The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) convened its 2025 Annual Convention from November 20 to 22 in the vibrant cultural capital of Bangkok, Thailand. Under the inspiring theme “Leading with Purpose: Embracing a New Era,” the gathering brought together General Managers, owners, and distinguished industry leaders from across LHW’s global portfolio of more than 425 independent, luxury hotels. Over three days, participants explored the forces shaping the future of hospitality through immersive discussions, dynamic workshops, and forward-thinking case studies led by top experts.
Shannon Knapp, LHW’s President and Chief Executive Officer, opened the convention with an uplifting call to action. She encouraged the community to meet this pivotal moment with confidence and imagination. Addressing generational shifts, the accelerating influence of AI, global volatility, and increasing competitive pressure, she underscored how luxury hospitality is entering a new era—one defined by heightened complexity, yet abundant with opportunity for those who lead with clarity and purpose.
Set amid Asia’s flourishing luxury landscape in one of the world’s most diverse and fast-moving markets, the program offered a nuanced look at regional perspectives that echo global trends. From rapid digitization and evolving expectations of the APAC traveler to shifting geopolitical dynamics, speakers shared insights that illuminated the path ahead for independent luxury hotels.
Throughout the convention, LHW’s leadership team joined renowned voices of Jillian Tellez Holub and Jackey Yu (McKinsey & Company), Dan Wang (Eurasia Group), Chris Mathews (Amazon Web Services), Ingo Schweder (GOCO Hospitality), François Schnoebelen (EHT Paul Dubrule), Anant Sharma (Matter of Form), George Cao (Dragon Trail International), Jan Freitag (CoStar Group), David Gardner (80 Days), Pico Iyer (Author), Ed Hooper (LQA), and others. Their thought-provoking presentations delivered practical strategies, best practices, and fresh inspiration. A rich program of networking experiences further enabled meaningful connection among peers committed to excellence.
The event also showcased the cultural richness of Bangkok, offering delegates an unforgettable exploration of the city’s heritage. The Conference was hosted by Bangkok’s two LHW member hotels: Capella Bangkok and The Okura Prestige Bangkok each showcasing the authenticity, innovation and artistry at the heart of Thailand’s luxury hospitality.
The convention culminated in an elegant Gala Dinner and the 2025 Leading Hotel Membership Awards Ceremony at the historic Royal Thai Navy Hall, where LHW proudly honored eight hotels and hoteliers for their extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication to delivering hospitality of the highest caliber. The celebration underscored the power of purpose-driven leadership and the collective commitment that defines The Leading Hotels of the World.
The 2025 Leading Hotels Membership Awards Honorees
The Leading Hotels of the World proudly celebrates the individuals and properties whose extraordinary contributions have set new standards of excellence, innovation, and sustainability within the luxury hospitality landscape. The winners of the 2025 Leading Hotels Membership Awards exemplify innovation, excellence, and the spirit of crafting extraordinary guest experiences.
Leading Legend: This hotelier demonstrates excellence, innovation, agility and integrity in everything they do. Their passion for the art of independent hospitality has transformed the industry.
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Guido Fiorentino, President & CEO, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
For his remarkable stewardship of one of Italy’s most iconic hotels, continually renewing its contemporary spirit while upholding nearly two centuries of storied history.
Uncommon Vision: This award honors the hotelier who saw opportunity in the face of a formidable challenge, developing innovative business solutions with significant effect.
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José António Uva, Owner, São Lourenço do Barrocal
For his visionary resilience in creating São Lourenço do Barrocal in a once-overlooked corner of Portugal, revealing its rich history while gracefully honoring a family estate more than two centuries in the making.
Remarkable Experiences: This award recognizes a hotel that offered distinctive and noteworthy ways to invite discovery and exploration of its destination and property.
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The Phoenicia Malta, Floriana, Malta
As proud guardians of a Maltese cultural landmark, this hotel weaves luxury with discovery, crafting singular experiences from immersive historical dinners, curated art encounters, bespoke cultural journeys, and genuine hospitality.
Change-Makers: This award celebrates a hotel that went to great lengths to support its local community’s physical, economic, and/or emotional prosperity.
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Hotel AWA, Puerto Varas, Chile
A proud Certified B Corporation, committed to championing local artisans, producers, and ancestral traditions through meaningful cultural experiences; generating lasting economic opportunities for women artisans; and advancing regenerative, environmentally conscious practices that reflect its long-term vision of heartfelt, responsible hospitality in Patagonia.
Unrivalled Luxury Leader: This award recognizes a hotel’s unwavering commitment to the quality of its guest experience, property, and operations.
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Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, Venice, Italy
For attaining the pinnacle of refined hospitality, proudly achieving a remarkable 100% Quality Score that reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence.
Member of the Year: This award honors a hotel’s extraordinary commitment to excellence by supporting and engaging with LHW and its programs.
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Palace Hotel Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Achieving remarkable year-over-year revenue growth, an all-time high quality score, and an unparalleled collection of accolades, setting a benchmark of quality, authenticity, and leadership.
New Member of the Year: This award celebrates the new member hotel that exemplifies excellence through its ongoing brand engagement and dedication to maintaining an exceptional quality score.
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The Imperial, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
Since joining LHW, The Imperial has demonstrated excellence across every key metric: delivering exceptional guest advocacy, satisfaction, and quality performance.
Sustainability Leader: This award honors a member hotel committed to responsible travel and the power of innovation.
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Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa
A pioneer of sustainability since 1873: leading the way with green engineering, environmental design, and conscientious employment.
The 2026 Annual Convention will take place next November in Rome, Italy.
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)
Comprised of more than 425 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld.
