The 2023 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards Shortlist

The time has come to unveil the distinguished finalists of the 2023 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, a collection of outstanding candidates who have been acknowledged by our panel of judges

After an intensive voting period by our panel of esteemed judges, The Luxury Travel Gold List Awards shortlist is here, recognising the best of luxury travel in Australia and beyond.

Established back in 2005 and making a momentous return in 2023, this annual celebration shines a spotlight on the discerning Australian luxury traveller: a community that values both worldly exploration and ethical responsibility.

Brought to life by the creative minds at Indesign Media Asia Pacific, the 2023 edition of The Luxury Travel Gold List Awards has been reinvigorated to resonate with the essence of modern luxury travel. Our focus remains on honouring the leaders in luxury travel, whether they operate in the heart of Australia or on a global stage.

Spanning experiences, hotels and operators on land and on sea, the 19 categories we present reflect the cornerstones of our editorial content: authenticity, design, and sustainability. These categories commend those who push boundaries and redefine industry norms.

Kicking off the voting process, our esteemed panel of jurors, with their diverse backgrounds and extensive expertise, meticulously evaluated the exceptional array of talent that entered the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards this year. But while our shortlist features an impressive array of outstanding hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, and captivating experiences from around the globe, only one can claim victory in each category – and this is where our readers come in.

Reader voting will commence 1 September with the winners to be announced at the live Gala Awards event, set to take place in Sydney on November 29, 2023. The ceremony will be broadcasted live worldwide, uniting luxury travel enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of our partners: Hästens as our Platinum Partner, and our dedicated Silver Sponsors, Discover Aboriginal Experiences and Sunraysia. We’re also grateful to Small Luxury Hotels for contributing the prizes that add an extra layer of prestige.

And so it is with great excitement that we unveil the stars of the show – the 2023 Luxury Travel Gold List shortlist. A huge congratulations go out to those who have earned the distinction of being named category finalists!

New Hotel or Resort Design

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
Aman, New York
Cap Karoso, Indonesia
Capella, Sydney
Jumeirah, Bali
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
The Reef House at Vomo Island, Fiji
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

 

Boutique Property, Villa or Lodge (less than 50 rooms)

Aman, Venice
ÀNI, Thailand
Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
The Landing Residences, New Zealand
Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji

 

Sustainable Luxury Resort

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Amanjiwo, Indonesia
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Resort, Thailand
Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia

 

Luxury Hotel or Resort Brand

Aman
COMO Hotels and Resorts
Indian Hotels Company
One&Only Resorts
Robertson Lodges
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Taj Hotels

 

Wellness Spa or Resort

Aman, New York
Aro ha Wellness Retreat, New Zealand
Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Queensland
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Thailand
Six Senses, Fiji
Soneva Soul within Soneva Jani, Maldives

 

Gourmet Luxury Tourism Experience

AKASA – Jumeirah Bali
Cap Karoso, Julang, Indonesia
Gariwerd Luxury Escape at the Royal Mail Hotel, Victoria
Musashi by Aman, Aman Tokyo
Na`au pop-up and private dinner experiences, Hawaii
The View Dining at the Peak – The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

 

Regenerative Tourism Experience

Gaya Island Resort, Malaysia
Impact Destinations
Mālama ka Aina Tour at Kualoa Ranch Nature Reserve, Hawaii
Shakti Himalaya, India
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
WILDeconomy Masterclass, Africa

 

Luxury Family Experience

Family offer at Soneva Jani, Maldives
Farm Tour – A Farm to Table Experience, Kokomo, Fiji
Hands Up Holidays
Lapland Christmas Magic, 50 Degrees North
Mangrove and Coral Planting, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Fiji
Nanuku Cultural Experience, Fiji

 

Indigenous Experience – Australia

Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, Queensland
Welcome Indigenous Experience, Pretty Beach House, NSW
Wintjiri Wiru, Voyages Indigenous Tourism, NT

 

Luxury Expedition Cruise Brand

Aurora Expeditions
PONANT
Quark Expeditions
Scenic Eclipse
Seabourn Expeditions
Silversea Cruises

 

Luxury Ocean Or River Cruise Brand (With Ships Under 300 Guests)

Avalon Waterways
Star Clippers
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

 

Luxury Ocean Cruise Brand (With Ships Under 750 Guests)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seabourn
Silversea Cruises

 

Luxury Travel Advisor (Individual), Australia

Drew Kluska, The Tailor
Jo Kennedy, Kennedy & Turner Travel Associates
Rose Febo, Travel Managers

 

Luxury Travel Agency, Leisure (Boutique), Australia

Luxury Holidays
Noosa Cruise and Travel
Oasis Travel Pty Ltd
The Tailor
Whitsunday Holidays
Y Travel Pty Ltd

 

Luxury Travel Agency, Leisure (Medium to Large Scale), Australia

FBI TRAVEL
Luxury Escapes
Travel Associates
Travelcall

 

Luxury Tour Operator, Boutique

Crooked Compass
Destination Artisans
Exotic Destinations
Ormina Tours
Walk into Luxury

 

Luxury Tour Operator, Medium to Large Scale

Abercrombie & Kent Australia
Luxury Gold

 

Emerging Brand To Watch (Any Category Eg: Cruise, Hotel, Agency)

Country Club Travel – Luxury Your Way
Crystal Cruises
Explora Journeys
Impact Destinations

 

Luxury Travel Gold List Achievement Award For Outstanding Contribution To Luxury Travel – Australia

Danielle Galloway, Travel Associates
Matthew Upchurch, Virtuoso
Michael Londregan, Virtuoso

 

Sustainability Initiative by a Destination/Tourism Region

Department of Tourism – Bhutan
Hawaiʻi Tourism Oceania
Tourism Tropical North Queensland

 

Cast your vote here for your favourite shortlisted entry to go into the running to win from our luxury prize pool.