For the fourth consecutive year, Global Traveler celebrated the finest in leisure lifestyle travel at its annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. This year’s winners — spanning destinations, airlines, cruise lines and hotels — were honored at a new venue: the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Guests enjoyed a stunning rooftop evening with sweeping views over Beverly Hills.
The event featured themed cuisine and craft cocktails as the sun set over the City of Angels. The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills provides a prime location and a range of elegant spaces well suited for meetings and special events. Our May 19 celebration of the 2016 Leisure Lifestyle Awards took full advantage of the hotel’s sophisticated setting and hospitality.
Despite the glamorous backdrop, one memorable attendee stole the spotlight: Seven, an Australian shepherd and professional pet actor, joined the stage to help present United Airlines with the Best Pet-Friendly Airline award. Seven’s presence added a playful, four-legged touch to the evening and delighted attendees.
Regarded among the most prestigious honors in the leisure travel sector, Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards recognize outstanding achievements across travel and lifestyle categories. Nominations are submitted by our exclusive Globility Board together with insights from our seasoned editorial team. From those nominations, our Advisory Board evaluated the contenders and selected the final winners.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Historical Attractions Spain
Best Beaches Turks & Caicos
Best Adventure Travel Destination India
Best Caribbean Island U.S. Virgin Islands
Best Island in Europe Santoríni
Best Island Pacific Rim Cook Islands
Best Shopping in the World The Dubai Mall
Best Family Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line Silversea Cruises
Best Cruise Line Suites The Haven by Norwegian
Best Adventure Cruise Line Lindblad Expeditions
Best Small-Ship Cruise Line Paul Gauguin Cruises
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line Cunard Line
Best River Cruise Line Viking River Cruises
Best Cruise Line Entertainment Royal Caribbean International
Best Cruise Line Dining Azamara Club Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Excursions Princess Cruises
Best Cruise Line Rewards Program Mariner Society by Holland America Line
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotel Chain Resorts Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel Loews Hotels & Resorts
Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World Vida Hotels and Resorts
Best Family Resort Chain in the World Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Best Family Resort in North America Mohonk Mountain House
Best Family Resort in the Gulf Atlantis, The Palm
Best Hotel Restaurant Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Best Leisure Airline Hawaiian Airlines
Best Premium-Economy Class China Airlines
Best Pet-Friendly Airline United Airlines
Best Luxury Tour Company Abercrombie & Kent
Best Luxury Train The Royal Canadian Pacific
Best Car Rental for Leisure Hertz
Best Luxury Vehicle Cadillac
Favorite Luxury Fashion Brand Louis Vuitton
Favorite Luxury Watch Brand TAG Heuer
Favorite Luxury Jewelry Brand Tiffany & Co.
Special Achievement Awards
Outstanding Customized Service EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Jets
Outstanding Environmental Initiatives Airbus
Outstanding Innovations Robotic Bartender, Royal Caribbean International
Outstanding Social Responsibility Air Canada
The Leisure Lifestyle Awards spotlight the best in travel and hospitality, honoring organizations that excel in service, innovation, and guest experience. From incredible destinations to leaders in sustainable practices and guest-focused amenities, this year’s winners represent a broad spectrum of excellence across the leisure travel landscape. Their recognition reflects the industry’s continued commitment to elevated travel experiences, creative programming, and enhanced customer care.