Virtuoso Honors the Luxury Travel Experiences Setting the Standard in 2026

Luxury travel is defined by exceptional experiences, and many of the world’s most memorable destinations begin with an extraordinary setting. At the 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, the global luxury travel network recognized the advisors, hotels, destinations and preferred partners setting new standards for hospitality. While the awards span every corner of the travel industry, many of this year’s winners highlight the growing demand for immersive waterfront escapes, curated local experiences and seamless luxury travel from planning through arrival.

A Hawaiian Icon Earns Best Brand Hotel

Among this year’s most notable honorees was Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, recipient of the Best Brand Hotel award. Located along Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, the resort occupies one of the island’s most spectacular stretches of shoreline, where ancient lava fields, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters create an unmistakable sense of place.

Following an extensive reimagining, Mauna Lani has become a benchmark for experiential luxury. The resort blends contemporary accommodations with cultural programming, wellness experiences, waterfront dining and private residences, all while honoring the rich history of the land on which it sits. The property’s setting allows guests to experience Hawaii beyond the beach, with opportunities to explore royal fishponds, snorkel vibrant reefs and immerse themselves in Native Hawaiian traditions.

Venice Offers Waterfront Sophistication

Waterfront luxury extends well beyond tropical destinations. This year’s Hotelier of the Year award recognized Etienne Petitpez of Airelles Palladio, Venice, a secluded retreat situated on Giudecca Island overlooking the Venetian Lagoon.

The restored 16th-century property offers guests an entirely different relationship with the water. Accessible by boat in just minutes from the heart of Venice, the hotel combines the tranquility of its island setting with immediate access to one of the world’s most celebrated waterfront cities. Four pools, refined accommodations, a Guerlain spa and exceptional dining complement panoramic lagoon views, demonstrating how thoughtful hospitality can elevate an already iconic destination.

Exceptional Experiences Beyond the Resort

The finest luxury vacations are shaped as much by the experiences beyond the hotel as by the accommodations themselves. Virtuoso recognized Eclectic Greece by Kyvernitis Travel with the Best On-Site award for creating customized itineraries that showcase Greece’s islands, coastal villages and cultural treasures. Through carefully tailored journeys, the company helps travelers discover a more authentic and luxurious side of the Mediterranean, where private experiences and local expertise elevate every stay.

Virtuoso also honored Project Expedition as Best Tour Operator, recognizing its extensive portfolio of premium tours, shore excursions, multi-day journeys and custom itineraries around the world. Whether travelers are extending a cruise itinerary or planning a bespoke coastal vacation, expertly designed excursions provide deeper connections to each destination while simplifying every aspect of the journey.

Australia Continues to Inspire Coastal Travelers

The Best Tourism Board award went to Tourism Australia, whose extraordinary coastline remains one of the country’s defining attractions. Home to more than 21,000 miles of mainland coastline, Australia offers an unparalleled variety of luxury experiences, from the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands to the white-sand beaches of Western Australia and the dramatic scenery of the Great Ocean Road.

Virtuoso recognized Tourism Australia’s ongoing commitment to inspiring travelers while highlighting the country’s unique blend of pristine beaches, vibrant coastal cities, marine wildlife and Indigenous cultural experiences. For travelers seeking unforgettable waterfront adventures, few destinations offer such remarkable diversity.

Los Cabos Continues to Shine

The Luminary Award honored Rodrigo Esponda of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, recognizing leadership that has helped position the destination among the world’s premier luxury beach escapes.

Located where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos has evolved into one of Mexico’s most sophisticated luxury markets. Oceanfront resorts, championship golf courses, private villas, yacht excursions and world-class dining have transformed the region into a favorite among affluent travelers. The recognition reflects not only the destination’s continued popularity but also its strategic vision for sustainable luxury tourism.

Protecting Luxury Vacations

Planning an international luxury getaway often represents a significant investment, making travel protection increasingly important. Virtuoso recognized Allianz Partners as its Best Insurance Partner, citing the company’s commitment to innovative travel protection and award-winning customer service.

As travelers continue booking more elaborate vacations, comprehensive insurance has become an essential component of luxury travel planning. Coverage can provide valuable protection against unexpected disruptions ranging from weather events and medical emergencies to trip cancellations and travel delays, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their experience with greater peace of mind.

Celebrating the Future of Luxury Travel

While Virtuoso’s annual awards recognize excellence across airlines, hotels, tour operators, advisors and travel agencies, this year’s winners underscore a broader trend within luxury travel. Increasingly, discerning travelers are seeking destinations where exceptional hospitality is paired with meaningful experiences, personalized service and expert guidance from planning through return.

Whether overlooking the volcanic coastline of Hawaii, the canals of Venice, the islands of Greece, the beaches of Australia or the dramatic meeting point of two seas in Los Cabos, these award-winning partners demonstrate the many ways luxury travel continues to evolve. As Virtuoso concluded another successful Travel Week, the network celebrated not only the industry’s highest achievers but also the destinations and experiences inspiring the next generation of sophisticated travelers.

The post Virtuoso Honors the Luxury Travel Experiences Setting the Standard in 2026 appeared first on Ocean Home magazine.