Now in its second edition, the Best Luxury Hotel Awards is an annual recognition created by Teamwork Hospitality with the contribution of Elle Decor and EHMA – European Hotel Managers Association, celebrating the finest Italian luxury accommodations that stand out for excellence in service and their ability to provide guests with an extraordinary experience.
The jury of the Best Luxury Hotel Awards 2025 announced the 10 winners during the award ceremony held on the evening of October 29 in the splendid setting of the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan. The event celebrated outstanding properties across ten categories: Best Service, Best Bar, Best Design, Best Wellness & Spa, Best Restaurant, Best Wine Selection, Best General Manager, Best New Opening, Best Sustainability Program, and Best Breakfast.
“In its second edition, the Best Luxury Hotel Awards grows alongside the leading figures of luxury hospitality, paying tribute to those who innovate, inspire, and redefine the very concept of excellence. Each award symbolizes a passion that turns hospitality into art.” – said Mauro Santinato, president of Teamwork Hospitality.
This year’s edition introduced several important new features: the inclusion of increasingly cutting-edge categories, a renewed jury, the media partnership with Condé Nast Traveller, and the patronage of Altagamma and Confindustria Alberghi. The award, designed by Giuliana Salmaso, celebrates excellence and innovation in the luxury hospitality sector.
The jury of the Best Luxury Hotel Awards 2025 announced the 10 winners during the award ceremony held on the evening of October 29 in the splendid setting of the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan. The event celebrated outstanding properties across ten categories: Best Service, Best Bar, Best Design, Best Wellness & Spa, Best Restaurant, Best Wine Selection, Best General Manager, Best New Opening, Best Sustainability Program, and Best Breakfast.
“In its second edition, the Best Luxury Hotel Awards grows alongside the leading figures of luxury hospitality, paying tribute to those who innovate, inspire, and redefine the very concept of excellence. Each award symbolizes a passion that turns hospitality into art.” – said Mauro Santinato, president of Teamwork Hospitality.
This year’s edition introduced several important new features: the inclusion of increasingly cutting-edge categories, a renewed jury, the media partnership with Condé Nast Traveller, and the patronage of Altagamma and Confindustria Alberghi. The award, designed by Giuliana Salmaso, celebrates excellence and innovation in the luxury hospitality sector.
The Winners
BEST SERVICE: The award went to Hotel Eden Rome for the excellence of a service born from empathy and authenticity, made unique by the continuity of a team that has, for decades, anticipated and fulfilled guests’ desires. A Roman icon of the Dorchester Collection, capable of turning hospitality into a deeply personal experience, where true luxury means being seen and understood.
BEST BAR: The recognition was awarded to Mandarin Oriental Milan, where every cocktail is a sensory journey, the result of creativity and craftsmanship. For the originality of its drink list, the elegance of its setting, and the art of mixology that fuses design, fragrance, and flavor, transforming convivial moments into unforgettable experiences.
BEST WELLNESS & SPA: Palace Merano was recognized as an international benchmark in wellness, for combining the elegance of a historic residence with exclusive programs ranging from detox to longevity and regenerative aesthetic medicine. For its renovated spaces, cutting-edge technology, and the professionalism of its team, making it a true international reference in luxury wellness.
BEST RESTAURANT: The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel – GLAM Restaurant received the award for being Venice’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant, capable of transforming the intimacy of just 18 seats into an exclusive gastronomic experience. For its instinctive and contemporary cuisine inspired by the Rialto market and the lagoon, where seasonality, research, and creativity come together to create dishes that celebrate the territory with originality and refinement.
BEST SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM: Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti was awarded for its genuine commitment to sustainability, reflected in architecture harmoniously integrated into the landscape, the use of natural materials, and cutting-edge energy systems. For creating a model of responsible and innovative hospitality that enhances and respects the unique heritage of the Dolomites.
BEST DESIGN: Palazzo Talìa received the award for reopening its doors after a major restoration project that brought to light the historic value of the palace. The result of a meticulous design concept and careful recovery of its original decorations, the building has been given new life, blending ancient architecture and contemporary furnishings into a composition of great elegance.
BEST WINE SELECTION: The recognition was granted to Villa d’Este for its unparalleled wine selection, offering a journey through the world’s most iconic regions, from prestigious international labels to rare Italian vintages. For a service driven by expertise and passion, transforming each glass into a moment of culture, conviviality, and a true expression of Italian identity.
BEST NEW OPENING: Among the new openings, Aman Rosa Alpina stood out for its ability to transform an alpine retreat into a contemporary icon, where minimalist design interacts with nature and materials evoke the region’s artisanal traditions, offering guests an authentic and refined experience in the heart of the Dolomites.
BEST GENERAL MANAGER: Giacomo Battafarano of Hotel De Russie won the award for his more than 25 years of international experience and his ability to lead with passion and vision, enhancing the talents of his team and placing the guest at the center of every decision. Under his leadership, the hotel has achieved outstanding results in performance, quality, and guest satisfaction, establishing itself as a model of passionate, professional, and detail-oriented hospitality.
BEST BREAKFAST: Casa Angelina was recognized for turning breakfast into the defining moment of the stay, with a buffet that celebrates the Amalfi Coast through artisanal pastries, Campanian specialties, and carefully selected fresh products. A table overlooking Positano and Capri, capable of transforming each morning into an authentic experience of Italian lifestyle and taste.
BEST SERVICE: The award went to Hotel Eden Rome for the excellence of a service born from empathy and authenticity, made unique by the continuity of a team that has, for decades, anticipated and fulfilled guests’ desires. A Roman icon of the Dorchester Collection, capable of turning hospitality into a deeply personal experience, where true luxury means being seen and understood.
BEST BAR: The recognition was awarded to Mandarin Oriental Milan, where every cocktail is a sensory journey, the result of creativity and craftsmanship. For the originality of its drink list, the elegance of its setting, and the art of mixology that fuses design, fragrance, and flavor, transforming convivial moments into unforgettable experiences.
BEST WELLNESS & SPA: Palace Merano was recognized as an international benchmark in wellness, for combining the elegance of a historic residence with exclusive programs ranging from detox to longevity and regenerative aesthetic medicine. For its renovated spaces, cutting-edge technology, and the professionalism of its team, making it a true international reference in luxury wellness.
BEST RESTAURANT: The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel – GLAM Restaurant received the award for being Venice’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant, capable of transforming the intimacy of just 18 seats into an exclusive gastronomic experience. For its instinctive and contemporary cuisine inspired by the Rialto market and the lagoon, where seasonality, research, and creativity come together to create dishes that celebrate the territory with originality and refinement.
BEST SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM: Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti was awarded for its genuine commitment to sustainability, reflected in architecture harmoniously integrated into the landscape, the use of natural materials, and cutting-edge energy systems. For creating a model of responsible and innovative hospitality that enhances and respects the unique heritage of the Dolomites.
BEST DESIGN: Palazzo Talìa received the award for reopening its doors after a major restoration project that brought to light the historic value of the palace. The result of a meticulous design concept and careful recovery of its original decorations, the building has been given new life, blending ancient architecture and contemporary furnishings into a composition of great elegance.
BEST WINE SELECTION: The recognition was granted to Villa d’Este for its unparalleled wine selection, offering a journey through the world’s most iconic regions, from prestigious international labels to rare Italian vintages. For a service driven by expertise and passion, transforming each glass into a moment of culture, conviviality, and a true expression of Italian identity.
BEST NEW OPENING: Among the new openings, Aman Rosa Alpina stood out for its ability to transform an alpine retreat into a contemporary icon, where minimalist design interacts with nature and materials evoke the region’s artisanal traditions, offering guests an authentic and refined experience in the heart of the Dolomites.
BEST GENERAL MANAGER: Giacomo Battafarano of Hotel De Russie won the award for his more than 25 years of international experience and his ability to lead with passion and vision, enhancing the talents of his team and placing the guest at the center of every decision. Under his leadership, the hotel has achieved outstanding results in performance, quality, and guest satisfaction, establishing itself as a model of passionate, professional, and detail-oriented hospitality.
BEST BREAKFAST: Casa Angelina was recognized for turning breakfast into the defining moment of the stay, with a buffet that celebrates the Amalfi Coast through artisanal pastries, Campanian specialties, and carefully selected fresh products. A table overlooking Positano and Capri, capable of transforming each morning into an authentic experience of Italian lifestyle and taste.
Lifetime Achievement Recognitions and special mentions
During the evening, several special awards were also presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to outstanding figures in luxury hospitality: Ezio Indiani, honored for an exemplary career in luxury hotellerie and for a leadership that has made the Hotel Principe di Savoia an international symbol of elegance and hospitality. Aldo Werdin, recognized for a lifetime dedicated to hospitality, whose passion and vision revitalized the Excelsior Palace and gave new voice to tourism in Liguria and throughout Italy. Claudio Ceccherelli, celebrated for a career that combines professionalism and dedication, having contributed to training generations of hoteliers and elevating the quality of Italian tourism..
The Best Luxury Destination Award, presented in collaboration with TTG Travel Experience, was awarded to the Region of Tuscany for the beauty of a land whose artistic, cultural, and scenic heritage represents a model of Italian excellence recognized throughout the world.
A special mention also goes to Aman Venice for hosting the most glamorous wedding of the year, a symbol of elegance and refinement.
During the evening, several special awards were also presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to outstanding figures in luxury hospitality: Ezio Indiani, honored for an exemplary career in luxury hotellerie and for a leadership that has made the Hotel Principe di Savoia an international symbol of elegance and hospitality. Aldo Werdin, recognized for a lifetime dedicated to hospitality, whose passion and vision revitalized the Excelsior Palace and gave new voice to tourism in Liguria and throughout Italy. Claudio Ceccherelli, celebrated for a career that combines professionalism and dedication, having contributed to training generations of hoteliers and elevating the quality of Italian tourism..
The Best Luxury Destination Award, presented in collaboration with TTG Travel Experience, was awarded to the Region of Tuscany for the beauty of a land whose artistic, cultural, and scenic heritage represents a model of Italian excellence recognized throughout the world.
A special mention also goes to Aman Venice for hosting the most glamorous wedding of the year, a symbol of elegance and refinement.
The Award
The design of the award was entrusted to architect Giuliana Salmaso, who distilled the concepts of luxury, Italian identity, hospitality, solidity, and elegance into a precious and symbolic object. The piece draws inspiration from the form of a "stele", a stone monument historically used to commemorate significant events. The award follows golden ratio proportions and is composed of a burnished brass base supporting a travertine monolith. Additionally, winners will also receive a Chantecler jewel bell, an Aurora pen, an exclusive recognition designed by Prisma, Tucano backpacks, Cillario & Marazzi gin, special gifts from Quagliotti, and gift boxes featuring natural dermocosmetic products by Basilare.
The design of the award was entrusted to architect Giuliana Salmaso, who distilled the concepts of luxury, Italian identity, hospitality, solidity, and elegance into a precious and symbolic object. The piece draws inspiration from the form of a "stele", a stone monument historically used to commemorate significant events. The award follows golden ratio proportions and is composed of a burnished brass base supporting a travertine monolith. Additionally, winners will also receive a Chantecler jewel bell, an Aurora pen, an exclusive recognition designed by Prisma, Tucano backpacks, Cillario & Marazzi gin, special gifts from Quagliotti, and gift boxes featuring natural dermocosmetic products by Basilare.
An Exceptional Jury
The jury of the Best Luxury Hotel Awards is made up of high-level professionals, hotel executives and general managers, with deep expertise in the world of hospitality and luxury, ensuring a careful and prestigious selection process. Ezio Indiani, General Manager of Hotel Principe di Savoia, EHMA Delegate, and Board Member of Altagamma, Andrea Grignaffini, Member of the Scientific Committee at ALMA, Alberto Paolo Schieppati, Editorial Director of Posh Places, Roberta Battocchio, Managing Director of Hearst Global Design + Architecture, Erika Fay Nicole, CEO and Founder of EFNcommunication, Magda Antonioli, Director of MET BOCCONI, Mauro Santinato, President of Teamwork Hospitality, Andrea Grisdale, CEO of IC Bellagio, WTTC Vice Chair, Educator, and Advisor to the National Council of FTO, Stefania Lazzaroni, General Director of the Altagamma Foundation, Martin Kuczmarski, Founder and CEO of DIFFICULT NAME, Maddalena Fossati Dondero, Editor and Head of Content at La Cucina Italiana and Condé Nast Traveller Italia, Elisabetta Canoro, Head of Hospitality at Identità Golose, Laura Verdi, Architect, Editorial Director and Manager of we:ll magazine, Sara Magro, Hotel Specialist for Il Sole 24 Ore and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheItalyInsider.com.
Exceptional Partners
The partners: high-end brands from the Italian luxury landscape. Lavazza, official coffee partner, Pedersoli Milano, Ginori 1735, Technogym, Prima, Blastness, Simmons, Foglizzo 1921, Herita Marzotto Wine Estates, Adecco, Archè Glass. Chantecler Capri, Lema, WorldHotels BWH Hotels, relactions, Prisma, Bellantoni.
Support partners: Aurora Made In Italy, Alma, la scuola internazionale di cucina italiana, Acqua Panna S. Pellegrino, Acqua di Parma, Tucano Milano 1985, Ciacco Lab, Eli Prosciutti, Cillario & Marazzi Italian Dry Gin, Immargin, Giusti 1605 Modena, La Dolceria di Amalia, Quagliotti dal 1993, Basilare.
The jury of the Best Luxury Hotel Awards is made up of high-level professionals, hotel executives and general managers, with deep expertise in the world of hospitality and luxury, ensuring a careful and prestigious selection process. Ezio Indiani, General Manager of Hotel Principe di Savoia, EHMA Delegate, and Board Member of Altagamma, Andrea Grignaffini, Member of the Scientific Committee at ALMA, Alberto Paolo Schieppati, Editorial Director of Posh Places, Roberta Battocchio, Managing Director of Hearst Global Design + Architecture, Erika Fay Nicole, CEO and Founder of EFNcommunication, Magda Antonioli, Director of MET BOCCONI, Mauro Santinato, President of Teamwork Hospitality, Andrea Grisdale, CEO of IC Bellagio, WTTC Vice Chair, Educator, and Advisor to the National Council of FTO, Stefania Lazzaroni, General Director of the Altagamma Foundation, Martin Kuczmarski, Founder and CEO of DIFFICULT NAME, Maddalena Fossati Dondero, Editor and Head of Content at La Cucina Italiana and Condé Nast Traveller Italia, Elisabetta Canoro, Head of Hospitality at Identità Golose, Laura Verdi, Architect, Editorial Director and Manager of we:ll magazine, Sara Magro, Hotel Specialist for Il Sole 24 Ore and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheItalyInsider.com.
Exceptional Partners
The partners: high-end brands from the Italian luxury landscape. Lavazza, official coffee partner, Pedersoli Milano, Ginori 1735, Technogym, Prima, Blastness, Simmons, Foglizzo 1921, Herita Marzotto Wine Estates, Adecco, Archè Glass. Chantecler Capri, Lema, WorldHotels BWH Hotels, relactions, Prisma, Bellantoni.
Support partners: Aurora Made In Italy, Alma, la scuola internazionale di cucina italiana, Acqua Panna S. Pellegrino, Acqua di Parma, Tucano Milano 1985, Ciacco Lab, Eli Prosciutti, Cillario & Marazzi Italian Dry Gin, Immargin, Giusti 1605 Modena, La Dolceria di Amalia, Quagliotti dal 1993, Basilare.
