Global Traveler, the only monthly magazine for business and leisure luxury travelers, announces the winners of its sixth annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. The winners will be feted tonight at a cocktail reception on the rooftop of Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
Global Traveler conducted a survey of its readers Oct. 1, 2017 – Jan. 31, 2018, with open-ended questions for the best in many categories of leisure, luxury and lifestyle travel. The survey ran in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, as a direct mail questionnaire, online and was emailed.
The winners were announced in Global Traveler’s sixth annual Leisure Lifestyle Edition, available now. The issue also includes a look at family-friendly resorts, food tours around the world, vacation deprivation disorder, how to travel like a celebrity, historical tourism and purchasing a second home.
For the fifth year, Global Traveler named Special Achievement Awards. For its unique programming, including a holiday ice rink and yoga, Denver International Airport was recognized for Outstanding Customized Services. Hurtigruten Cruise Line’s new hybrid cruise ship earned it the Outstanding Environmental Initiatives recognition. The Outstanding Innovations honor went to Singapore Changi Airport for its new Terminal 4, a technological game changer. Omni Hotels & Resorts received the Outstanding Social Awareness accolade for its Say Goodnight to Hunger campaign.
For the first year, Global Traveler announces its Cruise Line of the Year. The inaugural winner is Azamara Club Cruises. Global Traveler compiled nominees for the honor, with the final winner selected by our Globility Board, a vetted group of well-traveled magazine subscribers. Among the many reasons the luxury cruise line was selected are a commitment to providing top-notch service, amazing dining and a fine spa and wellness experience.
A complete list of winners is as follows:
Best Historical Attractions
Turkey
Best Adventure Destination
Thailand
Best Beaches
Costa Rica
Best Leisure Destination in the United States
Nashville, Tenn.
Best Leisure Destination in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Best Leisure Destination in Asia
Taipei, Taiwan
Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best Leisure Destination in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Best Weekend Destination in the United States
Savannah, Ga.
Best Weekend Destination
Bermuda
Best Glamping Destination
Paws Up, Montana
Best Babymoon Destination
Key West, Fla.
Best North American Ski Destination
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Best International Ski Destination
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Best Caribbean Island
Saint Lucia
Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
Best Island Pacific Rim
Cook Islands
Best Family Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas
Best Small-Ship Cruise Line
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line
Cunard Line
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
MSC Cruises
Best Cruise Line Dining
Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Best Adventure Cruise Line
Windstar Cruises
Best River Cruise Line
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Cruise Line Suites
Owner’s Suite, Silversea Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Excursions
Princess Cruises
Best Cruise Line Rewards Program
MSC Voyagers Club, MSC Cruises
Favorite Cruise Ship
Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Line Spas
Regent Seven Seas
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International
Best Hotel Chain Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Family Resort Chain in the World
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best All-Inclusive Resort
Sandals Resorts
Best Luxury Tour Operator
Elegant Resorts
Best Airport for Layovers
Doha Hamad International Airport
Best Airport for Recreation
Munich Airport
Best Leisure Airline
Hawaiian Airlines
Best Premium-Economy Class
Scandinavian Airlines
Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment
Asiana Airlines
Best Luxury Vehicle
Maserati
Favorite Watch Brand
TAG Heuer
Best Leisure Car Rental
Hertz
Favorite Liquor Brand
Johnnie Walker Blue
Outstanding Customized Services
Denver International Airport
Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
Hurtigruten Cruise Line
Outstanding Innovations
Singapore Changi Airport
Outstanding Social Awareness
Omni Hotels and Resorts
Cruise Line of the Year
Azamara Club Cruises
For more information about Global Traveler, visit globaltravelerusa.com.
About Global Traveler
With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions — Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book — complement 12 monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, Airline and Hotel of the Year, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.
About Global Traveler Digital
Global Traveler’s website, globaltravelerusa.com, which unveiled a new design in late 2016, offers unique daily content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of our audience of premium travelers. Other digital offerings include eFlyer USA (20,000 double-opt-in subscribers); eFlyer Asia (4,000 Asia-based, double-opt-in subscribers); custom e-newsletters; sponsored content; Publisher’s Picks, GT on the Go and Premium eDeal e-newsletters; and a weekly On the Road with Global Traveler slideshow. More than 1 million visitors monthly rely on globaltravelerusa.com as their travel resource.
About FXExpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com, whereverfamily.com and FX Excursions.
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
May 30, 2025Grupo 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.
Sponsored Content
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.
May 2025
May 30, 2025By-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, 20254 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.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
May 30, 2025Summer 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.
These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Daily
May 29, 2025Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Daily
May 28, 2025May 2025
May 28, 2025Discover the Dazzling Beauty of Amalfi’s Legendary Cave
PHOTO: © GUILLOHMZ | DREAMSTIME .COM
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 28, 2025Hapag-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.
ShareThis