Latest news with #2025World'sBestAwards
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Miami Herald
From the Keys to Sanibel: Survey says Florida has some of the best islands in the U.S.
Florida's islands are still favorites among tourists. Florida's hotels, not so much. The Sunshine State is home to several of the best islands to visit in the entire continental United States, according to a newly published survey of nearly 200,000 travelers worldwide. That includes two locales hit hard by three hurricanes in four years — a tribute to Floridians' resilience. The bragging rights stem from the results of the publication Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards, out in July. The annual issue, in its 30th year, asked readers all over the globe to vote on their favorite top destinations, hotels, and a host of other categories. While several of Florida's islands dominated in that category, cities and hotels across the state didn't perform quite as competitively. The winning islands were: ▪ Amelia Island in second ▪ Marco Island in sixth ▪ Florida Keys in eighth ▪ Sanibel Island in eleventh ▪ Captiva Island in fifteenth Florida dominated that category, providing five of the top 15. That was more than any other state in the continental U.S. It was also one more than it had in the 2024 World's Best Awards — Marco Island joined the other four for the first time this year. Florida's top islands Travel + Leisure had readers rate the islands on natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness and value. Amelia Island is known for beaches and horseback rides. In Nassau County, it's about 30 minutes from Jacksonville. It held the same position in last year's rankings. Marco Island is in Collier County and about 20 miles south of Naples. Abundant with wildlife, it's the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands. In the early days of COVID-19, it was an early rebel, even by Florida standards. In late April 2020, Marco Island City Council voted for a limited re-opening of its beaches. At the beginning of that month, Governor Ron De Santis had issued a shelter in place order for the entire state. It limited the public to essential activities or services. The city council later reversed course due to public pressure to keep the beaches closed. The Florida Keys dropped this year to eighth from fifth in 2024, but remains a regular favorite. 'Old Florida at its very best,' one Travel + Leisure reader wrote. 'Locally owned and managed eateries and hotels. Down-home Southern friendliness. Great food,' the magazine said. Sanibel Island, known for seashells on beaches and serving as a weekend getaway for South Floridians, slipped to eleventh from 10th one year ago. That it's ranked at all is remarkable given it was wrecked by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Parts of the Sanibel Causeway were damaged. Hurricane Milton in 2024 with its 120 mile-per-hour winds also hit Sanibel Island but didn't do as much damage. Captiva Island in Lee County, popular for redfish and snook, was hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Helene and Milton, within two weeks of one another in 2024. Iconic waterside restaurant The Mucky Duck was damaged by all three. Even as the island category was where Florida shined, the results also reflected the increasing pull of the world. Amelia Island, second best in the U.S., scored a total of 86.81. The 25th ranked island in the world had a higher score. The big winner was Páros in Greece, chosen as the top island in the world. Mount Desert Island in Maine was the best in the U.S. Hotels, cities absent? The findings however were not all sunshine. Among the best 100 hotels in the world, not a single one was in Florida. The U.S. overall had 16, California leading with four. Massachusetts and New York were also represented. In the best U.S. cities to visit category, not one from Florida cracked the Top 15. New York City, Chicago and Boston all did. Santa Fe, New Mexico, topped the list for the first time in the best U.S. cities to visit. 'Readers raved about the inventive New Mexican cuisine and the destination's natural beauty - sitting at 7,000 feet,' Travel + Leisure wrote. Santa Fe, which gets over 300 days of sunshine per year, also won praise for its markets and art galleries. These results reflect an increasingly competitive tourism market for Florida. Gone are the COVID-19 days when everyone flocked to the Sunshine State. It's now battling Europe, Asia, much of the United States and Latin America, too. While Florida was shut out in the top 100 hotels, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Costa Rica each had two. Argentina and Panama had one a piece. The 2025 results reflect a constantly changing travel landscape, Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford said in a statement. 'From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character and a strong sense of place.'
Time Out
11-07-2025
- Time Out
This upstate New York stunner was just named one of the best resorts in the world
If your idea of luxury includes stargazing from a hot tub, sipping biodynamic wine in a field of wildflowers and maybe petting a goat or two, then pack your bags for Gardiner. Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, has just been named one of the best resorts in the world in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards, snagging the No. 6 spot in the Continental U.S. rankings. Set on 140 serene acres in New York's Hudson Valley, this chic countryside escape is just 90 minutes from New York City, but it feels a million miles away. Guests trade subway noise for birdsong and swap crowded sidewalks for hiking trails, fly fishing and farm-to-fork feasting. The 65 freestanding cabins—yes, cabins—are designed with modern rustic flair (think velvet, plaid and floor-to-ceiling glass) and scattered across wildflower-strewn meadows for peak peace and privacy. It's not just good looks earning this spot worldwide buzz. Wildflower Farms is also a working farm, where guests can try their hand at bee-keeping, harvesting herbs or simply bask in the pastoral vibes while sipping cocktails crafted from garden-grown botanicals. The on-site restaurant, Clay, sources much of its produce directly from the property and elevates Hudson Valley terroir to something utterly sublime. (Pro tip: Spring for the chef's tasting menu and ask about the global wine pairings.) Of course, being part of the Auberge Resorts Collection means the service is next-level, the spa is Instagram bait and yes—there's a Michelin Key to prove it. But unlike some buttoned-up luxury spots, Wildflower Farms keeps things refreshingly grounded. It's luxury with dirt under its nails, in the best way possible. With its newest accolade, Wildflower Farms joins the ranks of heavy-hitters like Primland in Virginia and The Inn at Mattei's Tavern in California. But there's something distinctly New York about this retreat—polished but a little wild, stylish without trying too hard.
The Province
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Province
This posh Whistler resort has been named the best in Canada
B.C. properties top Travel+Leisure magazine's 2025 rankings of the best resorts and hotels in Canada Four Seasons Whistler has been named the top resort in Canada. Photo by Joseph Thomas Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. In the world of travel (as in pretty much every sector), landing at the top of a best-of list can be a big deal. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors One of Whistler's most posh properties, the Four Seasons Resort, is set to feel the ripple effect of such a placing after being announced as the No. 1 resort in Canada on Travel+Leisure magazine's 2025 World's Best Awards. Rankings for the 30th anniversary of the publication's world's best awards were reportedly tallied from more than 657,000 reader votes. The magazine reports that a total of 180,000 readers completed the survey for this year. The survey questions touch on aspects of each property such as rooms, location, service, food and overall value. According to Chelan Goonetilleke, general manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, the top placing has much to do with both the resort's offered experiences and hospitality as it does its ambience and environment in the mountain town. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We take great pride in crafting moments of joy and connection that reflect the genuine care our team brings to every guest experience,' Goonetilleke says. Additional B.C. destinations to make the top-five list of Canadian resorts included: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (No. 2), and The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino (No. 3). The 2025 Travel+Leisure World's Beset Awards also ranked 10 top hotels, different from resorts due to property amenities. The historic Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria ranked No. 1 in the ranking. Additional B.C. hotels to land in the top 10 included: Fairmont Pacific Rim (No. 7); and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (No. 9). The magazine also ranked the top five Canadian cities, as chosen by reader votes. Vancouver came in at No. 3 behind Quebec City and Montreal. Victoria ranked No. 5 on the list behind Halifax. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler is no stranger to snagging the top spot on such prestigious travel lists. Earlier this year, the property was named the best in Canada by the U.S. News & World Report. Located at 4591 Blackcomb Way, the resort features a mix of accommodations, including approximately 270 guest rooms and suites, as well as private residences. For those who like to add a little rest and relaxation to their holiday, the resort is home to a spa, a heated swimming pool, and three whirlpools. The five-star luxury resort boasts several on-site food and drink options, including Sidecut Steakhouse, Braidwood Tavern and The Library by The Macallan. The top rating comes amid a week of buzz in the B.C. hotel sector. Shangri-La hotel in Vancouver was sold and will become part of the Park Hyatt brand following what has been described as a multimillion-dollar redesign. Aharris@ Read More Life News Vancouver Canucks Life Deals
New York Post
08-07-2025
- New York Post
NYC snubbed in new ranking of the best cities in the US
We're not king of the hill — or top of the heap. In a popular new ranking of the so-called greatest cities in the country, New York failed to crack the top five — losing out to a string of obviously lesser locales. The snub came courtesy of Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards survey, which annually asks its well-heeled — and well-traveled — readers to weigh in on their favorites in multiple categories. Advertisement 5 The Big Apple didn't make the grade in a brand-new ranking of the best cities in the United States. Getty Images This year, the 180,000 voters seemed to strongly favor smaller cities — elevating little Santa Fe, New Mexico to first place in the metropolitan marathon with a score of 88.8 out of 100, edging out 12-time blue ribbon winner Charleston, SC. Urban hubs were rated on several criteria — sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. Advertisement For each category, respondents were asked to provide a rating of poor to excellent. Travel + Leisure then calculated the average of the reader responses and gave each city a total score out of 100. Readers dubbed New Mexico's capital city a 'true gem of a place,' praising its inventive cuisine, natural beauty — the metropolis sits at 7,000 feet above sea level at the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range — as well as its markets and art galleries. Clocking in second was New Orleans, Louisiana (87.06), with readers honing in on the Big Easy's kaleidoscopic culinary scene. 5 Santa Fe, New Mexico was praised for its inventive cuisine and scenic vistas. SeanPavonePhoto – Advertisement Defending champ Charleston, South Carolina dropped two rungs to third place with a score of 87.01. Readers focused on the city's downtown, which retains its period charm, as well as the gorgeous architecture. 'Charleston's laws of keeping every building under the height of its tallest church, keeps the city unique, quaint and charming,' fawned one. 5 An aerial view of Charleston, South Carolina, which was dethroned after 12 years at the top of the rankings. FRANKLIN – Advertisement 5 New Orleans took second place in the new rankings. Kevin Ruck – In fact, T+L readers seemed to be overwhelmingly Southern charmed by cities sitting below the Mason-Dixon line. Rounding out the top five list were Savannah, Georgia (86.64) and the nation's capital-adjacent burg of Alexandria, Virginia (85.26). Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, New York City — home of the most billionaires in the world and TripAdvisor's number one destination for 2025 — managed an embarrassing 8th place in the rankings, with a score of 83.84. 5 Savannah, Georgia, is one of the top 5 cities in the US in 2025, according to Travel + Leisure. Jacob – It notably trailed Greenville, South Carolina, a sleepy Upstate town that has enjoyed a surge of development in recent years. Readers specifically praised NYC's theater scene, with one respondent gushing, 'can't be beat for quality and variety — even the theaters themselves are beautiful.' The best cities in the US in 2025 Advertisement Santa Fe, New Mexico New Orleans, Louisiana Charleston, South Carolina Savannah, Georgia Alexandria, Virginia Honolulu, Hawaii Greenville, South Carolina New York, New York Asheville, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois
Vancouver Sun
08-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
This posh Whistler resort has been named the best in Canada
In the world of travel (as in pretty much every sector), landing at the top of a best-of list can be a big deal. One of Whistler's most posh properties, the Four Seasons Resort, is set to feel the ripple effect of such a placing after being announced as the No. 1 resort in Canada on Travel+Leisure magazine's 2025 World's Best Awards. Rankings for the 30th anniversary of the publication's world's best awards were reportedly tallied from more than 657,000 reader votes. The magazine reports that a total of 180,000 readers completed the survey for this year. The survey questions touch on aspects of each property such as rooms, location, service, food and overall value. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. According to Chelan Goonetilleke, general manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, the top placing has much to do with both the resort's offered experiences and hospitality as it does its ambience and environment in the mountain town. 'We take great pride in crafting moments of joy and connection that reflect the genuine care our team brings to every guest experience,' Goonetilleke says. Additional B.C. destinations to make the top-five list of Canadian resorts included: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (No. 2), and The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino (No. 3). The 2025 Travel+Leisure World's Beset Awards also ranked 10 top hotels, different from resorts due to property amenities. The historic Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria ranked No. 1 in the ranking. Additional B.C. hotels to land in the top 10 included: Fairmont Pacific Rim (No. 7); and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (No. 9). The magazine also ranked the top five Canadian cities, as chosen by reader votes. Vancouver came in at No. 3 behind Quebec City and Montreal. Victoria ranked No. 5 on the list behind Halifax. The Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler is no stranger to snagging the top spot on such prestigious travel lists. Earlier this year, the property was named the best in Canada by the U.S. News & World Report. Located at 4591 Blackcomb Way, the resort features a mix of accommodations, including approximately 270 guest rooms and suites, as well as private residences. For those who like to add a little rest and relaxation to their holiday, the resort is home to a spa, a heated swimming pool, and three whirlpools. The five-star luxury resort boasts several on-site food and drink options, including Sidecut Steakhouse, Braidwood Tavern and The Library by The Macallan . The top rating comes amid a week of buzz in the B.C. hotel sector. Shangri-La hotel in Vancouver was sold and will become part of the Park Hyatt brand following what has been described as a multimillion-dollar redesign. Aharris@
