Global Traveler, the only monthly magazine for business and leisure luxury travelers, announces the winners of its sixth annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. The winners will be feted tonight at a cocktail reception on the rooftop of Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
Global Traveler conducted a survey of its readers Oct. 1, 2017 – Jan. 31, 2018, with open-ended questions for the best in many categories of leisure, luxury and lifestyle travel. The survey ran in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, as a direct mail questionnaire, online and was emailed.
The winners were announced in Global Traveler’s sixth annual Leisure Lifestyle Edition, available now. The issue also includes a look at family-friendly resorts, food tours around the world, vacation deprivation disorder, how to travel like a celebrity, historical tourism and purchasing a second home.
For the fifth year, Global Traveler named Special Achievement Awards. For its unique programming, including a holiday ice rink and yoga, Denver International Airport was recognized for Outstanding Customized Services. Hurtigruten Cruise Line’s new hybrid cruise ship earned it the Outstanding Environmental Initiatives recognition. The Outstanding Innovations honor went to Singapore Changi Airport for its new Terminal 4, a technological game changer. Omni Hotels & Resorts received the Outstanding Social Awareness accolade for its Say Goodnight to Hunger campaign.
For the first year, Global Traveler announces its Cruise Line of the Year. The inaugural winner is Azamara Club Cruises. Global Traveler compiled nominees for the honor, with the final winner selected by our Globility Board, a vetted group of well-traveled magazine subscribers. Among the many reasons the luxury cruise line was selected are a commitment to providing top-notch service, amazing dining and a fine spa and wellness experience.
A complete list of winners is as follows:
Best Historical Attractions
Turkey
Best Adventure Destination
Thailand
Best Beaches
Costa Rica
Best Leisure Destination in the United States
Nashville, Tenn.
Best Leisure Destination in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Best Leisure Destination in Asia
Taipei, Taiwan
Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best Leisure Destination in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Best Weekend Destination in the United States
Savannah, Ga.
Best Weekend Destination
Bermuda
Best Glamping Destination
Paws Up, Montana
Best Babymoon Destination
Key West, Fla.
Best North American Ski Destination
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Best International Ski Destination
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Best Caribbean Island
Saint Lucia
Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
Best Island Pacific Rim
Cook Islands
Best Family Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas
Best Small-Ship Cruise Line
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line
Cunard Line
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
MSC Cruises
Best Cruise Line Dining
Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Best Adventure Cruise Line
Windstar Cruises
Best River Cruise Line
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Cruise Line Suites
Owner’s Suite, Silversea Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Excursions
Princess Cruises
Best Cruise Line Rewards Program
MSC Voyagers Club, MSC Cruises
Favorite Cruise Ship
Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Line Spas
Regent Seven Seas
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International
Best Hotel Chain Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Family Resort Chain in the World
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best All-Inclusive Resort
Sandals Resorts
Best Luxury Tour Operator
Elegant Resorts
Best Airport for Layovers
Doha Hamad International Airport
Best Airport for Recreation
Munich Airport
Best Leisure Airline
Hawaiian Airlines
Best Premium-Economy Class
Scandinavian Airlines
Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment
Asiana Airlines
Best Luxury Vehicle
Maserati
Favorite Watch Brand
TAG Heuer
Best Leisure Car Rental
Hertz
Favorite Liquor Brand
Johnnie Walker Blue
Outstanding Customized Services
Denver International Airport
Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
Hurtigruten Cruise Line
Outstanding Innovations
Singapore Changi Airport
Outstanding Social Awareness
Omni Hotels and Resorts
Cruise Line of the Year
Azamara Club Cruises
For more information about Global Traveler, visit globaltravelerusa.com.
About Global Traveler
With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions — Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book — complement 12 monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, Airline and Hotel of the Year, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.
About Global Traveler Digital
Global Traveler’s website, globaltravelerusa.com, which unveiled a new design in late 2016, offers unique daily content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of our audience of premium travelers. Other digital offerings include eFlyer USA (20,000 double-opt-in subscribers); eFlyer Asia (4,000 Asia-based, double-opt-in subscribers); custom e-newsletters; sponsored content; Publisher’s Picks, GT on the Go and Premium eDeal e-newsletters; and a weekly On the Road with Global Traveler slideshow. More than 1 million visitors monthly rely on globaltravelerusa.com as their travel resource.
About FXExpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com, whereverfamily.com and FX Excursions.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 4, 2025Which European Cities Have the Best, Worst Metro Networks?
International luggage storage company Bounce researched Europe’s metro services across the continent’s capital cities and made some interesting discoveries.
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.
April 2025
Apr 4, 2025Focus on Mental, Physical and Emotional Health at U.S. Wellness Destinations
Wellness has been a buzzword in the travel space for a handful of years now, and it is here to stay. “Wellness travel is no longer a trend; it’s a transformative shift in how people approach travel as a whole,” said Robin Ruiz, founder and CEO, Wellness in Travel + Tourism. “In today’s fast-paced world, our lives are increasingly full and often overwhelming, which is why travelers are turning to wellness-focused trips that prioritize well-being. People no longer just want a break from their daily routine — they want experiences that nourish their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.”
Daily
Apr 4, 2025Spring Hotel Openings from IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts adds to its portfolio with hotel openings around the world this spring.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Apr 4, 2025Sloane Stanley Estate: One of London’s Best-Kept Secrets
Situated within one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Sloan Stanley Estate in Chelsea spans more than 250 shops, maisonettes and homes, and is considered one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Dating back to 1717, Sloane Stanley Estate brings together a wide range of design, food, drink and wellness brands.
Greek Hotel Brand Goes Big for Easter
Daily
Apr 3, 2025Spa All Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Daily
Apr 3, 2025What’s New in Luxury Travel in Rome
Daily
Apr 2, 2025Wyndham Sun Moon Lake Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 2, 2025eFlyer News
Apr 2, 2025The Standard to Open Hotel in Brussels, Belgium, This Spring
The Standard welcomes its next European icon, The Standard, Brussels, this spring. Located in lieu of the former World Trade Center, The Standard, Brussels challenges the city’s conventional image through its 200 guestrooms and suites spread across 28 stories, a lounge, bar, three restaurants, and a garden.
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.
Airlines
Apr 2, 2025Royal Jordanian Airlines Launches Non-Stop Service from Washington Dulles to Amman
Royal Jordanian Airlines launched a new, non-stop service between Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport on March 23. Operating twice weekly on Tuesday and Sunday, this new route provides a direct link for business travelers, tourists and government officials traveling between North America and Jordan.
ShareThis