Travel
Plan your visit to these 2025 top travel experiences.
Maine and Rhode Island are delivering top level travel experiences this year, according to Travel + Leisure readers.
The publication released the results of its 2025 World’s Best Awards on Tuesday, and named The Norumbega in Camden, Maine the No. 1 inn in the continental U.S., Mount Desert Island in Maine the No. 1 island in the continental U.S., and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, R.I. America’s No. 1 airport.
The Norumbega topped the list because of its “luxurious interiors filled with thoughtful details,” according to readers, as well as its “kind and courteous staff,” and “great location with quick access to downtown Camden.” The publication also named it among the top 100 hotels in the world. Take a look inside.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to our guests and to Travel + Leisure for this
incredible recognition,” owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie said in a statement. “It has been our honor to bring this historic castle by the sea back to life year-round, over the last two years. We are humbled and thrilled that our guests have recognized what a special place this is to stay in our lovely Midcoast Maine location.”
Other properties that made the list of best inns: White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine ranked No. 3; The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport ranked No. 4; Castle Hill Inn in Newport ranked No. 5; Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, R.I. ranked No. 9; and Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine ranked No. 10.
Mount Desert Island impressed readers because “the island’s dramatic granite peaks and rugged coastlines embody the untamed beauty of coastal Maine,” wrote Travel + Leisure.
“Most of the island is dominated by Acadia National Park, often called the ‘crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,’ but the town of Bar Harbor, known for its lobster shacks and waterfront inns, is also worth a visit, too, and sits along the island’s picturesque eastern coastline,” wrote the publication.
Two Massachusetts islands also made the list: Nantucket ranked No. 10 and Martha’s Vineyard ranked No. 14.
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is loved for its easy access and efficiency.
“I love T. F. Green. Easy to get to, easy to park, easy to navigate,” said one reader, while another added, “Security is a breeze, even during a busy time. The design of the small airport lends itself to quick check-in and security ease. The place is kept clean and has adequate restaurants for its size and is adding more. There is plenty of parking and it is not outrageously expensive.”
Airport officials posted on social media that they are “beyond thrilled” with the top ranking.
For the World’s Best Awards, the publication asked readers to complete a survey rating airlines, airports, car-rental companies, cities, cruise ships, destination spas, hotels, hotel brands, islands, luxury villa-rental companies, tour operators, trains, safari outfitters, and U.S. national parks between October 21, 2024 through February 24, 2025.
Check out the 2025 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure.
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