DEVELOPMENT
Beyond Amangiri, Canyon Equity also owns Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, in Santa Fe, N. M., shown here, and, at right, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Vanua Levu, Fiji.
standard than normal select-service stock.“ We took much of what we know from ultraluxury hospitality, along with our experience in the region, and applied it to create a best-in-class hotel that challenges many of the conventional norms surrounding selectservice development and operation,” he said.
ROI and exit strategy on assets like a select-service property typically have a shorter time horizon than hotels in the ultra-luxury stratosphere, which are considered more long-haul assets.“ For some of our investments, like Amangiri, ownership is more generational in nature,” Hee said.“ And while we must be profitable, we are more concerned with creating lasting value than seeking maximum returns.” Canyon sets hurdle rates that are based on a multiple of investment, rather than an internal rate of return. Rough targets would be multiples of 2.5x-plus on acquisitions and 3.0x-plus on development projects, Hee said.
Looking to 2026 and the headwinds and tailwinds that might influence Canyon Equity’ s strategic plans, Hee sounded an upbeat note.“ As we explore future projects, we are seeing a lot of interesting opportunities, especially in new developments. There are some truly unique projects being planned throughout the world, which we are excited to explore,” he said.“ The field is not as crowded as the acquisition of existing resorts, where markets feel more saturated. Acquisitions will continue to play a role, but the challenge is finding the perfect balance between existing performance( i. e., price) and our ability to create upside. These opportunities are relatively rare, but when we find them, they can be truly exceptional.”
A Mesa Pool Suite at Amangiri.
Robert Hee, CEO of Canyon Equity LLC
26 hotelsmag. com Jan / Feb 2026