The Leading Hotels of the World

Last week, The Leading Hotels of the World in partnership with 21 Leading Hotels hosted the second edition of Leading Luxury for 39 top travel trade partners at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. Over three inspiring days, the top minds in the travel industry gathered for strategic discussions, engaging collaboration, impactful networking, and deep relationship-building. The program seamlessly blended cultural exploration with impactful business sessions. Attendees participated in exclusive destination-focused workshops that included an immersive diamond experience with a local jewelry and a journey through Belgian fashion history. Guests also enjoyed remarkable cultural dining experiences at the privatized Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and Chocolate Nation with an epic diamond-themed farewell send-off from our gracious host hotel. Between the local experiences, advisors and hoteliers engaged in ample discussions and thoughtful collaboration led by LHW presenters: Craig Adamson, Lauren Alba, Tim Chatfield, Katie Chau, and Caitlyn MacAllister. Thank you to our all our partners, who traveled to Antwerp from all over the world. Special appreciation for our host: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp and the 21 participating hoteliers:   Kulm Hotel St. Moritz The Knickerbocker Hotel Lungarno Collection Baur au Lac L'oscar London Carlisle Bay Antigua The Tschuggen Collection Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel Spa Sun Gardens Dubrovnik Le Sirenuse Beau-Rivage Palace Badrutt's Palace Hotel St. Moritz Switzerland The Manor House Hotel and Spa Constance Halaveli / Constance Lemuria / Constance Prince Maurice #TheOkuraTokyo Bürgenstock Collection Royal Hotel Sanremo Evian Resort Palace Hotel Tokyo Borgo Egnazia Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa #lhwtraveler #traveltrade #hospitality

Set amidst the lofted ceilings and centuries-old detailing of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, The Leading Hotels of the World hosted an exclusive gathering of Antwerp’s brightest design luminaries. Guests were treated to a preview of 'Design: The Leading Hotels of the World' – the first volume in a multi-part coffee table book series, created in collaboration with Phaidon and The Slowdown. In the hotel’s breathtaking Quercus Room, the evening featured an engaging discussion on design and architecture, moderated by Spencer Bailey, and featuring the brilliant architects of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, Kristl Barkermans Le Bon and @Gerd Van Zundert of AIDarchitecten. Together, they explored the intersection of architecture, design, and the stories of the historic hotel before adjourning for a meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hertog Jan by Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens. The following day, an elite group of press were invited to join a dynamic conversation between Leading's Visionary hoteliers featuring Maria Strati, Mosanne Monod de Froideville, and Christian Hirt moderated by LHW's Lauren Alba. The symposium explored the theme of design in the service of exceptional hospitality before adjourning for an intimate dinner at the heart of Botanic Sanctuary's historic chapel. Thank you to the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp team and to the many partners and media that joined for an inspiring two days in Antwerp. #lhwtraveler #booklaunch #lhwdesign

On the final day of Leading Luxury, The Leading Hotels of the World treated attendees to a series of unforgettable experiences. The day began with an exciting excursion to Chocolate Nation for an immersive behind-the-scenes tour, a tasting of their renowned chocolates, and a workshop where participants crafted their own treats. Upon returning to Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, attendees regrouped for a thoughtful business session in the hotel's inspiring meeting space. The gathering provided an opportunity for hoteliers and advisors to delve deeper into industry topics and initiatives that encouraged breakout discussions, collaborative responses, and next steps to navigate the future and deepen relationships together. Leading Luxury drew to a close with a memorable "Shine Like a Diamond" farewell event held in the hotel's historic event spaces. Excitement filled the room as special prizes were given, including two real diamonds provided by Diamond House Jewellery, and the location of next year's Leading Luxury event was announced. Attendees celebrated the successful weekend at the closing afterparty in the Chapel, capping off an unforgettable event. Thank you to our sponsors who helped elevate this year's Leading Luxury to new heights: Saint Charles, Meurisse, MM Antverpia, Neuhaus VRANKEN-POMMERY MONOPOLE, Elliot & Ostrich Jewellery, ChitChat, You&Me Ltd, and Jimmy'z International. #lhwtraveler #luxury #travel

Day two of Leading Luxury was an inspiring mix of business insights and cultural experiences. Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp Director of Sales & Marketing, Sandrine Versavel, kicked off the day with a welcome followed by a dynamic presentation from Craig Adamson of The Leading Hotels of the World. Advisors then had an opportunity to meet with hoteliers to learn more about the remarkable experiences that make their hotels unique and authentic. After lunch, all attendees gathered for a session to hear LHW brand news by Lauren Alba and engage in an open discussion on brand value and impact during a traveler's decision-making process.   In the afternoon, the group had a choice of destination activities to further explore Antwerp’s unique offerings: a Diamond Workshop hosted by local jewelers Elliot & Ostrich Jewellery, a Fashion Workshop hosted by the Visit Antwerp, and a Herbology Workshop held on-property at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. The day concluded with a special invitation by the mayor of Antwerp for a welcome toast at city hall and a privatized evening at the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) - Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp for a spectacular gala dinner. #lhwtraveler #traveltrade #antwerp

Yesterday, Leading Luxury made its second edition debut at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp in Belgium. Nearly 40 top travel trade partners and 20+ Leading Hotels from across the globe gathered with The Leading Hotels of the World team to kick off the immersive three-day event. The guests were welcomed with a site tour of the property, allowing them to take in its stunning architecture and rich heritage with its contemporary atmosphere and feel. That evening, attendees enjoyed their first glass of champagne sponsored by VRANKEN-POMMERY MONOPOLE and chocolate tastings sponsored by Neuhaus during the delightful welcome reception at the hotel's on-property chapel. Lauren Alba, Vice President of Global Marketing & Communications, delivered a warm welcome toast, thanking all attendees who joined us for this marquee event to foster connections and collaboration over the coming days. #lhwtraveler #travel #traveltrade

Following the Leading Luxury event in Evian, France for top meeting & event partners, The Leading Hotels of the World is thrilled to announce the destination for 2025: Montenegro.   Hosted by the award-winning The Chedi Luštica Bay – a sustainably-conscious retreat immersed in the natural beauty of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast – Leading Luxury will once again bring together an elite group of Leading Hoteliers and the industry’s foremost meeting & event planning experts.   Save the date for the weekend of June 14-17, 2025. We look forward to extending invitations to a coveted group of top performing partners in the coming months. #lhwtraveler #leadingluxury #MICE

The Leading Hotels of the World is proud to unveil the 2024 finalists of the Annual LHW Membership Awards. These annual awards honor the remarkable achievements of LHW’s prestigious community of the world’s best independent luxury hotels and hoteliers. Thank you to the Leading Hotels that submitted nominations, which included countless examples of innovation and dedication to creating story-worthy moments that inspire guests. Congratulations to our nominated member hotels. The winners will be revealed and celebrated during the gala awards ceremony on the final day of LHW’s Annual Convention, which will take place this year in Marbella, Spain. #lhwtraveler #awards #leading

In the Bahamas, The Leading Hotels of the World proudly participated in ILTM North America, with over 30 distinguished Leading Hotels in attendance. Throughout the event, each property engaged in more than 60 one-on-one appointments, forging meaningful connections with top travel trade partners from the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition to these productive meetings, LHW hosted networking luncheons, paint parties and evening cocktails in collaboration with our esteemed partners at JPMorganChase Travel, FROSCH, VWT and American Express Travel & Lifestyle. Thank you to all the Leading Hoteliers and travel partners who joined this incredible event. We look forward to seeing you in Cannes, France this December. #lhwtraveler #iltm #traveltrade

In Milan, The Leading Hotels of the World was proud to attend the Luxury Hospitality Conference, Italy’s premiere gathering of the industry’s foremost travel experts and hotel operators. Deniz Omurgonulsen Altuğ, LHW’s Vice President of Membership, took the stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Forbes Travel Guide's Filip Boyen exploring the evolution of luxury.   Thank you to the incredible team at Luxury Hospitality Conference for hosting this conversation and to all those who joined the event. #lhwtraveler #hospitality #leadership

This week, an extraordinary evening unfolded at The Greenwich Hotel in New York City, where The Leading Hotels of the World and Phaidon hosted an exclusive gathering of the city’s foremost design visionaries. Guests were treated to a preview of Design: The Leading Hotels of the World – the first volume in a multi-part coffee table book series, created in collaboration with The Slowdown. Set within the hotel’s iconic Locanda Verde restaurant, the evening featured an engaging discussion on design and architecture, moderated by Galerie Magazine's Jacqueline Terrebonne, and featured the brilliant Paul Goldberger in conversation with the book’s author Spencer Bailey. Together, they explored the intersection of architecture, design, and the stories behind some of the world’s most inspiring Leading Hotels. Learn more about the book below and join us as we continue its remarkable journey around the globe. https://lnkd.in/ehqphZcq Photos by Christos Katsiaouni #lhwtraveler #design #hospitality