2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards Winners Announced by Global Traveler

For us, the number 13 has brought good fortune: congratulations to the winners of the 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Our readers — seasoned travelers who cast votes in this year’s survey — chose the best in leisure travel, from destinations and hotels to airlines, cruises, and travel services. Read on to discover who excelled across categories and whether your favorites made the list.

PHOTO: © BENJAWAN SITTIDECH | DREAMSTIME.COM

We begin with the destination winners — cities, islands and regions that leave lasting impressions for leisure travelers. Greece takes Best Historical Attractions, International for the fourth straight year, while New Orleans, Louisiana, is Best Historical Attractions, Domestic. If adventure is what you seek, Jordan earns Best Adventure Destination, International, and Asheville, North Carolina, takes Best Adventure Destination, Domestic.

PHOTO: © NIKOLAY ANTONOV | DREAMSTIME.COM

Aruba holds the top spot for Best Beaches for a second consecutive year. The Dominican Republic earns Best Caribbean Island/Destination for the fifth straight year, attaining Quint Status for five consecutive wins. Santoríni remains Best Island in Europe for the 12th year in a row, and The Islands of Tahiti secure Best Island Pacific Rim for the third consecutive year. Amelia Island, Florida, is Best Island in the United States for the second year running.

Skiers and snowboarders recognized top mountain destinations: Telluride, Colorado, is Best North American Ski Destination for the seventh year, while Whistler, British Columbia, is Best International Ski Destination for the fourth year. Golfers voted Pinehurst Resort Best Golf Destination.

PHOTO: ©LUCIANOMORTULA|DREAMSTIME.COM

Additional notable winners include Charleston, South Carolina, Best Leisure Destination in the United States; Zambia, Best Leisure Destination in Africa for the second year; İstanbul, Türkiye, Best Leisure Destination in Europe for the fourth year; Panamá City, Panamá, Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America for the fourth year; Los Cabos, Mexico, Best Leisure Destination in Mexico; Seoul, South Korea, Best Leisure Destination in Asia; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, Best Leisure Destination for Groups for the third straight year.

Savannah, Georgia, repeats as Best Weekend Destination in North America for the sixth year, and Dublin, Ireland, is again Best Weekend Destination in the World for the fourth consecutive year.

PHOTO: © EXPLORA JOURNEYS

Our cruise winners highlight excellence at sea: Explora I from Explora Journeys is Best New Ship. PONANT EXPLORATIONS is Best Luxury Cruise Line. Regent Seven Seas Cruises earns awards for Best Cruise Line Suites, Best Cruise Line Spas, and Best Cruise Line Rewards Program for its Seven Seas Society, while Princess Cruises takes Best Large-Ship Cruise Line and Best Cruise Line Entertainment and is also Best Cruise Line to Alaska. Silversea Cruises is Best Small-Ship Cruise Line.

PHOTO: © SCENIC GROUP

River cruising remains popular: AmaWaterways is Best River Cruise Line, Scenic Group is recognized for Best River Cruise Line Cabins, and American Cruise Lines repeats as Best American River Cruise Line. Other cruise winners include Oceania Cruises for Best Cruise Line Dining, Crystal Cruises for Best Cruise Ship Excursions, HX Expeditions for Best Expedition Cruises, Windstar Cruises for Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings, Holland America Line for Best World Cruise, and PortMiami as Best Cruise Port for the third time.

PHOTO: © KIMPTON HOTELS + RESTAURANTS

In hotels and resorts, Meliá Hotels International is Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World for the third straight year and Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is Best Hotel Chain Resorts for the second year and also wins Best Pet-Friendly Hotels. Outrigger Resorts & Hotels is Best Hotel Chain in Hawai‘i and the South Pacific, Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants is Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain, and Hyatt Ziva is Best All-Inclusive Resort for the second consecutive year.

PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

Airport and airline winners include Miami International Airport as Best Airport for Layovers; TAP Air Portugal for Best Stopover Program (seven-time winner); Aeromexico as Best Leisure Airline; and United Airlines as Best Eco-Friendly Airline for the fourth year. STARLUX Airlines wins Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment, Korean Air wins Best Airline Onboard Menu for first class, and Delta Air Lines is Best Premium Economy Class.

Top credit card choices for leisure travelers are the Chase Aeroplan Card (Best Leisure Credit Card), Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America (Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure), IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase (Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card), and the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America (Best Cruise Line Credit Card).

PHOTO: © DUNE JEWELRY

Other winners include Globus as Best Tour Operator; Lucid Motors as Best Luxury Vehicle; Hertz as Best Leisure Car Rental for the eighth time; Dune Jewelry as Best Vacation Jewelry Brand; and Patrón as Favorite Liquor Brand.

Congratulations to all winners of the 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards!

THE PROCESS
Global Traveler surveyed readers from Sept. 20, 2024, through Jan. 30, 2025. Respondents answered open-ended questions about the best in leisure, luxury and lifestyle travel. The survey appeared in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, via direct mail, online and through email. Only questionnaires with completion rates above 50 percent were counted; those below 50 percent were discarded. Employees of the magazine and travel industry associates were not eligible to participate.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Each year, in addition to the Leisure Lifestyle Awards, Global Traveler honors companies that demonstrate leadership in innovation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. This year’s Special Achievement honorees deserve recognition for initiatives that go beyond the ordinary.

Scenic Group receives Outstanding Social Responsibility for its Cherish the Planet campaign, which focuses on sustainability, community engagement and measurable environmental efforts such as reducing waste, rebalancing CO2 emissions, sustainable sourcing and meaningful partnerships with local communities.

Explora Journeys earns Outstanding Customized Services. As a newer entrant to the cruise market, Explora’s yacht-like ships, spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, and customizable itineraries and extensions provide guests with highly personalized voyages.

PHOTO:© MAXXROYALRESORTS

Maxx Royal Resorts is recognized for Outstanding Environmental Initiatives. The brand integrates sustainability into development with energy-efficient technologies, water conservation, wildlife protection during construction, and design choices that align with LEED Gold standards — all contributing to a more sustainable guest experience at properties like Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort.

United Airlines receives the Outstanding Innovations award. Among its initiatives are investments in sustainable aviation fuel, plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the development of an in-flight training center, and a major international expansion — all examples of ambitious innovation across operations.

CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR
Global Traveler names Regent Seven Seas Cruises as Cruise Line of the Year. Nominees were selected by the magazine and the winner chosen by the Globility Board, a vetted group of experienced subscribers.

PHOTO: © REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is celebrated for delivering an inclusive luxury experience across a fleet that offers personalized service, immersive itineraries, and all-inclusive amenities. Its ships include Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Navigator, sailing to destinations worldwide and offering trans-oceanic and world voyages.

Regent’s all-inclusive model provides spacious ocean-view suites, thoughtful amenities and services such as unlimited shore excursions, beverages and fine wines, specialty dining, customizable in-suite minibars, spa access, WiFi, gratuities and valet laundry — all designed for seamless luxury and relaxation.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Beaches
1. Aruba
2. Cayman Islands
3. Mykonos, Greece
4. Turks & Caicos
5. The Big Island, Hawai‘i

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
2. Savannah, Georgia
3. Charleston, South Carolina
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5. Washington, D.C.

Best Historical Attractions, International
1. Greece
2. Türkiye
3. Spain
4. Egypt
5. Italy

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic
1. Asheville, North Carolina
2. Grand Canyon
3. Albuquerque, New Mexico
4. Nashville, Tennessee
5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Best Adventure Destination, International
1. Jordan
2. Colombia
3. India
4. Thailand
5. New Zealand

Best Leisure Destination in the United States
1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Savannah, Georgia
3. Nashville, Tennessee
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
5. Napa Valley, California

Best Leisure Destination in Africa
1. Zambia
2. South Africa
3. Seychelles
4. Morocco
5. Kenya

Best Leisure Destination in Asia
1. Seoul, South Korea
2. Taipei, Taiwan
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Phuket, Thailand
5. Singapore

Best Leisure Destination in Europe
1. İstanbul, Türkiye
2. Seville, Spain
3. Porto, Portugal
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. Lisbon, Portugal

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America
1. Panamá City, Panamá
2. Bogotá, Colombia
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
5. Mendoza, Argentina

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico
1. Los Cabos, Mexico
2. Cancún, Mexico
3. Tulum, Mexico
4. Cozumel, Mexico
5. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Best Leisure Destination for Groups
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
2. Costa Rica
3. Los Cabos, Mexico
4. Italy
5. Cartagena, Colombia

Best Weekend Destination in North America
1. Savannah, Georgia
2. Nashville, Tennessee
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
4. Charleston, South Carolina
5. Asheville, North Carolina

Best Weekend Destination in the World
1. Dublin, Ireland
2. Rome, Italy
3. Paris, France
4. Bermuda
5. Lisbon, Portugal

Best North American Ski Destination
1. Telluride, Colorado
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
4. Vail, Colorado
5. Alta, Utah

Best International Ski Destination
1. Whistler, British Columbia
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
3. St. Moritz, Switzerland
4. Niseko, Japan
5. Gstaad, Switzerland

Best Golf Destination
1. Pinehurst Resort
2. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
3. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
4. Pebble Beach
5. Streamsong Resort

Best Caribbean Island/ Destination
1. Dominican Republic
2. U.S. Virgin Islands
3. Grand Cayman
4. Aruba
5. Curaçao

Best Island in Europe
1. Santoríni, Greece
2. Ireland
3. Mykonos, Greece
4. Sicily, Italy
5. Capri, Italy

Best Island in the Pacific Rim
1. The Islands of Tahiti
2. Cook Islands
3. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i
4. Fiji
5. Okinawa, Japan

Best Island in the United States
1. Amelia Island, Florida
2. Marco Island, Florida
3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
4. St. Simons & Little St. Simons, Georgia
5. Maui, Hawai‘i

Best New Ship
1. Explora I, Explora Journeys
2. Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises
4. Viking Saturn, Viking
5. Vista, Oceania Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Line
1. PONANT EXPLORATIONS
2. Silversea Cruises
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
4. Seabourn Cruise Line
5. Scenic Group

Best Cruise Line Suites
1. Regent Suite, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2. Queens Grill Suites, Cunard Line
3. Mega Rockstar Quarters, Virgin Voyages
4. Princess Grill Suites, Cunard Line
5. Owner’s Suite, Oceania Cruises

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line (Fewer Than 1,000)
1. Silversea Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. Windstar Cruises
4. AmaWaterways
5. Scenic Group

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line (2,000-Plus Passengers)
1. Princess Cruises
2. Cunard Line
3. Viking Ocean Cruises
4. Crystal Cruises
5. Celebrity Cruises

Best River Cruise Line
1. AmaWaterways
2. Scenic Group
3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
4. Emerald Cruise Line
5. Riverview Cruises

Best River Cruise Line Cabins
1. Scenic Group
2. AmaWaterways
3. Riverside Luxury Cruises
4. Avalon Waterways
5. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Best American River Cruise Line
1. American Cruise Lines
2. Viking River Cruises
3. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
4. UnCruise Adventures

Best Cruise Line Entertainment
1. Princess Cruises
2. Crystal Cruises
3. Holland America Line
4. Cunard Line
5. Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Line Dining
1. Oceania Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. Cunard Line
4. Seabourn Cruise Line
5. Azamara

Best Cruise Line Spas
1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2. Virgin Voyages
3. Viking Ocean Cruises
4. Scenic Group
5. Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Cruise Ship Excursions
1. Crystal Cruises
2. Princess Cruises
3. Celebrity Cruises
4. Cunard Line
5. Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program
1. Seven Seas Society, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2. Oceania Club, Oceania Cruises
3. Club World, Cunard Line
4. Captain’s Club, Celebrity Cruises
5. Latitudes Rewards, Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line to Alaska
1. Princess Cruises
2. Cunard Line
3. Holland America Line
4. Celebrity Cruises
5. Royal Caribbean

Best Expedition Cruises
1. HX Expeditions
2. PONANT EXPLORATIONS
3. Atlas Ocean Voyages
4. Viking Expedition Cruises
5. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings
1. Windstar Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
4. Princess Cruises
5. Oceania Cruises

Best World Cruise
1. Holland America Line
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. Oceania Cruises
4. Princess Cruises
5. Cunard Line

Best Cruise Port
1. PortMiami, Florida
2. Port Everglades, Florida
3. Port Canaveral, Florida
4. Port of San Diego, California
5. Southampton, England

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
1. Meliá Hotels International
2. Westin Hotels & Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. The Peninsula Hotels
5. Taj Hotels

Best Hotel Chain Resorts
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. Four Seasons
3. Meliá Hotels International
4. The St. Regis
5. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. Loews
3. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants
4. Sonesta Hotels
5. Westin Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean
1. Melià Hotels International
2. Club Med
3. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
4. JW Marriott
5. SuperClubs

Best Hotel Chain in Hawai‘i and the South Pacific
1. Outrigger Resorts & Hotels
2. Four Seasons
3. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
4. Marriott International
5. Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain
1. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants
2. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
3. Six Senses
4. Ace Hotel
5. Banyan Tree

Best All-Inclusive Resort
1. Hyatt Ziva
2. Paradisus Resorts
3. Hyatt Zilara
4. Sandals Resorts
5. Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Best Airport for Layovers
1. Miami International Airport
2. iGA Istanbul Airport
3. Hamad International Airport
4. Dubai International Airport
5. Singapore Changi Airport

Best Stopover Program
1. TAP Air Portugal
2. Turkish Airlines
3. Brussels Airlines
4. Qatar Airways
5. Finnair

Best Leisure Airline
1. Aeromexico
2. Air Tahiti Nui
3. Fiji Airways
4. Alaska Airlines
5. United Airlines

Best Eco-Friendly Airline
1. United Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. Alaska Airlines
4. Cathay Pacific Airways
5. Air France

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment
1. STARLUX Airlines
2. Air Canada
3. United Airlines
4. Korean Air
5. Qatar Airways

Best Airline Onboard Menu
1. Korean Air First Class
2. STARLUX Airlines
3. Air Canada Business Class
4. Air France First Class
5. Air France Business Class

Best Premium Economy Class
1. Delta Air Lines
2. Air Canada
3. Air Premia
4. STARLUX Airlines
5. American Airlines

Best Luxury Vehicle
1. Lucid Motors
2. Mercedes-Benz
3. Tesla Motors
4. Audi
5. BMW

Best Leisure Car Rental
1. Hertz
2. Sixt
3. National Car Rental
4. Avis
5. Enterprise

Best Tour Operator
1. Globus
2. Abercrombie & Kent
3. Collette
4. Adventures by Disney
5. G Adventures

Best Leisure Credit Card
1. Chase Aeroplan Card
2. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
4. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
5. United Explorer Card from Chase

Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. United Explorer Card from Chase
3. United Quest Card from Chase
4. Chase Aeroplan Card
5. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card

Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card for Leisure
1. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
4. World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase
5. Hotels.com Visa Card from Wells Fargo

Best Cruise Line Credit Card
1. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America
2. Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard from Bank of America
3. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
4. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays
5. Carnival World Mastercard from Barclays

Best Vacation Jewelry Brand
1. Dune Jewelry
2. Na Hoku
3. Maui Divers Jewelry Hawai‘i
4. Destination Jewelry Brands
5. Caribbean Gems

Favorite Liquor Brand
1. Patrón
2. Maker’s Mark
3. Woodford Reserve
4. Bacardi
5. Johnnie Walker Blue

Cruise Line of the Year 2025
Regent Seven Seas

Outstanding Social Responsibility
Scenic Group

Outstanding Customized Services
Explora Journeys

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
Maxx Royal Resorts

Outstanding Innovations
United Airlines

QUINT STATUS — Best Caribbean Island/ Destination
Dominican Republic
Fifth Consecutive Year