The 2017 Luxury Travel Grand Awards

In 2016, we flew over 145,000 miles, visited 15 countries and stayed in 105 hotels. Each January, we pick out favorite properties from the past 12 months to receive a coveted Grand Award, highlighting hotels that are relatively small in size, possess strong individual personalities, offer a unique sense of place and demonstrate a consistent devotion to personal service.

– Hideaway Report, Editor-in-Chief

"In 2016, we flew over 145,000 miles, visited 15 countries and stayed in 105 hotels. Each January, we pick our favorite properties from the past 12 months to receive a coveted Grand Award, highlighting hotels that are relatively small in size, possess strong individual personalities, offer a unique sense of place and demonstrate a consistent devotion to personal service."

– Hideaway Report, Editor-in-Chief

Hideaway of the Year

Favorite hotels from 2016

UNITED STATES & CANADA

In 2016, I was fortunate to discover a sensational new resort in Miami and a unique boutique hotel in San Francisco, as well as fine inns of a more traditional variety in both Vermont and British Columbia. VIEW THE WINNERS

ASIA

Myanmar was arguably the country of the year, even though political change has not been as rapid as once seemed likely. I also spent time in Hong Kong and had an inspiring fortnight in Japan. VIEW THE WINNERS

EUROPE

Travel in Europe remains a perennial pleasure. This year I found time for trips to Brittany, Burgundy and Bordeaux, plus memorable two-week driving itineraries in Galicia and Switzerland. VIEW THE WINNERS

Special Recognition Awards

It takes more than a luxurious room and a lavish bath to make a great hotel. Of course, a charming staff, a fine restaurant and an exceptional location are usually part of the package. But just as a beautiful face is more than a collection of perfect features, the world’s finest hotels possess an elusive character that is mysteriously more than the sum of its parts.

Hotel Highlights

From Switzerland to St. Kitts, Hawaii to Hong Kong, the hotels I visited this year featured amenities that ranked among the best in several categories, including Best Bar, Best Spa, Best Beach and more. VIEW THE WINNERS

People of Note

Ultimately, it is the staff who make the crucial difference, as each individual has a part to play in the creation of true hospitality. Here are some of the people whose professionalism I most admired. VIEW THE WINNERS

Disappointments of the Year

Although I am often told that I have the “best job in the world,” inevitably there are times when the properties I visit disappoint and my carefully constructed plans go awry. Here are a few examples. VIEW THE WINNERS

Indelible Memories

Travel can provide experiences that are so powerful they are transformative; you feel that life will never quite be the same again. At the end of each year, I reflect on such moments of revelation. VIEW THE WINNERS

Photo Credits: Hideaway of the Year: Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, Pool: © Marcus Ebener, United States & Canada: Hotel Wailea - © Linny Morris, Asia: Andaz Tokyo - © Nacasa & Partners Inc., Europe: Hotel Villa Honegg - © Timo Schwach, Caribbean: Amanera - Courtesy of Aman - © Simon Lewis, South America: Mashpi Lodge - Photo by Andrew Harper, Oceania: Kahurangi National Park near Edenhouse - © Gavin Conroy, Hotel Experiences: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Copper Bar - © APGS, People of Note: Photo by Andrew Harper, Best Restaurants: Lena Brava - © Galdones Photo, Gastronomic Highlights: Hutong - Photo by Andrew Harper, Wine & Spirit Highlights: Photo by Andrew Harper, Best Activities: Pikaia Lodge, Best Shopping: © Shackleton Thomas, Galleries & Museums: Courtesy of SFMOMA - © Iwan Baan, Disappointments of the Year: Photo by Andrew Harper, Indelible Memories: Photo by Andrew Harper, Where to Go in 2017: © sarah_winter/iStock/Thinkstock

– Hideaway Report, Editor-in-Chief

– Hideaway Report, Editor-in-Chief

Hideaway of the Year

Abadía Retuerta le Domaine

Favorite hotels from 2016

UNITED STATES & CANADA

ASIA

EUROPE

Caribbean

South America

Oceania

Special Recognition Awards

Hotel Highlights

People of Note

Best Restaurants

Gastronomic Highlights

Wine & Spirit Highlights

Best Activities

Best Shopping

Galleries & Museums

Disappointments of the Year

Indelible Memories

Best
Restaurants

Best
Activities

Best
Shopping