Key Takeaways From Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards

Mexico and Asia reign supreme when it comes to the best city destinations around the globe in 2025.

A view of the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site in colonial Mexico. In Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards the town placed first in the category Best City. Dreamstime/TNS

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.

The iconic publication yet again received hundreds of thousands of responses, scoring suppliers based on a variety of key factors.

The takeaways are both interesting and insightful.

Best Cities of 2025

Mexico and Asia reign supreme when it comes to the best city destinations around the globe in 2025.

San Miguel de Allende ranks number one, according to T + L readers, who praise its diverse appeal and affordability.

Rounding out the top five are: Chiang Mai, Thailand; Tokyo; Bangkok; and Jaipur, India. Meanwhile, Hoi An, Vietnam; Mexico City; Kyoto; Ubud, Bali; and Cusco, Peru, made the top 10 for 2025.

2025’s Best Cruise Lines and Ships

The readers prefer their cruise lines without kids in 2025, with the adults-only disruptor Virgin Voyages securing the top spot with a reader score of 94.8.

Virgin is still new to the industry but already developing a stellar reputation among travel advisors and their clients. Rounding out the top five are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

“Exciting mega-ships with as many bells and whistles as can be accommodated onboard lead the pack,” says T + L. “These ships pack a punch with multiple dining venues and bars and amusements for passengers of all ages. Value pricing is key, with a choice of accommodations, food, activities, and entertainment included in your fare, helping make cruise one of the world’s leading vacation choices.”

Standout Airlines of 2025

It should come as little surprise that public charter carrier JSX still ranks as the best domestic carrier for 2025, according to T + L readers. After all, you can’t beat flying close to private.

Trailing JSX are more attainable carriers like Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Sun Country Airlines rounds out the top 10.

“When it comes to quality, Singapore Airlines has one of the best track records in the business,” T + L states. “In addition to securing the No. 1 spot in the ranking this year, the airline was rated No. 1 in the 2024 World’s Best Awards and is a Hall of Fame honoree, meaning it has been on the “best of” list for 10 consecutive years.”

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. Emirates
4. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
5. Japan Airlines (JAL)
6. La Compagnie
7. Air New Zealand
8. Virgin Atlantic Airways
9. Etihad Airways
10. Fiji Airways

2025’s Top Hotels and Spas

Africa is the big winner in the hotels and spas category, with Kenya’s andBeyond Bateleur Camp coming out on top with a perfect score of 100.

“Situated on a private concession in Kenya’s Masai Mara, this 19-tent property is a luxe base for seeking out the Big Five,” the website states. “The tents are perhaps the first draw, with indoor and outdoor showers, locally sourced furniture inspired by the surroundings, and private decks, perfect for listening to the distant roar of lions or the chorus of insects.”

Turkey’s Raffles Istanbul ranks second, while Mfuwe Lodge, the Bushcamp Company in Zambia, Paris’ Fauchon L’Hôtel, and Kilindi Zanzibar in Tanzania round out the top five.

The Vines Resort & Spa in Mendoza, Argentina; Joali Maldives; La Casa de la Playa in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; and Virginia’s Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, also earned reader scores of 99.4 or better.

Kenya's andBeyond Bateleur Camp, a luxe 19-tent property that serves as a home base for safaris in Masai Mara Natural Reserve, received a perfect score of 100 in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards. Here a Masai giraffe passes a photographer in a safari truck. Nick Dale/Dreamstime/TNS

Best Islands of 2025

Europe dominates T + L’s list of the best islands in 2025, with readers propping up Greece, Italy, and the Mediterranean above all else.

Five Greek islands made the top 15, while three Italian destinations stood out. The lesson here is that sun seekers in search of an island getaway can’t go wrong in Europe.

1. Páros, Greece
2. Ischia, Italy
3. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
4. Madeira, Portugal
5. Mallorca, Spain
6. Crete, Greece
7. Milos, Greece
8. Azores, Portugal
9. Sardinia, Italy
10. Sicily, Italy
11. Malta
12. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland
13. Santorini, Greece
14. Corsica, France
15. Mykonos, Greece

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