Forbes Travel Guide Reveals 2026 Star Awards with Unprecedented Global Reach
The prestigious Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has officially announced its 2026 Star Awards, casting a spotlight on the world's most exceptional luxury hotels, cruises, restaurants, and spas spanning over 100 countries. This 68th edition stands as the most inclusive to date, introducing new nations such as Bhutan, Croatia, Georgia, Grenada, Laos, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan into the esteemed rankings.
A Milestone Year for Luxury Travel Distinctions
The 2026 awards mark a significant milestone in the luxury travel sector, celebrating a record number of new award winners and inaugural distinctions. Notably, this year's list includes the world's first five-star cruise and the first five-star restaurant at sea, reflecting evolving trends in high-end hospitality.
To ensure impartial and data-driven ratings, FTG deploys undercover experts who anonymously experience and evaluate hotels, dining venues, and spa services as genuine guests. Beyond assessing fundamental amenities, inspectors seek out experiences that enhance guest health and lifestyle, showcase regional design aesthetics, and deliver flawless service from arrival to departure.
Strong UK Presence Among Global Winners
Of the 2,422 properties recognised worldwide, the United Kingdom featured prominently with 20 award winners across London and Scotland. In London, five-star hotels include:
- The Connaught
- Claridge's
- Shangri-La The Shard
- Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
- The Dorchester
- Bvlgari Hotel
Inspectors commended Bvlgari Hotel for its refined glamour and The Dorchester for its timeless Art Deco vibe and exquisite afternoon tea. London now boasts 20 five-star hotels in the FTG rankings, with The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, and Raffles London at The OWO also earning recognition.
In Scotland, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, and Trump Turnberry both received five-star ratings. Set on Scotland's picturesque west coast, Trump Turnberry's restaurant was praised for its spectacular views of the Scottish coastline, Ailsa Craig (home of the Curling Stone) and Isle of Arran.
Global Highlights and Regional Standouts
Across Europe, new five-star hotels include the Maybourne Riviera, One&Only Portonovi, Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona, and Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich. The Asia Pacific region accounted for 40 per cent of new five-star hotels, featuring properties such as Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, Regent Hong Kong, and The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko.
The United States gained five new five-star hotels, including The St. Regis Atlanta and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, alongside three new five-star restaurants. In the Middle East, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia, were among four new five-star hotels.
Smaller destinations also made a significant impact, with inaugural five-star awards in Turks and Caicos, Nikko, and Montenegro.
Macau Maintains Global Leadership in Luxury Hospitality
For the fourth consecutive year, Macau has been declared the five-star hotel capital of the world. Often dubbed the Las Vegas of Asia due to its thriving gambling industry, Macau now boasts 28 five-star hotels overall. New winners include Capella at Galaxy Macau, Paiza Grand, and Palazzo Versace Macau, highlighting a growing emphasis on intimate, hotel-within-a-hotel concepts that prioritise privacy and exclusivity.
Historic Firsts in Luxury Cruising
Reflecting rising demand for luxury cruising, this year's rankings introduce the world's first five-star cruises. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma becomes the first cruise ship in FTG history to earn five stars. Additionally, Celebrity Xcel's Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud has been named as the first five-star cruise ship restaurant, offering globally inspired fine dining from the renowned French chef. Signature dishes include five-spice duck pithivier and Brazilian seafood moqueca, elevating the at-sea culinary experience to new heights.
