Marriott International has emerged as a major winner in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, with its Luxury Group securing nearly 30 percent of all newly awarded Marriott Five-Star distinctions. The achievement highlights the company’s continued leadership in high-end hospitality and its commitment to delivering exceptional service, innovation, and personalized guest experiences across its global portfolio.
The Luxury Group includes some of the world’s most recognized premium brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis, JW Marriott, and W Hotels, all of which continue to shape evolving standards in luxury travel.
Nearly 400 Global Recognitions Across Hospitality Segments
In 2026, Marriott’s Luxury Group received 397 total accolades spanning hotels, resorts, yachts, spas, and restaurants. These recognitions reflect the company’s strategic focus on curated experiences, service excellence, and design innovation, key criteria assessed by Forbes Travel Guide through its rigorous evaluation process. The awards, widely regarded as among the hospitality industry’s most prestigious distinctions, underscore Marriott’s growing influence in defining the future of global luxury tourism.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht “Ilma” Makes History as First Five-Star Cruise Ship
A standout milestone this year was the recognition of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where its second vessel, Ilma, became the first cruise ship in the world to receive a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide.
The honor signals a new era in luxury cruising, combining ultra-premium accommodation, personalized service, and immersive travel experiences at sea. Industry observers say this achievement demonstrates Marriott’s ability to extend its hospitality expertise beyond land-based properties into emerging luxury travel formats.
Adding to the momentum, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Saudi Arabia, also earned a Five-Star distinction. The eco-conscious island retreat, featuring overwater villas and beachfront residences, highlights Marriott’s integration of sustainability with high-end design.
Expansion of Five-Star Hotels Strengthens Global Footprint
Marriott continued to grow its luxury portfolio in key international markets with several new Five-Star properties recognized in 2026. Among the notable additions were:
- Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
- The Ritz-Carlton Nikko (Japan)
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (USA)
These properties reflect Marriott’s strategy to expand into high-demand luxury destinations while delivering culturally immersive guest experiences.
The inclusion of The St. Regis Macao and The St. Regis Atlanta further reinforced the brand’s position in premium hospitality. The St. Regis Atlanta also earned praise for culinary excellence at its Atlas Restaurant, while Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau secured Five-Star recognition for fine dining, demonstrating Marriott’s strength in gastronomic tourism as well as accommodation.
Wellness and Spa Experiences Gain International Recognition
Luxury wellness continues to be a major focus for travelers, and Marriott’s spa offerings received significant acknowledgment in 2026. The Thermal Spring Spa at HOTEL THE MITSUI Kyoto, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, earned Five-Star status for blending sustainable design with holistic treatments.
Additional Five-Star spa recognitions included:
- The Spa at The West Hollywood EDITION
- The St. Regis Chicago Spa
These awards highlight Marriott’s investment in wellness tourism, an increasingly important segment among affluent travelers seeking restorative, experience-driven stays.
Redefining Luxury Through Curated and Sustainable Experiences
Marriott executives emphasize that the company’s growth in Five-Star recognitions is driven by a shift toward personalized, experience-led travel. From eco-friendly island sanctuaries and tented lodges to urban luxury estates and yachts, Marriott is expanding beyond traditional hospitality models.
The company’s approach blends sustainability, local cultural integration, and tailored guest services, trends reshaping expectations in global luxury tourism. Industry analysts note that this model aligns with changing traveler preferences, where exclusivity and authenticity now matter as much as physical amenities.
Driving Global Tourism and Setting Industry Benchmarks
The strong performance at the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Awards underscores Marriott International’s broader role in influencing tourism growth worldwide. As more of its properties earn Five-Star status, the brand continues to set benchmarks for service quality, design innovation, and experiential travel.
The recognition also reflects a wider transformation in luxury hospitality toward curated journeys, wellness-driven stays, and environmentally responsible development.
A Forward-Looking Vision for Luxury Hospitality
With nearly 400 awards across multiple categories, Marriott International’s Luxury Group is positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving travel landscape. The company continues to push boundaries through new property openings, experiential offerings, and cross-segment innovations such as luxury cruising.
As global demand for premium travel experiences grows, Marriott’s expanding portfolio and consistent recognition suggest it will remain a defining force in shaping the future of luxury hospitality, delivering elevated service, distinctive design, and immersive experiences that redefine what it means to travel in style.
