Conde Nast Travel has put out its annual list of top cities, islands, airlines and hotels, and both my home state and adopted country did well. Hawai’i, which is like home to me, also put on a strong performance, as did Florida.
The magazine today listed Victoria as the number two small city in the world, while Montreal (10) and Quebec City (5) were named among the top ten best big cities on the planet. Chicago was first for big U.S. cities, followed by Honolulu and San Diego. San Francisco was seventh for big U.S. cities, and New York City fifth.
For U.S. islands, Hawai’i grabbed five spots in the top 11. Maui was fifth, followed by Oahu, Hawai’i Big Island and Lana’i. Kauai came 11th. Hilton Head, South Carolina was first, followed by Kiawah Island, South Carolina and Amelia Island, Florida. Sanibel and Captiva islands, which were slammed by Hurricane Ian last week, finished ninth and Marco Island was 12th. The top three Caribbean islands were St. Barts, Anguilla (which I love) and the Turks & Caicos.
For Asia/Pacific islands, Fiji came out on top, followed by Bora Bora (Tahiti, French Polynesia), Tasmania, Moorea (Tahiti, French Polynesia) and Tahiti island.
A hammock at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, with overwater bungalows and Mt. Otemanu in the distance. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Adare Manor in Ireland, where I had the pleasure of staying back in 2010, was named best resort in the world.
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa was named the number four resort in Southern California. My wife and I were there just last week and absolutely loved the tranquility, the food, the spa, and the luxurious rooms. Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, was named top resort in Hawai’i. Hotel Hana-Maui, which I dearly love, was ranked third in Hawai’i, while the Four Seasons Lana’i (another property I love) was fourth. Ka’anapali Beach Resort, another personal fave, was 12th.
For Hawai’i hotels, The Plantation Inn in Lahaina was ranked tenth in the state and first on Maui. It’s a charming property in the heart of Lahaina, with a small pool and affordable rates.
Fairmont cleaned up in the category “Best Resorts in Canada,” with the Fairmont Banff Springs placing third, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge fifth, Fairmont Tremblant sixth, Fairmont Chateau Whistler seventh and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise eighth.
Here are the top 15 hotels in Canada, according to Conde Nast readers.
1. Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City (amazing historic touches)
2. Le Place d’Armes, Montreal (haven’t been)
3. The Hazelton Hotel, Toronto (luxurious, with terrific service)
4. Hotel Nelligan, Montreal (love this hotel)
5. Hotel William Gray, Montreal (haven’t been)
6. 1 Hotel Toronto (very hip, with a focus on sustainability)
7. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland (truly spectactular)
8. Auberge du Vieux-Port, Montreal (haven’t been)
9. Hotel 71, Quebec City (haven’t been)
10. Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City (a fairy tale castle)
11. Fairmont Chateau Montebello, Quebec (relaxed and lovely)
12. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (a B.C. classic)
13. Hotel Le Germain, Montreal (cool and hip)
14. Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Victoria, B.C. (sleek and stylish)
15. Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver (gorgeous and roomy)
