Last Word: Readers' Choice 2015

I am always fascinated by the results of our annual reader survey. It is especially gratifying when recent recommendations turn up in the latest listings. But it is also a pleasure to see old friends continuing to appear. For example, after a change of ownership and a refurbishment program, Petit St. Vincent was this year ranked No. 2 among international hideaways. This tiny private island in the Grenadines is, in many ways, the very definition of a hideaway, and it has been a personal favorite for more than 30 years. I was also delighted to see another distinctive property, Las Alamandas, at No. 3 in the rankings, despite the negative publicity that parts of Mexico continue to attract. Every survey includes at least one major surprise. In 2015, this has been provided by Acqualina, located four miles north of Bal Harbor, which came in first in no fewer than three categories: beach, spa and family. Several respondents noted that Acqualina’s remarkable ability to satisfy the diverse requirements of both adults and children is what makes it so exceptional.

This year, I was particularly pleased by the detailed feedback I received, and I have duly noted the places that you would most like to see covered. (Your favorite countries remain Italy, France, England, Australia and New Zealand.) Many respondents asked me to concentrate on properties that display a high degree of “authenticity” and expressed a preference for “remote” or “unusual” destinations, while urging me to provide “a more unique take than mainstream travel publications.” I will certainly do my best to fulfill these expectations. Overall, I was especially heartened to discover that during a period of international uncertainty, 39 percent of subscribers still expect to travel more in the next 12 months than they have this year.

Results of our 2015 Readers’ Choice Survey can be found here, including the top 20 U.S. and international hideaways, city hotels, safari lodges and camps, and food and wine, beach, golf, spa and family resorts. Also included are the top 10 cruise lines.