For the third consecutive year, Macau has been crowned the undisputed capital of five-star hotels worldwide, as revealed by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Rating Awards. This vibrant Chinese city, often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Asia” due to its buzzing gambling industry, now boasts an impressive total of 24 five-star hotels. Among the new additions to this elite group are the Epic Tower at Studio City Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau, further cementing Macau’s reputation as a destination of unparalleled luxury and opulence. The city’s ability to consistently rank at the top of Forbes’ list is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality, offering travelers a blend of world-class accommodations, exquisite dining, and unforgettable experiences.
Meanwhile, London continues to hold its own as a major player in the luxury hospitality scene, with 20 five-star hotels featured in this year’s rankings. The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, and Raffles London at The OWO are among the newest additions to London’s roster of top-tier hotels, showcasing the city’s enduring appeal as a global hub of sophistication and elegance. Europe, beyond the UK, also saw a significant increase in its five-star offerings, with new entries in Baku, Azerbaijan; Costa Navarino, Greece; Cannes, Florence, and Madrid. These additions highlight Europe’s diverse and rich hospitality landscape, from the sun-kissed beaches of the Greek Riviera to the historic charm of Italy and Spain.
The United States also made a strong showing in this year’s list, with four new five-star hotels joining the ranks. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, in Scottsdale, Arizona; The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles; and two properties in Montana—RiverView Ranch and Spa Montage Big Sky—demonstrate the growing diversity of luxury travel experiences across the U.S. These additions underscore the country’s ability to cater to a wide range of traveler preferences, whether it’s the serene natural beauty of Montana or the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. Similarly, the Middle East saw notable expansions, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi each gaining a new five-star hotel. The One&Only Royal Mirage – The Residence in Dubai and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi in the UAE capital were awarded top honors, further solidifying their reputations as destinations of luxury and innovation. Additionally, the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island also received a five-star rating, offering guests a slice of tropical paradise with its stunning villas, private pools, and breathtaking ocean views.
Asia, alongside Macau, continued to shine with a number of new five-star hotels. Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vietnam, and Singapore all saw properties earn the coveted five-star distinction, while the Rosewood Guangzhou in China was also recognized for its exceptional service and facilities. This hotel joins an impressive list of 14 Rosewood properties worldwide that have achieved five-star status, including the newly awarded Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid and Rosewood London. The expansion of these prestigious hotel chains not only reflects the growing demand for luxury travel in Asia but also highlights the region’s ability to deliver world-class hospitality experiences that rival those found in more established destinations.
This year’s Forbes Travel Guide list is more extensive than ever, featuring over 2,100 properties across 90 countries. Among these, 336 hotels earned the prestigious five-star rating, while 645 were awarded four stars, and 567 were recommended. The list also includes 14 new destinations, such as Brunei, Costa Navarino in Greece, Finland, Haikou, Xiamen, and Xi’an in China, Kazakhstan, Malaga in Spain, Montenegro, Oualidia and Tamuda Bay in Morocco, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Romania, and Salzburg in Austria. These new additions reflect the evolving nature of luxury travel, as travelers increasingly seek out unique and authentic experiences in lesser-known but equally captivating locations.
Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, remarked, “Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality.” She emphasized that this year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury, with properties setting new standards for authentic experiences, unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being, and the creation of unforgettable moments. As the world of luxury travel continues to evolve, the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating Awards serve as a testament to the dedication and innovation of the hospitality industry, offering discerning travelers a wealth of inspiration for their next journey. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of Macau, the historic charm of Europe, or the natural beauty of Seychelles, this year’s list promises unparalleled opportunities to experience the very best in luxury hospitality.
