Waterfront and overwater experience developer Arkhaus has bolstered its leadership team by appointing Steve Joyce as senior hospitality advisor. Joyce, who has also personally invested in the venture, brings extensive global experience from his time as CEO of Choice Hotels and chairman of Aimbridge Hospitality.
At Arkhaus, Joyce will advise on the sourcing and negotiation of strategic partnerships with top-tier operators, brands, and technology specialists. His expertise will be central to the group’s efforts to establish Arkhaus Resorts as a new category in the destination market, blending innovative overwater environments with premium design and high-end guest experiences.
“Arkhaus is doing something I haven’t seen before,” says Joyce. “The waterfront and overwater resort space is massively underserved at the level of quality and experience this team is targeting. I invested because I believe in the vision – and because I know from decades in this industry how transformative the right partnerships can be. I’m excited to help bring this to life.”
Joyce has an accomplished global hospitality career, serving as chairman of Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading global hospitality management company and operator of over 80 globally recognised lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets.
Joyce’s tenure at Aimbridge Hospitality places him at the nexus of the global lodging sector, offering a unique perspective on the operators and partnerships that drive premium resort experiences. By leveraging his extensive network and operational command, Arkhaus aims to gain a significant strategic advantage in navigating the complex international hospitality landscape.
Before assuming the chairmanship of Aimbridge, Joyce spent nearly a decade as president and CEO of Choice Hotels International, where he expanded the portfolio from nine to 13 brands and grew the company to more than 6,700 hotels in over 45 countries. That tenure followed a 25-year career at Marriott International, where he rose to executive vice president of global development.
He has also served as CEO of Dine Brands Global and CEO of RE/MAX Holdings.
Luxury overwater destination design
“Steve doesn’t just know this industry – he currently chairs the company that independently operates more hotels than anyone else on earth,” says Sam Payrovi, founder and CEO of Arkhaus.
“His decision to personally invest in Arkhaus speaks louder than any endorsement we could ask for. He understands exactly what we’re building, and we are honored to have him helping us shape it.”
Joyce’s involvement comes at a pivotal moment for Arkhaus Resorts. With iconic Italian design house Pininfarina leading resort design and renowned American shipbuilder and fabricator Lyman Morse overseeing construction, Arkhaus has already assembled a world-class team.
Joyce will help the company finalise the last few remaining partnerships.
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