Travel + Leisure Announces 2026 World’s Best Awards: Koh Samui & Patina Osaka Take Top Honors
NEW YORK, July 7, 2026 — Travel + Leisure has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 World’s Best Awards, drawing on insights from more than 207,000 readers worldwide to reveal the top destinations, hotels, airlines, and cruise lines of the year. The results, published this week, showcase a compelling mix of breakout newcomers and beloved perennial favorites.
Thailand’s Koh Samui claimed the coveted title of Best Island in the World for the very first time, while Japan stole the hotel spotlight with Patina Osaka being named Best Hotel in the World. Mexico’s culturally rich San Miguel de Allende retained its crown as Best City in the World, and Santa Fe, New Mexico took the top U.S. city honor. On the skies front, EVA Air rose to the number-one spot among international airlines, while Capella Hotels & Resorts was named the Best Hotel Brand in the World.
“From Koh Samui’s rise to the top of our islands list to the continued popularity of destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Yellowstone, the winners reflect travelers’ interest in destinations that feel distinctive, memorable, and deeply rooted in place,” said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure.
The full rankings are available now at travelandleisure.com and will appear in the August print issue, hitting newsstands July 17. Travel + Leisure will also host its third annual World’s Best Summit in New York this July, followed by an inaugural London Summit in October.
Source: Hotel Online – Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards