home sharing for business travel

Travel professionals are not exactly embracing home-sharing properties, but they aren’t rejecting them outright, either.

A recent study conducted by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) of Alexandria, Virginia, found that businesses are paying close attention to the use of home-sharing properties for employee travel. The study, “Home-Sharing and Travel Policies—A Shifting Landscape,” found one out of six companies or associations has travel policies (17 percent) that permit the use of home-sharing properties.

The study—conducted in partnership with AccorHotels—also found more than twice as many travelers (37 percent) think their company or association permits them to stay at home-sharing properties during business trips. In other words, business travelers are booking stays at properties that aren’t officially approved by their company or association.

The sharing economy is prompting more businesses to review their policies toward home-sharing properties “before making a decision to include or exclude them from travel policies,” GBTA reported.

Kate Vasiloff, GBTA research director, said, “A travel professional must simultaneously balance his or her obligation to keep travelers safe with a need to make cost-effective decisions and select suppliers and services that foster productivity, while not compromising the well-being of the traveler.”

The primary concern of travel professionals centers on personal safety. The study—conducted through an online survey of 147 travel professionals in the United States and Canada—found 87 percent of participants worried about safety and security at home-sharing properties, compared to 55 percent who have personal-safety concerns about traditional hotels.

Even more telling, 61 percent of respondents said they are very concerned about the unpredictability of home-sharing property conditions, compared to 33 percent who have similar worries about hotels, according to the study.

Other concerns, as revealed by GBTA’s survey of travel professionals:

  • Non-refundable deposits (58% home sharing vs. 44% traditional hotels)
  • Enforcing strict cancellation policies (44% home sharing vs. 35% traditional hotels)

Growth of a Sharing Economy

In her blog, Marianne Varkiani, GBTA’s social media & communications specialist, attributed the popularity of the home-sharing market to internet search tools. Today’s consumers are searching for affordable alternatives to traditional services. Although the rise of home sharing for personal use has skyrocketed through companies like Airbnb, business travelers remain cautious about booking stays with home-sharing venues.

“Travel managers have yet to assess the benefits and risks of allowing such properties in their travel policy,” Varkiani said in her GBTA blog.

She pointed to Salesforce and Oracle, two companies with slightly different approaches to home-sharing policies. During GBTA’s recent webinar on home sharing for business travel, a spokesperson for Salesforce said the San Francisco company currently is evaluating its policy for allowing employees to use home-sharing properties for official business travel, Varkiani said.

An Oracle spokesperson reported the Redwood City software company takes an “as-needed approach” to the use of home-sharing properties for business travel, according to Varkiani. She noted that Oracle “reaches out to the traveler to understand the driving factors behind their decision” to try home sharing for business travel.

As GBTA’s Vasiloff said, “Allowing home-sharing services into a traveler program may not be the right option for every company, but it should be an informed decision.”

spring U.S. attractions

Mid-bloom into the season, TripAdvisor has released its Seasonal Attractions Trend Index for spring. Based on year-over-year search activity on TripAdvisor’s website, the list of top 25 U.S. attractions makes a great starting point for meeting planners looking for trending offsites and excursions that will leave a strong impression on attendees.

“This spring, U.S. travelers have shown increased interest in nature and parks as well as sights and landmarks, particularly in the western part of the country,” says Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “TripAdvisor Attractions provide travelers with the tools to book a tour best suited for their preferences.”

Four Tennessee attractions made the list, including the No.1 spot, which went to The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Country music’s most famous concert hall has over 90 years of history. Its first live performance was broadcast on the radio in 1925. This began the association of Grand Ole Opry with the popularization of country music. People are clearly interested in learning more, since year-over-year traffic has increased 110 percent. Memphis, Tennessee, lays claim to the other three ranked attractions: Beale Street, a historic downtown district; the National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel; and, of course, Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Notably, Arizona attractions had the most mentions, with five spots on the list. Of course, the Grand Canyon South Rim made the list, ranking at No.6. Havasu Falls, another notable gem in Arizona, came in ninth place. Travelers can travel by foot, horseback or mule service to Havasu Falls, one of the most famous and most-photographed waterfalls in the country. Antelope Canyon and Devil’s Bridge Trail are two other outdoorsy attractions in Arizona that made the list. The Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art in Phoenix, Arizona, was ranked 17th for its sensitive and accurate depictions of Native American cultures.

The rankings are a great reminder of the many spectacular activities, tours and cultures that groups can experience throughout the country. Plus, experiences like these are guaranteed to spark daydreams about ocean views in Hawaii or the bright, bustling streets of New York City long after your meeting is over.

The full list is below. For more details, visit TripAdvisor’s release!

Top Trending U.S. Attractions, Spring 2017

  1. The Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tennessee
  2. New York Tour1 – New York City, New York
  3. DC Trails – Washington DC, District of Columbia
  4. Kualoa – Kaneohe, Hawaii
  5. High Roller – Las Vegas, Nevada
  6. Grand Canyon South Rim – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  7. Antelope Canyon – Page, Arizona
  8. Disney California Adventure Park – Anaheim, California
  9. Havasu Falls – Supai, Arizona
  10. Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado
  11. Beale Street – Memphis, Tennessee
  12. San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
  13. Hersheypark – Hershey, Pennsylvania
  14. Mount Soledad – La Jolla, California
  15. Magnolia Market at the Silos – Waco, Texas
  16. Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington DC – Washington DC, District of Columbia
  17. Heard Museum – Phoenix, Arizona
  18. National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel – Memphis, Tennessee
  19. Old Lahaina Luau – Lahaina, Hawaii
  20. Graceland – Memphis, Tennessee
  21. St. Louis Cathedral – New Orleans, Louisiana
  22. Devil’s Bridge Trail – Sedona, Arizona
  23. Middleton Place – Charleston, South Carolina
  24. The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas
  25. Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina

topgolf Mexico golf

On April 24, Topgolf announced that it will exclusively license its concept in Mexico to Ventura Entertainment, a privately-owned company that operates amusement parks in Mexico. This marks Topgolf’s first collaborative venture in North America. Ventura Entertainment has already announced plans to open 10 venues over the next eight years.

Topgolf provides an exciting new way to play the cherished pastime. Its golf balls use radio-frequency technology to track swing accuracy and distance. But it’s more than just micro-chipped balls. Topgolf is an experience, supplementing rounds with a chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, large TV screens and music. In 2016, more than 10.5 million people participated in a Topgolf experience.

Patrons of all ages and proficiency levels are welcome to enjoy the climate-controlled hitting bays. Topgolf features special year-round events for children, families and social leagues, along with tournaments and golf instruction sessions.

“Ever since we walked inside a Topgolf back in 2014, we have been dreaming about the possibility of bringing this amazing concept to our country,” says Javier Molinar, Ventura Entertainment chairman of the board.

topgolf golf mexico

(Photo credit: Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC)

Currently, 10 new Topgolf sites are planned for opening over eight years. Ventura Entertainment will oversee the daily operations of Topgolf venues in Mexico, ensuring that its high standards of entertainment and hospitality are maintained.

“We already welcome guests and associates from our neighboring country every day. This expansion south feels like a natural step for Topgolf, and we can’t wait to share our fun social experience with local residents and tourists throughout Mexico,” says Erik Anderson, Topgolf Entertainment Group co-chairman and CEO.

Fernando Castillo from Ventura Entertainment explains, “We are excited to join forces with one of the fastest growing sports entertainment companies worldwide and humbled by the trust Topgolf has put in us to develop Topgolf throughout Mexico,” adding, “This is a substantial investment commitment in Mexico that will not only put Ventura Entertainment at the forefront of entertainment but also generate a significant amount of jobs across the country.”

In 2000, the first Topgolf location opened in Watford, England. There are now 28 U.S. locations and 31 worldwide. Topgolf venues in Mexico City and Cancun, Mexico, are slated for a 2018 opening.

Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, brings new meaning to the term deluxe resort. Surrounded by pristine beaches and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the $4.2 billion integrated development includes three hotel brands and will eventually offer 2,300 rooms. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is the largest and first to debut, with SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar to follow in the coming months. Although everything now seems to be progressing swimmingly, this project actually had a very long and bumpy road to success.

In 2005, the Baha Mar saga began with a proposal to build a $1.6 billion resort complex. It wasn’t until 2011 that construction actually began. Three years later, a late 2014 opening was delayed. Then, several scheduled opening dates in 2015 came and went. Although the resort was more than 90 percent complete, the developer of Baha Mar filed for bankruptcy in June 2015. For more than a year after that, the complex sat unfinished, and many wondered whether it would ever be completed. Late last year, the project was finally revived by its new owner. Now, 12 years later, the day has finally come. On Friday, April 21, Baha Mar made its official debut.

The first to open of Baha Mar’s three hotels is the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Scheduled to open in three phases from 2017 to 2018, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar resort has two distinct towers with 1,800 guest rooms and lavish amenities. The rooms and suites feature contemporary decor and outdoor balconies that offer a variety of views—ranging from the beach and resort pools to fountain displays and the Royal Blue Golf Club.

In addition to its easy access to Caribbean beaches, the Grand Hyatt will offer five expansive pools, including Blue Hole, inspired by the natural saltwater blue holes of the Bahamas.

Royal Blue Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus signature course featuring nine holes with dramatic views of rolling white sand dunes. The back-nine holes showcase a stunning limestone landscape and surrounding dense jungle.

Another central feature of the resort complex is Baha Mar Convention, Art and Entertainment Center, also managed by Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The 200,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor convention facility connects directly to Baha Mar’s casino.

Boasting the largest casino in the Caribbean, Baha Mar includes 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, more than 1,000 state-of-the-art slot machines, 126 table games, race and sports betting.

Baha Mar guests will also have access to a deluxe spa, with 30,000 sq. ft. of space, 24 private treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms, and relaxation zones.

Food & beverage offerings are plentiful, with a variety of onsite restaurants, bars and lounges. Three Tides satisfies cravings for Mediterranean seafood; The Swimming Pig is said to be a modern riff on British gastropubs; Drift offers a casual setting with Pan-Latin food; Palms is an upscale restaurant with beachside dining.

Baha Mar also includes a noodle bar and authentic Chinese food; a live-jazz club called Blue Note; and a rum-and-cigar lounge that pays homage to Nassau and Winston Churchill.

Baha Mar’s phase-two celebration, when 300-room SLS Baha Mar is set to open, is scheduled for fall 2017. The final phase—unveiling 200-room Rosewood Baha Mar resort—is scheduled for spring 2018.

The National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia, is doing its part to reduce the Beltway’s carbon footprint. The center, which offers 250 meeting rooms comprising 265,000 sq. ft. of event space, is celebrating Earth Day 2017 by encouraging meeting planners to go green.

Located about 40 miles from Washington, D.C., the conference center has 917 guest rooms and is devoted to sustainability best practices. Situated 12 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), the center is recognized as a certified Loudoun County Green Business Challenge winner.

To commemorate Earth Day, the center has identified five green trends for meeting planners to consider when booking a venue for their next Beltway event.

1. Grass Is Always Greener: Outdoor spaces for walking, hiking and relaxing—even meditating—offer a natural way for attendees to unwind and go green. Set on 65 countryside acres, the center’s grounds are covered with drought-resistant plants, trees, shrubs and native plants to minimize water use. The property is irrigated only when necessary. Mulched plant beds are used to retain water. An integrated pest management program has been implemented to research the use of organic insecticides and fertilizers.

2. Food for Healthy Thoughts: Studies show that eating high-protein foods and less sugar maximizes body energy, brainpower and cognitive focus. Meeting planners are encouraged to select a venue that serves healthy foods and encourages breaks. The center offers meeting planners healthful menu options, with more than 60 food products purchased from Local Food Hub, which represents more than 30 farms in Virginia and Maryland. Menus are created based on what is available during the season, such as blueberry morning Power Shakes and Eggs Benedict with yogurt Hollandaise sauce.

3. Energy Saving Matters: Energy conscious meeting venues install modern automated equipment to efficiently manage central utility plants. The center uses motion-sensors in guest rooms to minimize heating and cooling usage. All of the center’s lights recently were replaced with energy-efficient lamps and bulbs. Every time the venue replaces equipment—whether its computers and copiers at the front desk and lobby, TV monitors in guest rooms or refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers in kitchen facilities—the center installs Energy Star-rated equipment.

4. Smart Digital Logistics: From implementing paperless check-in to using digital brochures to discouraging plastic water bottles, the center practices what it preaches by minimizing the use of products that harm the environment. Planners should ask prospective meeting-site managers how water is provided. Venues should use environmentally friendly paper products that are biodegradable and recyclable. The center maintains a waste management contract for single-stream recycling of glass, plastic, aluminum, metal, wood, cardboard and paper. Soon, the center hopes to eliminate the printed map of the complex by developing an app to help guests find their way around.

5. Get Evolved in Green: Wherever meeting planners are booking their next events, they’re encouraged to work with local charities and participate in earth-friendly activities, or donate proceeds to programs that promote sustainability. The center helps local meeting planners organize a cleanup program near the Potomac River, or the creek flowing through the center’s Northern Virginia property. The staff works closely with neighboring high school students, who participate in culinary teams to learn about farm-to-table cooking.

watters creek convention center

A new upscale hotel is being built in Allen, Texas, to accommodate meetings and events. Benchmark, a global hospitality company, announced it will operate the new Delta by Marriott Hotel and Watters Creek Convention Center north of Dallas.

The hotel will feature 300 guest rooms and is scheduled to open in late 2018.

Upon completion of the hotel, Allen Convention & Visitors Bureau will relocate to the new facility, Benchmark announced in a press release. The project will incorporate 90,000 sq. ft. of flexible convention, ballroom and meeting space, along with a 1,000-space parking facility.

“The new convention center and hotel will provide the city of Allen with the capability to host larger meetings, sporting events, trade shows and conferences, generating revenue and tax dollars that benefit our community,” said Karen Cromwell, director of the Allen CVB.

The Delta brand by Marriott focuses on upscale hotels. The Allen project, spearheaded by Altera Development, will feature premium guest rooms and services, as well as an upscale restaurant and bar adjacent to an outdoor courtyard with a swimming pool designed to encourage guests to meet, entertain and unwind.

For active guests, the Delta hotel will feature a fitness center with cardio, weights, yoga and a CrossFit facility.

Located about 30 miles north of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Allen offers year-round recreational opportunities, including golf courses at Watters Creek. The area is known for its arts festivals and entertainment venues, outlet shopping and dining, all of which are increasingly popular among today’s business travelers.

“We are extremely proud to be managing and marketing what will be an ultra-modern Delta hotel,” said Alex Cabanas, CEO of Benchmark. “This is an exciting and contemporary new brand in the midst of rapid expansion, and we are proud to have it as part of our management portfolio.”

This industry runs on jargon, and since meeting planning requires everyone to work at a rapid click, it’s best to get acquainted with it yourself.

Acronyms

They’re a dime a dozen in this industry, but here are the most frequent ones you’ll come across.

CMP
Certified Meeting Professional, a merit one receives from completing the Convention Industry Council’s certification program for professionals in the meeting, convention and exhibition industries. It’s considered the global “badge of excellence.”

CVB
Convention and Visitors Bureau, a local organization that can help meeting planners conduct venue and vendor selection at no cost. A CVB publishes events calendars, news, and a directory of accommodations, for visitors, meeting planners and travel agents.

DMC
Destination Management Company, a local company that has extensive knowledge about a specific destination and organizes the logistics of meetings and events in that specific location.

CSM
Convention Services Manager, a venue’s (usually a hotel) point person for coordinating major events and conventions

DOS
Director of Sales at a venue, usually who will be negotiating your contract with.

Fam. Trip
Familiarization Trip, free or reduced-rate travel offered to meeting industry professionals to introduce them to an area, venues, attractions, vendors and suppliers.

F&B
Food & Beverage,  used when talking generally about providing, well food and beverages.

Contracts

There is a lot of technical wording in contracts, most of which will be outlined in the contract, but there are a few important terms that you might want to negotiate before the contract is in hand.

Deposit
A partial payment to secure a venue or service to be paid upfront; usually part of the larger sum of the venue; sometimes refundable, but read your agreement carefully.

Force Majeure Clause
A clause in a venue or vendor contract that limits the liability of the venue or vendor should an unexpected or uncontrollable event occur, such as a natural disaster.

Guarantee
The  confirmed number of meals or servings you will be paying for whether or not those resources are actually used at your event.  Venues typically require a 72-hour guarantee prior to the event.

Master Account
An account set up with the venue to which authorized charges incurred by a group or planner can be charged.

Plus Plus (++)
Reflect the level of tax and gratuities charged by a venue if not included in the price, always identified as a “++” on your orders.

Rider
An amendment to a contract, such as a new guarantee or an amendment to the room block

F&B

Every event involves food and beverage, so brush up on your lingo.

Banquet Captain
The lead person appointed by the venue and in charge of managing food service at an event.

Banquet Event Order (BEO)
A detailed document provides to a venue instructions and a timeline for how the banquet, meeting, or event will be run; also called a Function Sheet or Event Order.

Covers
The actual number of meals served, which may be higher or lower than the guarantee. Hopefully it’s right on the mark!

Host Bar
Known more colloquially as the open bar, where the host or sponsor of an event picks up the bar tab and guests drink for free.

Minimum
In reference to F&B, this is referring to the minimum catering revenue set by the venue. If the minimum is not met, say hello to additional charges, including once waived fees or eliminated complimentary accommodations.

Overset
The number of meals or settings the venue will prepare over what you have guaranteed, which is usually 2% to 5% of your guarantee. Consider it hanger insurance.

Call it Earth Stay! In celebration of Earth Day 2017, several national upscale hotels and restaurants are enticing guests to stay and dine with earth-friendly offerings. One Arizona chamber and visitors bureau is celebrating Earth Day on a big stage at the Grand Canyon.

Take a look at six Earth Day invitations, starting with Hyatt Hotels, which is showcasing its commitment to the environment and local communities with initiatives that reflect the company’s dedication to customers who care about the earth.

1. Hyatt Regency Monterey in California is featuring a Travel Green Giveaway. The first 100 guests who check into the hotel on Earth Day, April 22, will receive a “Plant Your Pencil.” The soil-friendly pencils come in different herb varieties, including basil, cilantro, parsley, cherry tomato, and mint. Simply push the pencils into the ground, watch them grow and then pluck the herbs for eating.

2. TusCA Ristorante, Hyatt Regency Monterey’s acclaimed restaurant, gets in on the Earth Day act. The restaurant is featuring fresh ingredients on its April 22 menu. TusCA embodies the spirit of Earth Day with organic vegetables, plucked straight from the local soil, along with fresh seafood. Earth Day menu offerings include mixed green and endive salad with goat cheese, spiced walnuts and local honey vinaigrette dressing; seared salmon with artichoke pesto, roasted heirloom potatoes and grilled asparagus. All of them can be paired with Twisted Roots wine selections from Carmel Valley.

3. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Lahaina, Hawaii, is offering a self-led Sustainability Tour on Earth Day. Participating guests will learn about the resort’s dedication to the environment while walking the lush grounds and sublime gardens of one of Hawaii’s most diverse islands. Maui, as regular visitors know, has numerous microclimates, ranging from arid to tropical. It makes sense that Hyatt Regency Maui, a LEED-certified hotel, would celebrate Earth Day with a sustainability tour.

4. The 1 Hotels in New York City and Miami are going all out for Earth Day. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is offering panel discussions, wellness experiences and a live performance by Bella Gaia, a multisensory stage show with music and dance, and immersive NASA imagery. The New York hotel is offering personal astrology and wellness readings; Beers for Change at 1 Hotel’s patio; meditation sessions at Brooklyn Bridge Park, led by teacher Light Watkins; and Skyline Yoga on the hotel’s rooftop, with professional instructor Caley Alyssa. In Florida, 1 Hotel South Beach will recognize the importance of Earth Day with Mind & Movement activities that include a butterfly release at the hotel’s center pool; boardwalk bike ride, coordinated with Surfrider Foundation’s local Miami chapter; local dune and beach clean-ups; strength-and-mobility endurance training at the hotel’s gym; and a closing “hydrating” celebration at Tom on Collins, the property’s cocktail bar.

5. Courtyard Marriott Orlando Downtown is the official hotel for Central Florida Earth Day 2017. The all-day celebration takes place on April 22 at Lake Eola Park and is organized by Vegetarians of Central Florida. A long list of festival events is being hosted by Earth Day sponsors in junction with Orlando Sentinel newspaper. In addition, a free advanced screening of a new Disneynature film will be shown.

6. South Rim Chamber and Visitors Bureau in Arizona is celebrating Earth Day this year at Grand Canyon National Park. The CVB is extending invitations to visitors and locals alike to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Earth Day during “Fee-Free Saturday” on April 22. The celebration will include information sessions about the park’s environmental initiatives, along with games, a recycled art walk, recycled arts and crafts activities, and an all-important litter clean-up. Events start at 10 a.m. at Grand Canyon Visitor Center plaza, near Mather Point.

upgrades

Features such as a new 600,000-square-foot exhibit hall and 150,000 sq. ft. of new meeting rooms tend to dominate headlines related to the $1.4 billion Las Vegas Convention Center expansion and renovation. But those are just two of the many updates that will improve the conference experience for planners and attendees.

Another key component of the project, which will span the next six years, involves a major upgrade to the facility’s technology. In keeping with Las Vegas’ status as an entertainment trendsetter, the convention center looked to stadiums and arenas for inspiration.

The project team recognized the potential to introduce the venue takeover experience to the convention center landscape—and give planners yet another reason to book Las Vegas Convention Center for events.

“You can turn an entire arena or stadium into a brand—Coca-Cola or ConExpo or CES—so that everything throughout the campus can be turned to this brand imagery. And that’s not only in the inside, but on the outside,” said Terry Miller, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s contracted builder representative.

“This is not experimental stuff,” Miller said in an interview. “This is technology that exists. We now need to move forward into what is a fairly economical way to do what we’ve done for years with the new hardware and technology. It’s not necessarily unique in technology, but it will be unique in the application there at the Convention Center.”

Beyond attention-grabbing branding opportunities, the facility’s new technology will also enable attendees to manage their itineraries more easily. That capability will be a necessity, not a novelty. When the expansion and renovation is complete, Las Vegas Convention Center will encompass 1.9 million sq. ft. of exhibit space.

Digital service kiosks installed throughout the center’s campus will be preprogrammed with maps, information and schedules. With one swipe of a chip-embedded name badge, an attendee will gain access to booth locations, transportation options and other critical information. Armed with this support, both first-time conference-goers will navigate the facility with confidence.

Chipped name badges also carry the potential for partnerships. For example, producers of two recent construction industry trade shows teamed with Las Vegas Monorail to embed badges with unlimited monorail access for attendees.

But planners tempted by the technological possibilities will have to be patient. Although planning proceeds on track and a financing plan is in development, the project has not yet reached the design phase.

On April 27, the oversight board for convention facilities in Clark County will meet to review and discuss design and construction methods.

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah

From a long list of 675 properties spanning more than 50 countries, Condé Nast Traveler has selected its best hotel openings from the past year. The winning properties that make up the 2017 Hot List cross the globe from Thailand to Tanzania. The full list of 75 properties includes several destinations a bit closer to home, as well—21 U.S. properties made the list.

“Our annual Hot List, a rigorous selection of our favorite new hotel openings of the past year, is a predictor of what properties will stand the test of time, make history, and let you reimagine how you want to live and travel,” says Pilar Guzmán, editor-in-chief, Condé Nast Traveler. “Our goal is that these properties spark the heat of early romance in the beginning, and then eventually settle into enduring love.”

14 U.S. states made the list, including perennial meetings favorites such as Florida and leisure paradises such as Hawaii. Business and travel hubs California and New York boast the highest number of mentions with four each.

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa in Laguna Beach and Malibu Beach Inn let guests soak up southern California’s relaxing beach vibes, while SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn and Timber Cove Resort in Sonoma represent the best of northern California’s coastal luxury.

New York’s winners include New York City’s fashion-forward 11 Howard and contemporary The Beekman, as well as Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, a welcoming ski hotel, and Brentwood, a Saratoga Springs property that draws horse racing enthusiasts and vacationers alike.

Although every hotel on the list delivers unique experiences, one of the most spectacular international properties is Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, which has just seven options for accommodations. Four Seasons offers guests the ultimate in exclusive and private experiences, including airport transfers by seaplane and opportunities to explore the underwater UNESCO spaces of nearby Baa Atoll.

The full list of 75 winners is provided below.

Hotel

Region

Country/State

11 Howard

USA

New York (city)

28 Kothi

Asia

India

Ace Hotel New Orleans

USA

Louisiana

Amanemu

Asia

Japan

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Middle East

Oman

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Asia

Sri Lanka

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa

USA

Arizona

andBeyond Matetsi River Lodge

Africa

Zimbabwe

Atemporal-Hotelito in Lima

South America

Peru

Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay

Africa

Morocco

Brentwood

USA

New York (state)

Casa Bonay

Europe

Spain

Casa Grande at Vermejo Park Ranch

USA

New Mexico

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

USA

California

Chablé Resort

Mexico

Yucatan

Chena Huts

Asia

Sri Lanka

EAST Miami

USA

Florida

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

Middle East

UAE

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Asia

Japan

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

USA

Hawaii

Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah

Indian Ocean

Maldives

Greydon House

USA

Massachusetts

Ha(a)ïtza

Europe

France

Helena Bay Lodge

Australia/Pacific

New Zealand

Hoshinoya Tokyo

Asia

Japan

Hotel Saint George

USA

Texas

Hotel William Gray

Canada

Montreal

Il Sereno Hotel

Europe

Italy

Jumeira al Naseem

Middle East

UAE

Katamama

Indonesia

Bali

Killiehuntley Farmhouse & Cottage

Europe

Scotland

KK Beach

Asia

Sri Lanka

L’Hotel

Africa

Marrakech

La Granja

Europe

Spain

Le Barthélemy Hotel

Caribbean/Atlantic

St. Barts

Roch Hôtel & Spa

Europe

France (Paris)

Le Saint

Europe

France (Paris)

Hotel Le Toiny

Caribbean/Atlantic

St. Barts

Leeu Estates

Africa

South Africa

Malibu Beach Inn

USA

California

Mar Adentro

Mexico

Cabo San Lucas

Masseria La Carube

Europe

Italy

Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat

Central America

Nicaragua

Nolinski Paris

Europe

France (Paris)

Palazzo Venart

Europe

Italy

Palé Hall

Europe

Wales

Hôtel Panache

Europe

France (Paris)

The Peninsula Chicago

USA

Illinois

The PIG at Combe

Europe

England

Villa Pliniana

Europe

Italy

Ritz Paris

Europe

France (Paris)

Hôtel Saint-Marc

Europe

France (Paris)

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa

Asia

Sri Lanka

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge

USA

New York (state)

SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn

USA

California

Sikelia

Europe

Pantelleria

Six Senses Zil Payson

Indian Ocean

Seychelles

Sofitel Tamouda Bay Beach and Spa

Africa

Morocco

Soho House Barcelona

Europe

Spain

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Indian Ocean

Maldives

Taylor River Lodge

USA

Colorado

Thanda Island

Africa

Tanzania

The Beekman

USA

New York (city)

The Dewberry

USA

South Carolina

The Highlands

Africa

Tanzania

The Other Side

Caribbean/Atlantic

Bahamas

The Robey

USA

Illinois

The Shore Club Turks and Caicos

Caribbean/Atlantic

Turks and Caicos

Thompson Nashville

USA

Tennessee

Thompson Seattle

USA

Washington

Timber Cove Resort

USA

California

Villa La Coste

Europe

France (Provence)

Villa Mahabhirom

Asia

Thailand

Villa Marie Saint-Barth

Caribbean/Atlantic

St. Barts

Zemi Beach House

Caribbean/Atlantic

Anguilla