Florida’s islands are still favorites among tourists. Florida’s hotels, not so much.

The Sunshine State is home to several of the best islands to visit in the entire continental United States, according to a newly published survey of nearly 200,000 travelers worldwide. That includes two locales hit hard by three hurricanes in four years — a tribute to Floridians’ resilience.

The bragging rights stem from the results of the publication Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, out in July. The annual issue, in its 30th year, asked readers all over the globe to vote on their favorite top destinations, hotels, and a host of other categories. While several of Florida’s islands dominated in that category, cities and hotels across the state didn’t perform quite as competitively.

The winning islands were:

▪ Amelia Island in second

▪ Marco Island in sixth

▪ Florida Keys in eighth

▪ Sanibel Island in eleventh

▪ Captiva Island in fifteenth

Florida dominated that category, providing five of the top 15. That was more than any other state in the continental U.S. It was also one more than it had in the 2024 World’s Best Awards — Marco Island joined the other four for the first time this year.

Florida’s top islands

Travel + Leisure had readers rate the islands on natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness and value.

Amelia Island is known for beaches and horseback rides. In Nassau County, it’s about 30 minutes from Jacksonville. It held the same position in last year’s rankings.

Marco Island is in Collier County and about 20 miles south of Naples. Abundant with wildlife, it’s the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands. In the early days of COVID-19, it was an early rebel, even by Florida standards. In late April 2020, Marco Island City Council voted for a limited re-opening of its beaches.

At the beginning of that month, Governor Ron De Santis had issued a shelter in place order for the entire state. It limited the public to essential activities or services. The city council later reversed course due to public pressure to keep the beaches closed.

The Florida Keys dropped this year to eighth from fifth in 2024, but remains a regular favorite.

“Old Florida at its very best,” one Travel + Leisure reader wrote. “Locally owned and managed eateries and hotels. Down-home Southern friendliness. Great food,” the magazine said.

Sanibel Island, known for seashells on beaches and serving as a weekend getaway for South Floridians, slipped to eleventh from 10th one year ago. That it’s ranked at all is remarkable given it was wrecked by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Parts of the Sanibel Causeway were damaged.

Hurricane Milton in 2024 with its 120 mile-per-hour winds also hit Sanibel Island but didn’t do as much damage.

Captiva Island in Lee County, popular for redfish and snook, was hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Helene and Milton, within two weeks of one another in 2024. Iconic waterside restaurant The Mucky Duck was damaged by all three.

Even as the island category was where Florida shined, the results also reflected the increasing pull of the world. Amelia Island, second best in the U.S., scored a total of 86.81. The 25th ranked island in the world had a higher score.

The big winner was Páros in Greece, chosen as the top island in the world. Mount Desert Island in Maine was the best in the U.S.

Hotels, cities absent?

The findings however were not all sunshine.

Among the best 100 hotels in the world, not a single one was in Florida. The U.S. overall had 16, California leading with four. Massachusetts and New York were also represented.

In the best U.S. cities to visit category, not one from Florida cracked the Top 15. New York City, Chicago and Boston all did. Santa Fe, New Mexico, topped the list for the first time in the best U.S. cities to visit.

“Readers raved about the inventive New Mexican cuisine and the destination’s natural beauty – sitting at 7,000 feet,” Travel + Leisure wrote. Santa Fe, which gets over 300 days of sunshine per year, also won praise for its markets and art galleries.

These results reflect an increasingly competitive tourism market for Florida. Gone are the COVID-19 days when everyone flocked to the Sunshine State. It’s now battling Europe, Asia, much of the United States and Latin America, too. While Florida was shut out in the top 100 hotels, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Costa Rica each had two. Argentina and Panama had one a piece.

The 2025 results reflect a constantly changing travel landscape, Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford said in a statement. “From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character and a strong sense of place.’

Key Takeaways The Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande was named Florida’s top resort in T+L’s 2025 “World’s Best Awards.”

This 111-year-old, family-owned inn charms with Old Florida style, pastel décor, and timeless traditions.

It earned the highest reader score in the state, beating out The Boca Raton and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

Out of the Sunshine State’s thousands of hotels, it’s a historic, family-owned inn that topped the Florida resorts list from Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2025.

Located in Southwest Florida on the scenic barrier island of Boca Grande is The Gasparilla Inn, the 111-year-old resort that Travel + Leisure readers named the best in the state.

“While it has not made T+L’s World’s Best Awards since 2021, The Gasparilla Inn made a comeback this year,” writes Travel + Leisure, a Southern Living sister publication. “Family-owned by a select few since 1964, the property has retained a distinct Old Florida charm that dates back to the inn’s opening in 1913.”

Credit: Courtesy of Gasparilla Inn

We’re not at all surprised to see this Florida institution claim the No. 1 spot on the coveted list. The Gasparilla Inn is old-fashioned and elegant in a way that isn’t stuffy. Decked out in pastels and steeped in easy glamour, here you’re expected to follow traditions like afternoon tea and dress codes, while being encouraged to enjoy the deep sense of relaxation that pervades the resort.

Travel + Leisure readers ranked resorts on their rooms, location, service, food, and value. For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The responses were averaged to arrive at final scores out of 100.

The Gasparilla Inn received a reader score of 95.06, followed by The Boca Raton with a score of 95.02, and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples with 94.74.

As one Travel + Leisure reader reportedly shared, “There truly is no place like The Gasparilla Inn. Its unique character and historic charm create an elegant atmosphere that is fast disappearing from most, if not all, other hotels and resorts.”

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on their best travel experiences—hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more—from around the globe for the World’s Best Awards survey. This year nearly 180,000Travel + Leisure readers completed the 2025 survey, with more than 657,000 votes cast across over 8,700 properties.

Key Takeaways The best first-class seats for couples often include private suites or seats that convert into double beds, available on airlines like Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

The Etihad Residence is one of the most luxurious experiences a couple can have while flying, as the suites include a living room, bedroom, and private shower.

Features like shared dining tables, double beds, privacy, and service enhance the overall experience, turning a flight into a memorable part of the journey.

Expensive Champagne, fresh caviar, friendly service… you’re going to want it all when you and your loved one fly first class! Some of the things you can expect from a top-notch first class airline are comfortable double beds, suite doors that enclose your seat for maximum privacy, excellent service, and a refined fine dining and beverage program.

SkyTrax’s top pick for the world’s best first class airline was given to Singapore Airlines… but how is their experience for couples? While there are a host of other familiar names on our list, such as Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, and Cathay Pacific, we’ve also identified some lesser-known first class products that are excellent for couples.

What Makes a First Class Seat Great for Couples?

When couples are traveling together, one of the biggest points of emphasis is the privacy of the seat, the existence of double beds, and a product that enables easy conversation and interaction.

The products ranked in this guide are noticeably ordered differently than the best first class products in the world. This isn’t too surprising, considering a certain first class product might be optimized for solo travelers whereas another first class product may be focused on couples travel or leisure markets.

The key characteristic of an amazing first class seat for couples is the presence of a double bed. This takes precedence over nearly everything else, and you’ll notice that the products at the top of this list offer double beds. After that, you should consider aspects such as service, privacy, ease of communication with your companion, food, and amenities.

The 21 Best First Class Seats for Couples

Etihad Residence on the A380

Image Credit: Upgraded Points LLC

The Etihad Residence is known to be the most luxurious experience in commercial aviation. It’s only offered on the A380, flown on a handful of routes. In the Etihad Residence, you will have exclusive, private access to a living room, bedroom, and shower room.

The living room consists of your oversized loveseat with a long ottoman.

Image Credit: Upgraded Points LLC

In addition to the living room, your separate bedroom is a full-sized bed adorned with some of the most luxurious furnishings you’ll ever see.

Your private shower suite consists of your own vanity, a full-sized shower, and other bathroom facilities.

Can you imagine having your bathroom, plus shower, to yourself? Flying on the Etihad Residence will afford you this, and so much more. Image Credit: Etihad

If you have the cash (~$30,000) or 1-3 million Etihad Guest miles to book this product, it could be the most memorable experience of your life — a private butler, chauffeur service, and basically any other request met. The Etihad Residence is truly the best first class product for couples. Period.

Here are the routes on which the Etihad Residence can be found aboard the A380:

New York City (JFK) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)

London Heathrow (LHR) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Paris (CDG) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Seoul (ICN) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Hot Tip: If first class is a bit over the top for you, check out our guide on the world’s best business class seats for couples!

Singapore Airlines’ New First Class Suites on the A380

Singapore Airlines’ new A380 Suites features a double bed and separate lounge chair. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Singapore Airlines is known for providing an extravagant experience in first class. Ever since it revealed its original first class suites in 2006, premium cabin travelers have raved about them left and right.

Now, Singapore Airlines offers a new A380 First Class Suites product that has dethroned its predecessor. With 50 square meters worth of space, this is one of the most spacious first class products in the world.

Hot Tip: What to see what it’s like to fly on Singapore? Read all about it in our new A380 First Class Suites review from Zurich to Singapore.

In Singapore Airlines’ new First Class Suites, you’ll have an enclosed suite that contains an oversized armchair and a separate bed. Some of these beds can be put together, effectively converting your seat into a double bed.

This is a one-of-a-kind product that Singapore Airlines outdid themselves with, yet again! In addition to the seat and beds, you’ll enjoy Lalique amenities, a 32-inch inflight monitor, unlimited Champagne, and delicious food via the a-la-carte Book the Cook service. There are only 6 of these suites in any given aircraft, and they are arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration.

Sadly, these first class suites are currently only available on select A380 routes, none of which fly to the U.S. These routes are bookable with Singapore KrisFlyer miles:

Singapore (SIN) – Hong Kong (HKG)

Singapore (SIN) – London Heathrow (LHR)

Singapore (SIN) – Shanghai (PVG)

Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)

Singapore (SIN) – Zurich (ZRH)

Wanting to book? Here’s a step-by-step guide to book Singapore Airlines first class on points.

Bottom Line: Ultimately, Singapore Airlines’ new first class suites are a huge step up from the old first class suites, which are still extremely impressive. These suites are excellent for couples traveling together due to the additional privacy, the double bed, and the signature Singapore Airlines soft product.

Singapore Airlines’ Original First Class Suites on the A380

The original Singapore Suites on the A380 also feature double beds. Even though this is not their newest product, it’s still a phenomenal offering. Image Credit: Alex Miller

Singapore Airlines’ initial First Class Suites were first put into service in 2006 on the A380 Superjumbo. They were (and still are) a massive hit. The main reason why they were a media sensation was that this was the first double bed ever offered in commercial aviation.

The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration across 3 rows for a total of 12 seats. Only the middle seats can be converted into a double bed, so couples will definitely want to reserve those when booking the original First Class Suites.

The soft product is almost identical to the New First Class Suites, which means that the product lags behind only in the seat. Nonetheless, Singapore does have 1 route to/from the U.S.:

New York City (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA) – Singapore (SIN)

There’s an important drawback to these seats, however. There is a privacy divider separating the headrest area, which means that you might hit your head or otherwise be constrained.

Hot Tip: Want to know more? Read our Singapore Suites A380 review to compare the new suites to the original for yourself.

Etihad First Class Apartments

Etihad First Class Apartments feature double beds aboard the A380. Image Credit: Alex Miller

We talked about the Etihad Residence, which is certainly the most sensational aviation experience out there. In addition to the Etihad Residence, there is an additional first class product: Etihad First Class Apartments.

These apartments, while still crazily luxurious, are a tier below the Etihad Residence. The first class product has the functionality to convert to a “quasi double bed.” There is a partition that doesn’t truly make it a double bed. The wall comes up to the mid-section area, which means that there’s no room for overlap in the bottom portion of the bed.

Hot Tip: Ready to book? Explore the best ways to book Etihad first class using points.

The Apartments can be found on all of Etihad’s A380s. In addition to your bed, which measures 6-feet-10-inches long, you’ll have a separate armchair you can use for dining and lounging:

Etihad First Class Apartment. Image Credit: Alex Miller

All in all, the only way you’ll be able to book this with points and miles from the U.S. is to do so on the New York City (JFK) – Abu Dhabi (AUH) route. In addition to the spectacular seat, you’ll enjoy usage of the inflight shower, bar, vanity, inflight chefs, and Acqua di Parma amenities.

This award-winning Middle Eastern carrier can be booked with points, including American Airlines miles, Etihad Guest miles, and Asiana Club miles.

Hot Tip: Of course, using the right credit card is important if you want to fly first class. Check out these credit cards that are great for couples to get you started.

China Eastern Airlines First Class

China Eastern’s 777 First Class offers fully lie-flat double beds along with doors! Image Credit: China Eastern

Most people don’t know about China Eastern Airlines’ first class suites. The Shanghai-based airline is a SkyTeam partner, and it is majority-owned by the Chinese government.

Hot Tip: Since China Eastern is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, here’s a step-by-step guide on finding award availability on SkyTeam so you can book.

The reason why it is at the top of the rankings is simple: the double bed. Offering a double bed is an honor that even the likes of Emirates doesn’t have. China Eastern, however, exceeds in this regard. It joins the exclusive ranks of Singapore Airlines and Etihad as being one of the few airlines that has double beds in first class.

The seat is 26.5 inches wide, 79 inches long in bed mode, with a total of 6 seats in first class. Additionally, each of these suites has sliding doors for extra privacy. The hard product is certainly the highlight of China Eastern first class.

Despite the airline’s poor reviews in the past, their commitment to improving their soft product has been impressive. While you won’t receive a service level near that of Singapore Airlines, you will receive an awesome sleeping experience with your partner. Other highlights include Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits and lots of food.

So, if you’re looking for a great way to use your China Eastern miles, check out the first-class suites.

Bottom Line: China Eastern offers the best first class hard product among Chinese airlines. If you want to fly in maximum comfort and don’t care that much about the bells and whistles from the likes of Emirates or Etihad, China Eastern is an excellent choice. Here’s a guide to earning China Eastern miles to get you started.

Emirates First Class Suites on the A380

Emirates First Class A380. Image Credit: Alex Miller

Emirates offers a spectacular first class product on the A380; the Emirates A380 First Class Suites have some of the snazziest touches, including gold finishes, polished wood, an onboard shower, and motorized window shades.

In addition to this, you’ll receive a Bvlgari amenity kit, stationery as a souvenir, and unlimited caviar and Dom Perignon Champagne. While the seats are arguably the most Instagramable seats in the world, you may feel that Emirates emphasizes form over function. The seats aren’t that wide at only 23 inches. To provide more perspective, the Singapore Airlines business class seat on the 777-300ER is 26 inches wide.

Another concern with Emirates First Class Suites is that the privacy divider between the 2 middle seats can detract from the couples’ experience.

When flying Emirates first class with points, you’ll no longer be entitled to the chauffeur service. Award prices are generally high, and fuel surcharges are eye-poppingly high.

All in all, Emirates First Class Suites are still a phenomenal choice for travelers. It is absolutely an aspirational airline that offers one of the best experiences in the world. However, one can’t help but feel that the main appeal of Emirates is the novelty.

Japan Airlines First Class

Japan Airlines First Class bed. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Japan Airlines first class is the most underrated first class products out there. There’s an extensive review of the Japan Airlines 777 first class, but the impression left of guests is like no other.

By itself, the hard product isn’t the most spectacular thing out there. It’s an open-air suite with an oversized leather armchair. It boasts up to 33 inches in width when the armrests are fully lowered and 23 inches with the armrests deployed. Additionally, the seats in bed mode are nearly 79 inches long.

The first class cabin consists of 8 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration — a great seat design for couples because it allows you to communicate effortlessly.

If you don’t feel like talking to your companion, feel free to use the motorized privacy partition to give some space to your significant other. Other highlights include an unparalleled soft product, which includes uber-expensive whiskey, caviar service, a mattress pad, fluffy bedding, and tons of souvenirs to commemorate your flight.

Japan Airlines First Class is notoriously difficult to reserve, but for those who can, you’re in for a treat. This is especially true if you’re sharing the experience with a loved one.

Hot Tip: While difficult to reverse, it’s not impossible as long as you know the best ways to book Japan Airlines first class.

Air France La Premiere on the 777-300ER

Indulge in French elegance and perfection with Air France La Premiere on the 777-300ER. Image Credit: Air France

Air France constantly gets good publicity for being one of the most exclusive airlines in first class, though it is nearly impossible to book with points and miles unless you have elite status with Flying Blue. Even then, you have to pay 200,000 miles one-way for a first class award redemption.

Nonetheless, those who can get the coveted La Premiere first class experience on the 777-300ER are in for a sublime flight. There are only 4 seats in first class, across 1 row in a 1-2-1 configuration. The suites are open-air with curtains for privacy. As far as commercial aviation is concerned, Air France is the only airline to use curtains, which is surprisingly elegant.

The biggest highlights are ground service and inflight fine dining and service. The open-air seats make it easy to talk to your seatmate in the middle seats. Because the cabin is so intimate, you’ll truly feel like you’re in a private jet. Also, one cool aspect is that the footrest/ottoman can be used as a companion seat, and you can dine with your partner!

ANA 777-300ER “The Suite” First Class

ANA New 777 The Suite First Class Cabin. Image Credit: All Nippon Airways

ANA is slowly retrofitting its premium-heavy, 212-seat 777-300ER aircraft to feature a revitalized product. It’s safe to say that ANA’s new first class, which is dubbed “The Suite,” is a gargantuan improvement over their older product, which is called “The Square.”

The first thing you’ll notice is the size of the suites. Each oversized seat is a whopping 38 inches wide, 76 inches in pitch, and 76 inches in bed length. There are 2 rows of seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The best seats for couples are undoubtedly the middle seats. You’ll notice that the middle partitions and designs make it easy for couples to communicate.

Also, the sliding doors enclose your suite, which makes it a much more private experience. Besides the well-thought-out design, the TV is huge. This 4K television is 42 inches, which is easily the biggest TV of any first class seat in the world.

The brand-new ANA first class product is something you cannot miss out on. Be sure to watch out for the continued roll-out of this product so that you can sample one of the top first class suites in the world.

Cathay Pacific First Class

Cathay Pacific 777 first class seat. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Cathay Pacific first class is world-renowned for having some of the best first class products in the world. If you’ve read our Cathay 777 first class flight review, you know what an amazing experience Cathay offers.

The first class cabin is arranged in a unique 1-1-1 configuration. With only 2 rows of seats, the size of the cabin can accommodate a maximum of 6 passengers. The arrangement is sitting next to your companion, simply because you’ll generally be pretty far away from the other person’s seat. However, the ottoman doubles as a companion seat so you’re able to dine with your partner, savoring Cantonese delicacies such as dim sum, caviar, garoupa, and egg tarts together.

These seats are some of the largest first class seats in the world. With 36 inches in seat width, and 81 inches in pitch, it blows the rest of its competition out of the water.

Other highlights include high-quality amenities from Aēsop, phenomenal service, an unprecedented lounge experience, and so much more.

Hot Tip: Flying from the U.S and want to experience Cathay first class? Explore the definitive guide to Cathay Pacific’s direct U.S. routes to plan your next adventure.

Lufthansa First Class

Lufthansa first class. Image Credit: Greg Stone

The next product is also a European carrier. Specifically, Lufthansa first class is an excellent first class choice for couples and can be booked on points. The first class seats are similarly open-air suites with oversized armchairs.

Although typically in a 1-2-1 configuration, you may also find them in a 1-1 configuration if flying in the nose of a 747-8, for example. The huge seats are approximately 31 inches in width and 81-83 inches in bed length.

If you are traveling with a companion, the best choice is to reserve the duo of middle seats on Lufthansa first class. The layout on these seats makes having a conversation with your partner easy.

Lufthansa is known for having an extremely polished and professional first class service from the moment you leave your door until the moment you leave the airport to head towards your hotel or house. It has an awesome ground service, sophisticated lounges featuring a cigar lounge, excellent catering, and a fantastic flight offering.

The main qualm that people have with Lufthansa first class is the lack of privacy due to the open-air nature of the seats. However, you don’t want to be completely isolated from your companion, so we consider that a plus.

Lufthansa First Class is a classic way to experience first class in style. Although their hard product isn’t the most cutting-edge out there compared to the double beds from Singapore Airlines, it is certainly worth considering.

Korean Air First Class

Korean Air first class seat. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Korean Air is known for offering first class on tons of routes. Although it’s been cutting back on first class offerings, there’s still a rich market to tap into.

Korean Air, along with Emirates and British Airways, has traditionally been the leader in offering first class on the most routes (3- or 4-cabin aircraft). However, Korean Air seems to be cutting back tremendously, which means that Korean Air’s first class is a dying breed.

Korean Air first class aboard the A380 is a great travel experience. Korean Air first class for specifically couples is great because the A380 contains open-air first class suites, which is the next best thing for couples after enclosed first class double beds. Throughout a long-haul flight, you’ll probably want to have a conversation with your partner, and the design of Korean Air’s first class cabin makes it a seamless experience.

Also, Korean Air’s soft product is excellent, with plush bedding, excellent food, and a cool first class bar. Award availability is also the best you’ll see for a first class flight. The only way to book is by redeeming Korean Air miles, which can only be earned from a co-branded credit card.

SWISS First Class

SWISS first class. Image Credit: SWISS

The next winner is Swiss International Airlines first class. It is nearly impossible to book these tickets with points.

In first class, the arrangement is 1-2-1, and couples will want to select the middle seats. The seats are generally regarded to be extremely classy and aesthetically appealing. It is a technologically advanced first class product with excellent bedding, food, and great service. The user experience and seat functionality allow you to fully customize your position, setting the precedent for a comfortable flight.

These seats would be excellent for solo travelers. However, the ranking for couples drops because it’s a little bit too private for most people. In any case, the product is still stellar, just less so for couples.

Thai Airways First Class

Thai Airways’ Royal first class is truly something to look forward to. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

Although Thai doesn’t have any direct U.S. routes, it’s a major Star Alliance carrier with a diverse route network, particularly within Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

Thai first class consists of open-air suites with oversized armchairs, similar to Korean Air. Thai is famous for offering an hour-long massage in the first class lounges. The service provided is also known to be stellar, highlighting Southeast Asian hospitality.

If you’re situated in first class, you’ll have no problem sharing your experience with your partner. Other highlights of Thai Airways first class include Rimowa amenity kits, amazing food, and a sweet buggy service that whisks you across the airport in no time.

Garuda Indonesia First Class

Garuda’s 777 first class is stunning, not only for its hard product (private suites with doors) but also because of the service and warmth. Image Credit: The Design Air

Garuda Indonesia is also one of the world’s most underrated first class airlines. The Indonesian flag carrier airline offers first class suites on a small number of flights. These flights are all aboard the 777-300ER.

Bali-Denpasar (DPS) – Tokyo Narita (NRT)

Jakarta (CGK) – Amsterdam (AMS)

Jakarta (CGK) – Jeddah (JED)

Jakarta (CGK) – London Heathrow (LHR)

Jakarta (CGK) – Tokyo-Haneda (HND)

These tickets are typically extremely points-expensive and very difficult to find availability. Garuda’s first class product consists of enclosed suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, amazing inflight food and beverage offerings, an awesome chauffeur service, and immaculate service.

There are 8 seats total, which means there are 2 rows with 2 middle seats each. Furthermore, Garuda Indonesia has a boarding door exclusively for first class. The Loewe amenity kits are also fully loaded, pajamas are comfortable, and the entertainment selection is diverse.

The middle seats have a motorized privacy divider if you need a little more time to yourself. All in all, Garuda Indonesia curates a special experience just for you and your partner in first class.

Qatar Airways First Class

Qatar Airways A380 first class seat. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Qatar Airways’ first class is slowly dying off. Offered exclusively on the A380, it is available to/from cities like Bangkok (BKK), Guangzhou (CAN), London (LHR), Paris (CDG), and more. Since the A380 production is slated to end by 2021, it’s worth trying out this excellent first class product before it’s unavailable or retired.

Its famous first class lounges, which are a huge spectacle and feel more like a museum, are not actually the highlight of the experience. Qatar Airways first class is super exclusive with their first class product.

The A380 first class layout consists of 8 seats across 2 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. The open-air suites in the middle are great for couples. There’s a level of intimacy that simply can’t be explained on Qatar Airways first class. The onboard bar is epic, too. Some might think that the seats lack privacy, but the best first class seats aren’t always the most private; they walk the fine line between privacy and convenience between you and your companion.

Saudi Arabian Airlines First Class

Saudia first class. Image Credit: Saudia

Saudi Arabia Airlines is known for being a “dry” airline, which means it doesn’t serve alcohol.

If this is a deal-breaker for you and your partner, you’ll want to avoid Saudia entirely. If this is fine with you and you want to experience something that few people have ever experienced, Saudi Arabian Airlines is excellent in this regard. The seats are comfortable, spacious, and the suites are capable of becoming enclosed with sliding doors.

Saudia first class doesn’t get a lot of attention in the international aviation scene. However, those who choose to try it will experience an onboard chef customizing your meals, excellent amenities (Acca Kappa and Porsche), an awesome seat/bed, and a well-intentioned crew.

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Final Thoughts

Whew! We’ve assembled one exhaustive list of all major first class offerings for couples. From arrangement and design to seat engineering, all of these factors are important when traveling with your partner. There are some subtle aspects of a flight that could also make or break a couple’s experience.

Regent Hotels Recognized as One of the Top Luxury Hotels Brands in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards: Read Here To Know More

London, 17 July 2025 – Regent Hotels & Resorts has been ranked the third most-loved hotel brand in the world in the esteemed Travel + Leisure 2025 World’s Best Awards. This exclusive recognition reflects the company’s commitment to delivering outstanding luxury and service throughout its portfolio.

Founded over 50 years ago, The Regent has reshaped the luxury hospitality industry while redefining service and elegance. A brand ahead of its time from the very beginning, opening in 1971, ever since then it has continued to surprise and delight its guests from its island reception desks, to exclusive villas, and iconic architectural designs. Today, it is a proud part of the luxury hospitality scene.

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Read more about Regent’s Enduring Tradition of Luxury.

Known for creating unforgettable experiences, Regent is an emblem of refinement for the most discerning travellers. The hotel has won praise for outstanding hospitality by its garden of stylish designs and one-to-one dedicated services.

A guest stated that she remembers Regent Santa Monica Beach and Regent Hong Kong most fondly. The former is a tranquil island retreat, with sweeping views and luxury facilities, the latter a lab of the heart of Hong Kong, and has harbor views and a mix of cultural options. These two hotels are the epitome of what has made Regent a standout in the luxury hotel business.

What makes the brand work is its knack for layering luxury with cultural relevance, and travelers who are looking for more than just comfort have made it a favorite: This is about a transformative stay. Regent has shown us all, it’s not just about taking it easy but soaking in your surroundings and culture.

A Testament to Commitment: IHG’s Response

Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts also said how proud he was to see Regent ranked. The company’s commitment to bringing the best to guests has earned accolades worldwide. Rowntree cited this as a reflection of the hard work and perseverance exhibited throughout team employees of all Regent hotels.

He added the team will work hard to provide unrivalled hospitality and to keep to Regent’s high standards of excellence.

Its Recognition from Travel + Leisure Readers

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are the result of a reader survey in which readers share their opinions and personal travel experiences. This recognition this year stands testament to the loyalty and respect guests have for Regent Hotels. It further strengthens of the brand’s leadership in the luxury hotel sector and reinforces a commitment to deliver memorable stays.

Expanding the Regent Brand

IHG is extending Regent’s reach with new properties designed to reflect the spirit of the brand. Regent Shanghai Pudong, Regent Chongqing and Regent Phu Quoc are among the new properties on the list, and there are more to open in the years ahead. Regent Santa Monica Beach, the brand’s long-awaited re-entry into North America, marks a pivotal moment in Regent’s expansion.

The re-creation of Regent has helped to further enhance the brand as a trailblazer in luxury hotels, with upcoming hotels planned for destinations such as Jeddah, Kyoto and Shenzhen to expand the brand’s international presence.

Future Directions for Regent Hotels

As IHG Hotels & Resorts increases its luxury footprint with new-to-brand and newly renovated hotels, the Regent brand is presented as a key player in redefining luxury across key global markets, challenging what luxury is and igniting belief in luxury living. Today’s award is not only a recognition of Regent’s past, but also an indication of the future of luxury hotels where bespoke-solutions, service and innovation are reinforced as utmost important.

Building on new property development and further enhancing services, Regent Hotels & Resorts remains in a class of its own and is set to continue to reinvent luxury hotel living in the ever-evolving hotel industry.

Conclusion

Ranked as the third Most Loved Hotel Brand in this year’s World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure is a notable accolade that demonstrates the success of the brand as it consistently provides extraordinary luxury experiences. With a distinguished legacy, the finest address, and a promising future ahead, Regent Hotels & Resorts is one of the most coveted names in the luxury hotel industry.

Source Credit: www.hospitalitynet.org

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Travel + Leisure readers don’t need destination dupes—they’re here for the greatest hits. Our reader-voted 100 best hotels of 2025 list boasts properties in 33 countries across five continents. From resorts that date back to the 19th century to the newly opened swish boutiques that shot straight to the top, these are the 100 best hotels of 2025 across the globe, according to our readers.

How Voting Works Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved As T+L readers search for hotels that draw them in—with a rich backstory, entrancing interiors, and authentic, local experiences—they don’t shy from trying a new stay: seven of the 100 best hotels of 2025 opened in the last two years. And yet, it’s the exceptional service at tried-and-true favorites that turns curious travelers into return guests. For the second year in a row, only one U.S. hotel cracked the top 10, which is otherwise dominated by safari lodges (No. 1 andBeyond Bateleur Camp and No. 3 Mfuwe Lodge, The Bushcamp Company), as well as far-flung island resorts (Joali Maldives at No. 7 and newcomer Nay Palad in the tenth spot). Among the top 100 favorites from T+L readers, there are 18 U.S. hotels on this year’s list, up from the 16 that placed last year. Of the U.S. stays, sprawling, remote resorts stood out—like Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, the 12,000-acre stay in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains (No. 8), and Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 54) in New York’s bucolic Hudson Valley. But in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming Northern California town, Villa Mara (No. 40) came back to once again rank in the top 50—a rarity for a relatively new and independently owned boutique hotel. As the U.S. winners hint, Auberge Resorts Collection had a phenomenal year, with eleven resorts on the list. Capella, voted the best hotel brand for the third year in a row, had three winners; Oberoi, also a favorite hotel brand among readers, received four nods. And yet, it’s a luxury safari outfitter with 29 lodges and camps that nabbed the top spot in this fiercely competitive World’s Best Awards category. Read on for a closer look at the top 100 hotels in the world, according to T+L readers.

Top 100 Hotels

T+L Hotel Values

At Travel + Leisure, we know a hotel can make or break a trip. We love checking into a room with a fluffy white bed and a balcony with a view as much as our readers do. However, we also know a lot more than that goes into making a hotel experience truly special. The best hotels provide personalized service and thoughtful amenities, and have authentic interactions with their communities. Below, see all of the categories we consider when choosing a hotel to feature in a T+L article—and what our readers consider when voting in the World’s Best Awards. Your vacation is as important to us as our own, and these are the same criteria we use when searching for hotel stays for ourselves. As your trusted travel source, we hope to help you find your new favorite home away from home.

Rooms

A great hotel room feels luxurious and stylish, but also functional (think: power outlets next to the bed, a full-length mirror, and a well-positioned TV). Since we don’t like to feel cramped on vacation, space also wins us over: we want plenty of room to unpack and spread out—and we love a sizable bathroom (especially with a bathtub or rain shower). We expect cleanliness all around, and a comfortable bed that tempts us to stay a while. Of course, outdoor space and a great view go a long way.

Amenities

We believe hotel guests should feel pampered, not nickel and dimed. We prefer hotels with thoughtful amenities aimed at making our days and nights easier, like filtered water, Wi-Fi, and a good iron or steamer. We love when hotels go the extra mile and provide a stocked minibar, a welcome gift, and an outdoor shower or Jacuzzi. Extras like on-site laundry, a spa and gym, and a great concierge are likely to secure a spot on our lists.

Location

We look for hotels with locations that are convenient or spectacular (or both!), whether they’re walking distance from a city’s top sights or on a remote island with access to a pristine private beach. We always take the destination into account and think about our readers’ intent — and try to pinpoint the ultimate home base in every travel situation.

Service

When it comes to connecting with a hotel and destination, personalized service is key. We love a knowledgeable local concierge who’s excited to share insider recommendations and a welcoming staff that tends to every detail of a stay from start to finish. Above all, we want to make sure guests feel welcomed and taken care of.

Food

A good hotel restaurant can be a destination in its own right, and we’re constantly on the lookout for notable chefs, buzzy collaborations, local ingredients, and downright delicious food that can be enjoyed without leaving the premises. Give us a room service option that maintains quality and we’re there (no soggy waffles, even from bed, please). Figurative bonus points are awarded to hotel restaurants that add something new and exciting to a destination’s existing culinary scene.

Value

While we often cover five-star, luxury hotels, we’re also always thinking about value for the money spent at any price point. Will guests feel like they got what they paid for? Are valuable extras included in the fee? If there is a way to maximize a stay with rewards points or a chance to save on your booking, we’ll tell you about it.