2021 Readers' Choice Travel Awards
Condé Nast Traveler’s 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards are here—featuring over 17 Exclusive Resorts locations and partners as some of the best travel destinations and experiences in the world.
Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards are the crème de la crème of travel round-ups, featuring a worldwide list of chart toppers known for their beauty, culture, service—plus an abundance of things to see, eat, and do. The 2021 winners are in, and 17 Exclusive Resorts destinations and curated travel experiences have received top honors. Grab your passport, it’s time to travel.
BEST RESORTS IN THE WORLD
More than 800,000 registered voters weighed in on resorts ‘round the world. The winners received accolades due to their ability to inspire us to step away from the sofa and return to travel once more. These three Exclusive Resorts destinations made the list of best resorts in the world as some of the top luxury vacations to check off your bucket list.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay | Virgin Gorda
Discover fresh seafood, friendly locals, crystal clear water for snorkeling, and an incredible history dating back to the 1400s on Virgin Gorda’s island paradise. Exclusive Resorts Members have access to four-bedroom villas at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, each offering sweeping ocean views, a private pool, and an outdoor shower. Also honored as the #1 Resort in the Caribbean by the same Readers’ Choice Awards, this luxury resort features four restaurants, a pristine beach, state-of-the-art fitness center, and two pools. You may never want to leave.
C Lazy U Ranch | Colorado
C Lazy U is an all-inclusive, year-round guest ranch in the heart of the Rocky Mountains offering the best of both worlds: high-class amenities and down-home experiences—with luxurious cabins, gourmet meals, and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Kid- and teen-specific programs give younger guests their own taste of ranch life, while adults have ample time to relax or explore as desired. At the end of the day, all guests gather for a delicious dinner and exchange tales around the campfire.
Singita Sabi Sand | South Africa
Connect with nature in a way you’ve only dreamed of at Singita’s award-winning lodges. Trek through the bush on expert-guided game drives and walks in search of elephants, cheetahs, and lions on the African plains, including Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Forget what you think about safari tents. Singita’s bespoke accommodations are elevated retreats with a focus on privacy, service, and conservation. Exclusive Resorts Members safari in style on epic African adventures, all carefully curated for the experience of a lifetime.
Eden Roc Cap Cana | Dominican Republic
Dance to merengue, wander colorful colonial towns, and relax on pristine beaches—rum cocktail in hand. Whether it's a honeymoon hideaway or family trip, the DR is a true vacation paradise. Our two-bedroom luxury beachfront suites at Eden Roc Cap Cana open to lush gardens, lagoon-style pools, and the neighboring Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Children will love the kids' club while adults relax at the spa—and with three restaurants and three bars to choose from, you never have to leave the resort.
Timbers Kauai | Hawaii
Travelers have frequented the "Garden Island" for years in search of an idyllic outdoor vacation. Find it here in the gentle waves of its innumerable beaches, in the green crags of the Kalalau Valley, and in the depths of Waimea Canyon—the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Glorious beaches, the stunning cliffs of Na Pali Coast, and top-notch water sports and hiking are outside your door at our private three-bedroom villas at Timbers Kaua’i. Nearby, access high-end amenities including a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, outdoor trails, spa, kids’ club, two pools, and three restaurants.
TOP CITIES IN THE WORLD
These cities, both big and small, are the places we dreamed of going to when we couldn’t, and the ones we scribbled down on our bucket lists when we finally could. These four made the list—and feature Exclusive Resorts villas for the perfect home base between exotic explorations.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
You may recognize the walled city from the HBO phenomenon Game of Thrones—Dubrovnik is a popular destination (and filming location for many hit series) on the Adriatic Sea with pebbled beaches, white limestone streets, and classic red roofed buildings. For us, it may be Croatia’s many charms and charming people that make it a must-see. Centrally located and walkable to many of Croatia's cultural and cinematically famous offerings, Exclusive Resorts’ Villa Arya and Villa Mare are perfect for your Euro trip. Inside, find unique yet modern interiors while outdoor living rooms and private pools overlook the Old Town and the sparkling Adriatic beyond.
San Sebastian, Spain
The coastal Basque city of San Sebastian hugs a scallop-shaped bay lined with beaches and lavish holiday homes. Often described as a "mini-Paris", it's a concoction of top restaurants, designer shopping (and the Balenciaga Museum), art museums, and historical sights—yet situated by the beach. Our two luxury homes here are modern and bright, boasting water views in prime locations steps from beaches, sights, and many restaurants. After a post-sightseeing siesta in plush beds, enjoy wine and tapas on the terrace before taking a quick stroll to Old Town for a culinary adventure.
Marrakech, Morocco
With its endless maze of alleys, chaos of souks, and vibrant energy, the Medina of Marrakech—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a bucket list destination. World-class cuisine, a contemporary art scene, and stunning architecture make Marrakech a feast for the senses. Located on the outskirts, our palatial four-bedroom residence is the perfect blend of easy city access and serene seclusion, decorated in traditional Moroccan-luxe style. It's surrounded by a walled garden complete with olive trees, a private pool and tennis court, and an outdoor dining area. Exclusive Resorts Members can also attend the Moroccan Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey, featuring a curated itinerary with explorations and colorful experiences from Marrakech to Fes.
Kyoto, Japan
This former imperial capital is the quintessential example of old-world Japan, well-preserved despite the modern-day comforts quietly blended in. Kyoto puts forth an air of mysticism yet charms you like a friendly geisha serving up some tea or sake. Start off with a Zazen meditation before dining on a traditional meal at a teahouse in Gion during the performance of a Maiko, a Geisha's apprentice. By night, return to the comfort of our conveniently located Banyan Tree Private Collection residence after a full day of sightseeing and temple exploring.
TOP CRUISE LINE IN THE WORLD
Seabourn has made the list of the best cruise lines in the world. Exclusive Resorts’ Members-only Seabourn Alaskan cruise charts a spectacular nine-day course through the placid glacial fjords and coves of the Inside Passage of Alaska with port calls from Vancouver to Juneau—including the rare opportunity to visit the remote Sitka National Park.
BEST CITIES IN THE US
If you’re looking to stick a little closer to home, these top cities also made the awards list—all boasting Exclusive Resorts residences or private travel experiences: