Forbes Travel Guide Announces 2025 Star Awards Celebrating Luxury Hospitality
On February 12, 2025, Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the leading independent rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and cruise ships, revealed its prestigious Star Awards for 2025. This year's list stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of luxury travel and hospitality, highlighting establishments that provide authentic experiences and memorable moments. With over 2,100 entities recognized across 90 countries, the FTG's annual awards showcase the highest standards of service and hospitality, making it easier for discerning travelers to identify superior experiences.
This milestone marks the 67th edition of the Star Awards, featuring a diverse array of honorees, including 336 Five-Star hotels, 645 Four-Star hotels, and 567 recommended hotels. Restaurants also earned their share of accolades, with 79 recognized as Five-Star, 128 as Four-Star, and 64 as recommended. Additionally, there are 124 Five-Star spas and 224 Four-Star spas acknowledged for their excellence. In a notable update, the list also introduces new evaluation categories for cruise ship restaurants for the first time, recognizing dining establishments on several cruise lines, including Celebrity and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The latest awards reflect a more adventurous luxury clientele seeking authentic experiences beyond well-trodden paths. New destinations include Brunei, Costa Navarino in Greece, Finland, and various cities in China, among others. The evaluators noted that hotels are increasingly integrating local customs and historical narratives into their offerings, creating a unique atmosphere for visitors.
Well-being has become a top priority among travelers, as the trends indicate a growing demand for health-focused experiences. Data from FTG reveals that this trend is particularly strong among Five-Star properties, with Four-Star hotels also increasing their focus on wellness. For instance, hotels are partnering with luxury brands to elevate guest experiences; a prime example is the collaboration between Atlantis The Royal in Dubai and Louis Vuitton, celebrating the hotel's anniversary with an art installation.
Highlighting geographical successes, Macau continues to lead with the highest number of Five-Star hotels, totaling 24 this year. Newly acknowledged properties include the Epic Tower at Studio City Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau. In the U.S., several luxury hotels opened their doors, including The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Arizona and The Maybourne in Beverly Hills, California.
Europe's contribution includes standout properties like the Four Seasons Hotel Baku in Azerbaijan and Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino in Greece, enriching the luxury offerings available. China's momentum continues, garnering new Five-Star hotels in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
For the Middle East, the awards feature luxurious additions, including The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and OneOnly Royal Mirage in Dubai, while Africa sees its first mention with the Waldorf Astoria in Seychelles. Each winner of the FTG Star Awards epitomizes exceptional hospitality and a commitment to providing authentic experiences and unparalleled service. Amanda Frasier, FTG’s President of Standards and Ratings, emphasizes that the evolving definition of luxury today hinges on the ability to create unforgettable moments for guests.
For a complete list of the 2025 winners and to learn more about how FTG compiles its ratings, please visit the official website of Forbes Travel Guide. Stay connected through their social media channels for continuous updates and insights into the luxury travel domain. With each award, FTG reinforces its role as the ultimate guide for discerning travelers around the globe.
This milestone marks the 67th edition of the Star Awards, featuring a diverse array of honorees, including 336 Five-Star hotels, 645 Four-Star hotels, and 567 recommended hotels. Restaurants also earned their share of accolades, with 79 recognized as Five-Star, 128 as Four-Star, and 64 as recommended. Additionally, there are 124 Five-Star spas and 224 Four-Star spas acknowledged for their excellence. In a notable update, the list also introduces new evaluation categories for cruise ship restaurants for the first time, recognizing dining establishments on several cruise lines, including Celebrity and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The latest awards reflect a more adventurous luxury clientele seeking authentic experiences beyond well-trodden paths. New destinations include Brunei, Costa Navarino in Greece, Finland, and various cities in China, among others. The evaluators noted that hotels are increasingly integrating local customs and historical narratives into their offerings, creating a unique atmosphere for visitors.
Well-being has become a top priority among travelers, as the trends indicate a growing demand for health-focused experiences. Data from FTG reveals that this trend is particularly strong among Five-Star properties, with Four-Star hotels also increasing their focus on wellness. For instance, hotels are partnering with luxury brands to elevate guest experiences; a prime example is the collaboration between Atlantis The Royal in Dubai and Louis Vuitton, celebrating the hotel's anniversary with an art installation.
Highlighting geographical successes, Macau continues to lead with the highest number of Five-Star hotels, totaling 24 this year. Newly acknowledged properties include the Epic Tower at Studio City Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau. In the U.S., several luxury hotels opened their doors, including The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Arizona and The Maybourne in Beverly Hills, California.
Europe's contribution includes standout properties like the Four Seasons Hotel Baku in Azerbaijan and Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino in Greece, enriching the luxury offerings available. China's momentum continues, garnering new Five-Star hotels in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
For the Middle East, the awards feature luxurious additions, including The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and OneOnly Royal Mirage in Dubai, while Africa sees its first mention with the Waldorf Astoria in Seychelles. Each winner of the FTG Star Awards epitomizes exceptional hospitality and a commitment to providing authentic experiences and unparalleled service. Amanda Frasier, FTG’s President of Standards and Ratings, emphasizes that the evolving definition of luxury today hinges on the ability to create unforgettable moments for guests.
For a complete list of the 2025 winners and to learn more about how FTG compiles its ratings, please visit the official website of Forbes Travel Guide. Stay connected through their social media channels for continuous updates and insights into the luxury travel domain. With each award, FTG reinforces its role as the ultimate guide for discerning travelers around the globe.
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