Virtuoso Travel Advisors Name the Top Travel Companies and Properties for 2026
Global luxury travel network Virtuoso has revealed its top-rated hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators for 2026, highlighting major fleet expansions and boutique redesigns.
Global luxury travel network Virtuoso has unveiled its preferred travel providers and properties for 2026, drawing on insights from its worldwide network of travel advisors. The annual selections highlight notable innovations across luxury hospitality, specialized river and ocean cruising, and regenerative tourism across popular destinations.
Standout Hotels and Accommodations
Among urban properties, the newly opened 120-room Faena New York in Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighborhood earned top honors for its bold interior aesthetics, with plans to expand its live programming through a cabaret venue in 2027, according to NYC Tourism. In Europe, Amsterdam’s historic riverside landmark De L’Europe was recognized as the leading independent hotel following a comprehensive redesign of 14 bespoke suites curated by Dutch designers. Meanwhile, on Hawaii's Kohala Coast, the 333-room Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, stood out among branded luxury properties following extensive oceanfront suite overhauls and new private club amenities. Whether travelers weigh boutique hotels vs resorts or seek last-minute hotel deals, high-end demand continues to center on personalized service—exemplified by Étienne Petitpez of Venice's Airelles Palladio, named Hotelier of the Year.
Expansions Across Expedition and River Cruising
The cruise category showcased significant fleet updates and itinerary rollouts for upcoming seasons. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions was recognized for its sustainable voyages, including upcoming journeys through remote reaches of the Galápagos and French Polynesia. For river travel, AmaWaterways secured double honors as it prepares to launch the 76-passenger AmaNubia on Egypt's Nile River in late 2026, alongside new Danube sailings aboard the AmaRudi. High-end travelers researching holiday packages and utilizing travel tips to find cheap flights will also find expanded small-ship routes: Aqua Expeditions is deploying the 30-passenger Aqua Blu to south Raja Ampat, while Oceania Cruises introduces its new Sonata Class on Mediterranean routes between Rome and Trieste. Those organizing upcoming trips can explore options for cheap accommodation across these port hubs.
Specialty travel recognitions spotlighted culinary and regenerative stays, including Il Falconiere Relais & Spa in Tuscany and French Polynesia’s The Brando, celebrated for its ongoing sea turtle conservation programs in delicate marine habitats protected alongside UNESCO World Heritage Centre initiatives. Travelers organizing European escapes can browse city break deals and discount hotels to experience wellness programs like the medical diagnostic retreats recently introduced at Chenot Palace Weggis on Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne.