Tuesday, July 8, 2025

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 was a great success in wrapping up its majestic event, presenting in the region the very best luxury travel has to offer. Excellence in travel was celebrated, from ultimate destinations and hotels to private experiences and transformative travels. This year’s edition featured on its central stage the most sustainable and luxurious travel products, and they are indicative of the trend directions of the region toward eco-travel, local experience, and made-to-order travels.
With the travel industry in Asia-Pacific on a continuous growth trajectory, the 2025 Luxury Awards not only acknowledged outstanding achievements but also highlighted the key trends shaping the future of regional tourism. Let’s dive into the official winners of the event and explore the tourism trends that are defining luxury travel in the Asia-Pacific region.
Winners of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 showcased top destinations and travel experiences that epitomize the best of luxury travel. Below are some of the notable winners that made their mark during the event:
1. Best Luxury Resort: Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The award for Best Luxury Resort went to Amansara in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Known for its intimate blend of nature, culture, and luxury, this resort offers travelers an exceptional opportunity to explore Cambodia’s rich heritage while indulging in world-class amenities. Amansara stood out for its focus on cultural experiences, personalized service, and commitment to sustainability, all of which were highlighted as key features during the award ceremony.
The resort offers curated tours of the iconic Angkor Wat and other cultural sites, allowing guests to experience Cambodian history in the most luxurious way possible. The sustainable practices and local engagement initiatives Amansara employs were key factors in its win, aligning with the growing trend of eco-conscious luxury tourism.
2. Best Luxury Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan
Winning the Best Luxury Hotel category was The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto in Japan. Situated along the banks of the Kamogawa River, this hotel is a perfect blend of traditional Kyoto aesthetics and modern luxury. The Ritz-Carlton’s excellence was highlighted by its serene garden views, traditional Japanese rooms, and unparalleled service. Guests can experience true cultural immersion through unique offerings such as tea ceremonies, Zen meditation sessions, and private tours of Kyoto’s historical sites.
The hotel’s integration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and the region’s commitment to sustainability made it a standout choice among the high-end offerings in Asia.
3. Best Luxury Wellness Retreat: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
The Best Luxury Wellness Retreat award was presented to Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand. A leader in wellness tourism, Chiva-Som has long been a sanctuary for health-conscious luxury travelers. Combining traditional therapies with modern wellness treatments, the retreat offers a comprehensive approach to mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
The resort’s personalized health programs, including detox plans, yoga retreats, and spa treatments, have earned it widespread recognition. Chiva-Som’s emphasis on holistic health and sustainability, including its use of organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices, contributed to its well-deserved recognition in the wellness tourism category.
4. Best Cultural Experience: Aman Tokyo, Japan
The award for Best Cultural Experience was granted to Aman Tokyo in Japan. Aman Tokyo offers a fusion of luxurious modern architecture with traditional Japanese design elements. The hotel’s emphasis on Japanese culture, art, and local history makes it a standout destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Guests can immerse themselves in Japanese culture through exclusive experiences such as private tea ceremonies, kimono fittings, and traditional cooking classes. The integration of Japanese design aesthetics and cultural rituals earned Aman Tokyo its top spot in this category.
5. Best Sustainable Luxury Destination: The Maldives
The Maldives clinched the Best Sustainable Luxury Destination title, reflecting the growing trend of eco-tourism in the luxury sector. Many of the island’s resorts have embraced sustainability with a focus on marine conservation, solar energy, and water conservation. Leading resorts like Soneva Fushi and Gili Lankanfushi have been at the forefront of sustainable luxury, creating environmentally conscious luxury experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives.
The Maldives’ commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its resorts while still providing world-class luxury experiences has made it a beacon for the eco-conscious traveler.
Key Trends in Luxury Travel Recognized at the Awards
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 underscored the growing trends that have shaped the region’s luxury tourism industry. From sustainability to cultural immersion, here are the key themes highlighted during the event:
1. Sustainability in Luxury Travel
Sustainability continues to be a dominant theme in the luxury travel industry. With increasing concern over climate change and environmental degradation, travelers are prioritizing eco-friendly options that do not compromise luxury. Hotels and resorts are embracing green practices such as zero-waste operations, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly amenities to appeal to the eco-conscious traveler. The Maldives’ recognition as the Best Sustainable Luxury Destination serves as a prime example of this trend.
2. Cultural Immersion and Authenticity
Travelers are increasingly looking for ways to connect with local cultures in meaningful ways. From private tours and artisanal workshops to cooking classes and traditional performances, the desire for authentic experiences is a growing trend. Aman Tokyo’s win in the Best Cultural Experience category reflects the luxury traveler’s shift towards destinations that offer more than just luxury but also a deep dive into local culture and heritage.
3. Wellness and Mindfulness
With mental health becoming a priority for many travelers, the luxury wellness sector is booming. Wellness retreats and spa resorts in Asia-Pacific are catering to this demand with a wide range of services designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Chiva-Som, for instance, remains a top choice for travelers seeking relaxation, detoxification, and a balanced lifestyle.
4. Personalized Luxury
Another trend emphasized by the awards is the growing demand for personalized, bespoke travel experiences. From tailored itineraries and private excursions to custom-designed rooms and personalized service, luxury travelers are no longer satisfied with generic travel packages. Hotels and resorts that excel in curating personalized experiences, as seen with The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, are at the forefront of the industry.
Impact on Regional Tourism Trends
The results of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 not only highlight the excellence in luxury tourism but also shed light on the evolving trends that are shaping regional tourism. As more travelers seek sustainable, culturally rich, and wellness-oriented experiences, the industry is adapting to meet these demands. The increasing focus on sustainable luxury and personalized service will continue to influence tourism in the Asia-Pacific region, driving growth in both the luxury and eco-tourism sectors.
As tourism continues to recover post-pandemic, these trends suggest a bright future for the Asia-Pacific luxury tourism market, with travelers seeking richer, more immersive experiences while prioritizing sustainability and local engagement.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Luxury Tourism
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 have set the course for luxury tourism’s future in the Asia Pacific. In recognizing excellence in sustainable travel, exploration of culture, and wellness, these awards reflect a future focus on luxury experience as opposed to luxury excess. In its own development as a market, Asia-Pacific travelers will increasingly insist on luxury destinations that are authentic as well as exclusive, and luxury tourism’s future will become as responsible as comfortable.
Tags: asia pacific, Asia Pacific 2025, Cambodia, Cultural immersion, eco-friendly destinations, Hong Kong, japan, luxury hotels, luxury travel, maldives, personalized luxury experiences, regional tourism, Regional Tourism Trends, Singapore, sustainable tourism, Thailand, Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards, travel awards, wellness tourism