Virtuoso announces its 2025 Best of the Best Awards nominations during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. Now in its 37th year, this prestigious event celebrates top travel advisors, agencies, and luxury travel partners.
Nominations are chosen through a survey of 12,000+ travel advisors within Virtuoso’s network, highlighting the most innovative and exceptional collaborators. Categories include Most Innovative Experience and Best Achievement in Design.
This year’s nominations reflect global trends in luxury travel, showcasing a balanced lineup compared to last year, when Italy dominated the Best Hotel category, and no U.S. properties were shortlisted for Best New Hotel.
Book your next adventure with MWR LIFE: Quark Expeditions’ World Explorer Ship for an unforgettable luxury travel experience! Visit MWR LIFE to plan your journey today.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Best Ocean Luxury Cruise
- Crystal — In 2022, travel company A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand, and they refurbished and relaunched several of their ships. Guests can dine at the only restaurant at sea by the award-winning chef, Nobu Matsuhisa. Also relax with personal butler service for every spacious guest room and suite
- Explora Journeys — Elegant ships inspired by superyachts, this company selects off the beaten path locations, focusing on a slower pace with longer stays in each destination.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises— Personalized service, all-inclusive luxury, culinary excellence and immersive destinations are all what keep fans returning.
- Silversea (Winner in 2023 and 2024) — Continues its reign with bespoke experiences, small ship journeys with spacious, ocean-view suites and butler service.
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection— Bringing its iconic hotel-style luxury to open waters. They recently launched their new superyacht Ilma offering spacious suites with private terraces, open-air lounges and an aft Marina right on the water.
Aria Amazon
Best River Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways— This family-owned company offers luxury cruises through famous capitals and quaint towns. They dock near city centers, so that you can step right off the ship and explore.
- Aqua Expeditions— Ponant Explorations Group recently acquired the cruise line which has become famous for its intimate small ship expeditions to distant parts of the world.
- Heritage Line— The company operates from three to nine-night luxury cruises on the Upper Mekong with more itineraries downriver in Cambodia and Vietnam.
- Tauck River Cruising— This family-owned company offers exclusive access to rare destinations and excursions with a focus on cultural connections along the way. They recently announced new land journeys explore hidden Greece, and the legends of the Scottish Highlands.
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (Winner in 2023) The company puts a focus on a luxury boutique hotel experience on water. Each ship is inspired by the rivers which they cruise, and feature butler service, and large all-marble bathrooms.
Best Expedition Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises— Their luxury Celebrity Flora expedition ship offers the largest and most premium accommodations in the Galapagos Islands. The 100-guest ship is designed exclusively for sailing the islands and every stateroom on board is a suite.
- Lindblad Expeditions— Lindblad joined forces with National Geographic in 2004 providing guests with unique experiences, including immersive programs for photographers, young explorers and undersea enthusiasts, as well as opportunities to explore alongside the National Geographic Experts who join select voyages.
- PONANT— The company recently launched Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric and liquefied natural gas polar exploration vessel with two laboratories allow scientists to collect data that contributes to the understanding of the poles. Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial have access to isolated locations or ports reserved for small units.
- Quark Expeditions (Winner in 2023 and 2024)- The company is a leader in polar adventure, and recently unveil its Arctic 2026 season, Ice, Fire, and The Eclipse. The new season celebrates 35 years of the company’s exploration in the Arctic.
- Silversea— In 2022, Silversea launched Silver Endeavour to its fleet—their most luxurious expedition ship, designed to take travelers to the world’s most remote destinations, including both polar regions.
Suite at Royal Mansour Casablanca
Best New or Reimagined Hotel
Honoring debut properties and revivals, this category spotlights hotels that have redefined the luxury stay within the last year.
Among the nominations are two waterfront properties in the United States, Beach Club at The Boca Raton and Regent Santa Monica Beach. Only one European property made the list, Rocco Forte House in Milan, while Royal Davui Island Resort in Fiji, and Royal Mansour in Casablanca rounded out the selection.
Eden Rock Cap Cana in Punta Cana
Best Independently Operated Hotel
In an effort to open up the selections, the nominations this year separated the best hotel categories with boutique properties listed apart from Best Brand Hotel. Several of the properties in this category have been previously nominated for Hotel of the Year including Passalacqua in Lake Como and The Dewberry Charleston in the U.S.
Eden Roc Cap Cana in Punta Cana rounds out the list of famed properties including Palazzo Margherita from Francis Ford Coppola in Bernalda, and The Place Firenze in Florence.
Luxury Hotel Booking in Europe with MWR Life
Experience effortless luxury hotel bookings in Europe with MWR Life. From iconic stays like Carlton Cannes to exclusive rewards, our platform redefines travel with savings and sophistication.
Why Book with MWR Life?
MWR Life delivers a premium booking experience, surpassing traditional agencies with direct hotel deals, tailored travel plans, and a rewarding referral program for unmatched value.
- Exclusive savings on Europe’s finest luxury hotels
- Earn rewards with every booking through our referral system
- Personalized travel solutions for seamless journeys
- Access elite properties like Carlton Cannes at exceptional rates
Carlton Cannes: Timeless Riviera Luxury
Indulge in the elegance of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel on the French Riviera. Celebrated for its iconic charm and impeccable service, it’s a top choice for luxury travelers. Book with MWR Life for exclusive savings.
- Stunning La Croisette location with Mediterranean vistas
- Exquisite dining and world-class spa facilities
- Special MWR Life rates for an unforgettable stay
Virtuoso Awards: Pinnacle of Luxury Travel
The Virtuoso Awards honor excellence in hospitality, spotlighting properties like Carlton Cannes and visionary leaders who shape luxury travel with unique, immersive experiences.
- Carlton Cannes celebrated for iconic luxury hospitality
- Leaders like Silvio Vettorello and Claudio Meli redefine travel standards
- Trending experiences include wellness retreats and culinary adventures
MWR Life Franchise: Travel with Purpose
Transform your passion for travel into a thriving business with the MWR Life franchise. Enjoy lower costs, global perks, and income opportunities that outshine traditional agency models.
- Direct hotel partnerships for maximum savings
- Earn income through bookings and referrals
- Flexible business model with worldwide travel benefits
Why MWR Life Surpasses Agencies
MWR Life’s franchise model eliminates costly agency fees, offering superior hotel rates and income potential. Join our referral program to unlock exclusive deals and build a rewarding business.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Exclusive hotel partnerships for better rates
- Start earning today: Join Now