For the third year in a row, Global Traveler feted the world’s best leisure destinations, airlines, cruises and hotel groups at its annual Leisure Travel Awards celebration. For the second time, GT honored the winners of these prestigious awards at the Hotel Shangri-La at the Ocean with themed cuisine and spectacular sunset views high above Santa Monica in the rooftop penthouse.
This year, in addition to congratulating the best of the best in leisure travel, the gathering honored the rich history of the luxury boutique hotel, celebrating its diamond jubilee in 2015. On the eve of the 75th anniversary of its opening, esteemed members of the travel and hospitality industry sang an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday” to the hotel after winners collected their well-earned Leisure Travel Awards.
Overlooking the Pacific since the end of the Art Deco period, the hotel building boasts an authentic Streamline Moderne design. After a recent $30 million renovation, the timeless hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, provides all the contemporary amenities of today while maintaining the glamour and appeal of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Among the most prestigious in the leisure travel industry, Global Traveler’s Leisure Travel Awards highlight the best the leisure travel world has to offer. Nominations in each category came from our elite Globility Board as well as highly experienced magazine staff. From these nominations, our esteemed Advisory Board selected the final winners.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Beaches
Turks and Caicos
Best Island in the Caribbean
British Virgin Islands
Second Consecutive Year
Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
Second Consecutive Year
Best Island Pacific Rim
Fiji
Best Adventure Destination
New Zealand
Best Historical Attractions
Israel
Best Small Ship Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
Best Large Ship Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Line Dining
Oceania Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Adventure Cruise Line
Lindblad Expeditions
Best Family Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Best River Cruise Line
Viking River Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International
Best Hotel Chain Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Vida Hotels and Resorts
Best Leisure Airline
Hawaiian Airlines
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Outstanding Customized Services
Etihad Airways
Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
American Airlines
Outstanding Innovations
China Airlines
Outstanding Social Awareness
British Airways
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 24, 2024Summer, Unplugged: Get Cozy at These Digital Detox Destinations
There is a cure for summertime blues in the digital age: Find yourself a beautiful country inn, cabin or retreat far in spirit from the maddening crowds and distractions of daily life. Next, unplug, relax and don’t look back.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 24, 2024Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh Review
Phnom Penh as we imagined it stretches beneath us: a picturesque, low-rise mix of Southeast Asian and French Colonial styles. When the inhabitants of those buildings look back at us here in the Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Chip Mong Tower, they see the future.
Daily
Apr 24, 2024Wolf by Vanderpump Opens at Harveys Lake Tahoe
Lisa Vanderpump, TV star and restaurateur, recently opened her newest restaurant, Wolf by Vanderpump at Harveys Lake Tahoe, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. To commemorate the occasion, Vanderpump hosted a star-studded opening and surprised guests with an extravagant “white carpet” arrival with her dog, Marky.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024World of Hyatt Members Can Now Earn Points at Mr. and Mrs. Smith Properties Worldwide
Starting today, World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at a collection of more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas around the globe with Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The luxury travel platform was acquired by Hyatt in 2023 and brings even more world-class properties and amenities to World of Hyatt guests than ever before.
Lufthansa’s Allegris Takes Off May 1
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024Is California Set to Ban Clear?
eFlyer Lead
Apr 24, 2024Daily
Apr 24, 2024Four Seasons Yachts Unveils Inaugural Itineraries
Four Seasons Yachts prepares for its inaugural season by unveiling the first 10 of its unique voyages in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Daily
Apr 23, 20246 Wellness Experiences to Try Around the World from Four Seasons
Plan a wellness-focused getaway at one of these Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts around the world.
ShareThis