Best Travel Brands for the Luxury Client: Hotels, Cruises, Airlines, Tours

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Wed November 27, 2024

These days, there are many travel companies out there that boast wonderful luxury offerings, but there are some brands whose names have become completely inseparable from the very concepts of style, class, sophistication and supreme indulgence.

It’s also worth noting that, these days, the notion of “luxury” in itself can mean different things to different people.

But, typically, universal elements of luxury products and experiences include top-tier quality, exclusivity, privacy, authenticity and limited supply.

Here we dive into the world of luxury travel and highlight some of the industry’s top brands that specialize in catering to the demands of today’s high-end travelers.

From opulent on-land accommodations and spectacular cruise ships to the most decadent and exclusive tours, these brands’ products have earned a reputation for delivering utterly exceptional experiences and unparalleled service.

Hotels

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts brand has practically become synonymous with unrivaled luxury and world-class hospitality. With a global presence in some of the most iconic destinations, Four Seasons consistently upholds the worldwide standard for opulence, offering travelers an exceptionally hotel experience. The brand is renowned for its elegant accommodations, impeccable service and a commitment to providing guests with a plush home away from home. Four Seasons combines contemporary amenities with timelessly grand surroundings. Whether in search of a luxurious urban retreat, a stylish beachfront getaway or a serene mountain escape, discerning travelers who seek the epitome of luxury and sophistication often stay at Four Seasons.

This month, Four Seasons won multiple 2024 Travvy Awards in the Hotels and Resorts category. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea won Gold and the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla won Silver for the Best Honeymoon Hotel/Resort - U.S.; the Four Seasons Hualalai won Gold for the Best Luxury Hotel/Resort - U.S.; and the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla took home Gold for Best Luxury Hotel/Resort - Caribbean.

Ritz-Carlton

A century ago, the now-multinational hospitality brand Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts broke boundaries by bringing luxury elements into hotel settings for the first time. To this day, it continues to set the standard for luxury hospitality experiences the world over, and reaffirm its high-brow reputation for consistently delivering distinctly opulent and memorable hotel stays. The brand’s signature is the exceptional quality of its products themselves and utmost attention to detail, including when it comes to catering to customers’ needs and desires, taking service to a whole higher level. Ritz-Carlton properties can be found in plenty of prime destinations, including major cities and beautiful resort locales, providing supremely elevated accommodation options for both business and leisure travelers.

Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts took home a pair of 2024 Travvy Awards in the Hotels and Resorts category. Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, which took home Silver and Bronze respectively for the Best Honeymoon Hotel/Resort - U.S.

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental is considered one of the best luxury hotel brands for its legendary service, iconic properties and dedication to delivering personalized, culturally immersive experiences. Known for anticipatory service and exceptional attention to detail, the brand offers world-class accommodations with high-end furnishings, cutting-edge technology and thoughtful amenities. Its Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning spas set the standard for culinary and wellness excellence, while the integration of local culture provides guests with an authentic sense of place. Mandarin Oriental also offers curated luxury experiences, such as private tours and bespoke activities, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking unparalleled comfort, sophistication and cultural immersion.

At the 2024 Travvy Awards, the brand’s Mandarin Oriental New York won a Bronze recognition in the category of Best Luxury Hotel/Resort – US.

Cruise Lines

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is regarded as the ultimate choice for luxury travelers due to its truly all-inclusive offerings, which encompass unlimited shore excursions, fine dining, premium beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi and even airfare. Its intimate ships, often described as the most luxurious ever built, feature spacious suites with private balconies, opulent furnishings and high-end amenities. Guests enjoy exceptional, personalized service thanks to one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry, along with world-class dining crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Regent’s immersive itineraries span iconic destinations and hidden gems, offering unique shore excursions and exclusive access to smaller ports. Onboard, such sophisticated enrichment activities as expert lectures, culinary classes and wine tastings further enhance the experience. With its commitment to seamless luxury, personalization and cultural immersion, Regent delivers an unsurpassed cruise experience for discerning travelers.

At the 2024 Travvy Awards, in the Cruise category, Regent Seven Seas Cruises took home four Travvys, including the Gold statuette for Best Cruise Line – Luxury, Silver for Best Cruise Line – Small (Under 500 Cabins), Bronze for Best Cruise Line – Asia, as well as the Gold prize for Best Cruise Ship – Luxury with Seven Seas Grandeur.

Silversea

Silversea is a top-tier luxury cruise line known for its all-inclusive, intimate and personalized voyages. Its fleet consists of small to mid-sized ships, which allows for access to smaller ports that other cruise lines simply cannot reach, enabling the line to visit more remote and unique destinations. Silversea's offerings include lavish suites with personal butler service, exceptional gourmet dining, and a diverse range of enriching shore excursions and activities. Silversea’s voyages and expeditions sail to more than 800 destinations across all seven continents—more than any other cruise line. With a focus on exceptional service and destination exploration, Silversea creates exclusive and immersive travel experience for its guests.

At the 2024 Travvy Awards, Silversea took home the Bronze recognition for Best Cruise Line – Luxury, along with the Bronze for Best Cruise Line - Small (Under 500 Cabins). Its Evolution-class vessel, Silver Nova, also took home the Silver award for Best Cruise Ship – Luxury.

Seabourn

Seabourn is another ultra-luxury cruise line that’s celebrated for its small-sized ships, opulent onboard experience and intense emphasis on providing personalized service. Since its intimate vessels carry only 450-600 passengers aboard each voyage, passengers reap the benefits of a high staff-to-guest ratio, so guests can expect exceptional attention to detail and a truly indulgent vacation. Like Silversea, its model is also all-inclusive. Seabourn's all-suite, all-oceanfront accommodations are spacious and elegantly appointed, often coming with private verandas. The cruise line focuses on offering expertly curated and immersive itineraries that span all seven continents with visits to both well-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The world-class onboard cuisine is a highlight, with gourmet dining venues offering menus that incorporate the freshest ingredients and seasonal local specialties.

This year, the Seabourn Pursuit took home the Bronze Travvy for Best Cruise Ship - Small (Under 500 Cabins).

Viking

Viking is a top choice for luxury travelers due to its destination-focused itineraries, sleek Scandinavian-inspired ship design and all-inclusive value. Offering extended stays and overnight port calls, Viking enables guests to deeply explore each destination while enjoying a sophisticated onboard experience with spacious staterooms and serene public spaces. The line’s fares include shore excursions, Wi-Fi, regional wine and beer with meals, and access to alternative dining and spa facilities, ensuring a seamless journey free of hidden costs. Guests benefit from exceptional service and a range of cultural enrichment activities, including lectures, performances, and partnerships with institutions like the BBC and Oxford University. With smaller ships and an intimate atmosphere, Viking also grants access to unique ports while delivering personalized luxury and a focus on cultural immersion, making it ideal for discerning, exploration-minded travelers.

This year, Viking earned an incredible seven accolades at the Travvy Awards. Viking won Silver for Best Cruise Line – Luxury, Silver for Best Cruise Line – Expedition/Adventure and its ship, Octantis, won the Bronze award for Best Cruise Ship – Expedition/Adventure. In the River Cruise subdivision, it took home Gold for Best River Cruise Line – Overall, Gold for Best River Cruise Line – Europe and Silver for Best River Cruise Line – Africa/Egypt, while Viking’s Aton won Silver for Best River Cruise Ship – Overall.

Viking Octanis, Welland Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, North America

Uniworld

When it comes to the realm of river cruising, award-winning Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is always a standout in the industry. Its intimate vessels have an average capacity of 120 guests, one of river cruising’s highest staff-to-guest ratios, ensuring that its guests' every need is attended to. It fleet features chic lounges, panoramic restaurants, sumptuous gastronomy, exquisite antiques, original artwork, and luxurious riverview staterooms and suites. Uniworld’s itineraries, which sail throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia and Peru feature an enviable array of shore excursions, gourmet cuisine, impeccable service and the highest number of all-inclusive benefits. One of the brand's distinct selling points is its focus on creating immersive and culturally enriching itineraries, which often feature exclusive shore excursions and experiences that enable its guests to explore their destination more deeply.

Uniworld took home the Bronze accolade at the 2024 Travvy Awards for Best River Cruise Line - Africa/Egypt.

Airlines

Emirates

A luxurious experience at 30,000 feet might be the last thing you envision when you picture yourself on an airplane, but the two ideas aren’t actually mutually exclusive. And, few places do over-the-top opulence like the Middle East. Hence, First Class aboard United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) flag carrier, Emirates Airlines, is billed as being “as close as it comes to your own private jet”. Passengers in this cabin enjoy private suites, each featuring sliding doors for unmatched privacy and fully equipped with lie-flat beds, allowing travelers to rest comfortably during long flights. First Class guests are treated to chef-prepared gourmet meals onboard, and have access exclusive to an onboard bar and lounge, and can even unwind in an in-flight shower spa. Back at their seats, travelers enjoy Emirates' award-winning entertainment system, ICE, which offers an extensive selection of movies, music, and live TV, ensuring that every moment spent in the air is an elevated experience.

At the 2024 Travvy Awards, Emirates took home the Silver award in the Airline category for Best Airline - International.

Qatar Airways

Flag carrier of Qatar, Qatar Airways' First Class experience sets a new standard for luxury travel through its exceptional service and attention to detail. Its QSuite Business Class offer private, spacious onboard suites that exude opulence. These seats can be transformed into fully flat beds for the utmost comfort during long-haul flights. Travelers in this cabin can indulge in exquisite dining options, thanks to an à la carte menu designed by renowned chefs. Additionally, the airline offers a unique 'Dine on Demand' service, allowing passengers to savor their preferred meals at any time. The exclusive Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha's Hamad International Airport provides a serene environment for pre-flight relaxation. Qatar Airways' extensive entertainment system offers an array of movies, TV shows, and music, ensuring an engrossing in-flight experience.

Qatar Airways took home a Bronze recognition at the 2024 Travvy Awards for Best Airline - International.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is widely considered one of the best luxury airlines for its exceptional service, world-class amenities and commitment to delivering a luxuriously seamless air travel experience. Renowned for its attentive and personalized service, the airline offers luxurious First Class and Suites cabins, featuring private suites, plush bedding and gourmet dining by world-class chefs. Passengers enjoy exclusive airport lounges like the SilverKris Lounge, as well as state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and high-speed Wi-Fi. With one of the youngest fleets in the industry, this flag carrier transports passengers to destinations across six continents. The airline’s attention to detail and consistent recognition in global awards for excellence further cement its reputation as a leader in luxury air travel, making it the ideal choice for discerning travelers.

Singapore Airlines did not win any Travvy Awards this year.

Tour Operators

Kensington Tours

For luxury travelers seeking a bespoke and high-end experience, Kensington Tours stands out as a premier tour operator. Known for crafting personalized journeys, Kensington Tours offers tailor-made itineraries that cater to individual preferences and desires. With a global reach, the company provides access to some of the world's most exclusive experiences and destinations on every continent. Private local guides, drivers and destination experts, plus carefully curated accommodations ensure a seamless, stress-free and luxurious travel experience. Kensington Tours is committed to authenticity, providing unique cultural encounters and insider access to iconic landmarks. Whether exploring historical sites, embarking on wildlife safaris or indulging in culinary adventures, travelers of various styles can expect meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled service throughout their journey.

Kensington Tours claimed two 2024 Travvy Awards statuettes in the Tour Operators category. It won Silver for Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury and Bronze for Best Escorted Tour Operator - Adventure/Expedition.

Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is widely renowned as the world's foremost luxury tour operator, synonymous with opulence and exclusivity. With a legacy spanning several decades, A&K has mastered the art of curating bespoke journeys that cater to the most discerning clientele. The company is known for its exceptional attention to detail, providing travelers with private guides, chauffeured transportation and stays in handpicked, sumptuous accommodations. A&K's global presence ensures access to the most coveted destinations across all seven continents, and its itineraries often feature unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether exploring iconic cultural landmarks, embarking on wildlife safaris or cruising in luxury, guests can trust A&K to deliver an immersive, seamless and extravagant journey that combines elegance with authenticity.

A&K took home a total of four trophies at the 2024 Travvy Awards, winning Gold for Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury; Silver for Best Escorted Tour Operator - Adventure/Expedition; Silver for Best Escorted Tour Operator - Africa; and Bronze for Best Escorted Tour Operator – Overall.

Egypt, Giza, Guests riding camels near the Great Pyramid of Giza

Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold is considered one of the best luxury tour operator brands for its exceptional service, exclusive itineraries and immersive, tailored experiences. Offering bespoke tours with private access to iconic attractions and unique cultural events, Luxury Gold ensures every journey is personalized, with expert tour directors and local guides providing concierge-level attention. When it comes to seeing some of the world’s most sought-after landmarks, guests enjoy front-of-the-line priority, behind-the-scenes access, and before- and after-hours visits The brand prioritizes comfort by featuring five-star hotels, luxury transportation and carefully planned itineraries for a stress-free experience. With small group sizes, travelers enjoy intimate exploration and extraordinary curated experiences, such as private wine tastings and exclusive culinary encounters. Luxury Gold's attention to detail, exceptional service and commitment to creating unforgettable memories make it the ideal choice for discerning travelers.

This year, Luxury Gold was awarded the Bronze Travvy for Best Escorted Tour Operator – Luxury.

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