Singapore, March 11, 2024 – DestinAsian magazine has once again tallied up the results of its annual poll for the Readers’ Choice Awards, which is featured in the March/May 2024 print issue. Now in its 17th year, the Award gives readers the chance to cast their votes and recognize the best of the luxury travel industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
The latest poll was conducted between August and November 2023, with DestinAsian readers nominating their favorites in 36 different categories including hotels and resorts, serviced residences, airlines, airports, cruise lines, and destinations. Optional comments allowed voters to elaborate on the attributes of their top picks, be it friendliness of staff and service, convenient location, modern facilities, quality of dining options, comfort, and design.
“This edition of the RCA is bigger than ever in its scope, and we’re honored to provide travelers with a platform to reflect on and share their experiences around Asia Pacific,” says DestinAsian publisher Ronald Liem. “As the poll continues to evolve and grow in step with the times, we’ve made some adjustments to better reflect the astounding diversity of the luxury hospitality scene in our home region.” Selected country categories (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam) have now been expanded into two separate rankings: one for city hotels and another for resorts. The same applies to the category for Boutique Hotels, defined as properties with less than 100 rooms.
HOTELS & RESORTS
In this year’s RCA, two hospitality groups emerged as top picks among voters. Represented by four of its luxury brands, Hyatt took the titles for Best Hotel in India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Marriott International also scored five wins through The Ritz-Carlton (Best Hotel Brand for Business, Best Hotel in Hong Kong, Best Hotel in Japan, Best Hotel in Maldives) and Bulgari Resort Bali, which was named Best Boutique Resort. Four Seasons, meanwhile, prevailed in four categories: Best Hotel Brand for Leisure, Best Hotel in Indonesia, Best Hotel in Macau, and Best Hotel in Malaysia. The ultra-luxe Capella was not far behind, picking up three awards for Best Hotel in Australia, Best Hotel in Thailand, and Best Hotel in Vietnam. Anantara, meanwhile, continued its success from last year, winning Best Hotel in Cambodia and Best Resort in Malaysia.
SERVICED RESIDENCES
As for notable repeat winners, Ascott The Residence was crowned Best Serviced Residence Brand for the 15th time. Readers appreciated the spacious accommodations and five-star atmosphere, as well as the various on-site amenities and favorable locations.
AIRPORTS & AIRLINES
In the airline and airport categories—open to nominations outside Asia—Singapore Changi Airport triumphed yet again as Best Airport, while participants put the city-state’s flag carrier Singapore Airlines in pole position in the categories for Best Airline (Overall), Best First and Business Class, Best Economy Class, Best Frequent-Flier Program, and Best In-Flight Entertainment. For the seventh consecutive edition of the RCA, AirAsia was recognized as the Best Low-Cost Airline.
CRUISES
Royal Caribbean International was similarly crowned the Best Cruise Line for the fourth time in as many editions of the RCA. Regional voters singled out the cruise operator for a variety of reasons, including the myriad programs on offer, family-friendly facilities, and its impressive range of itineraries and destinations worldwide.
BEST DESTINATIONS
For the final two categories, readers nominated their favorite city and island destinations. Bali was once again voted Best Island, continuing an unbroken winning streak since these awards began in 2006. Respondents cited the easy access to nature and the warmth of the local people, in addition to Bali’s many enriching cultural activities. Meanwhile, Bangkok reclaimed its title of Best City from Singapore, which previously topped the list in the 2023 and 2019 editions of the RCA. “It’s easy to see why our readers have historically had a strong preference for the Thai capital,” says Mr. Liem. “Endlessly colorful and exhilarating, with world-class attractions that will tempt travelers of every stripe, Bangkok is an urban destination par excellence. Each time I return, there is always something new to discover.”
About DestinAsian’s Readers’ Choice Awards
Now in its seventeenth year, DestinAsian’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards is the longest-standing and most trusted recognition of excellence in the Asia-Pacific travel industry. The latest poll was conducted between August and November 2023, with DestinAsian readers nominating their regional favorites in 36 different categories including hotels and resorts, serviced residences, airlines, airports, cruise lines, and destinations. Optional comments allowed voters to elaborate on the attributes of their favorite places to stay, be it the quality of service, unique location, exceptional dining options, or standout design. The results showcase the best in Asia-Pacific travel today.