Capella Sydney, Anantara Hotels & Resorts and Pan Pacific London lead the honours, while William E. Heinecke receives a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2026 ULTRAs celebrated outstanding hotels, airlines, airports and destinations at the Tower of London, bringing together leading names in global luxury travel for an evening of recognition.
Held on Thursday, 1 October, across the historic Jewel House and White Tower, the ceremony honoured winners selected through votes from Ultratravel magazine readers and members of GHA DISCOVERY, the loyalty programme with a global membership of 38 million.
The ULTRAs — Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards — are organised by Nick Perry, Chairman of the multimedia brand Ultratravel. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of GHA DISCOVERY, has a long-standing joint venture with Ultratravel through the Ultratravel Collection.
This year’s ceremony featured 18 award categories, recognising excellence across hospitality, aviation, cruising, destinations and luxury lifestyle.
Capella Sydney and Anantara lead the hotel honours
Capella Sydney received the Ultratravel Collection Hotel of the Year award, while Anantara Hotels & Resorts was named Luxury Brand of the Year. The brand also celebrated a property-level achievement, with Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas in Thailand winning Best New Hotel in the World.
Pan Pacific London took the title of Best Hotel in Europe, while Capella Bangkok was recognised as Best Hotel in Asia/Pacific.
In Doha, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl won Best Hotel in the Middle East/Africa. The Leela Palace New Delhi received Best Hotel in India/Indian Ocean, and The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, New York, was named Best Hotel in the Americas/Caribbean.
William E. Heinecke receives Lifetime Achievement Award
William E. Heinecke, Founder & Chairman of Minor International, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his exceptional contribution and enduring impact on the global hospitality industry.
The honour celebrated a career that has helped shape international hospitality and the development of some of its most recognisable brands.
Emirates, Japan and Singapore Changi Airport shine
Emirates secured two major honours: Best Airline in the World and Best Airline in the Middle East.
Other regional aviation winners included Lufthansa, named Best Airline in Europe; Singapore Airlines, recognised as Best Airline in Asia/Australasia; and Delta Air Lines, which won Best Airline in the Americas.
Singapore Changi Airport received Best Airport in the World, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises was named Best Luxury Cruise Line.
Japan once again emerged as the Favourite Country for a Holiday, reflecting its continued appeal among the voters.
Louis Vuitton wins new luxury lifestyle award
A new category introduced at the 2026 ceremony recognised Louis Vuitton as Favourite Luxury Lifestyle Brand, with its travel range highlighted as a favourite among GHA DISCOVERY members.
The award added a luxury lifestyle dimension to an evening traditionally centred on travel and hospitality.
A celebration at the Tower of London
UK television presenters Natalie Pinkham and Gethin Jones hosted the ceremony. Guests included actor Hugh Bonneville, Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee, and rugby figures Simon Shaw, Alun Wyn Jones, Serge Betsen and Andrew Mehrtens.
Commenting on the awards, Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, said the results reflected the standards and experiences that matter most to luxury travellers, informed by the preferences of Ultratravel readers and participating GHA DISCOVERY members. He congratulated the winners for their achievements across hospitality, aviation and travel.
For further information, visit Global Hotel Alliance, Ultratravel Collection, Ultratravel and GHA DISCOVERY.
