WITH A PICTURE-PERFECT SUNSET as our backdrop, Global Traveler lauded the winners of the 2018 Leisure Lifestyle Awards during an evening cocktail reception at The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
Now in its sixth year, the Global Traveler Leisure Lifestyle Awards honors the cream of the crop in destinations, airlines, cruise lines and hotels in the leisure and lifestyle travel categories. Sofitel’s beautiful rooftop venue, overlooking Beverly Hills, was our host for the third year as acceptees and guests set sail with GT.
For the cruise-themed event, Liz Watts and Company treated guests to sailor-inspired swing dance while the accompanying band played a range of hits from multiple decades.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
BEST HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Turkey
BEST BEACHES
Costa Rica
BEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION
Thailand
Second Consecutive Year
BEST CARIBBEAN ISLAND
Saint Lucia
BEST ISLAND IN EUROPE
Santoríni
Fifth Consecutive Year
BEST ISLAND PACIFIC RIM
Cook Islands
Third Consecutive Year
BEST LEISURE DESTINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Nashville
BEST LEISURE DESTINATION IN EUROPE
Lisbon
BEST LEISURE DESTINATION IN ASIA
Taipei
BEST LEISURE DESTINATION IN LATIN/SOUTH AMERICA
Buenos Aires
BEST LEISURE DESTINATION IN MEXICO
Cabo San Lucas
BEST WEEKEND DESTINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Savannah
BEST WEEKEND DESTINATION IN THE WORLD
Bermuda
BEST GLAMPING DESTINATION
The Resort at Paws Up
BEST BABYMOON DESTINATION
Key West
BEST NORTH AMERICAN SKI DESTINATION
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
BEST INTERNATIONAL SKI DESTINATION
Whistler, British Columbia
BEST FAMILY CRUISE LINE
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
BEST CRUISE LINE SPA
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE
Silversea Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
BEST CRUISE LINE SUITES
Silversea Cruises
BEST ADVENTURE CRUISE LINE
Windstar Cruises
BEST SMALL-SHIP CRUISE LINE
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
BEST LARGE-SHIP CRUISE LINE
Cunard Line
Third Consecutive Year
BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
BEST CRUISE LINE ENTERTAINMENT
MSC Cruises
BEST CRUISE LINE DINING
Viking Cruises
BEST CRUISE SHIP EXCURSIONS
Princess Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
BEST CRUISE LINE REWARDS PROGRAM
MSC Voyagers Club
FAVORITE CRUISE SHIP
Celebrity Reflection
Celebrity Cruises
BEST LUXURY LEISURE HOTEL GROUP IN THE WORLD
Meliá Hotels International
Fourth Consecutive Year
BEST HOTEL CHAIN RESORTS
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Fourth Consecutive Year
BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL
Westin Hotels & Resorts
BEST FAMILY RESORT CHAIN IN THE WORLD
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Second Consecutive Year
BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS
Sandals Resorts
BEST LEISURE AIRLINE
Hawaiian Airlines
Fourth Consecutive Year
BEST PREMIUM-ECONOMY CLASS
Scandinavian Airlines
BEST AIRPORT FOR LAYOVERS
Hamad International Airport
BEST AIRPORT FOR RECREATION
Munich Airport
BEST AIRLINE FOR ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
Asiana Airlines
BEST LUXURY VEHICLE
Maserati
BEST LUXURY WATCH BRAND
TAG Heuer
Third Consecutive Year
BEST LIQUOR BRAND
Johnnie Walker Blue
BEST LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR
Elegant Resorts
BEST LEISURE CAR RENTAL
Hertz
CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR
Azamara Club Cruises
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMIZED SERVICES
Denver International Airport
OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Hurtigruten Cruise Line
OUTSTANDING INNOVATIONS
Singapore Changi Airport
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Omni Hotels & Resorts
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
Nov 7, 2024Portland International Airport Debuts New Main Terminal
This past summer, arriving and departing passengers at Portland International Airport were able to enter the airport’s newly renovated main terminal for the first time. Built and designed by more than 30,000 local craftspeople, the new terminal doubled its capacity while maintaining the heart and character of an airport that consistently ranks among travelers’ favorites. The new terminal was designed by ZGF Architects, originally an Oregon-based firm, now with seven offices in North America.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Nov 7, 2024Secure These 2024 Black Friday Promotions from Velas Resorts in Mexico
Velas Resorts in Mexico joins in on this year’s Black Friday deals. The brand is offering up to 25 percent savings on nightly rates and other perks such as complimentary stays for kids and teens, airport transfers, unlimited access to the spa’s hydrotherapy experience, complimentary golf, suite upgrades, and more. In addition to this discount, each Velas property promises other unique benefits.
Airlines
Nov 7, 2024SAS, Virgin Atlantic Announce Codeshare Partnership
SAS recently announced its new codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic. The partnership launched Oct. 7 and allows SAS customers to connect through London Heathrow to Virgin Atlantic destinations. Availability will expand as approvals are finalized.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
November 2024
Nov 7, 2024Embrace the Aloha Spirit on a Cruise to Hawai‘i
To say the Islands of Hawai‘i have long attracted travelers is an understatement. Fifteen hundred years ago, guided only by the stars, Polynesians crossed the Pacific Ocean and first set foot on the islands. Since then, European explorers, missionaries and businessmen discovered the islands in the late 1700s into the 1800s, each arriving with their own agendas. Tourism in Hawai‘i as we know it today began in the 1860s when Kīlauea, an active volcano on the Island of Hawai‘i, was considered a top destination for adventure travelers of the time.
Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 6, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 6, 2024Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts to Launch Black Friday Deals
With properties across Florida, California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts goes big for Black Friday. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 2, book a stay at any one of Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts’ properties and receive up to 40 percent off for stays Nov. 19, 2024–Dec. 30, 2025.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 6, 20242024 Cyber Week Deals from Avocet Hospitality
Spanning hotels from Charleston, South Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Avocet Hospitality debuts some pretty special Cyber Week deals. At The Vendue in Charleston, South Carolina, save 25 percent on all bookings made between Nov. 21 and Dec. 2 for travel through Dec. 30, 2025.
ShareThis