The 2026 ultras honour the best of luxury travel at the tower of London
The world’s leading hotels, destinations, airlines, and airports, as voted for by Ultratravel magazine readers and the 38 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, were revealed at the prestigious ULTRAs awards ceremony, held in London on Thursday 1st October 2026.
Event Overview
- Date & Venue: October 1, 2026, at the Tower of London (Jewel House & The White Tower).
- Organizers: Ultratravel magazine & Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), operator of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
- Audience: Voted by 38 million members and Ultratravel readers.
- Hosts & Guests: Natalie Pinkham, Gethin Jones, Hugh Bonneville, Sarah-Jane Mee, plus rugby legends Simon Shaw, Alun Wyn Jones, Serge Betsen, and Andrew Mehrtens.
Major Winners
- Hotel of the Year: Capella Sydney
- Luxury Brand of the Year: Anantara Hotels & Resorts
- Best New Hotel: Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas (Thailand)
Regional Best Hotels:
- Europe: Pan Pacific London
- Asia/Pacific: Capella Bangkok
- Middle East/Africa: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha
- India/Indian Ocean: The Leela Palace New Delhi
- Americas/Caribbean: The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, New York
Airlines & Airports
- Best Airline in the World: Emirates (also Best in Middle East)
- Regional Airlines: Lufthansa (Europe), Singapore Airlines (Asia/Australasia), Delta Air Lines (Americas)
- Best Airport in the World: Singapore Changi Airport
Cruise & Lifestyle
- Best Luxury Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Favourite Country for a Holiday: Japan
- Favourite Luxury Lifestyle Brand: Louis Vuitton
Special Recognition
- Lifetime Achievement Award: William E. Heinecke, Founder & Chairman of Minor International, for his global hospitality impact.
Industry Significance:
The ULTRAs spotlight how luxury travel brands are evolving—from boutique hotels and lifestyle apartments to airlines and airports—reflecting what millions of high-end travellers value most: authenticity, innovation, and excellence.
