YARDLEY, PA — Global Traveler has released the winners of its 14th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards, based on a reader survey conducted from August 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026.
The awards, published in the magazine’s April Leisure Travel Issue, recognize top destinations, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel services across leisure and luxury categories.
The survey included open-ended responses collected through print, direct mail, and online channels, reflecting preferences of frequent and affluent travelers.
Among destination winners, Greece was named Best Historical Attractions, International for the fifth consecutive year, while New Orleans, Louisiana, earned Best Historical Attractions, Domestic for the second year.
Aruba was named Best Beaches for the third consecutive year, and Charleston, South Carolina, was recognized as Best Leisure Destination in the United States for the second year.
Other destination honorees included Morocco for Best Leisure Destination in Africa, Krakow, Poland, for Europe, Seoul, South Korea, for Asia, and Panama City, Panama, for Latin and South America.
In travel and transportation categories, Air Tahiti Nui was named Best Leisure Airline, while United Airlines received Best Eco-Friendly Airline for the fifth consecutive year.
Delta Air Lines won Best Premium-Economy Class, and Qatar Airways was recognized for Best Airline Onboard Entertainment.
PortMiami was named Best Cruise Port for the fourth consecutive year, and Explora Journeys was named Cruise Line of the Year.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises received multiple honors, including Best Luxury Cruise Line and Best Cruise Line Suites.
Hotel and hospitality winners included Meliá Hotels International as Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts as Best Hotel Chain Resorts.
Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants was named Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain for the second consecutive year, while Loews Hotels was recognized for Best Pet-Friendly Hotels.
Special Achievement Awards included recognition for United MileagePlus and IHG One Rewards for loyalty programs, VisitMalta for social responsibility, Kerzner International for customized services, Red Sea Global for environmental initiatives, and Alaska Airlines for innovation.
A Publisher’s Award for Destination Leader of the Year was presented to Michelle Buttigieg of the Malta Tourism Authority.
The awards will be recognized at an event at the InterContinental Miami on April 20.
More information about the awards and full results is available at https://globaltravelerusa.com.
Global Traveler is published by FXExpress Publications, a Yardley-based company that produces travel-related media for frequent U.S. travelers.
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