After a months-long judging and voting process, the winners of the 2023 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards were announced on 29 November 2023. Without further ado, here are the world’s best hotels, resorts, tours, cruise lines and more. Drumroll, please…
LUXURY HOTEL OR RESORT BRAND
Winner
Each of COMO Hotels and Resorts’ properties demonstrates a commitment to curating exceptional adventures in alluring destinations. From paradisiacal Fiji to mystical Bhutan, COMO properties showcase a strong mind-body wellness ethos while serving world-class cuisine and providing meticulous service, to create an extraordinary experience for their guests.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Indian Hotels Company
One&Only Resorts
Robertson Lodges
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Taj Hotels
NEW HOTEL OR RESORT DESIGN
Winner
Set within a heritage-listed building in Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct, Capella Sydney opened in March 2023 as a luxury hotel with cultural immersion at its core. As the first Capella in Australia, it impressed the judges and public alike with its balance of storied architectural features and contemporary design aesthetic that collectively celebrate the Australian panorama.
Honourable mention
Finalists
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
Aman, New York
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)
Winner
Considered one of the world’s most beautiful private islands, Kokomo Private Island is a secluded luxury haven surrounded by unspoiled natural environment. The island retreat boasts some of the best diving on the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, and is committed to the regeneration and sustainability of the island’s natural beauty.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Aman, Venice
ÀNI, Thailand
The Landing Residences, New Zealand
Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY RESORT
Winner (joint)
Nestled among the dunes within Cape Range National Park, with Ningaloo Reef on its doorstep, Sal Salis is exemplary as a sustainable luxury property. This unique and intimate eco-luxury camp offers guests an escape where the outback, reef and ranges meet, and was designed to operate in tune with the local environment, with strict principles of minimal impact and sustainability.
One of the industry’s sustainability trailblazers, Soneva Fushi implements a range of eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy sources, waste-to-wealth initiatives and water conservation. The resort actively engages in reforestation projects and marine conservation efforts, and prioritises social responsibility by supporting local communities through education and healthcare initiatives.
Honourable Mention
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Finalists
Amanjiwo, Indonesia
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Resort, Thailand
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
LUXURY OCEAN CRUISE BRAND (Ships Under 750 Guests)
Winner
Sailing the high seas for 30 years, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ vessels – Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Grandeur – carry no more than 746 guests. Spacious and stylish, ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet’ visits over 500 immersive destinations globally.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Luxury Ocean Or River Cruise Brand (With Ships Under 300 Guests)
Winner
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Luxury river cruise line Uniworld offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia and Peru. Their fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests – one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry, and offers enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality and the highest degree of all-inclusive benefits on the rivers.
Honourable mention
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Finalists
LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISE BRAND
Winner
PONANT’s fleet of 13 French-flagged small luxury expedition ships is fitted with the latest environmental technologies, in a commitment to more responsible tourism that spans 35 years. The brand’s purposeful voyages offer a unique mix of French-inspired hospitality, barefoot luxury and educative and sustainable exploration to places such as the Geographic North Pole, Australia’s Kimberley Coast or Antarctica’s Ross Sea.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Aurora Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
Scenic Eclipse
Seabourn Expeditions
WELLNESS SPA OR RESORT
Winner
Gwinganna is one of Australia’s preeminent wellness destinations. Located in south east Queensland’s scenic hinterland on over 200 hectares, the retreat’s fully inclusive programs include accommodation and activities, selected spa and wellness therapies, organic cuisine, wellness seminars and the use of facilities including the Spa Sanctuary – the largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Aro ha Wellness Retreat, New Zealand
Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Thailand
Six Senses, Fiji
Soneva Soul within Soneva Jani, Maldives
GOURMET LUXURY TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Winner
Julang is a fine-dining communal table restaurant catering exclusively to the guests of luxury resort, Cap Karoso in Sumba. Rather than employing a single permanent chef, Julang engages world-renowned chefs from around the world for short residencies, tasking them with transforming ingredients from Cap Karoso’s organic farm into a sophisticated set menu that celebrates Sumba’s local produce.
Honourable mention
Gariwerd Luxury Escape at the Royal Mail Hotel, Victoria
Finalists
AKASA – Jumeirah Bali
Cap Karoso, Julang, Indonesia
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
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE BY A DESTINATION / TOURISM REGION
Winner
Department of Tourism – Bhutan
In 2022, the nation of Bhutan transformed its tourism strategy to prioritise sustainability, immersive experiences and responsible travel, in line with global travel trends. Bhutan introduced a new Sustainable Development Fee for all tourists, the proceeds of which are invested in sustainable and conservation initiatives, free health care and education for all Bhutanese, and infrastructure upgrades.
Honourable mention
Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Finalists
REGENERATIVE TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Winner
The Datai Langkawi is situated in an ancient rainforest overlooking tranquil Datai Bay on the northwest tip of beautiful Langkawi island. The iconic property’s sustainability commitment – The Datai Pledge – comprises four pillars: Pure for the Future, Wildlife for the Future, Fish for the Future; and Youth for the Future, in a program that benefits the island’s many living creatures as well as the lives of resort guests, team members and the local community.
Honourable mention
WILDeconomy Masterclass, Africa
Finalists
Gaya Island Resort, Malaysia
Impact Destinations
Mālama ka Aina Tour at Kualoa Ranch Nature Reserve, Hawaii
Shakti Himalaya, India
AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCE
Winner
Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours
100% Indigenous Owned and operated, this unique Indigenous small group experience is fully hosted by Traditional Owners. Guests embark on a short river cruise from Cairns and arrive to a traditional Welcome Ceremony. Joining the Mayi Bugan Trail, they discover native foods and traditional bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. Light refreshments are served surrounded by the sounds of the forest before heading back to Cairns.
Honourable mention
Wintjiri Wiru, Voyages Indigenous Tourism, NT
Finalists
LUXURY FAMILY EXPERIENCE
Winner
Lapland Christmas Magic, 50 Degrees North
This seven-day Christmas tour to Finnish Lapland begins on Christmas Eve and includes stays in private log cabins – with their own fireplace and sauna – and winter activities such as husky and reindeer sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling and even a private visit with Santa in his cabin in the forest.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Family offer at Soneva Jani, Maldives
Farm Tour – A Farm to Table Experience, Kokomo, Fiji
Mangrove and Coral Planting, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Fiji
Nanuku Cultural Experience, Fiji
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR (INDIVIDUAL) – AUSTRALIA
Winner
Jo Kennedy, Kennedy & Turner Travel Associates
Jo Kennedy’s name is well-known in the luxury travel industry – just ask any luxury supplier. A luxury travel advisor since 1990, Jo has proudly held the title of Business Leader of Kennedy & Turner Travel Associates in Brisbane for 22 years and is Travel Associates’ most awarded and respected advisor. In 2023 she hit a sales target never achieved by an individual in this business’s history, cementing her position as the network’s Top Advisor.
Honourable mention
Finalists
LUXURY TRAVEL AGENCY, LEISURE (BOUTIQUE) – AUSTRALIA
Winner
Boutique agency Luxury Holidays offers premium holiday home rentals throughout Australia. Properties range from luxury penthouse apartments to large opulent mansions on the beach in destinations such as Cape Tribulation, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast and Sydney.
Honourable mention
Finalists
Oasis Travel Pty Ltd
The Tailor
Whitsunday Holidays
Y Travel Pty Ltd
LUXURY TRAVEL AGENCY, LEISURE (MEDIUM TO LARGE SCALE) – AUSTRALIA
Winner
Established in 1994, Travelcall has firmly established itself as Australia’s leading luxury travel agency, and has been consistently recognised as the Top Australia/New Zealand Virtuoso Producer. With its invitation-only preferred partnerships with the world’s leading hotel, cruise, air and land suppliers, Travelcall offers its clients an incredible selection of exclusive travel experiences.
Honourable mention
Finalists
LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR, BOUTIQUE
Winner
Specialising in travel to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Oman and Dubai, Exotic Destinations’ mission is to show its guests the world in a way they’ve never seen before. The company strives to provide customers with something truly memorable, not just travel arrangements.
Honourable mention
Finalists
LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR, MEDIUM TO LARGE SCALE
Winner
Founded in Africa, Abercrombie & Kent has been a pioneer of experiential luxury travel since 1962. Specialising in private, tailor-made and flexible small group travel, as well as luxury expedition cruising to every corner of the globe, A&K has a wholly owned portfolio of cruise boats, luxury lodges, tented camps, hotels, and all-terrain vehicles.
Honourable mention
LUXURY TRAVEL GOLD LIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner
Danielle Galloway, Travel Associates
Danielle Galloway boasts a 23-year loyal history at Flight Centre Travel Group. Pioneering the Luxury division internally, Danielle is also the Chairperson of the LINK Travel Group, member of the Hilton Hotel Advisory Group, Virtuoso Group Membership Owner, Founder of Womenwise within FCTG, CPA and Board Member of AVMIN.
Finalists
EMERGING BRAND TO WATCH
Winner
Launched in 2023, Explora Journeys is MSC Cruises’ new luxury brand, and one the team at Luxury Travel predicts will make waves in the luxury travel market. Its first ship – Explora I – boasts 461 elegant Ocean-Front Suites with private terraces, six restaurants and a Chef’s Kitchen, four swimming pools, a high-energy fitness space, and activities, events and enrichment programs to stimulate the mind. The beautiful ship features extraordinary architecture powered by environmental technologies, while the tailor-made itineraries are described as “refined and relaxing” journeys.
Finalists
Country Club Travel – Luxury Your Way
Crystal Cruises
Impact Destinations
