Luxury and Travel: It seems like the world is obsessed with luxury! Every year, new, opulent hotels open their doors, enticing travelers with incredible experiences. But what are the most prestigious destinations? It’s a question that the Forbes Travel Guide answers annually with its Star Awards, highlighting the crème de la crème of the hospitality world.
A City of Glamour and Grandeur: London, known for its historical charm and elegant hotels, has once again stolen the spotlight! In 2019, the city boasted the highest number of Five-Star hotels in the world, solidifying its position as a leader in luxury travel. The Savoy and The Goring, both Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star properties, have long been symbols of London’s grandeur, but the city has only grown more luxurious with the addition of several new establishments.
Four New Five-Star Hotels: London’s luxury hotel scene is truly thriving! This year, four new hotels made their debut, each offering a unique and opulent experience. The Bulgari Hotel London brings a touch of Italian elegance with its sleek design, a private 47-seat movie theater, and a cigar room. The Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard, London offers breathtaking views of the city from its floor-to-ceiling windows, perched in the tallest building in Western Europe. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London reopened after a fire with a fresh look and a new Five-Star rating, and it now boasts one of only two Five-Star spas in the city. Last but not least, The Langham, London, which first opened its doors in 1865, continues to impress with its contemporary European cuisine at Roux at The Landau, and innovative drinks at its Artesian bar.
The East’s Answer to Vegas
More Than Just a Casino Paradise: Macau, often dubbed “The Las Vegas of the East,” has cemented its place as a destination for luxury travelers. With 12 Five-Star hotels, the city is overflowing with opulent properties, each offering its own unique charm and exceptional services. Macau is also home to the highest concentration of Five-Star restaurants in the world!
Opulence and Excellence: The city’s luxury offerings are truly astounding! With 17 Five-Star restaurants, Macau is a haven for discerning diners. But that’s not all! The city boasts multiple hotels that have been awarded Five-Star ratings for their hotels, restaurants, and spas. Banyan Tree Macau, Mandarin Oriental, Macau, Star Tower at Studio City Macau, and Altria Macau are just a few of the many properties that have earned this distinction.
A Glimpse into the Future of Luxury Travel
The Cotai Strip: A Force to Be Reckoned With: The Cotai Strip is a testament to Macau’s commitment to luxury travel. It’s a destination where world-class casinos meet upscale dining, luxurious accommodations, and thrilling entertainment experiences. In recent years, the Cotai Strip has seen several major developments, including the MGM Cotai, with its impressive art collection, the Zaha Hadid-designed Morpheus, and the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge. With these ambitious projects, Macau is proving that it’s a city that’s constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of luxury travel.
A Global Trend: It’s clear that London and Macau are leading the way in luxury travel. Both cities are drawing crowds from around the globe, seeking out the most luxurious experiences that the world has to offer. Whether it’s the historic grandeur of London or the modern opulence of Macau, these two cities are setting the standard for luxury travel and attracting travelers who seek the best of the best.
To sum it up, the Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Awards have once again highlighted the world’s most luxurious destinations, showcasing the incredible growth and evolution of the luxury travel industry. London and Macau stand out as leaders in luxury travel, captivating travelers with their impressive offerings, including new, upscale properties and extraordinary dining experiences. It’s an exciting time for luxury travel, and both cities are poised to continue their reign as the world’s most sought-after destinations.
