Luxury Travel Advisor proudly announces the winners of its prestigious 2024 Awards of Excellence, which recognizes companies and individuals who are the elite suppliers in luxury travel.
Winners were determined exclusively by the readers of Luxury Travel Advisor, who voted for nominees selected by an invitation-only advisory board made up of the influential travel advisors who have graced the cover of Luxury Travel Advisor over the past 19 years. Nominees represent luxury travel partners that excel at delivering memorable experiences and services.
Top General Manager Worldwide
Thomas Carreras, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Our top general manager of the year is Thomas Carreras of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Carreras, who has spent more than 25 years with Four Seasons, gets credit for elevating the property to the status of a luxury lifestyle icon in Downtown New York, drawing inspiration from Lower Manhattan’s vibrant art, dining, fashion, and cultural scenes. Carreras trained at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland. His career with Four Seasons has taken him from Bora Bora to Mumbai, Paris and London.
Top Luxury Sales Director Worldwide
Alison Butterfield-Brown, Hyatt Hotels
Congratulations to Alison Butterfield-Brown, global sales director of the Hyatt Sales Force, who is clearly a fan favorite with the readers of Luxury Travel Advisor. Over her 20-year career with Hyatt, Butterfield-Brown has held entertainment, luxury, and leisure sales leadership roles across the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency brands. Before her current position, Butterfield-Brown was the director of entertainment and fashion sales at the Park Hyatt New York; she joined the global sales team in 2018.
Best Escorted Luxury Tour Operator
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent offers a wide variety of luxury travel experiences, including escorted tours to six continents. Travelers and advisors are assisted via 55 global offices in 30 countries. Journeys can be focused on family travel, private jet travel, expeditions / safaris and small groups, among others. Tours include luxe accommodations, authentic experiences and more.
Best Local Destination Management Company
IC Bellagio
IC Bellagio provides bespoke travel experiences and exclusive villa rentals for thousands of luxury travelers each year, ranging from sailing on a luxury yacht in Capri to cooking with a Michelin-starred chef in Sicily or cruising Tuscany in a vintage Alfa Romeo Duetto. IC Bellagio’s success comes from its team of destination specialists cultivating longstanding partnerships with suppliers across Italy.
Best Chauffeured Services Worldwide
Blacklane
Blacklane, a provider of premium global chauffeur services, says its mission is ”to create true peace of mind for discerning travelers by delivering perfect experiences around the world and to inspire a better future.” Blacklane offers airport transfers, long distance city-to-city rides and chauffeur-by-the-hour in over 50 countries globally, either pre-booked or on-demand.
Best Luxury Hotel in New York City
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Steps from Manhattan’s finest cultural attractions, the 253-room Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Hotel. It features the all day gastro lounge Contour, The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, and a collection of wellness experiences including the first stateside La Prairie Spa and Movement Studio.
Best River Cruise Company
Viking River Cruises
For the seventh straight year, Viking has earned the title of Best River Cruise Company. The line operates over 70 vessels that sail the waterways of Europe, Asia, Egypt’s Nile River and the United States’ Mississippi River. To maintain its momentum, Viking has 10 more ships on order set for delivery in the coming years.
Top Private Jet Company
Privé Jets
Privé Jets’ monicker as the “best-kept secret” for private jet travel may have to change after winning the Top Private Jet Company award. Its fleet of 7,500 aircraft (available 24/7) have access to over 4,000 runways globally, with all travels including the assistance of a Private Aviation Advisor.
Best Luxury Boutique Hotel Worldwide
Passalacqua, Lake Como
In last year’s awards, Passalacqua was named the Top Luxury Hotel Opening; this year, it earns the title of Best Luxury Boutique Hotel Worldwide. The 18th-century villa underwent a major revamp before opening as a 24-room hotel with lake views, terraced gardens and plenty of silk, chandeliers and stuccowork.
Best Luxury Hotel Worldwide
Ritz Paris
For the second time, the Ritz Paris claims the title of Best Luxury Hotel Worldwide (having also won in 2018). Located on Place Vendôme, this nearly 130-year-old is not only one of the most legendary hotels in Paris, but in all of the world. In fact, its Suite Impériale is listed as a national monument of France.
Best Luxury Hotel in the United States
Mauna Lani – Auberge Resorts Collection
Set along the Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani — meaning “mountain reaching heaven” — underwent a complete reimagination in January of 2020 and our readers approve. Great rooms and suites, oceanfront dining, three pools, and a spa and wellness center are just some of the amenities to discover here.
Best Luxury Hotel in Rome
Bvlgari Hotel Roma
And just like that, the newest hotel in Rome is its best hotel. Bulgari Hotel Roma occupies an illustrious address at Piazza Augusto Imperatore in the heart of the Campo Marzio district. The hotel is home to 110 rooms and suites decorated in a color palette inspired by the city, as well as Bvlgari Hotels’ signature dining and lifestyle.
Top Luxury Hotel Opening 2023
Bvlgari Hotel Roma
This hotel was so anticipated a film was made of its creation: “An Emperor’s Jewel — The Making of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma.” (See it on Amazon Prime). Delving into the planning, architecture and artistic vision behind the project, the film draws parallels between hotel construction and Bvlgari’s jewelry craftsmanship, emphasizing Roman heritage, Italian creativity and timeless design.
Most Anticipated Luxury Hotel Opening
Six Senses London
Six Senses London will open in a restored art deco emporium with 109 guestrooms and suites and 14 branded residences that offer both an epicenter and escape within The Whiteley London, the redeveloped London icon. Located just steps from Hyde Park, Six Senses London will be home to a cozy lobby bar and lounge, an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen, and a seating area in the courtyard. The spa will encompass 3,500 square feet.
Best Luxury Hotel in Canada
Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier, and a glistening emerald lake, this grande dame is about to get even better. Fairmont Château Lake Louise is currently undergoing renovations, which include the creation of an eco-friendly Thermal Wellness Facility and upgraded rooms and suites.
Best Luxury Hotel in Mexico/Central America
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica offers a variety of luxury accommodations including villas, residences and rooms with private pools, terraces and panoramic views. Luxury private residences include Casa Del Mar and Casa de la Luna, and there’s also a wide range of villas and guestrooms.
Best Luxury Hotel in Australia/South Pacific
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Location doesn’t get any better than this: Iconic Sydney Harbor sits at the doorstep of the Four Seasons Sydney. Insider Tip: Head out to explore the nearby shopping, outdoor adventure and vibrant social scene that surround the hotel, then meet back at Mode Kitchen & Bar for fresh, local cuisine and drinks at Grain.
Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Set along Anguilla’s northwest shore, this Four Seasons resort boasts spacious accommodations — 80 percent with ocean views. Its location means that guests can fill their days with water sports, relaxing pool time and exotic waterfront dining experiences. There’s even a five-bedroom villa with its own pool.
Best Luxury Hotel in Europe
Dromoland Castle
Surrounded by 500 acres of parklands and woodlands, steeped in 1,000 years of eventful history, Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, all the way back to Brian Boru himself, Ireland’s most powerful High King. Today, the readers of Luxury Travel Advisor consider this icon to be the best hotel in Europe.
Top Private Yacht Charter Company
Kensington Yachts
Clients who travel with a charter through Kensington Yachts will have all their requests met, while enjoying a range of exclusive experiences. Private-guided land experiences, private transfers, and concierge services are all at your clients’ disposal. Kensington Yachts is the sister to Kensington Tours, a customized travel company.
Top Branded Villa/Residence Collection
Four Seasons
This luxury hotel company has a collection of Private Retreats, as well as Private Residences and Serviced Accommodations. Its Private Retreats collection comprises over 800 villas and residences in 30 destinations worldwide — all offering the personalized care and world-class amenities of Four Seasons.
Top Hotel Suite Worldwide
Coco Chanel Suite, Ritz Paris
Coco Chanel lived at the Ritz for over two decades, so we say dedicating a suite to her only made sense. The 2,000-square-foot accommodation evokes the “spirit” of Chanel’s apartment at 31 rue Cambon. Guests have access to two bedrooms, a separate living room and a hammam, not to mention views over Place Vendôme.
Best Expedition Cruise Line
Viking
Viking took delivery of its first expedition vessel in 2022. These sailings operate in the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as throughout North America, including Greenland, Canada and the Northwest Passage and the Great Lakes. These ships hold 378 and have the classic Scandinavian design of Viking’s river ships.
Best Luxury Hotel Middle East
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza’s 366 rooms and suites are the perfect base for exploring Egypt’s ancient mysteries, archeological sites, markets and more. Signature restaurants include Byblos (Lebanese and shisha) and Bullona (Mediterranean fusion). Top digs are the Royal Suite and the Presidential Suite.
Best Luxury Hotel in Asia
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Set right on Victoria Harbour, this Grande Dame has offered a blend of Eastern and Western hospitality since it opened in 1928. Its location provides quick access to the Avenue of Stars waterfront promenade, while its posh suites offer walk-in closets, standalone bathtubs and fireplaces. Select rooms also include the use of a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce.
Best Ocean Cruise Line
Viking Ocean Cruises
Marking a clean sweep on the cruise front, Viking has also won the Best Ocean Cruise Line award. With many 2025 sailings already sold out, Viking has opened departures into 2026. Its newest ship, the 998-guest Viking Vesta is scheduled to join the fleet in July 2025, sailing popular itineraries in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.
Best Luxury Car Rental Company Worldwide
Hertz
With Hertz’ Dream Collection, you can rent from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, Porsche, Cadillac, Jaguar and more. Pretty cool: You will soon be able to rent one of the limited-edition Shelby Mustangs. No wonder Hertz has been named the Best Luxury Car Rental Company worldwide for a fourth year running.
Airlines: Best Flat-bed Business Class Service
Emirates
Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft and serves more than 130 cities on six continents. Guests of Emirates’ Business Class seating can enjoy fully lie-flat leather seats, gourmet meals 23-inch HDTVs with 6,000 channels, not to mention access to the onboard lounge.
Best FIT Operator
Abercrombie & Kent
Perennial winner of the Best FIT Operator award, Abercrombie & Kent retains its title. A&K’s FIT itineraries include insider access, private accommodations and 24/7 support. Travel options include National Parks, private flying safaris, luxury yacht charters and more. Each itinerary is crafted specifically for the client, meaning every stop, experience and accommodation is personalized.
Best Luxury Hotel in London
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
This Mayfair hotel recently underwent a guestroom and suite renovation in 2020. This saw the optimization of the floorplans, providing more space and storage for guests. The 196-room hotel is also home to a Forbes Four-Star spa and one of the most decorated Michelin-starred chefs in the world, Yannick Alléno, who creates modern French dining with a British spin.