companies unite creativity and scale, vision and execution, and legacy and innovation to deliver exceptional results for stakeholders while redefining guest experiences for years to come. Together, they are writing a new chapter in hospitality, grounded in a shared philosophy that blends artistry with performance and creativity with disciplined execution.

ABOUT THE KESSLER COLLECTION:

The Kessler Collection is a dynamic, family-led hospitality brand born in 1984 out of Founder Richard C. Kessler’s creative vision to bring profound beauty and art to life in an elevated setting. A destination place maker in both established and emerging locales across the South including Asheville, North Carolina’s Biltmore Village; St Augustine, Florida; and downtown Orlando, Florida; the brand can also be credited for significant development and transformation in Greenville, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia building the foundation for new urban legacies in those cities. Guided by a sense of beauty, discovery and inspiration, Kessler creates a portfolio of carefully curated living museums that awaken the inner collector in its guests and visitors. Kessler’s commitment to art & culture, community enrichment, music and distinctive design attracts visitors that value authenticity, original thinking, and curiosity to its many hotels, restaurants and additional experiential brands. For more information about The Kessler Collection, please visit kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.

ABOUT HIGHGATE:

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com