FX Excursions

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

Global Traveler Announces Sixth Annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards

by Kimberly Inlander

May 10, 2018
Press Releases

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.

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
Jun 23, 2025

Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls Featured on TIME’s List of World’s Greatest Places 2025

This year, Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has been featured in TIME’s Annual List of the World's Greatest Places 2025.

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.

Daily
Jun 23, 2025

Celebrate Summer in Portugal’s Algarve with Tivoli Hotels & Resorts

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts invites travelers to spend summer in Portugal’s Algarve region with a curated lineup of experiences at its three luxury resorts: Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, Tivoli Carvoeiro and Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort.

Slideshow
Jun 23, 2025

6 Reasons to Put Liverpool, United Kingdom, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Liverpool, United Kingdom, with us.

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
Jun 23, 2025

Get a Sneak Peek at Abu Dhabi’s First Wellness Island

One of Abu Dhabi’s leading regional developers, Aldar, just unveiled Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi’s first coastal wellness destination and the world’s first Fitwel-certified island. Spanning 2.7 million square miles, this unprecedented island focuses on a core concept: wellness as a way of life. From air quality enhanced by natural ecosystems to architecture designed to elevate wellbeing, Fahid Island redefines wellness entirely.

Daily
Jun 20, 2025

3 Hotels with Luxury Fly-Fishing Experiences

Peak fly-fishing season is underway, making it the perfect time to book a getaway to one of these three luxury resorts with fly-fishing experiences.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
Jun 19, 2025

Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles Reopens on Mahé’s West Coast

Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles reopens on Mahé’s beautiful west coast with a new look and fresh energy. After a full-scale transformation, the resort, spanning 192 guestrooms and suites, now blends effortless beauty with contemporary design, upgraded accommodations and social spaces.