tatler travel awards 2024

The Tatler Travel Guide 2024 is here: discover the award winners now

HOTEL OF THE YEAR: Raffles London at The OWO, London, UK

An emblematic hotel that advertises the winning charms of our sceptred and storied isle? This is it. And it starts with its address on Whitehall, overlooking Horse Guards Parade. That cachet apart, its hallowed halls have been trodden by heavyweights such as TE Lawrence, Ian Fleming and Winston Churchill, not to mention spies in their battalions; it housed the Ministry of Defence in both World Wars; and the D-Day landings were planned here. Welcome to the Old War Office, now reimagined as the latest addition to the Raffles chain. One of our finest examples of Edwardian architecture, designed by the Scottish architect William Young, the building has been thoroughly brought back to life by the billionaire Hinduja dynasty, which enlisted the Singapore-based Raffles group to bring to the capital its brand of imperial splendour. And thanks to the late Thierry Despont – the incomparable grand-hotel designer – today the interiors are a riot of stately wood-panelled rooms, with lashings of velvet and marble. The sweeping staircase is so magnificent that you’ll feel inadequate unless wearing a tiara or white tie to descend it. And if you want pomp and pageantry – well, you can trip out on the opulence of the Haldane Suite, named after the Secretary of State for War (1905 to 1912), where palatial rooms give unparalleled views of the Changing of the Guard and Trooping the Colour. The OWO is the ultimate comfort zone, blasting out fabulousness in The Guards Bar and the late-night, subterranean speakeasy Spy Bar. And you can eat in nine different restaurants: chic French brasserie Café Lapérouse, Omakase in a turret for the adventurous, or seasonal banquets from star chef Mauro Colagreco, which will doubtless find favour with Westminster power players. If you’re craving more sublimity, head down to the Guerlain spa, which fills four floors – three of them underground – and offers a roster of treatments that tend to skin and soul, among them the much-lauded and talked-about Spirit of London therapy. Employing LED light, a combination of crystals, deep-tissue massage and your favoured Elixir scented oil, it serves as a reminder that no indulgence has been overlooked here.

Doubles from £1,100 ( raffles.com )

HOTELIER OF THE YEAR: Jasper Conran of Villa Mabrouka, Tangier, Morocco

As a scion of one of Britain’s most prolific interiors dynasties, Jasper Conran has an unerring eye that gets everything beyond right. Only he could have so lovingly restored Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s Villa Mabrouka (or ‘House of Luck’), a sprawling kasbah that overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar. At this oasis-with-presence, his crisp taste informs every one of the 12 individualistic suites. The staff wear blue and white outfits, designed by Conran himself; and his elegant take on Moroccan decoration is reflected in the airy cream-coloured living rooms and echoing marble hallways. Meals are taken on the terrace, above velvety lawns sloping down towards the sea; and here, uniformed waiters arrive bearing silver trays piled with lobster and grapefruit jelly. There are twisting paths leading to a tourmaline pool, surrounded by a collection of chic green parasols, and no less divine are the massages and hammam in the spectacular spa. Growing up, Conran was fascinated by hotels – in particular by the opulence and theatrical fantasy of the grand Parisian establishments. But there is no pomp or grandeur at Villa Mabrouka. Herein is an inspiring sense of place, of the excitement of Saint Laurent’s glamorous heritage, and some serious sophistication. And it’s a game-changer for the city.

Doubles from £391 ( villamabrouka.com )

BEST FOR BEDDING DOWN: Drei Berge Hotel, Mürren, Switzerland

There’s nowhere to get a better view of the epic ‘three mountains’ than here. The prospect of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch’s snow-capped peaks is so otherworldly, you’ll believe you’re in cloud cuckoo land (the area is said to have inspired JRR Tolkein’s vision for The Lord of the Rings ). And now it has a hotel to match. This relaunched Alpine haven in the heart of Mürren is a place that makes you smile because it’s fun and unique. And of course, being the first hotel from taste-maker extraordinaire Ramdane Touhami, it would have to be. Touhami is responsible for reinventing such brands as Cire Trudon and Buly 1803 – whose scents transport us to olfactory worlds of centuries long past – and the energetic romantic has restored this former hikers’ haunt in eclectic style. With a ’90s hip-hop soundtrack, the lobby sets the tone, furnished with mid-century Martin Visser sofas and African masks, and laid with a carpet that name-checks the world’s highest summits. General manager Yasmina Abdelilah-Bauer understands the magic of a hotel that is run like a friend’s cool-yet-cosy hideaway (with slicker service and waiters shaking up fabulous negroni sbagliatos). In the brasserie, a menu overseen by innovative Japanese chef Ryutaro Kobayashi is refined as hell, with steaming ramen noodles and a most extraordinary teriyaki burger – flame-grilled in sake – alongside international crowd-pleasers such as veal Milanese. Spending more than 200 days a year on the road, Touhami knows what makes a good hotel: ‘You should be dreaming of your bed during the day,’ he says. And whether you are hiking through fields of wildflowers or enjoying a day on the pistes, you know what he means. No expense has been spared on the quality of sleep. Touhami went to Beltrami Linen, the artisan producers behind the Ritz Paris’s illustrious bedding, and took it one step further. So what you have is a Heidi-esque wooden bed, the three mountains carved into its headboard; and a mattress that achieves the near-impossible feat of being both soft and supportive. Topped in sateen-finished linen, with a grass-green trim, encasing two single duvets – it’s the Bernese-Alpine way – it will give you one of the most satisfying slumbers you have ever known.

Doubles from £276, including breakfast (dreibergehotel.ch ).

BEST HOTEL BAR: The Connaught, London, UK

You need Ago Perrone on speed dial. Thanks to this mixologist extraordinaire, the Connaught Bar is still one of the hardest to get into – even though it has just celebrated its 15th anniversary. The excitement at getting one of the tables here is as great as when it opened; and David Collins’s powdery interiors – with the lighting turned down, oh, so very low – have lost none of their wow factor. Nor has the theatre-show that revolves around Perrone’s signature martini trolley, which is wheeled out nightly. Watch enthralled, as the maestro ices the John Jenkins crystal glasses before swirling the alcohol round them. Like your martini dirty? His plump green olives have just the right amount of briny kick. With a twist? His lemon rind grazes the rim with ineffable lightness. Then come the pipette drops of essence: tonka bean for vanilla enthusiasts; berga-mot, if you’re more into citrus; lavender it is, if you’re feeling stressed. Everything is executed with such impeccable style that somehow one martini turns into three; and it’s a very good thing Jean-Georges Vongerichten is on hand with truffle pizzas. But the Connaught Grill is where you really want to head after cocktail hour, for fabulous meat and fish – turbot, Herefordshire beef or lamb chops – grilled over British hardwood charcoal. And after dinner, it’s off to the second-hardest bar to get a table at: The Connaught’s speakeasy-style Red Room, adorned with Louise Bourgeois artworks. Ideal for a nightcap à deux or a glamorous gathering of friends, its decor is as furiously stylish and rarefied as its cocktails. Try the Ivory, made with a mix of Sancerre and mangosteen juice. Late-night snacks are also on the menu – and who could resist a platter of Comté, or caviar with hash browns?

Doubles from £840 ( the-connaught.co.uk ).

BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT: Son Vell, Menorca, Spain

Arriving in Son Vell’s sprawling grounds, with the glittering coastline beyond, it is impossible not to feel a seismic shift of mood, and one that’s echoed in the horti-culture. A stylish oval pool is surrounded by tropical planting, but take a few steps away and you’re strolling through a rose garden. It’s farmhouse living at its best, and undoubtedly a spot for the power player who values the finest things in life (namely, biodynamic wines and organic produce). Visiting lunch spot Sa Clarisa, it would be remiss not to try the prawn and marinated shrimp croquette, followed by the rabbit and sea cucumber rice. This is possibly the only time ‘haute cuisine’ and ‘sea cucumber’ have been used in the same sentence, but the dish is wholly deserving of its place on Son Vell’s menu.

Doubles from £670, including breakfast ( vestigecollection.com )

BEST CITY HOTEL: The Peninsula Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

​​Serious marble alert. Ditto, mother of pearl. Confronted by the indoor pool and baths, not to mention the Marmara columns around the hammam, you wonder if you have been transported back to a particularly elaborate phase of the Byzantine era. Hercule Poirot would clap his hands at this glittering palace on the fabled shores of the Bosphorus. And oh, that sparkle! (Namely, the chandeliers or – come cocktail hour – the diamonds twinkling on the ladies in the lobby.) Opposite the Topkapı Palace and with the best vistas in all the city, the new Peninsula is the modern jewel of Galata, the historic foreigners’ quarter built around its landmark 14th-century tower. It’s a modern Xanadu that sprawls across four lavish buildings – one a former nautical terminal that’s now home to the most glamorous pool in Turkey, almost floating on the water – and gives amazing views across the Golden Horn. If you can tear yourself away, the city’s best galleries are close by. But the biggest deal by far is a visit to the spa and hammam for a superior scrub and black-soap extravaganza. And although the hotel’s brunch has quickly become a thing, so have the Peking duck, dumplings and elevated mezze at Gallada, the Asian-Turkish rooftop restaurant. So here’s to the new face of Istanbul. It’s where to be in a where-it’s-at city.

Doubles from £915 ( peninsula.com )

BEST FOR LAIDBACK LIVING: Casa Chablé, Sian Ka’an Reserve, Mexico

You can understand why the Mayans called this spot in Yucatán’s Unesco-protected reserve ‘the gate of heaven’. But you can’t just drop by Casa Chablé: setting off from the coastal town of Tulum, you must take a 35-minute ride in a simple wooden boat – weaving through water channels between fragile ecosystems – to this ‘desert island’ resort. Once there, however, you can truly appreciate the vision of the Mexican hoteliers behind the Chablé brand: to celebrate their rich heritage and culture, and to honour the Mayans’ deep connection to – and respect for – the surroundings. Casa Chablé’s five bungalows are strategically placed to ensure maximum privacy: surrounded by palms, on powdery white sand, they face the Caribbean Sea and the vast horizon. There are also five guestrooms in the main villa. If you want company, there’s a clubhouse, and a shack-like restaurant overseen by a charismatic chef. But there’s blissfully little to do, except maybe a ceremony to commune with the spirits of the natural world. You don’t need to pack much – just something to swim in, a yoga mat and books, because there’s nowhere to go and no one to dress up for. Evenings are spent lolling about on the sand near a bonfire, licking toasted marshmallows and watching the embers crinkle up into a velvety unpolluted sky studded by myriad stars.

Doubles from £592, including breakfast ( casachable.chablehotels.com )

BEST ROMANTIC IDYLL: Grand Hotel Son Net, Mallorca, Spain

Somehow, romance just seems to blossom on this Balearic island. Call it the Love Island effect, but everything is bathed in a sun-drenched, Luca Guadagnino fantasy-film filter. Particularly here in the country, where a deep sense of peace envelops you the moment you step through Son Net’s heavy, vine-surrounded wooden doors. Set at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, this Mallorcan retreat – the undisputed new queen – began life in 1672 as an aristocratic palacio , and its estate remains an alluring fiefdom. Whether you’re in the main 17th-century palace or in one of the cottages scattered around – all with their own pools – there are velvety-green rolling hills wherever your eyes rest. Thanks to Spanish antiquarian and interiors maestro Lorenzo Castillo, the oxblood beauty underwent a no-expense-spared renovation between 2020 and 2023 to become a maximalist wonderland of oil paintings, chandeliers, tapestries and velvets in jewel-box shades. But it’s still a place of nooks and crannies, its stone-flagged corridors giving onto shady arbours and terraces, where fountains gurgle, palm trees sway and condensation drips down glasses of rosé while staff magic up generous platters of jamón and superlative Xeixa bread with tomato (not to mention the memorable beetroot tartare). The food here is exceptional and tastes of sunshine – the zingy gazpacho, followed by guinea fowl in fig leaves, is hard to beat – and you can walk it off on a hike. Otherwise, go for a sail off the postcard-pretty Cap de Formentor or stay put in the new spa (which opens in early 2024 – and is set to be a destination in its own right).

Scott Dunn ( scottdunn.com ) offers seven nights from £4,999, including breakfast, flights and transfers

By Harriet Johnston

By Isaac Bickerstaff

BEST MOUNTAIN HIDEWAY: Olinto, Marrakech, Morocco

With its backdrop of the High Atlas mountains, Olinto is about elevation in every sense of the word. The brainchild of Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa, it’s a deeply relaxing and cultured space, buried deep in ancient groves of twisted olive trees that retreat into green shadow and conceal a jade-coloured pool. Sitting at the foot of Mount Toubkal, with majestic views of the royal hunting grounds, it’s a fantastic base for spectacular hikes and climbs – the hotel provides incredible picnics. But then everything here is done incredibly well: from the breakfast jam and marmalade – sourced from the late Marella Agnelli’s Moroccan estate – to the fabulous dinners of grilled lamb chops and green bean salads, not to mention the hibiscus martinis. The hotel comprises nine beautiful pavilions, some with private pools; and while their interiors exude a refined simplicity reminiscent of the 1930s, to sit on their roof terraces at night and see those starlit skies turned up to the max is mesmeric beyond belief. For all its languid charm, however, more excitement is promised here. The retreat is named in honour of an ancestor of Ruspoli known as ‘Olinto’ (after a village in Ancient Greece), who was a patron of Handel; and the Prince has now created private suites for opera singers, pianists and other musicians-in-residence at his own home on the estate, where guests are invited to attend recitals.

Doubles from £822, including breakfast ( olinto.net )

BEST BEACH HOTEL Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Back in 1976, the revered Mexican architect José Luis Moreno was flying in a helicopter over the Riviera Maya region when he noticed a paradisiacal spot where the thick jungle met the white sand and azure sea; and it was on this beauty spot that he would later build a fantastical hacienda. Fast forward to now, and the Belmond group has restored the property; a divine refurbishment overseen by the renowned interior designer Tara Bernerd. Maroma’s architectural heritage is still intact, but it’s the small design touches that are equally enchanting. Take the 70,000-plus floor tiles made by local designer José Noé Suro, using materials from the Jalisco region. Or the three pools whose shape takes inspiration from the locale’s natural ‘sinkholes’. Meanwhile, trust Belmond to conceive of such a pro-gressive game as sustainable ocean golf, in which the balls turn to fish food on hitting the water. After some piscatorial putting, kick back at Woodend for the Australian super-chef Curtis Stone’s flame-grilled seafood and steaks, served with zingy Latin marinades. And it has to be said that the mezcal cocktails at Freddy’s Bar are worth an award on their own.

Doubles from £898 ( belmond.com )

BEST HEDONISTIC HOTSPOT: Maçakizi, Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is in vogue, thanks to the beat of its beach-club scene and its yacht-studded coastline. Which explains why heavyweight hotel groups such as Bulgari, Four Seasons and Maxx Royal – plus Mykonos’ very own Scorpios – are descending on its paradisal perch by the Aegean Sea. But riding the crest of the wave is the original shoreside pleasuredome: Maçakizi, the area’s most glamorous bolthole, which not only has personality and panache but also the most coveted beach-beds in town. The Agnellis and Delevingnes are regulars, as are Lila and Kate Moss. When Bill Gates wanted to throw a birthday lunch, well, no other villa could compare to Maçakizi’s sprawling residence, complete with an enormous wine cellar. That’s why party-planner extraordinaire Carlo Bernardini has been put in charge. But if the private villa – with its own divine boat – is the standout of all Maçakizi’s seductive offerings, the hotel is an alluring warren of hangouts, scattered with Yastik cushions by Rifat Ozbek, and leading to a truly impressive restaurant terrace, carved into a forest of bougainvillaea. Here, you will eat the most generous lobster pasta imaginable, thanks to chef Aret Sahakyan. The salads, ceviche and courgette fries are out of this world; as is the lively aperitivo scene, when champagne corks pop while the bartenders work wonders with pomegranates and hibiscus syrup. For any lotus-eater, it’s love at first sight. But then its owner, Sahir Erozan, knows how to have a good time. Whether he’s doing a pop-up at Art Basel, or devising a new arts and cultural festival to bring to Bodrum, this Gatsby-esque figure is as wildly hedonistic as his hotel.

Doubles from £943, including breakfast ( macakizi.com )

The Tatler Travel Guide 2024 is on sale now with the January issue featuring a David Bailey portrait of Princess Diana

By Alexander O'Loughlin

By Natalie Livingstone

Galaxy Macau Resort Captivates with Premier Distinctions at 2024 Tatler Dining Awards

Friday, April 12, 2024 Favorite

Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort continues its legacy of culinary distinction with multiple restaurants claiming top honors in the Tatler Dining Awards 2024.Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau™, Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, and Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau have all been celebrated as recipients of the prestigious Tatler Dining 20 Macau Awards, cementing their status among the elite 20 best restaurants in Macau. These accolades reflect their unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and the industry-wide recognition they have garnered.

In a celebratory moment, the executive chefs of these acclaimed establishments—Jackie Ho Hon Sing of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Riccardo La Perna of Galaxy Macau, Chan Chek Keong of StarWorld Hotel, and Jan Ruangnukulkit of Banyan Tree Macau—came together for a group photo.

Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel, renowned for its authentic Hunan and Sichuan flavors, has been awarded Two Michelin Stars, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide – One Diamond, and SCMP 100 Top Tables. Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chek Keong, with over 28 years dedicated to Sichuan and Hunan cuisines, orchestrates a culinary experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, using premium ingredients and traditional techniques to craft tantalizing dishes without MSG, while also delivering impeccable service in an elegant ambiance.

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau, led by Executive Chef Riccardo La Perna, has earned One Michelin Star, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide – One Diamond, Forbes Five-Star Restaurant, and SCMP 100 Top Tables accolades. Chef Riccardo’s culinary philosophy of “The Luxury of Simplicity” shines through in his approach of enhancing the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients with simple yet sophisticated cooking methods.

Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, under the expertise of Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing, boasts over 40 years of culinary mastery and has been honored with One Michelin Star, Forbes Five-Star Restaurant, and SCMP 100 Top Tables distinctions. Located on the 51st floor, Lai Heen offers classic Cantonese cuisine against a backdrop of panoramic city views, elevating the dining experience with unparalleled luxury and service.

Making its mark as a new entry in the Michelin Selected Restaurants, Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau presents contemporary Thai cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Jan Ruangnukulkit. With meticulous attention to detail and a flair for creativity, Chef Jan captures the essence of Thai cuisine, delighting diners with her innovative use of spices, herbs, and ingredients, making Saffron a global dining destination.

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Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024 reveal the top hotels in the U.S.

Three new categories are included this year

The reviewers have spoken: Tripadvisor has revealed the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards. The awards, given to the top one percent of the 1.6 million hotel listings on Tripadvisor, represent the absolute best places to stay in the world. While no U.S. hotels made the cut for best in the world, the best U.S. hotels are certainly high in the rankings. The awards this year also include three new best hotel categories: pet-friendly, sustainable and wellness-focused.

The number one hotel in the U.S. is the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica. Located within walking distance from the Santa Monica Pier, this eco-friendly boutique hotel offers ocean views, premium amenities, and personalized attention from staff. At number two is the Luma Hotel in Times Square, followed by FivePine Lodge & Spa in Oregon, The Bryant Park Hotel in NYC and Hotel Emma in San Antonio.

The awards are also given in categories including luxury, B&Bs and inns, family-friendly, and more. New this year are the awards given to the best pet-friendly hotels, most sustainable hotels, and hotels with a focus on wellness. The best pet-friendly hotel in the U.S. is Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale. Pets are on every floor and in the outdoor garden sitting area. No U.S. hotel has made it to the top 10 list for wellness or sustainability, but the awards are bucket-list worthy for international travel.

"Our Best of the Best Hotels are marvels, acclaimed by thousands of travelers for their remarkable service, stunning design, and wealth of amenities that redefine what it means to have an exceptional hotel experience," said Dan Mitchell, vice president and general manager hotels, Tripadvisor.

The Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. View all the awards for Best of the Best Hotels in all categories here .

• Gerrish Lopez Contributor, New Orleans

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COMO COCOA ISLAND

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Top 20 Resorts in The Indian Ocean (8 th )

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023 Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives (1 st )

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2022 Best Hotel in Asia (5 th ) Top 25 Hotels in the World (14 th ) Top Hotels on the Water in the World (6 th ) Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the World (14 th )

Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021 Top 5 Resorts in The Best Luxury Beach Hotels Maldives

International Travel Awards 2020 Asia’s Best Luxury Water Villa Resort

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 Indian Ocean Top 20 Resorts (5 th ) Best Resorts in the World (50 th )

COMO MAALIFUSHI

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023 Resorts for Families in the Maldives (2 nd )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 Best Resorts in the Indian Ocean (11 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Indian Ocean Top 30 Resort (5 th )

Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021 Top 6 Resorts The Best Luxury Destination in the Maldives

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2020 Indian Ocean Top 20 Resorts (11 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 Indian Ocean Top 20 Resorts (13 th )

COMO PARROT CAY

US News & World Report Best Hotel 2024 Gold badge winner

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic Islands (12 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 Best Resorts in the Atlantic Islands (1 st ) Best Resorts in the Caribbean and Atlantic (4 th ) World Spa Awards 2021 Turks & Caicos’ Best Resort Spa

The U.S. News & World Report 2021 Best Hotels in Turks & Caicos (10 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2021 Best Resorts in Atlantic Islands (12 th )

Organic Spa Media Wellness Travel Awards 2021 Best Detox

Condé Nast Traveler 2020 The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The 2020 Gold List

Condé Nast Traveller 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards 2020 Best Resorts in Atlantic Resorts (6 th )

Travelmyth 2020 Best Hotel in the Turks and Caicos Islands

US News Travel 2020 Best Resorts (1 st )

Fodor’s Travel 2020 Fodor’s Finest: The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World

LuxLife Magazine 2019 Award for Excellence in Luxury Accommodation – Turks and Caicos

Spa and Wellness MexiCaribe 2019 Best Spa Award

Condé Nast Traveller 2019 The World’s Best Hotels, Resorts, and Cruises: The 2019 Gold List

Travel and Hospitality 2019 Award Winner

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 The World’s Best Hotels, Resorts, and Cruises: The 2019 Gold List

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 Top Resorts in The Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks and Caicos (18 th )

COMO METROPOLITAN LONDON

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2020 Europe-UK-London (31 st )

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019 Winner

London Lifestyle Awards 2019 Hotel of the Year

AA Quality Inspected 2018 - 2019 Five Stars

European Awards 2018 Luxury Hotel and Spa - London

COMO THE HALKIN

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Top Hotels in London (2 nd )

Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2020 Winner

AA Inspectors’ Choice Award 2019 Five Red Stars

AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence 2019 Three AA Rosettes

AA Inspectors’ Choice/Red Star Award 2017 - 2018 AA Red Stars

COMO THE TREASURY

WA Good Food Guide 2024 Two-star rating – Long Chim Two-star rating – Wildflower One-star rating – Post Top 100 Category – Petition

AHA National Awards for Excellence 2023 Best Deluxe Accommodation – COMO The Treasury

AHA Perth Airport Accommodation Awards For Excellence 2023 Hotel Restaurant Award – Wildflower Deluxe Accommodation Award – COMO The Treasury, Perth WA’s Best Accommodation Hotel Award – COMO The Treasury, Perth

Australian Good Food Guide – Readers Choice Awards 2023 Fine Dining – Wildflower Thai – Long Chim Perth

Australian Good Food Guide – Restaurant Awards 2023 Three Chef Hats – Wildflower One Chef Hat – Long Chim One Chef Hat – Petition

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 The best hotels in Australasia (6 th )

Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 City Hotels in Australia (1 st ) Hotel Spas in Australia (1 st ) Hotel General Managers (4 th )

Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2022 Silver – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 Best Hotels in Australia and New Zealand (3 rd )

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2022 Best Hotel in Australia (8 th )

Fodor’s Finest Hotel Awards 2022 The Best Hotels in Australia & Oceania

Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2021 Best Hotels in Australia Top 50 Best Hotels in the World (41 st )

Condé Nast Traveller 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards The Best Hotels and Resorts in Australia and the South Pacific: The 2021 Gold List Top Hotel in Australia and Pacific (1 st )

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020 Best City Hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2019 Winner

Forbes Travel Guide’s 2019 World’s Best Hotel Rooms – 41 Best Rooms

Top 10 Traveller's Choice Hotels in Australia 2019 (6 th )

AHA WA’s Best Deluxe Accommodation Hotel 2019

WA’s Best Hotel Wine List Award for Wildflower in the AHA WA Accommodation Industry Awards 2019  – Emma Farrelly

WAs Best Hotel Food & Beverage Employee in the AHA WA Accommodation Industry Awards 2019  – Jake Silvester

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 Best Hotel in Australia and New Zealand and Second Best Hotel in the World

Mr and Mrs Smith Hotel Awards 2018 Best Gourmet Getaway – Runner Up

WA’s Best Housekeeping Award in the AHA WA Accommodation Industry Awards 2018  – Lana Konnelli

WA’s Best Hotel Wine List Award for Wildflower in the AHA WA Accommodation Industry Awards 2018  – Emma Farrelly

WA’s Best Engineer Award in the AHA WA Accommodation Industry Awards 2018  – Vincent Francis

WA’s Best Chef Award in the AHA WA Accommodation Industry Awards 2018  – Kim Brennan

COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE

Condé Nast Traveller Spa Awards Forever Icon 2024

Compare Retreats' Luxury Wellness Travel Awards 2024 Meditation, Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat of the Year

Forbes Travel Guide Star Award 2024 Verified luxury for a luxurious wellness getaway in Bali’s jungle

Conde Nast Traveller’s Spa Awards 2024 Forever Icon category

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 The best destination spas in the world (5 th )

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023 Hotel Spas in Indonesia (2 nd ) Upcountry Hotels in Indonesia (5 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 Best Spa Resorts in the World (9 th )

Travel+Leisure Asia's Best Awards 2022 Best Upcountry Resorts in Indonesia (6 th ) Best Hotel Spas in Indonesia (10 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Favourite Spa Hotel (International) The Best Spa Resorts in the U.S. & Around the World (5 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 Top 10 Destination Spa Resorts in the World

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018 Top 25 hotels in Indonesia

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2020 World Ranking Wellness Retreats (8 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2018 Best Hotels in the World

Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2018 Asia Top 50

COMO UMA UBUD

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 Best Resorts in Indonesia (1 st ) Best Resorts in the World (4 th )

Travel+Leisure Asia's Best Awards 2022 Best Upcountry Resorts in Indonesia (10 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Top 10 Resorts in Indonesia (10 th ) Asia’s Best Resorts

DestinAsian Reader's Choice Awards 2020 Top 10 Best Boutique Hotels

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2019 Top 25 Luxury Hotels – Indonesia (No.10) Top 25 Hotels for Romance – Indonesia (No.15) Top 25 Luxury Hotels – Indonesia (No.15)

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015 - 2018

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 Top 50 Resorts in Asia

COMO UMA CANGGU

Organic Spa Media Wellness Travel Awards 2024 Best Wellness Design

Forbes Travel Guide Star Award 2024 Verified luxury for Bali’s surf-chic beachside retreat

Organic Spa Media Wellness Travel Awards 2024 Best Wellness Design

Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 Best Resorts in Indonesia (2 nd ) Best Resorts in the World (6 th )

Travel+Leisure Asia's Best Awards 2022 Best Beach Clubs in Indonesia (8 th )

Exquisite Awards 2021 Best Suites

Forbes Travel Guide 2021 Four-Star award

COMO METROPOLITAN BANGKOK

Earth Check Bronze Certificate 2023

Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 nahm, Bangkok (one Michelin star)

Michelin Guide Thailand 2022 nahm, Bangkok (one Michelin star)

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 Best Hotels in Southeast Asia (8th)

Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2021 Best Bars and Restaurants in the World – nahm

Michelin Guide Thailand 2021 nahm, Bangkok (one Michelin star)

Luxury Lifestyle Awards Winners 2020 Top 10: The Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Bangkok

Condé Nast Traveler: Gold List 2020 The Best Bars and Restaurants in the World Best Hotels in Bangkok (7 th )

Michelin Guide Thailand 2020 nahm, Bangkok (one Michelin star)

Condé Nast Traveller 2019 Best Hotel in Bangkok (9 th )

Michelin Guide Thailand 2019 nahm, Bangkok (one Michelin star)

Condé Nast Traveller 2018 4th Best Hotel in Bangkok

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018 nahm, Bangkok (10 th )

Michelin Guide Thailand 2018 nahm, Bangkok (one Michelin star)

COMO POINT YAMU

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Top 15 Resorts in Thailand (13 th )

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023 Hotel Pools in Thailand (2 nd ) 

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 Best Resorts in Thailand (3 rd )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Top 20 Resorts in Thailand (4 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 Best resorts in Thailand (10 th )

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand Green Hotel Award 2019 – Gold Level

COMO UMA BHUTAN

Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List 2024 Our Editors All-time Favourite Hotels 2024

Compare Retreats' Luxury Wellness Travel Awards 2024 Hiking Retreat of the Year

Tatler Travel Guide 2024 101 Best Hotels in the World (Come Dine With Me)

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 Top 50 Best Resort in the World (38 th ) Top 25 Resorts in Asia (7 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Top 50 Best Resort in the World (47 th ) Top 25 Resorts in Asia (2 nd )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 Best Resorts in Asia (19 th ) – COMO Uma Paro Best Resorts in Asia (1 st ) – COMO Uma Punakha Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 Best Resort in Asia (3 rd ) - COMO Uma Punakha Top 20 Resorts in Asia - COMO Uma Paro

Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 Best Hotel in Asia – COMO Uma Punakha Best Hotel in the World (3 rd ) – COMO Uma Punakha Best Hotel in Asia (2 nd ) – COMO Uma Paro

COMO CASTELLO DEL NERO

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Top 20 Hotels in Italy (1 st )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 Top 20 Best Hotels in Italy (6 th )

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 Best Hotels in Europe

Bilanz Hotel Ranking 2020 Top 100 European Hotels and Resorts (24 th )

COMO LAUCALA ISLAND

Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 South Pacific's Best Resort 2023 (1 st )  South Pacific Best Resort General Manager (2 nd ) 

COMO METROPOLITAN SINGAPORE

Travel + Leisure It List 2024 100 Best New Hotels of the Year

Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) World's Best New Luxury Hotels 2023 (11 th )

COMO Le Montrachet

One MICHELIN Key 2024

U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels 2024

COMO Alpina Dolomites

Stay inspired with como.

We look forward to sharing news and inspiration from the world of COMO Hotels and Resorts.

Tatler Dining Awards Hong Kong and Macau 2024 Winners

The Tatler Dining Awards 2024 that took place on April 9 comes at a very special moment in our history, as the annual Tatler Dining Guide marks its 40th anniversary this year, celebrating four decades of documenting and identifying the very best in Hong Kong's vibrant dining scene. The Tatler Dining Awards comprise the Tatler Dining 20 lists —an unranked collection of Hong Kong and Macau's most impactful restaurants; and the Best In Class awards , which are given to those who have excelled in their field in the past year. The winners are selected from a pool of more than 220 restaurants that have been selected upon recommendations from our diverse team of editors and panelists as part of the Tatler Dining Guide. View the list of winners below: Rising Star Award- Joris Rousseau, Feuille Best Interior Design- Kaen Teppanyaki Best Service- Wing Best Sommelier- Carlito Chiu, Andō Best Pastry Chef- Fabio Bardi, Estro Best New Restaurant- Feuille Impact Award- Danny Yip, The Chairman Restaurateur of the Year- Syed Asim Hussain, Black Sheep Restaurants Chef of the Year- Vicky Cheng, VEA & Wing Restaurant of the Year- Andō

Meet the 2024 Skift IDEA Awards Judges

Adam Stacey , Skift

April 25th, 2024 at 9:30 AM EDT

Hand-picked by the Skift team, the 2024 Skift IDEA Awards judging panel includes travel industry veterans, innovators, and global leaders.

Adam Stacey

With submissions for the 2024 Skift IDEA Awards well underway, we are excited to introduce the first cohort of industry experts that will bring their unique perspectives and experiences to support us in selecting the 2024 Award winners. 

The Skift IDEA Awards have undergone a full transformation for 2024, with a new brand identity, new submission process and some exciting new initiatives that we are working on behind the scenes (more to come on that!).

As part of this transformation, we are thrilled to welcome a fresh and diverse group of experts to the fold. We’re confident that as judges, they will help us identify the most groundbreaking and inspiring ideas that are set to redefine the future of travel. 

Without further ado, let us introduce you to some of the industry leaders who will be reviewing this year’s submissions:

Aditi Mohapatra

Vice President, Global Social Impact & Sustainability

Expedia Group

Vice President Global Design Strategies

Marriott International

Chief Commercial Officer

Cara Whitehill

Vice President

Thayer Ventures

Damien Perrot

Global Chief Design, Technical Services and Innovation Officer

Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy brands

Harsha L’Acqua

Founder and CEO

Saira Hospitality

Inge Huijbrechts

Global Senior Vice President Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications

Radisson Hotel Group

Shannon Guihan

Chief Sustainability Officer

The Travel Corporation (TTC)

Staci Mellman

Chief Marketing Officer

Zina Bencheikh

Managing Director, EMEA

Intrepid Travel

With more judges to be announced soon, we invite all innovators within the travel industry to submit their ideas for consideration, as the 2024 Skift IDEA Awards look to be more exciting and inspiring than ever before.

Haven’t started your submission yet? Start today and celebrate your achievements.

Please note: The Skift Meetings Awards are also back, celebrating the business event industry’s most respected and innovative suppliers for a second year. Interested in finding out more? Head to the website today.

Tags: IDEA awards , idea awards 2024

Compare Retreats’ Luxury Wellness Travel Awards 2024

Compare Retreats is thrilled to announce the launch of the annual Compare Retreats’ Luxury Wellness Travel Awards which honours the highest level of excellence in the luxury wellness travel sector. The awards were created to recognise properties, brands and individuals who continue to raise the bar in the wellness retreat, spa resort, healthy hotel, medical beauty and sustainable skincare industries around the world.

The awards are the most exclusive in their field with nominees carefully hand-selected by Compare Retreats’ in-house team of luxury wellness travel experts who have personally vetted every single property, brand and product. Nominations are reserved for a limited number of groundbreaking businesses that have pushed the luxury wellness travel landscape forward over the course of many years. Voting is open to the public and the awards are done on a complimentary basis for all nominees to ensure transparency and honesty. Gold, silver and bronze winners will be announced in January 2024.

Compare Retreats was launched in 2017 and has been recognised by publications such as Forbes, The Times, Bloomberg, Vogue and Tatler for its work in the luxury wellness travel sector. It was voted the World’s Best Wellness Travel Agency by the World Spa Awards in 2024 and is widely acknowledged as the most exclusive wellness travel collection in the world.

Voting Opens: November 24, 2023 Voting Closes: January 8, 2024 Awards Ceremony: January 29, 2024

Awards Venue Sponsor: YUN WELLNESS

Award Categories and Nominees

Detox Retreat of the Year

A luxury wellness resort that excels in retreat programmes that eliminate toxins using a multidimensional approach overseen by qualified experts .

• The Farm at San Benito, Batangas, The Philippines
• Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
• The Original FX Mayr, Carinthia, Austria

Fitness Retreat of the Year

A fitness-focused retreat that offers state-of-the-art facilities and trainers to meet guests’ goals .

• The Ranch Malibu, California, USA
• BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia, Caribbean
• Thanyapura, Phuket, Thailand

Medical Retreat of the Year

A luxury wellness medical retreat in a five-star setting with the world’s best programming for longevity, and body and mind optimisation overseen by medical doctors with a wide variety of testing available and proven results.

• Clinique La Prairie, Montreux, Switzerland
• Lanserhof Lans, Lans, Germany
• RAKxa Integrative Wellness & Medical Retreat, Bangkok, Thailand

Meditation, Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat of the Year

A peaceful wellness resort with incredible programming and treatments focused on reducing stress, anxiety and ailments via Ayurveda, yoga and meditation.

• Six Senses Vana, Dehradun, India
• Como Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia
• Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

Hiking Retreat of the Year

A retreat that takes guests off the beaten path and into remote settings that fully embrace a sense of place .

• Como Uma Paro, Paro Valley Paro, Bhutan
• Mii Amo, Arizona, USA
• Stanglwirt, Going am Wilden Kaiser, Austria

Spa Resort of the Year

An idyllic and tranquil spa resort that is perfect for relaxation, pampering and resting where the spa is the main focus of the property and the cuisine is light, delicious and nourishing.

• Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
• TIA Wellness Resort, Da Nang, Vietnam
• Palazzo Fiugi, Fiugi, Italy

Eco Wellness Resort of the Year

A sustainable, eco-friendly wellness resort that is a leader in regenerative travel, eco-tourism and saving the environment.

• Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia
• Fivelements, Bali, Indonesia
• Bawah Reserve, Anambas, Indonesia

Beach Wellness Resort of the Year

A heavenly seaside haven with a beach, luxury spa and wellness activities .

• One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, UAE
• Marbella Club, Malaga, Spain
• Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand

Ski and Spa Resort of the Year

A retreat that combines ski and spa for the ideal winter escape .

• The Alpina Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland
• Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Whistler, Canada
• Park Hyatt Hanazono, Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

Multigenerational Wellness Resort of the Year

An inclusive family-friendly wellness resort that offers fun, special memories and wellness for all ages making it perfect for multigenerational trips.

• Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
• Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Al Ruwais, Qatar
• Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Destination Spa of the Year

A beautifully designed spa concept that offers best-in-class treatments for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

• Soneva Soul at Soneva
• Le Spa at Royal Mansour
• Asaya at Rosewood Hotels

Sustainable Spa Collaboration of the Year

A collaboration between a luxury wellness hotel group and a sustainable skincare spa brand that offers outstanding results.

• Voya x The Peninsula Hotels
• Irene Forte x Rocco Forte Hotels
• Subtle Energies x Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Urban Spa Hotel Brand of the Year

A lavish spa getaway in the heart of a big city .

• Mandarin Oriental

Medical Aesthetic Clinic of the Year

A Dr. and clinic worth travelling for offering world-class treatments, results and products.

• Belo Beauty, the Philippines
• Dr. Lara Devgan, New York
• Dr. Maryam Zamani, United Kingdom

Wellness Island of the Year

A private island with a special spa, fitness and wellness offering in an ideal setting to get away from it all.

• Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
• Amanpulo, Palawan, Philippines
• Joali Being, Bodufushi Island, Maldives

Design Wellness Destination of the Year

An architectural phenomenon that combines design, wellness and hospitality in a beautiful destination that you never want to leave.

• Adare Manor, Limerick, Ireland
• Amanoi, Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
• Finca Cortesin, Malaga, Spain

Unique Wellness Experience of the Year

An immersive and distinctive wellness experience in an extraordinary setting .

• Singita Spa Safari, Africa
• Nihi Equine Retreat, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
• Alma Festival at Six Senses Ibiza, Spain

Urban Wellness Concept of the Year

An innovative and unique wellness concept that goes above and beyond current market offerings.

• YUN WELLNESS at Island Shangri-La
• Family Form Method at The Upper House 
• Asaya Lodges at Rosewood Hong Kong

Fashion Hospitality Collaboration of the Year

A collaboration between a fashion and luxury travel brand that made waves this year .

• Dior x One&Only Desaru Coast
• Sporty & Rich x Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc
• Chanel x The Peninsula Hong Kong

Wellness Pioneer of the Year

An all-encompassing wellness hospitality hero who has innovated the luxury wellness travel industry .

• Damian Chaparro, Aro Hā
• Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses
• Sonu Shivdasani, Soneva

Voting for Compare Retreats’ Luxury Wellness Travel Awards 2024 is now closed. Winners will be announced at YUN Wellness at Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong on January 29th 2024. Voting for Compare Retreats’ Luxury Wellness Travel Awards 2025 will open in November 2024. To get in touch about sponsorship please contact [email protected] .

Compare Retreats

Compare Retreats is the luxury wellness travel booking portal and digital publication for the world’s leading retreats, all tried-and-tested by our team of wellness experts and health professionals.

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Announcing Summer 2024 Center for Middle East Studies Research Travel Award Recipients

April 25, 2024

Graduate Research Travel

Adel Ben Bella (MCM) Arif Erbil (History) Hosna Salari Sardari  (History of Art and Architecture) Amelle Zerou g (History) Gabriel Zuckerberg (Music) 

Undergraduate Research Travel

Aboud Ashhab ‘25

STUDENT TRAVEL AND RESEARCH FUNDING IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GENEROUS GIFT FROM THE SAMS FAMILY 

Previous recipients.

Fall 2014 MES Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2015 MES Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2016 MES Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2017 MES Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2018 MES Research Travel Award Recipients Fall 2018 MES Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2019 Research Travel Award Recipients Fall 2019 Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2022 Research Travel Award Recipients Spring 2023 Research Travel Award Recipients

ABOUT MIDDLE EAST STUDIES RESEARCH TRAVEL AWARDS

Up to $1,000 for Middle East studies undergraduate concentrators Up to $1,500 for Middle East studies graduate students

• Priority is given to undergraduate students concentrating in Middle East studies using the funds towards research for the senior Capstone or Honors Thesis
• Students in concentrations other than Middle East studies but with Middle East-related research will be considered 
• Graduate applicant support is based on travel focused specifically on conducting research for their dissertations
• Travel is not limited to the Middle East. However, applicants must be conducting research on the Middle East 

MORE INFORMATION ON MIDDLE EAST STUDIES RESEARCH TRAVEL AWARDS

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Vote for your favorite beach in Florida!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, the Sunshine State boasts 825 miles of beaches, many of which are ranked among the best on the planet. And an average of 230 days of sunshine a year make Florida's shoreline hard to resist for vacationers looking for sun, sand, and sea. An expert panel has nominated their favorites beaches in Florida. Which beach is your go-to destination? Vote once per day for your favorite until voting ends on Monday, May 20 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 29.  Read the official  Readers' Choice rules .

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, the Sunshine State boasts 825 miles of beaches, many of which are ranked among the best on the planet. And an average of 230 days of sunshine a year make Florida's shoreline...   Read More

Best Beach in Florida Nominees

Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks

Anastasia State Park

St. Augustine, Florida

Anastasia State Park is beloved for its beaches of white quartz sands. The park features more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled shores, making it a captivating destination for visitors, as well as wildlife. Beachgoers have opportunities to spot colorful roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and even the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse. With an abundance of things to do, like kayaking, surfing, shelling, swimming, and hiking, there's something for everyone at this beach.

Photo courtesy of Purdue9394 / E+ Getty Images

Bowman's Beach

Sanibel, Florida

The allure of Bowman's Beach, located on Sanibel Island, Florida, lies in its tranquil setting and the chance to go shelling along its expansive white sand coastline. With amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, it's an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike. 

Calusa Beach

Bahia Honda State Park, Florida

Perched at the southern tip of Bahia Honda State Park, the scenic Calusa Beach has earned abundant acclaim for its incredible snorkeling and kayaking opportunities, with a wealth of colorful Florida Keys species calling the area home. Beachgoers can also enjoy relaxing on the white sand in the shade of palm trees.

Photo courtesy of Gulf County Florida Tourism

Cape San Blas

Port St. Joe, Florida

A popular daytime destination just south of Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas draws visitors in droves for on-the-water activities like kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Those who prefer to stick to dry land can set off for a leisurely hike along the beach's Loggerhead Trail.

Photo courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater, Florida

The depth of the sugary, talc-white strand of sand at Clearwater Beach ensures a wealth of space for beach enthusiasts as they cavort from surf to towel, contemplating active options from paddleboarding to parasailing. Of course, simply lolling about in the oft-warm, blue-green swells, scanning for dolphin pods or enjoying the epic sunsets is just as appealing.

Photo courtesy of dosecreative / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida

While Florida's Space Coast is a top destination for astronomy aficionados, the region's Cocoa Beach offers added opportunity for both outdoor adventure and shoreside relaxation, with soft white sand and surging waves that are perfect for surfing.

Photo courtesy of Daytona Beach Area CVB

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida

While the Daytona International Speedway serves as one of the world's most renowned racing venues, it's far from the only attraction worth visiting in Daytona Beach. On the eastern edge of the city, the sprawling shoreline offers sand, surf, and a lengthy boardwalk that's packed with shops and restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

Delray Beach

Delray Beach, Florida

Located within the sprawling Miami metropolitan area, Delray Beach's coastline spans roughly 2 miles on the edge of Palm Beach County. While visitors are welcome to lay out and soak in the sun all across the beach, Atlantic Dunes Park provides some added natural beauty thanks to its sloping sand hills.

Photo courtesy of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Destin, Florida

The beauty of the Florida Panhandle is on full display across Destin, a sandy strip of shoreline found just south of Choctawhatchee Bay. Visitors are drawn to the soft sugary sand and gentle emerald hue emanating from the surrounding water. Beachgoers can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk down to the east jetty and watch boats move through East Pass.

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

St. George Island, Florida

Established in 1963, St. George Island State Park is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and picturesque beaches. During a visit, guests can explore rolling sand dunes and even set up camp for the night, while native wildlife spans from shorebirds to crabs to great horned owls.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Key West, Florida

The historic Fort Zachary Taylor is a top attraction for Key West visitors, and to sweeten the deal, it's located just a few steps away from a particularly idyllic beach. After a guided tour, visitors can head onto the shore for an afternoon full of fishing, snorkeling, or sunbathing.

Grayton Beach State Park

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Swimming, sunbathing, and surf fishing don't get much more idyllic than at unspoiled Grayton Beach State Park. Those who can pull themselves from the soft sand will find numerous other recreational opportunities, including paddling through Western Lake's salt marsh or hiking along 4 miles of trails through coastal forest.

Henderson Beach State Park

For those who want to experience the white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle without the ethereal remoteness of some parts of it, Henderson Beach State Park is easily accessible from Destin and offers plenty of creature comforts including camping, a playground, and proximity to a resort. Its beaches overlook typically calm Gulf of Mexico waters populated with fish, dolphin, and sea turtles.

Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department

Jupiter Beach Park

Jupiter, Florida

The town of Jupiter is home to more than 3 miles of idyllic shoreline, with soft white sand, clear aqua-blue water, and mellow waves for visitors and locals to enjoy. Beachgoers love Jupiter Beach Park in particular, which features lifeguards, picnic areas, a jetty, and stellar fishing and snorkeling opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Steven Brooke

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a picturesque destination that captivates visitors with its small-town charm and beautiful coastal setting. The town's beach is known for its clear waters, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, especially with the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail just a swim away. This location is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Photo courtesy of Kruck20 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, Florida

Once a raucous spring break destination, Panama City Beach has transformed into a relaxed coastal getaway that's friendly for all age groups. Vacationers can take to the beautiful beach to enjoy surf and sand, with 27 miles of shoreline to stretch out on for relaxation and plenty of activities.

Photo courtesy of fokkebok / iStock / Getty Images Plus

South Beach

Miami Beach, Florida

Just east of Miami proper, scenic South Beach is packed full of vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops — but this renowned district is far more than just a nightlife destination. In addition to serving as a major hub for LGBTQ+ tourism, the area also earns abundant acclaim for its sandy beach. Stay beachfront at a number of hotels or check out a beach club to enjoy lounging by the sea in luxury.

Photo courtesy of Seaside Café

Stuart Beach

Stuart, Florida

The coastal gem of Stuart Beach offers a tranquil oceanside experience. Its natural beauty — with soft sandy shores and clear blue waters — makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who enjoy swimming and sunbathing. With amenities like picnic areas, volleyball courts, and restrooms, it's perfect for family outings.

Photo courtesy of Bkamprath / E+ Getty Images

Treasure Island Beach

Treasure Island, Florida

Pinellas County residents and newly arrived tourists can be found in abundance across Treasure Island Beach, which is divided into three separate neighborhoods. Guests can enjoy the area's many beachfront hotels and restaurants year-round, while summer brings the opportunity to spot sea turtles nesting along the sand.

Photo courtesy of Photo by Don Hubbard/City of Venice

Venice Beach

Venice, Florida

Venice Beach in Florida is renowned for its picturesque shoreline and the unique opportunity to find fossilized shark teeth in the sand. Beachgoers are drawn to the warm, inviting waters perfect for swimming, and the well-maintained facilities here include changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers. With its blend of natural beauty and community amenities, this beach is an appealing destination for both relaxation and adventure.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison tibaldi.

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based...   Read More

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles.  She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education.  She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly. 

Annita Thomas

Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With...   Read More

Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With Annita radio show, the recipient of two Gold Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. With 40 years of travel experience she has been to 119 countries and territories, and has worked in several areas of the travel industry. She started her travel career with Pan American World Airways and later worked for the Atlanta CVB during the 1996 Olympics. The multi-media journalist not only host a travel show on terrestrial radio, but also a Lowell Thomas Bronze Award winning podcast - Quarter Miles Travel featuring stories based on the U.S. Mint coins programs. She writes for Upscale Magazine and is an ambassador for Oprah Daily digital magazine. Annita's mission is to inspire Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters to go out and explore the world, creating memorable experiences. She values storytelling, cultural awareness, sharing human interest stories and highlighting sustainable travel brands. Her mission is to help shape the listeners and readers perspective of beautiful destinations around the world. She is the proud fur-baby mom of two fun loving Chocolate Labs, Boris and Natasha. Her favorite destination - the last place she visited. Her favorite travel quote - “Let’s Go!” 

Chelle Koster Walton

Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for...   Read More

Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean — has been covering the destination for 30 years. Her top-selling  Sarasota, Sanibel Island, and Naples  guidebook (Countryman Press) is in its sixth edition. She was contributing editor for  Caribbean Travel & Life  for 12 years and has written guidebooks on the Bahamas. A veteran travel writer, Chelle has published thousands of articles for  Miami Herald, USA TODAY, Latitudes;  has written/contributed to a dozen guidebooks, and produces travel shows for the local PBS station.

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The...   Read More

NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com , a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on  YouTube  or listen to her podcast.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Oregon-connected artists among winners of 2024 Doris Duke Foundation awards

Three women artists with connections to Oregon are among this year’s Doris Duke Artist Awards winners, an honor that brings recipients an unrestricted cash prize of $525,000 and up to $25,000 in retirement funds.

According to the Doris Duke Foundation, the awards are the largest national prize given to individual performing artists. Established in 2012, the Doris Duke Artist Awards are intended “to unlock the power of creativity and to shape our society for the better.” Award winners receive support including professional development, financial planning and management services, enhanced networking and performance opportunities.

Among this year’s winners are Acosia Red Elk, an enrolled member of the Umatilla Tribe. The Pendleton-based artist is a 10-time world champion Jingle dancer, who as the news release says, is also known for “public speaking and storytelling, tribal dance performance, indigenizing fitness, teaching yoga through a tribal lens and instructing powwow dance to tribal youth across Turtle Island.”

Also honored is esperanza spalding , the Grammy-winning jazz artist who grew up in Portland, and whose accomplishments include co-founding and co-directing Prismid Inc., a Portland nonprofit that supports artists with residency, performance, and workshop services.

The third 2024 Doris Duke Artist Awards winner with Oregon ties is Nataki Garrett, the former executive artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and former acting artistic director of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Garrett is co-artistic director of One Nation/One Project, and leads their national arts and health initiative, #ArtsforEveryBody.

Other winners of the award, which honors “trailblazing artists in theater, dance, and jazz,” are Shamel Pitts (dance), Chay Yew (theater) and Miguel Zenón (jazz).

— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, [email protected] or @Kristiturnquist

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