Top Travel Experts Name These Luxury Escapes as 2025's Finest

The Pinnacle of Luxury Travel: Virtuoso Awards Highlight Exceptional Excellence

At the annual meeting of Virtuoso, a global network of 20,000 travel advisors facilitating $35 billion in annual travel bookings, the organization celebrated its most prestigious accolades. Known as "The Fashion Week of Luxury Travel," this event honors the top names in the luxury travel industry, showcasing those who are redefining the future of high-end travel through integrity, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.

Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, emphasized the significance of these awards. “These annual awards celebrate the exceptional members and partners who bring our shared purpose to life: enriching lives through human connection and the power of travel.” With such recognition, travelers can expect nothing less than an extraordinary escape with these top-rated companies.

Best New or Reimagined Hotel: Regent Santa Monica Beach

Recently unveiled after a $150 million renovation, the Regent Santa Monica Beach marks a significant milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts' Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in the Americas. Once known as the Loews Santa Monica Beach hotel, this new flagship location is now a symbol of coastal California luxury. Located just steps from the Santa Monica Pier, the hotel offers sweeping Pacific Ocean views, elegant design, and elevated service. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a stunning Guerlain Wellness Spa, and dining by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina at Orla and Orla Bar.

Best Brand Hotel: Regent Hong Kong

Regent Hong Kong has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a serene retreat above the bustling city on Victoria Harbour. This award-winning hotel blends urban dynamism with serene luxury, offering curated guest experiences, decadent dining, and breathtaking views. It has also received multiple global accolades, including being named the #1 City Hotel in Asia and #14 among the world's best hotels in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards.

Best Independent Hotel: The Dewberry Charleston

The Dewberry Charleston stands as a testament to John Dewberry’s vision, transforming an abandoned government building into a high-style, low-key luxury hotel. Located in historic Marion Square, the hotel features 200 9-foot marble-surrounded windows, thoughtfully designed spaces, and world-class service. Guests rave about the oversized Charleston Flats corner rooms and the inviting Living Room, which has become a local favorite.

Best Ocean Luxury Cruise Experience: Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys brings a boutique hotel experience to the sea, offering carefully curated itineraries, immersive cultural moments, and elegantly relaxed onboard design. Their fleet includes the newly launched EXPLORA IV, set to sail in 2027. Families will appreciate dedicated spaces for children and teens, while adults can enjoy tranquil, exclusive areas. Explora Journeys also plans to return to Port Hercules for the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026, offering guests a prime vantage point.

Best River Cruise Experience: AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways, a family-owned company, provides unforgettable river cruise experiences with fewer guests on board, ensuring more personal space. Their flagship ship, AmaMagna, is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships but welcomes only 20% more guests, making it ideal for those seeking comfort and privacy. The company also partners with Adventures by Disney, offering pre- and post-cruise land packages across 32 countries.

Best Expedition Cruise Experience: PONANT

PONANT specializes in expedition cruises, taking guests to remote and remarkable destinations. Their flagship, Le Commandant Charcot, is the world’s only luxury icebreaker capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole. PONANT sails across the Arctic, Antarctic, and other regions, offering immersive experiences that combine exploration, education, and cultural immersion.

Best Contemporary & Premium Ocean Cruise Experience: Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is built around food, with two Master Chefs of France overseeing their culinary offerings. Every dish is prepared à la minute using the freshest ingredients, ensuring a dining experience like no other. Their small ships call on over 600 ports across seven continents, offering a maximum of 1,250 guests per vessel.

Best Niche Cruise Experience: Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises reimagines small-ship cruising with a blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to destinations. They sail to over 330 ports, offering year-round itineraries in the Mediterranean and Tahiti. The upcoming Star Seeker and Star Explorer will expand their fleet, with itineraries spanning Alaska, Japan, and Europe.

Best Tour Operator: Tauck

Tauck, a family-owned company since 1925, offers guided travel experiences to 70+ countries and all seven continents. Their new brand, Roam by Tauck, caters to travelers in their 40s and 50s, blending active adventures with signature experiences and flexibility. Each journey includes exceptional accommodations and exclusive access to unique destinations.

Best On-site Partner: Imago Artis Travel - Italy

Imago Artis Travel offers immersive Italian experiences, curating itineraries that include iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and family-friendly activities. Their programs allow kids to engage in interactive games, cooking classes, and cultural arts and crafts, making travel both educational and entertaining.

Best Airline: Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines continues to lead in customer satisfaction, earning recognition as the best U.S. airline for the seventh consecutive year. With a vast network covering North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, Delta ensures seamless travel experiences for passengers.