On an evening in May, with the city of Miami twinkling just outside the windows, Global Traveler celebrated the winners of our 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. With water and cruise port views on one side and the hustle and bustle of the city on the other, InterContinental Miami served as the perfect host venue. Recap the festivities with us as we say congratulations to the best in leisure and lifestyle travel once again!

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A couple of sponsors joined in the festivities, including Princess Cruises, bringing back the excitement of The Love Boat, and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, with a raffle for an incredible trip to the destination.
The 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners’ list is full of cruises, destinations, travel providers and more that stepped up and went above and beyond. They deserve all the accolades and acknowledgements they’ve earned.

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WINNERS’ LIST
Best Historical Attractions, International
Greece
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Historical Attractions, Domestic
New Orleans, Louisiana
Best Beaches
Aruba
Second Consecutive Year
Best Adventure Destination, International
Jordan
Best Adventure Destination, Domestic
Asheville, North Carolina
Best Leisure Destination in the United States
Charleston, South Carolina
Best Leisure Destination in Africa
Zambia
Second Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Destination in Asia
Seoul, South Korea
Best Leisure Destination in Europe
İstanbul, Türkiye
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America
Panamá City, Panamá
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Destination in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Best Leisure Destination for Groups
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Third Consecutive Year
Best Weekend Destination in North America
Savannah, Georgia
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Weekend Destination in the World
Dublin, Ireland
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best North American Ski Destination
Telluride, Colorado
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best International Ski Destination
Whistler, British Columbia
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Golf Destination
Pinehurst Resort
Best Caribbean Island/ Destination
Dominican Republic
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
12th Consecutive Year
Best Island in the Pacific Rim
The Islands of Tahiti
Third Consecutive Year
Best Island in the United States
Amelia Island, Florida
Second Consecutive Year
Best New Ship
Explora I from Explora Journeys
Best Luxury Cruise Line
PONANT
Best Cruise Line Suites
Regent Suite, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Second Consecutive Year
Best Small-Ship Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Best River Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
Third Consecutive Year
Best River Cruise Lines Cabins
Scenic Luxury Cruises
Best American River Cruise
American Cruise Lines
Second Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
Princess Cruises
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Dining
Oceania Cruises
Best Cruise Line Spas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Excursions
Crystal Cruises
Second Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Rewards Program
Seven Seas Society, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Cruise Port
PortMiami
Third Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line to Alaska
Princess Cruises
Best Expedition Cruises
HX Expeditions
Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings
Windstar Cruises
Best World Cruise
Holland America Line
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International
Third Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Chain Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Second Consecutive Year
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean
Meliá Hotels International
Best Hotel Chain in Hawai‘i and the South Pacific
Outrigger Resorts & Hotels
Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain
Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants
Best All-Inclusive Resorts
Hyatt Ziva
Second Consecutive Year
Best Tour Operator
Globus
Best Airport for Layovers
Miami International Airport
Best Stopover Program
TAP Air Portugal
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Airline
Aeromexico
Best Eco-Friendly Airline
United Airlines
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment
STARLUX Airlines
Best Airline Onboard Menu
Korean Air First Class
Second Consecutive Year
Best Premium-Economy Class
Delta Air Lines
Best Leisure Credit Card
Chase Aeroplan Card
Third Consecutive Year
Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card for Leisure
IHG One Rewards Premier Card
Second Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Credit Card
Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America
Second Consecutive Year
Best Luxury Vehicle
Lucid Motors
Best Leisure Car Rental
Hertz
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best Vacation Jewelry Brand
Dune Jewelry
Second Consecutive Year
Best Liquor Brand
Patron
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Outstanding Social Responsibility
Scenic
Outstanding Customized Services
Explora Journeys
Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
Maxx Royal Resorts
Outstanding Innovations
United Airlines
Cruise Line of the Year
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
QUINT STATUS
Best Caribbean Island/Destination
Dominican Republic
Fifth Consecutive Year

© Gort Productions
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