South Africa and France – Best Honeymoon Destinations

‘Travel + Leisure – India’s Best Awards 2016′

 

On 17th November 2016, I attended ‘Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s India’s Best Awards 2016′.  The venue of the event was Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi. It was one of Delhi’s nippy evening but the travel enthusiasts of the capital came forward to raise a toast to 49 awards across different categories. The categories ranged from the best country, emerging destination, cruise, business hotel, airport, destination spa, and honeymoon destinations in India and across the world. The winners were chosen by magazine’s discerning readers through 100% digital voting process. This starry night was no different than usual awards nights. The awards were announced, winners were called out on the stage and the good work of the brands was cheered by travelers from around the world. But, yes the travel revelations were amazing. Some of the countries and states that emerged as winners showed that this new generation is definitely bent upon changing the face of travel. The most brighter side of the award function was that it was a master wish-list for travelers.

 
 

Travel industry trends as well as choices of travelers are changing!!

 
 

Each winner this year reflects a changing business and cultural climate, the fact that readers are travelling deeper, and that they are seeking new and varied experiences. As always, it is wonderful to inspire our readers and be inspired by them,” says Ruchira Bose, Editor, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia.

 

 

 
 

The chief guest for the evening was Dr. Martin Ney, the German Ambassador to India, delivered a keynote speech and presented awards to the winners. Mr. Lorenzo Angeloni, the Italian Ambassador to India, also graced the occasion. The evening saw many other known names in the travel and lifestyle industries. Classical musician Ustaad Shujaat Khan, Padmashri Kathak Guru Shovana Narayan, spiritual guru Anita Achariaji, Priya Paul, Chairperson of The Apeejay Surendra Park Hotels, tech guru Rajiv Makhni, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan, Anil Lepps, CEO, India Bulls and Monisha Bajaj, designer Dhruv Kapur, and Tripoto co-founder Michael Lyngdoh were invited to present the awards. Travel + Leisure magazine is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

 

 

 

 

If this is what we call changing travel trends, I must say these results brought a fresh perspective in the travel world. As a travel blogger, I love keeping myself updated with latest travel news and I can bet the list below is quite different from the general lists which keep floating on the internet. While Abu Dhabi won the top spot with Thailand as best wedding destination, South Africa along with France was voted top honeymoon destination.  If wildlife and ‘adventure in the bush’ are new favorites among newly weds, I am absolutely delighted at the travelers choices. But at the same time, the result left me surprised because I hardly saw any couples-newly weds or honeymooners in my 45 days trip in South Africa a few months ago.

 

With easy accessibility of visa, Thailand have been doing really well for last few years but Abu Dhabi came as a happy surprise. In contrast to glamorous Dubai, this Emirate maintains an exclusive stature and definitely needs more love from travelers.

 

 

 

 

Favorite Destinations, Hotels, Cities, Cruises, Airlines and More

 

 

While I have been closely covering the heart of India-Madhya Pradesh on my blog these days, I was very happy to see the Best State award given to Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. Telangana is a beautiful and unexplored state and I am glad more travelers will discover its gems. Best emerging destinations came out to be ‘Andhra Pradesh’ & ‘Tamil Nadu.’

 

Israel and Mexico were chosen as the best cultural destinations. I have been really curious around Israel for couple of months and now I am really looking forward to visiting it soon. Mexico has been on the favorites list for long.  Internationally, the best emerging destination slot was shared by Germany and Bulgaria.

 

Canada surpassed all other countries to win the Best Adventure Destination while I always thought New Zealand or South Africa were more about thrilling experiences. This also means that we do have information about countries but there is lot more to discover about the beautiful places around the globe. 

 

 

 

 

India’s Best Awards List 2016

 

Best Country – Singapore & Australia

 

Best City – Hong Kong

 

Best Emerging Destination – Bulgaria & Germany

 

Best Heritage Destination – Israel & Mexico

 

Best Honeymoon Destination – France & South Africa

 

Best Wedding Destination – Thailand & Abu Dhabi

 

Best Food Destination – Spain & Japan

 

Best Family Destination – Switzerland

 

Best Luxury Destination – Italy & Ireland

 

Best Adventure Destination – Canada

 

Best State – Telangana & Madhya Pradesh

 

Best Emerging Destination – Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu

 

Best Heritage Destination – Bihar & Odisha

 

Best Cultural Destination – West Bengal & Karnataka

 

Best Honeymoon Destination – Kerala

 

Best Wedding Destination – Goa & Puducherry

 

Best Family Destination – Gujrat & Maharashtra

 

Best Spiritual Destination – Uttarakhand

 

Best New Hotel – InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram

 

Best Heritage Hotel – The Imperial, New Delhi & The Taj Falaknuma

 

Best Boutique Hotel – Namah, Jim Corbett

 

Best Hotel For Women Travellers – Leela Palace, New Delhi & Ritz Carlton-Bangalore

 

Best Business Hotel – Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi & The Park, New Delhi

 

Best Luxury Business Hotel – Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

 

Best Luxury Resort – The Oberoi Udaivilas Udipur

 

Best Destination Spa – Kumarakom Lake Resort

 

Best Hotel Group – The Oberoi Group & The Taj Group

 

Best New Hotel – Andaz Amsterdam & Palazzo Versace, Dubai

 

Best Business Hotel – JW Marriott Marquis Dubai & Park Hyatt Tokyo

 

Best Heritage Hotel – The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

 

Best Luxury Resort – One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives

 

Best Hotel Group – Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Marriott International)

 

Best Destination Spa – Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi

 

Best Hotel Loyalty Programme- SPG – Starwood Preferred Guest

 

Best Golf Resort- The Address Montgomerie Dubai

 

Best Luxury Safari Resort- Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa

 

Best Airport-International- Changi Airport, Singapore

 

Best Airline- International- Lufthansa and Emirates

 

Best Airport-India- Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3

 

Best Airline-Domestic- Vistara

 

Best Airport Lounge- Virgin Atlantic London Heathrow Clubhouse

 

Best Duty Free Shopping- Mumbai Duty Free

 

Best Amusement Park- Universal Studios, Singapore

 

Best Integrated Resort- Resort World Sentosa, Singapore

 

Best Tour Operator- Abercrombie & Kent India, Cox & Kings India

 

Best Cruise- Regent Seven Seas

 

Mr. Jidhu and Ms. Trisha Singh were awarded Best Amateur Travel Photographer and Best Travel Blogger respectively.

 

Happy Traveling!!!