New York City — For the 30th consecutive year, Travel + Leisure has unveiled its World’s Best Awards, spotlighting the planet’s most beloved cities, islands, hotels, airlines, and more. Voted on by hundreds of thousands of well-traveled readers, the 2025 list is more than a collection of rankings — it’s a window into where the world wants to go next, and what modern travelers value most.
From ancient cities reborn to quiet islands stealing the spotlight, this year’s winners tell a story of emotional travel, authentic connection, and the rising influence of wellness, culture, and sustainability in tourism.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: A New U.S. Champion Emerges
In a major upset, Santa Fe has claimed the title of Best City in the United States, dethroning Charleston, South Carolina, which held the crown for an astonishing 12 years straight.
Why Santa Fe Won
With its adobe architecture, vibrant art scene, deep Indigenous roots, and celebrated culinary renaissance, Santa Fe offers a sensory experience that’s difficult to match. Readers praised the city’s walkability, healing energy, and the sense of timelessness that envelops you in its mountain air.
“It’s a city that breathes creativity. Every corner has a gallery, a storyteller, or a centuries-old secret.” — Travel + Leisure Reader
From the Santa Fe Opera to Museum Hill and the buzz around wellness retreats in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, the city represents a perfect blend of history, beauty, and soul.
Paros, Greece: The Island That Outshone Santorini
In one of the most dramatic leaps ever seen in the awards, Páros — a laid-back island in the Cyclades — jumped from 24th place in 2024 to claim #1 Best Island in the World in 2025.
What Makes Páros Special:
While Mykonos and Santorini have long drawn the flashbulbs, Páros has become the darling of seasoned travelers looking for something quieter yet equally beautiful. Whitewashed villages, bougainvillea-covered homes, and uncrowded beaches define this Aegean gem.
“It’s the Greece you dream about — before Instagram made it crowded.” — T+L Reviewer
With new boutique stays, wellness resorts, and a focus on sustainable tourism, Páros captured travelers’ desire for authentic, serene escapes.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Still the World’s Favorite City
Once again, San Miguel de Allende took the global title of Best City in the World, a feat it has achieved multiple times over the past decade.
Why It Continues to Win
The colonial-era town in central Mexico continues to enchant with its cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and vibrant art culture. This year, it stood out for its expanding culinary scene and growing number of wellness-focused boutique hotels.
It’s not just beautiful — it feels like home, say many travelers.
Other Cities That Captured Hearts in 2025
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – Revered for its spiritual charm and temple-dotted old city
- Tokyo, Japan – A perennial favorite, praised for balancing futuristic flair and traditional roots
- Jaipur, India – Surged in popularity thanks to new palace-turned-hotels and UNESCO restoration efforts
- Cusco, Peru – A gateway to Machu Picchu that is now a destination in its own right
“This year, travelers chose places with soul — destinations that make you feel something, not just snap something.” — T+L Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford
Top Hotel Honors: From Kenya’s Wilderness to Urban Elegance
This year’s Best Hotel in the World goes to andBeyond Bateleur Camp in Kenya — a luxury safari camp on the edge of the Masai Mara.
Guests raved about its:
- Unmatched wildlife experiences
- Personalized service
- Elegant yet rustic design
- Focus on conservation and local culture
Best Hotel Brand went to Capella Hotels & Resorts, which blends Asian heritage with modern design and attentive service across its properties in Singapore, Bangkok, and Sydney.
Other notable regional winners:
- The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa (Texas) – Top U.S. resort for luxury wellness experiences
- The Lowell (New York City) – Topped the list of city hotels in the U.S.
- Le Sirenuse (Positano, Italy) – Still a Mediterranean icon, praised for its romance and cliffside elegance
Best International Airline
Singapore Airlines
No surprises here, travelers praised its impeccable in-flight service, spacious suites, and attention to detail.
Best Domestic Airline (U.S.)
JSX
This semi-private carrier has disrupted regional travel with its no-hassle boarding and plush seats.
Best International Airport
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul continues to rise as a global travel hub, offering luxurious lounges, streamlined services, and a gateway between East and West.
Best Domestic Airport (U.S.)
T.F. Green International Airport, Rhode Island
Small in size, big in convenience, travelers loved its short lines, friendly staff, and easy navigation.
Cruise Category Winners
- Virgin Voyages – Best mega-ship line (modern, adults-only, Instagram-ready)
- Disney Cruise Line – Still the go-to for family-friendly luxury
- Crystal Cruises – Best mid-size luxury with personalized attention
- Viking – Unrivaled in small-ship elegance and cultural programming
2025 Travel Trends Reflected in the Awards
This year’s winners signal a major shift in traveler priorities:
- Soul over spectacle – Smaller cities and serene islands outshined noisy hotspots.
- Cultural depth – Readers rewarded places with rich local traditions and storytelling.
- Wellness + sustainability – Resorts and brands with eco-conscious initiatives and wellness features ranked higher.
- Personal service – Travelers now expect more than good facilities — they want meaningful, personalized service.
What’s Next for Travelers?
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, solo escape, or family adventure, these winners reflect where the world feels most alive right now. Santa Fe’s culture, Páros’s tranquility, and Kenya’s wild luxury offer far more than just destinations — they offer experiences that stay with you long after the flight home.
