Analysis ·

Leisure Alchemy: A New Intelligence Platform for Luxury Hospitality

Luxury hospitality veteran Jeremy McCarthy, formerly of Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons, has launched Leisure Alchemy. This new digital platform offers insights for leaders in the resort, wellness, and leisure sectors.

E. ASHWORTH· British correspondent·July 2, 2026·2 min read
A laptop displaying the Leisure Alchemy website on a desk in a modern resort hotel room.

Courtesy of —

Announced May 26, 2026, Jeremy McCarthy, a recognized figure in luxury hospitality and wellness, debuts Leisure Alchemy, a digital media platform and weekly briefing. It's designed for professionals shaping the leisure experience.

McCarthy brings over three decades of experience from iconic brands like Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, and Starwood Hotels. His academic background in applied positive psychology informs the platform's approach to operational reality and psychological depth.

Leisure Alchemy provides a weekly peer-to-peer conversation, delivered every Tuesday. The platform focuses on understanding consumer behavior that drives leisure and the business strategies required for profitability.

According to Hospitality Net — Latest News, McCarthy states, "Consumers are looking for ways to convert their rare free time into meaningful and memorable experiences." He explains that Leisure Alchemy aims to "decode the science of transformational leisure experiences and the business of how we enable them."

The platform's name encapsulates its philosophy: 'Leisure' signifies the conversion of free time into meaningful experiences, while 'Alchemy' acknowledges the complex process of turning this into a profitable, scalable business through creativity, strategy, and psychology.

Our take: McCarthy's extensive background in both luxury operations and positive psychology positions Leisure Alchemy to provide genuinely insightful content. The focus on human behavior promises a more nuanced understanding of the luxury leisure market, moving beyond simple trendspotting to address underlying drivers of guest satisfaction and business success. This could become an indispensable resource for executives looking to future-proof their offerings.

Share this story

The Friday Brief

Quiet luxury, in your inbox..

One sharp email every Friday morning. No fluff. Unsubscribe in one click.

We never share your email.

Related

Exterior view of the historic Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

Analysis · Four Seasons

Luxury Brands Pivot to Curated Journeys

High-end hotel groups are stepping into the role of tour operator, crafting multi-property itineraries that promise exclusive access and bespoke experiences. This strategic shift aims to deepen client loyalty and capture a greater share of the luxury travel market.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 15, 2026

Meliá Hotels International logo or luxury hotel facade

Analysis · Meliá Hotels International

Meliá Ascends Global Luxury Ranks with Premium Portfolio Push

Spanish hospitality giant Meliá Hotels International has cemented its position among the world's elite, cracking the top ten in a recent global luxury brand strength report. This climb signals a significant shift towards high-value properties and curated experiences.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 15, 2026

Mandarin Oriental Miami implosion on April 12, 2026, showing a building collapsing into dust.

Analysis · Mandarin Oriental

AI Hotel Recommendations: Half The Answers, One Demolished Hotel

A recent audit of AI-powered luxury hotel recommendations reveals a disturbing lack of diversity and accuracy. Across six major U.S. markets, only a handful of properties dominate suggestions, while one AI even recommended a hotel that no longer exists.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Aug 4, 2026

In the conversation

Most discussed

The pieces driving the loudest debates in hôtels de luxe this week.

Picked for you

Just for you

A curated mix across reviews, news and analysis you might have missed.