Travel
the world’s best hotels, destinations revealed
The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel brands, as voted by UK readers.
Condé Nast Traveler unveiled the 28th edition of the Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 winners – the top hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel brands worldwide, based entirely on votes from UK readers. The annual awards highlight travellers’ appreciation for exceptional service, hospitality, and authentic experiences across every segment of the global travel industry.
This year’s results reflect a deepening focus on culinary experiences, design, and service quality — elements that continue to shape travellers’ perceptions of excellence in hospitality. From the luxury hotels of Europe and Asia to the remote resorts of the Pacific, readers recognised properties and destinations that deliver unique character and emotional connection.
Global hotel winners
In Europe, Le Bristol Paris was voted the best hotel in the French capital, while Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens was named Greece’s top property. Other notable European winners include Raffles Istanbul in Turkey, The Principal Madrid in Spain, and Palácio Príncipe Real in Portugal.
Across other regions, Silky Oaks Lodge in Australia, Copacabana Palace in Brazil, Mandarin Oriental Marrakech in Morocco, and The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad in the U.S. led their respective categories. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa was crowned Canada’s best, and The Sukhothai Shanghai, Park Hyatt Kyoto, and Raffles Singapore emerged as Asia’s standout hotels.
Resort highlights
Among resorts, Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico earned top honours, while Porto Zante Villas & Spa in Greece was named Europe’s leading resort. Soneva Fushi in the Maldives topped the Indian Ocean category, Southern Ocean Lodge in Australia led in the South Pacific, and Raffles The Palm Dubai was recognised as the best in the Middle East.
Destinations and cities
The awards also celebrated leading destinations. Bath was voted the best city in the UK, while Valletta in Malta topped Europe’s rankings. Vienna won as Europe’s friendliest city, and Quito, Ecuador was named the friendliest city globally. Naxos earned the title of Europe’s best island, with the Maldives winning the global island category.
Transport and travel brands
In the aviation sector, Qatar Airways was once again named the world’s best airline, while Singapore Changi Airport retained its position as the world’s leading airport. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train was voted the best train journey.
For cruising, MSC Cruises won in the mega-ship category, Cunard led among large ships, Viking topped both medium and river cruise categories, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was named best for small ships. Seabourn took the expedition ship award.
Travel companies and villa specialists
In tour operations, The Turquoise Holiday Company was recognised as the best general tour operator, and Scott Dunn was named the best travel specialist. For villa rentals, The Thinking Traveller was voted best worldwide.
The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards provide a snapshot of how travellers’ preferences continue to evolve — with authenticity, sustainability, and experience-led luxury defining the future of global travel and hospitality.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.