Bangkok and New Delhi – On the evening of 16 December 2025, Travel + Leisure India and South Asia celebrated its 14th annual India’s Best Awards (IBA) at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, under the theme Passport to Possibility, in partnership with Arthaus x Zoya Glassware and Schueco India.
This year, the India’s Best Awards saw over 500,000 readers participate in the voting, recognising the best-in-class hospitality and travel brand and experiences across various industry verticals.
The India’s Best Awards is recognised as the largest Reader’s Choice Awards in India’s travel and hospitality sector, with the mission of bringing people together to celebrate the excellence in travel, leisure, and lifestyle. The event was attended by prestigious members of the industry, including His Highness the Maharajah of Udaipur Dr. Laksyaraj Singh; His Highness the Yuvraj Janmejay Raj Singh of Jaisalmer; Her Highness Princess Ria Kumari of Patiala; Anu Merton; Diana Kellog; Zorawar Kalra; Aisha Rao; Shweta Kapur; Ruchika Sachdev; Keshav Suri; Jesmina Zeliang; Brinda Sharma; and Larissa D’sa.
“The 14th edition of India’s Best Awards serves as a testament to the strength and diversity of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s community,” said Björn Rettig, CEO, BurdaLuxury. “It is imperative that we recognise not just business excellence, but the diverse perspectives that help shape our industry. Our mission has always remained committed to fostering meaningful connections, which is why, this year, we have expanded the T+L Champions category and are proud to introduce Champion of Innovative Hospitality and Champion of Luxury Design, powered by Schueco India, alongside pillars like Champion of Diversity and Culture, and Champions of Community Empowerment; honouring those who are truly propelling our industry’s landscape.”
“The winners of the 14th edition of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s India’s Best Awards represent a shift in the narrative built around travel and destinations, driven by the rise of experiential tourism in India.” said Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, Editor-in-Chief, Travel + Leisure India and South Asia. “This year, we are extremely proud to showcase our deep commitment to heritage, innovation, and immersive travel through the expansion of our categories – providing a list of nominees that reflect the evolution of travel and set a new benchmark in the industry.”
2025 India’s Best Awards Winners by Category:
T+L Champions
Champion of Innovative Hospitality Design (powered by Schueco India): Ambrish Arora
Champion of Luxury Design (powered by Schueco India): Sonali Rastogi
Champion of Community Empowerment: Nand Kishore Chaudhary
Champion of Conservation – Wildlife: Suyash Keshari
Champion of Destination Storytelling: Deveekaa Nijhawan
Champion of Diversity & Culture: Mo Naga
Airports, Airlines and Cruises
Best Cruise/Expedition: Celebrity Cruises
Best Domestic Airline: Air India
Best Domestic Airport: Terminal 2, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
Best International Airline: Singapore Airlines
Best International Airport: Singapore Changi Airport
Best International Airport Lounge: The Centurion Lounge, Sydney International Airport, Australia
Domestic Destinations
Best Beach Destination: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Best Culinary Destination: Odisha
Best Cultural Destination: Punjab
Best Wedding Destination: Rajasthan
Best Wellness Destination: Kerala
Best Wildlife Destination: Madhya Pradesh
Domestic Hotels
Best Airport Hotel in a City: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Delhi Airport
Best Bleisure Hotel: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
Best Boutique Stay: Chanoud Garh Palace, Pali
Best Emerging City Hotel: Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Jabalpur
Best Resort for Weddings: Alila Fort Bishangarh
Custodian of Architectural Heritage: Six Senses Fort Barwara
International Destinations
Best Adventure Destination: Mount Wellington, Tasmania
Best Beach Destination: Anse Lazio, Praslin, Seychelles
Best City: Cairns, Australia
Best Country: Switzerland
Best Romantic Destination: Marrakech, Morocco
Best Wedding & Honeymoon Destination: Khao Lak, Thailand
International Hotels
Best Business Hotel: Andaz Singapore by Hyatt
Best Family Hotel/Resort: Hilton Colombo, Sri Lanka
Best Hotel for Weddings: JA Palm Tree Court
Best Hotel Group in the World: Marriott Hotels
Best Integrated Resort: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Best Worldwide Hotel Loyalty Programme: ALL – Accor Live Limitless
Lifestyle
Best Accessory: John Jacobs Retro Rhapsody
Best Luggage Brand: TUMI
Best Luxe Automobile of the Year: Volvo EX30
Best New Phone Camera: realme GT 7 Series
Best Portable Gadgets: Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump
Best Travel Card: Mastercard
In addition to being presented in partnership with Arthaus x Zoya Glassware and Schueco India, the 2025 edition of India’s Best Awards featured ABD Maestro, and a performance by Lipshtick, a band curated by The Piano Man, New Delhi.
Visit the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia website for the full list of IBA 2025 Award Winners and exclusive content. Connect with T+L India & South Asia on social media @travelandleisureindia to stay up to date on the latest trends in travel, leisure, and lifestyle.
