For the fourth consecutive year, Global Traveler honored the best of the best in the world of leisure lifestyle travel, including destinations, airlines, cruise lines and hotels, at its annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards celebration. For the first time we feted the winners at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, enjoying a picture-perfect evening overlooking Beverly Hills from the hotel’s rooftop venue.
Industry elite enjoyed themed cuisine and cocktails as the sun set over the City of Angels. The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills enjoys an enviable location and offers multiple options for hosting successful meetings and elegant affairs. Our May 19 celebration of the 2016 Leisure Lifestyle Awards was no exception.
Despite the beautiful setting, one furry guest in particular stole the show that evening: Seven, an Australian shepherd and pet actor on hand to help present United Airlines with the Best Pet-Friendly Airline award. A special thanks to Seven for bringing a bit of four-legged fun to the evening.
Among the most prestigious in the leisure travel industry, Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards highlight the standouts in the leisure travel and lifestyle worlds. Nominations in each category came from our elite Globility Board as well as our highly experienced magazine staff. From these nominations, our esteemed Advisory Board 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
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 29, 2025Château de Berne Reopens in Provence, France
Located deep within the lovely landscape of Provence, 5-star Château de Berne provides a stunning setting for a leisurely destination getaway or unforgettable corporate event.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Daily
Apr 29, 2025Four Seasons Hotel Boston Unveils Driving Experience with Lucid
Four Seasons Hotel Boston recently announced a partnership with Lucid Group, an electric vehicle maker. The initiative is part of a larger partnership between Four Seasons and Lucid to blend history, culture and sustainability.
Daily
Apr 29, 2025Big Sky, Montana, Ranch Introduces Venue for Cigar and Whiskey Aficionados
Lone Mountain Ranch, in Big Sky, Montana, recently announced the opening of The Trapper’s Den, a freshly restored 1915 cabin that trappers once used as a base for hunting. The new space now offers a distinguished retreat for cigar enthusiasts and whiskey lovers.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 28, 2025Buffalo, New York, Welcomes New Hotels, Culinary Venues, Museum Expansions, More
On the heels of a $230 million expansion of Buffalo AKG Art Museum in late 2023, as well as a slew of new restaurants, hotels and architectural restorations, Buffalo, New York, gears up for one of its most exciting years yet with a series of new attractions, renovations and expansions rooted in the city’s rich waterfront history and African American heritage. This is the year to visit the Buffalo Niagara region.
4 Hotels Worth a Stay for National Golf Day
Daily
Apr 28, 2025What’s New in Bahamas’ Nassau, Paradise Island?
Daily
Apr 28, 2025Hotel Spas Launch Oncology Care Programs
April 2025
Apr 26, 2025Daily
Apr 25, 2025This London Afternoon Tea Honors Art and Japanese Techniques
Feeling peckish? If you’re lucky enough to be in England’s capital, head to Rosewood London’s Mirror Room, where a fabulous new afternoon tea menu has been introduced, featuring a selection of Japanese-inspired savories and delectable art cakes curated by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins. It’s inspired by artist and printmaker Katsushika Hokusai, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most celebrated creatives and known for works including the woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (1830–1832) and The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831).
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Apr 25, 20255 Spa Escapes for Mother’s Day
Book a fabulous spa getaway for the mother in your life. Check out these five properties offering serene spa experiences.
ShareThis