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Forbes Travel Guide Unveils 2025 Star Awards

Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the premier independent rating system for opulent hotels, gourmet restaurants, tranquil spas, and exceptional ocean cruises, announced its much-anticipated 2025 Star Awards on February 12, 2025. This year marks the 67th annual reveal, showcasing an impressive roster of over 2,100 properties worldwide across 90 countries.

The breakdown of the awards includes 336 Five-Star hotels, 645 Four-Star hotels, and 567 Recommended establishments. In addition, the awards feature 79 Five-Star restaurants, 128 Four-Star restaurants, and 64 Recommended dining options. The spa ratings include 124 Five-Star and 224 Four-Star facilities, alongside the introduction of cruise ship accolades, which see FTG become the first rating system to recognize restaurants onboard cruise ships.

FTG's inaugural cruise restaurant ratings honor exceptional dining on select cruise lines, including Celebrity's Fine Cut Steakhouse aboard Apex and Ascent, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's S.E.A. on Evrima, and others. This new recognition underlines a growing emphasis on culinary excellence at sea.

Notable Trends and Insights

One highlighted element in the inspection process this year was the expanding definition of luxury. Inspectors observed that hotels are now catering to a more adventurous clientele interested in unique destinations. The inclusion of new locales such as Brunei, parts of China, and various spots in Europe on the list reflects this trend. Authentic experiences are emphasized, characterized by décor and cuisine that resonate with local traditions and histories.

Health and wellness remain pivotal in today's travel choices, with properties increasingly emphasizing well-being. Data from FTG indicates that wellness-oriented experiences have become crucial for Five-Star ratings, and this focus is also becoming prominent among Four-Star and Recommended hotels. Exciting partnerships with luxury brands, such as the art installation by Louis Vuitton at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, demonstrate the innovative approaches these hotels are taking to elevate guest experiences.

Geographic Highlights

Macau continues to dominate the luxury hotel scene with 24 Five-Star selections, sustaining its reputation for opulence. New entries this year include Epic Tower at Studio City Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau, among others.

The United States has welcomed new Five-Star properties, including The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Arizona, and the recently rated Maybourne Beverly Hills in California.

Prominence in Europe also stood out, with new Five-Star awards granted to renowned hotels across Italy, France, and the U.K., highlighting the region's dedication to luxury hospitality.

China's resurgence is evident, with new Five-Star ratings for several establishments in major cities reflecting a recovery in the luxury travel sector.

Conclusion

Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at FTG, remarks, “The winners of the Star Awards epitomize the heights of hospitality excellence.” The 2025 list represents a nuanced understanding of luxury, setting new benchmarks for outstanding services and unforgettable experiences for a discerning audience. For a complete list of honorees, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

For images and further insights into how FTG operates and compiles its ratings, including the new cruise ship honors, visit their official platforms and enjoy a visual feast of the best in luxury travel.