As the world of luxury travel continues to evolve, Forbes Travel Guide has once again set the standard with the announcement of its 2025 Star Awards. Celebrating its 67th year, this esteemed recognition showcases the pinnacle of excellence in hospitality across over 2,100 properties worldwide. From opulent hotels and exquisite restaurants to serene spas and lavish cruise experiences, the awards highlight not only the finest establishments but also emerging trends in the industry. This year marks an exciting milestone with the introduction of three new five-star hotels in the United States, each offering unique experiences that redefine luxury.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards |
| Awards Year | 2025 |
| Number of Properties Recognized | Over 2,100 |
| Number of Countries | 90 |
| New Five-Star Hotels in U.S. | 3 |
| New Five-Star Hotels | The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician (Scottsdale, AZ) – 250 acres The Maybourne Beverly Hills (Los Angeles, CA) – Hollywood views RiverView Ranch (Alberton, MT) – 1,000 acres along Clark Fork River |
| City with Most Five-Star Hotels | Macau |
| Number of Five-Star Hotels in Macau | 24 |
| New Five-Star Hotels in Macau | Epic Tower at Studio City Raffles at Galaxy |
| New Five-Star Restaurants | 7 |
| New Destinations Recognized | Brunei, Costa Navarino (Greece), Finland, China (Haikou, Xiamen, Xi’an), Kazakhstan, Malaga (Spain), Montenegro, Morocco (Oualidia, Tamuda Bay), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Romania, Salzburg (Austria) |
| Cruise Restaurant Ratings Introduced | Yes |
| Inaugural Honorees for Cruise Restaurants | Fine Cut Steakhouse (Celebrity Apex) S.E.A. (The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection) The Dining Room (SeaDream II) The Grill (Silversea’s Silver Origin) Candles (Windstar’s Star Pride) |
Understanding the 2025 Star Awards
The Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards is an exciting announcement that showcases the best luxury hospitality around the globe. Every year, this prestigious guide reviews thousands of hotels, restaurants, and spas to recognize those that stand out in delivering exceptional experiences to guests. This year marks the 67th anniversary of the awards, emphasizing the importance of quality in the travel industry and the commitment of these establishments to providing top-notch services.
With over 2,100 properties from 90 different countries included, the 2025 Star Awards reflects a broad spectrum of luxury experiences. From stunning hotels nestled in beautiful locations to gourmet restaurants that tantalize the taste buds, the awards celebrate excellence in hospitality. By honoring these outstanding properties, Forbes Travel Guide helps travelers discover the best places to stay, dine, and unwind, making it easier for them to plan unforgettable vacations.
New Five-Star Hotels in the U.S.
This year’s Star Awards introduced three new five-star hotels in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides a breathtaking escape with its beautiful 250-acre landscape at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations and stunning views, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility in a desert paradise.
In Los Angeles, The Maybourne Beverly Hills stands out for its classic elegance and magnificent views of the Hollywood Hills. This hotel offers guests a taste of luxury with its exquisite decor and exceptional service. Meanwhile, RiverView Ranch in Alberton, Montana, combines rustic charm with modern comfort, allowing visitors to explore the great outdoors while enjoying upscale amenities. These new additions highlight the diversity of luxury accommodations available in the U.S.
Trends in Luxury Hospitality
The Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards reveal interesting trends in the hospitality industry. For the third year in a row, Macau has been recognized as the city with the most Five-Star hotels, showcasing its growing reputation as a luxury destination. With 24 Five-Star hotels, Macau continues to attract travelers seeking high-end experiences, reinforcing its status as a leader in global hospitality.
This year, the awards also highlighted seven new Five-Star restaurants in Macau, indicating a shift towards fine dining experiences. As travelers become more discerning, the demand for exquisite culinary options grows. This trend shows that luxury hospitality is not just about beautiful hotels but also about exceptional dining experiences that can elevate a trip to unforgettable heights.
Expanding Global Destinations
The 2025 Star Awards also marked the expansion of luxury hospitality into new and exciting destinations worldwide. This year, Forbes Travel Guide recognized outstanding properties in places like Brunei, Costa Navarino in Greece, and several cities in China. By including these locations, the awards highlight the increasing availability of luxury travel options, allowing more travelers to explore unique cultures while enjoying premium accommodations.
For instance, properties in Malaga, Spain, and Salzburg, Austria, are now part of this elite list, inviting guests to experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of these regions. This expansion not only showcases the diversity of luxury hotels but also encourages travelers to venture beyond traditional destinations, making it easier for everyone to find their perfect getaway.
Cruise Dining Experiences
One of the most exciting additions to the 2025 Star Awards is the introduction of cruise restaurant ratings. As more travelers seek unique dining experiences while at sea, Forbes Travel Guide recognized several outstanding dining options aboard luxury cruise lines. This new focus emphasizes that luxury hospitality extends beyond land-based properties and into the world of cruising.
Among the inaugural honorees are Fine Cut Steakhouse aboard Celebrity Apex and The Dining Room on SeaDream II, showcasing the high-quality dining available on luxury cruises. These ratings encourage travelers to consider cruise vacations as a way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying fine dining at sea, proving that travelers can indulge in gourmet experiences no matter where they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards?
The Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards celebrate the best luxury hospitality worldwide, recognizing over 2,100 hotels, restaurants, and spas for excellence in service and experience.
How many new five-star hotels were added in 2025?
In 2025, three new U.S. hotels were awarded five-star status, showcasing luxury and exceptional service in their respective locations.
Which hotels are the new five-star properties in the U.S.?
The new five-star properties include The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, and RiverView Ranch in Montana.
Where does Macau rank in luxury hotels?
Macau continues to lead with the most Five-Star hotels globally, now totaling 24, emphasizing its luxurious hospitality offerings.
What new destinations were recognized in the 2025 awards?
The 2025 awards expanded to new destinations including Brunei, Costa Navarino, Greece, and cities in China, among others, highlighting global luxury.
What is notable about the cruise restaurant ratings introduced in 2025?
Forbes Travel Guide introduced cruise restaurant ratings for the first time, recognizing fine dining experiences at sea from various cruise lines.
How can I find more information about the awarded properties?
You can explore more about the awarded properties and their unique offerings on the Forbes Travel Guide website or through their official publications.
Summary
Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 2025 Star Awards, celebrating the finest in luxury hospitality around the globe. This year marks its 67th edition, featuring over 2,100 properties from 90 countries, including hotels, restaurants, and spas. New five-star hotels in the U.S. include The Canyon Suites in Arizona, The Maybourne in Los Angeles, and RiverView Ranch in Montana. Macau continues to lead with 24 five-star hotels, including Epic Tower and Raffles. The awards also explore new destinations worldwide and introduce cruise restaurant ratings, showcasing dining excellence at sea.
