Latest news with #World'sBestAwards
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Jaipur beats Florence to enter the top 5 best cities in the world for travellers in 2025
Jaipur, the Pink City of India , has proudly secured the 5th spot in Travel + Leisure's prestigious World's Best Cities 2025 list, ranking above iconic global destinations like Florence. Known for its royal palaces, heritage hotels, colourful markets, and vibrant Rajasthani culture, Jaipur has emerged as one of the top travel destinations in the world. Voted by global readers for its unforgettable experiences, luxury stays, and cultural richness, this recognition is a major boost for Indian tourism. As traveller preferences shift toward immersive, authentic journeys, Jaipur stands out as a must-visit international city that blends tradition, hospitality, and world-class charm. Why Jaipur was ranked among the top 5 cities in the world for 2025 Each year, Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards survey invites its international readers to rate cities across key travel parameters such as cultural experiences, landmarks, food, friendliness, hotels, shopping, and overall value. In 2025, Jaipur earned an impressive score of 91.33, comfortably beating Florence's score of 90.08. The top spot was claimed by San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with a score of 93.44, followed by Chiang Mai, Thailand (91.94), Tokyo, Japan (91.63), and Bangkok (91.48). Jaipur came in just behind, proudly representing India on this elite global list. What makes Jaipur a top international travel destination in 2025 Jaipur's rise in the rankings reflects a growing global appetite for culturally immersive and authentic travel experiences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A genetic disorder that is damaging his organs. Help my son Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Known for its magnificent palaces, forts, traditional markets, and heritage hospitality, Jaipur delivers a vibrant blend of history and luxury. From the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal to centuries-old bazaars brimming with jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts, every corner of Jaipur offers a window into India's royal past. According to Travel + Leisure, Jaipur is a 'must-see destination' praised for its 'opulent hotels, including The Oberoi Rajvilas, world-class shopping, and vibrant cultural legacy.' This unique balance between traditional charm and modern luxury gives Jaipur a distinct identity that resonates with both seasoned and first-time international travellers. Top travel trends revealed in the world's best cities 2025 list The 2025 list reflects a wider shift in traveller preferences. Instead of conventional sightseeing, tourists are now drawn to destinations that offer emotional connections, meaningful interactions, and cultural depth. Cities like Jaipur, Chiang Mai, and San Miguel de Allende have stood out for their local flavour, affordability, hospitality, and unique aesthetics. As Travel + Leisure put it, 'The cities that ranked highest this year share qualities that inspire travellers to return again and again: memorable attractions, world-class service, and a magnetic atmosphere.' The Complete Top 10 Cities of 2025 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Chiang Mai, Thailand Tokyo, Japan Bangkok, Thailand Jaipur, India Hoi An, Vietnam Mexico City, Mexico Kyoto, Japan Ubud, Bali Cuzco, Peru Jaipur's global spotlight marks a major win for Indian tourism Jaipur's place in the top five tourist cities in the world is more than just a badge of honour, it's a clear signal of India's growing appeal in the global travel industry. This international recognition reinforces the country's potential as a premium destination for cultural tourism, luxury experiences, and warm hospitality. With this accolade, Jaipur is likely to see a surge in interest from global travellers, boosting its local economy and solidifying its place on the international map.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow travel firm is only Irish company on exclusive list of top 15 tour operators in world
Vagabond Adventure Tours, based in Newtownmountkennedy, has won the Travel + Leisure Magazine's World's Best Award for the second time, having first claimed the title in 2023, in the prestigious 'Tour Operator' category. The prestigious magazine, based in New York, has a readership figure of 4.8 million and specialises in leisure travel, often featuring articles penned by well-known novelists, poets, artists, designers, and non-travel journalists. Its 'World's Best Awards', is an annual reader survey and have been a feature since 1995. Votes added by the magazine's readers are taken into consideration to recognize and give out the honours. Established in 2002, Vagabond Adventure Tours was founded by Rob Rankin, who had been travelling in southern Africa with his wife, Amy and was inspired by the safari and overland tours to come up with vacation tours for Ireland unlike anything that existed back then. The firm also have more relaxed 'Driftwood' package tour for those who like a more leisurely pace Commenting on the award, Rob said: 'I am delighted and excited to announce that Vagabond & Driftwood Tours — the small-group tour operator founded by myself and my wife Amy back in 2002 — has been chosen as one of the world's best once again. Travel + Leisure selected Vagabond & Driftwood Tours as one of the 15 best tour operators on the planet in 2023. 'Now, in 2025, we have again been announced as one of the best 15 tour operators in the world. We are over the moon to receive this distinguished award for the second time. We were the first tour operator in Ireland to be awarded by Travel + Leisure. And now, we are the only tour operator in Ireland to win twice. This just adds to our sense of achievement. We feel like we have won an Oscar... no wait, two Oscars! "These prestigious awards mean so much to us because we were nominated based on 100s of submissions from generous past guests. We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to recommend us to Travel + Leisure. Many, many different people have contributed to our success over the years,' he said. The Wicklow tour company achieved an overall approval rating by the millions of readers of 97.32 and the award follows a major prize at the Fáilte Ireland's Employer Excellence Awards, earlier this summer. In May, the tours company took home the best employer tour operator award at the ceremony, which celebrates businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to making the tourism industry an appealing and rewarding place to work. The awards night was held at the Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel and Spa, Co Limerick, and acted as a way of rewarding businesses who have participated in Fáilte Ireland's employer excellence programme.
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Epoch Times
Key Takeaways From Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards
By Patrick Clarke TravelPulse Travel + Leisure is celebrating the 30th year of its World's Best Awards in 2025, calling upon its readers to champion the planet's best places, stays and experiences.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Miami Herald
This NC city is ‘on the rebound' — and again ranks among best US places to visit
A rebounding North Carolina city is 'ready to welcome travelers' — and again ranks among the nation's best places to visit. Asheville is No. 9 on a list of cities that visitors love the most, according to results published July 8. The mountain tourist destination made its mark after missing the list last year. But it regained a spot in the rankings as travelers showed 'love for the city and hope for its revival, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024,' Travel + Leisure magazine wrote in its report. To determine the fan-favorite U.S. travel destinations, the magazine teamed up with researchers at Proof Insights. From Oct. 21, 2024, to Feb. 24, it received hundreds of thousands of responses in an online reader survey. For cities, scoring criteria included 'sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping' and value, according to the magazine's website and details shared with McClatchy News via email. What makes Asheville, NC a fan favorite? In the resulting World's Best Awards, Asheville was the only place in North Carolina to rank among the top 10 U.S. cities. Travel + Leisure said the 'artsy' destination is taking steps toward recovery after Hurricane Helene battered the area with storm damage and catastrophic flooding in September. 'Readers praised the North Carolina city for its hiking trails, craft beer, and funky art galleries,' the magazine wrote in its report. The honor adds to a list of accolades for Asheville. In June, CNN Travel named the mountain destination one of the nation's most interesting places to visit, calling it a city 'on the rebound.' The city, which has several tourist attractions that are open after the storm, received nods for its mountain views and food and drink scene. Earlier this year, Asheville also ranked among the nation's best cities for beer lovers and made a list of top destinations in the South, McClatchy News reported. This time around, Travel + Leisure said places that offer travelers a glimpse into history and a taste of regional foods received high marks in the best U.S. city rankings. 'When choosing city escapes in the United States, travelers continue to seek destinations with pedestrian-friendly streets, dynamic arts and culture institutions, and excellent food,' the magazine wrote in its report. 'For many visitors, it was also important to have access to activities that suit everyone, whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a multigenerational family.' Across the country, the top-ranked vacation spot was Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here are the other destinations that round out the top five: New Orleans at No. 2Charleston, South Carolina, at No. 3Savannah, Georgia, at No. 4Alexandria, Virginia, at No. 5 In addition to boasting winners in the U.S. cities category, places in North Carolina landed in the top 10 on another World's Best Awards list. Here's how they fared among the 'best resorts' in the South: High Hampton in Cashiers at No. 2The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville at No. 3Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands at No. 7
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
This New York spa was just ranked one of the best in the country
New Yorkers are known for powering through just about anything—except maybe a wellness weekend without Wi-Fi. Luckily, they don't have to go far for a top-tier reset. The Ranch Hudson Valley, a luxury wellness retreat tucked into the wooded hills of Sloatsburg, has officially been named the No. 2 spa in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2025 World's Best Awards. The East Coast outpost of the famed Ranch Malibu—which has long attracted celebs and execs looking to detox and decompress—opened in late 2023 and quickly gained a loyal following. Guests here sign up for short but immersive three- or four-night programs that combine guided hikes, strength training, restorative yoga, daily massages and plant-based cuisine, all set on a 200-acre lakefront estate once owned by the Woolworth family. What makes The Ranch Hudson Valley stand out in a crowded spa field? For one, it delivers major results in minimal time. Unlike its Malibu counterpart (where stays start at a six-night minimum), this Hudson Valley version is designed for the chronically overbooked, i.e., New Yorkers looking for transformation with a side of convenience. While the fitness-forward schedule is rigorous (expect long hikes, zero caffeine and no afternoon naps), guests rave about the mental clarity, energy boost and physical reset they walk away with. Throw in sweeping views of the Ramapo Mountains, a solarium with an infrared sauna and plunge pools and chef-prepared meals that somehow make cauliflower sexy and it's no wonder this place scored a 94.4 rating from the magazine's readers. It's also surprisingly intimate: With only around 25 guests per session, there's ample space for one-on-one attention, be it from your hiking guide or your massage therapist. It's essentially a luxury bootcamp meets spiritual retreat, just with better sheets. So if your idea of self-care involves forest bathing, functional fitness and granola that tastes better than it should, The Ranch Hudson Valley might be your next escape. And the best part? You can be back at your desk by Monday—glowing, recharged and just a little smug about it.
