FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2016 Recap

by Kimberly Inlander

Sep 1, 2016
2016

For the fourth consecutive year, Global Traveler honored the best of the best in the world of leisure lifestyle travel, including destinations, airlines, cruise lines and hotels, at its annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards celebration. For the first time we feted the winners at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, enjoying a picture-perfect evening overlooking Beverly Hills from the hotel’s rooftop venue.

Industry elite enjoyed themed cuisine and cocktails as the sun set over the City of Angels. The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills enjoys an enviable location and offers multiple options for hosting successful meetings and elegant affairs. Our May 19 celebration of the 2016 Leisure Lifestyle Awards was no exception.

Despite the beautiful setting, one furry guest in particular stole the show that evening: Seven, an Australian shepherd and pet actor on hand to help present United Airlines with the Best Pet-Friendly Airline award. A special thanks to Seven for bringing a bit of four-legged fun to the evening.

Among the most prestigious in the leisure travel industry, Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards highlight the standouts in the leisure travel and lifestyle worlds. Nominations in each category came from our elite Globility Board as well as our highly experienced magazine staff. From these nominations, our esteemed Advisory Board selected the final winners.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Historical Attractions Spain

Best Beaches Turks & Caicos

Best Adventure Travel Destination India

Best Caribbean Island U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Island in Europe Santoríni

Best Island Pacific Rim Cook Islands

Best Shopping in the World The Dubai Mall

Best Family Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Line Silversea Cruises

Best Cruise Line Suites The Haven by Norwegian

Best Adventure Cruise Line Lindblad Expeditions

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line Paul Gauguin Cruises

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line Cunard Line

Best River Cruise Line Viking River Cruises

Best Cruise Line Entertainment Royal Caribbean International

Best Cruise Line Dining Azamara Club Cruises

Best Cruise Ship Excursions Princess Cruises

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program Mariner Society by Holland America Line

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain Resorts Westin Hotels & Resorts

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel Loews Hotels & Resorts

Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World Vida Hotels and Resorts

Best Family Resort Chain in the World Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Best Family Resort in North America Mohonk Mountain House

Best Family Resort in the Gulf Atlantis, The Palm

Best Hotel Restaurant Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Best Leisure Airline Hawaiian Airlines

Best Premium-Economy Class China Airlines

Best Pet-Friendly Airline United Airlines

Best Luxury Tour Company Abercrombie & Kent

Best Luxury Train The Royal Canadian Pacific

Best Car Rental for Leisure Hertz

Best Luxury Vehicle Cadillac

Favorite Luxury Fashion Brand Louis Vuitton

Favorite Luxury Watch Brand TAG Heuer

Favorite Luxury Jewelry Brand Tiffany & Co.

Special Achievement Awards

Outstanding Customized Service EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Jets

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives Airbus

Outstanding Innovations Robotic Bartender, Royal Caribbean International

Outstanding Social Responsibility Air Canada

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
May 30, 2025

Grupo Brisas Opens New Las Brisas Mérida Boutique Hotel

Grupo Brisas opened its newest property in Mexico. Las Brisas Mérida, an exclusive boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the interesting Mexican town of Mérida within the Yucatan Peninsula, marks the brand’s 13th property in Mexico. Grupo Brisas reaffirms its leadership as one of the fastest-growing Mexican hotel chains in the country.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

May 2025
May 30, 2025

By-the-cabin Yachting Redefines the Cruise Experience

I wish this day could last forever!” my windswept 9-year-old exclaimed, his voice soaring over the Mediterranean. He gripped the helm of a Bali 4.6 sailing catamaran off the coast of Marseille, his sun- bleached hair whipping in the salty breeze. The scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of warm baguettes drifting from the Côte d’Azur shoreline. Our captain, a seasoned sailor, subtly adjusted course, letting my son feel the exhilarating pull of the wind against the sails. As the waves lapped against the hull, I realized this was no ordinary vacation — this was freedom, unfiltered.

Daily
May 30, 2025

4 U.S. Hotels to Stay at This Pride Month

Pride Month kicks off June 1, and hotels around the country celebrate with special events and offerings.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Daily
May 30, 2025

Summer Gin Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Destinations Around the World

Sometimes our memories of trips to certain destinations and cities around the world become synonymous with a specific dish or drink we had there — whether it was sipping an Aperol Spritz on the Italian coast or cooling off with a gin and tonic in London, a good cocktail in particular elevates a destination.

May 2025
May 28, 2025

Discover the Dazzling Beauty of Amalfi’s Legendary Cave

PHOTO: © GUILLOHMZ | DREAMSTIME .COM

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
May 28, 2025

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Announces First-Ever Extended Weddell Sea Expedition

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises recently announced its 2025/2026 Antarctic season will include a 22-day expedition into the rarely visited Weddell Sea for the first time in the company’s history. The extended route will sail on HANSEATIC spirit.