Andrew Harper Unveils the 2025 Editors' Choice Awards
For decades, Andrew Harper has been the go-to source for discerning travelers seeking the finest in luxury travel. In an impressive unveiling, Andrew Harper has announced the 2025 Editors' Choice Awards, showcasing the top hotels, dining experiences, and destinations judged by their incognito editorial team.
For those enchanted by world-class hospitality, these awards, highlighted in a special feature of the prestigious Hideaway Report, spotlight the most remarkable properties that embrace excellence. Each honor reflects not just luxury, but the culmination of genuine experiences curated by experts in the field.
Understanding the Evaluation Process
What sets these awards apart? The rigorous evaluation process conducted by Andrew Harper's editors ensures that recommendations are earned through true excellence rather than marketing gimmicks. The editors travel without advance notice, paying full rates and experiencing every detail of a guest's journey.
Analyses are conducted without special treatment, ensuring that the recommendations made by Andrew Harper reflect real experiences. This model reevaluates properties every year, aiming for authenticity, which is especially appealing to the affluent traveler who seeks reliable assessments rather than algorithm-driven scores.
The Selected Hotels and Highlights
This year, among the 79 assessed properties, only 46 received recognition, indicative of a strict endorsement rate of only 58%. This data underscores the integrity behind every recommendation by Andrew Harper. Additionally, recent studies noted that 86% of affluent travelers prefer unbiased insights from trusted sources over compensated reviews.
In an exciting reveal, the coveted title of Hideaway of the Year was awarded to One&Only Portonovi. Nestled by the pristine Adriatic coastline, this resort offers a magnificent fusion of Mediterranean hospitality and contemporary elegance, alongside top-notch wellness amenities and impeccable service.
List of Award-Winning Hotels
The honor roll includes distinguished establishments such as The Fifth Avenue Hotel (New York City), Villa Mabrouka (Tangier), and Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan. Additionally, properties like Palazzo Portinari Salviati in Florence and The Woodward in Geneva have also achieved recognition.
Noteworthy Re-visits
Some properties managed to impress enough to warrant a return visit, including The Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra), Ashford Castle (Ireland), and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (South Carolina).
Commemorating Resilient Properties
Several hotels made impressive comebacks this year, including the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson, Wyoming and the reimagined Waldorf Astoria New York.
Culinary Excellence Recognized
As dining continues to play a central role in travel, standout restaurants have been highlighted as well. From Manga in Brazil to Restaurant De Kas in Amsterdam, these culinary spots have been distinguished for their exceptional offerings.
Hotel restaurants recognized include La Grande Table Marocaine at Royal Mansour Casablanca and Monti at The Alpina Gstaad, among others, which continue to push the envelope in the dining scene.
Best Amenities and Hospitality Awards
Andrew Harper’s awards aren't just for hotels and dining; they also celebrate the dedication of individuals in the travel industry. Chef of the Year honors went to Taylor Cullen of Flockhill in New Zealand, while the Staff of the Year award went to the team at Regent Santa Monica Beach.
As for best amenities, the award for the most glamorous bath went to One&Only Portonovi, underscoring their stunning offerings that cater to luxury travelers.
Looking Ahead: Top Travel Suggestions for 2026
As we gaze toward the future, Andrew Harper’s editorial team has curated a list of exciting travel prospects for 2026. Expect collections of enchanting destinations such as Malta, Puerto Rico, and the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany.
This dynamic analysis and thoughtful recommendation process drives Andrew Harper’s commitment to independent evaluations, guaranteeing members receive genuine recommendations that resonate with sophisticated travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Editors' Choice Awards?
The Editors' Choice Awards by Andrew Harper acknowledge the finest hotels, restaurants, and travel experiences based on anonymous evaluations by their editorial team.
How does Andrew Harper ensure unbiased reviews?
Editors travel anonymously and pay full rates, providing authentic reviews without any influence from property management.
Who won the Hideaway of the Year award?
This year's highest distinction, Hideaway of the Year, was awarded to One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro.
What criteria are used to evaluate properties?
Factors considered include guest experience from arrival to departure, authenticity of service, and the overall quality of the hospitality provided.
How can I access the complete 2025 Awards?
The full details of the 2025 Editors' Choice Awards are available in the December issue of the Hideaway Report, accessible online.
