Global Traveler Announces Winners of the 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards

On a warm May evening with Miami sparkling beyond the windows, Global Traveler honored the winners of its 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Set against waterfront and cruise-port views on one side and the vibrant city skyline on the other, the InterContinental Miami provided an elegant backdrop for the celebration. Join us in celebrating the companies, destinations and travel providers recognized for excellence in leisure and lifestyle travel.

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Event partners helped elevate the evening, including Princess Cruises, which brought back the nostalgia of The Love Boat, and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, which hosted a raffle offering an exciting trip to their destination.

The 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across cruises, destinations, hotels, airlines and travel services. The winners represent exceptional service, innovation and memorable experiences that set new standards in leisure travel.

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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

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