For the third year in a row, Global Traveler feted the world’s best leisure destinations, airlines, cruises and hotel groups at its annual Leisure Travel Awards celebration. For the second time, GT honored the winners of these prestigious awards at the Hotel Shangri-La at the Ocean with themed cuisine and spectacular sunset views high above Santa Monica in the rooftop penthouse.
This year, in addition to congratulating the best of the best in leisure travel, the gathering honored the rich history of the luxury boutique hotel, celebrating its diamond jubilee in 2015. On the eve of the 75th anniversary of its opening, esteemed members of the travel and hospitality industry sang an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday” to the hotel after winners collected their well-earned Leisure Travel Awards.
Overlooking the Pacific since the end of the Art Deco period, the hotel building boasts an authentic Streamline Moderne design. After a recent $30 million renovation, the timeless hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, provides all the contemporary amenities of today while maintaining the glamour and appeal of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Among the most prestigious in the leisure travel industry, Global Traveler’s Leisure Travel Awards highlight the best the leisure travel world has to offer. Nominations in each category came from our elite Globility Board as well as highly experienced magazine staff. From these nominations, our esteemed Advisory Board selected the final winners.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Beaches
Turks and Caicos
Best Island in the Caribbean
British Virgin Islands
Second Consecutive Year
Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
Second Consecutive Year
Best Island Pacific Rim
Fiji
Best Adventure Destination
New Zealand
Best Historical Attractions
Israel
Best Small Ship Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
Best Large Ship Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Line Dining
Oceania Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Adventure Cruise Line
Lindblad Expeditions
Best Family Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Best River Cruise Line
Viking River Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International
Best Hotel Chain Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Vida Hotels and Resorts
Best Leisure Airline
Hawaiian Airlines
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Outstanding Customized Services
Etihad Airways
Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
American Airlines
Outstanding Innovations
China Airlines
Outstanding Social Awareness
British Airways
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