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Forbes Travel Guide Reveals 2026 Star Awards

Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has announced its highly anticipated 2026 Star Awards, showcasing its commitment to recognizing excellence in luxury travel. This year marks a notable milestone for FTG, as the awards encompass more than 100 countries, introducing new destinations like Bhutan, Croatia, and Sri Lanka into its esteemed catalog. This expansive growth is a testament to the evolving landscape of luxury travel, highlighting the increasing appeal of lesser-known yet sophisticated locations.

One of the standout accomplishments of this year's awards is the introduction of the first-ever Five-Star cruise ship, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Ilma. Additionally, Celebrity Xcel's Le Voyage, led by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, also receives the prestigious Five-Star recognition as the first such restaurant at sea. These milestones reflect a significant progression in the cruise industry, illustrating how luxury cruising is expanding and adapting to meet new traveler expectations.

In line with evolving trends, travel enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to smaller, culturally rich destinations over traditionally popular tourist spots. Hotels in these less explored areas are starting to earn accolades, highlighting the shift toward personalized and unique experiences. For instance, the newly honored Wymara Villas in Turks and Caicos, the Ritz-Carlton in Nikko, Japan, and OneOnly Portonovi in Montenegro are among the inaugural Five-Star recipients. This trend signals a burgeoning interest in destinations that offer sophistication without the crowd, allowing travelers to indulge in luxury while experiencing the local culture.

The 2026 awards also underscore the significant footprint of Marriott International's luxury hotels, with Atlanta celebrating its first double Five-Star achievement at The St. Regis Atlanta. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando joins the ranks by receiving its first high honor, showcasing the city's growing reputation in the luxury sector. Furthermore, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, represents the first Five-Star in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the region's evolving landscape for high-end tourism amid its ambitious Red Sea giga-project.

Luxury hospitality is leaning boldly into customization, moving away from generic service models to create personalized experiences that deeply resonate with guests. For example, Mii amo in Sedona is recognized for its tailored wellness journeys that are uniquely designed to align with the breathtaking landscapes surrounding it. To elevate guest satisfaction further, luxury brands are prioritizing local immersion through bespoke offerings, allowing travelers to connect with their destinations at an authentic level.

Privacy and intimate experiences have also become key facets of luxury travel. As Macau vibrantly continues to lead in Five-Star hotel acknowledgments, the newest establishments emphasize exclusivity and tailored experiences. Properties such as Capella at Galaxy Macau and Palazzo Versace Macau provide unique hotel-within-a-hotel surroundings that prioritize guest privacy.

Noteworthy Highlights

The 2026 Star Awards culminated in impressive statistics: a total of 2,422 properties received recognition, including 343 Five-Star, 708 Four-Star, and 679 Recommended hotels. The culinary scene was equally celebrated, with 82 Five-Star restaurants on the list. Not to be overlooked, 118 Five-Star spas have also been acknowledged for their exceptional services, alongside one Five-Star, nine Four-Star, and nine Recommended cruise ships and restaurants.

Selection for this year's awards also revealed growth in the United States, with five new Five-Star hotels welcomed into the fold, including The Chateau at Nemacolin in Pennsylvania and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Furthermore, Europe saw the addition of new Five-Stars in notable destinations such as France and Spain, while the Asia Pacific region burst onto the scene, earning 40% of all new Five-Star hotels, establishing itself as a formidable luxury destination.

The Middle East is also welcoming a new wave of luxury, with four additional Five-Star positions in key locations like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, further igniting interest in the region's luxury offerings. The Caribbean is also experiencing a renaissance, with hotels like Wymara Villas in Turks and Caicos earning top accolades.

Amanda Frasier, President of Standards and Ratings at FTG notes, "The newest Star Award winners showcase an exciting evolution in luxury. As guests navigate an increasingly complex travel landscape for the best places to stay, sail, dine, and spa, our ratings reflect properties committed to providing world-class experiences."

Travelers seeking exceptional experiences can consult the complete list of winners on ForbesTravelGuide.com, ensuring their next luxury journey is curated to perfection.