Twelve outstanding small luxury hotels and individuals from around the globe honoured for redefining independent luxury, innovation, and sustainability
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has revealed the winners of its 2025 SLH Awards, honouring 12 exceptional hotels and individuals from its 650-strong global collection. The ceremony, hosted by BBC Travel Show presenter Carmen Roberts, took place on 17 October at Conrad Tokyo following SLH’s biennial Global Conference.
This milestone year also marks SLH’s 35th anniversary, a fitting moment to honour the trailblazers shaping the next era of small luxury hospitality. Dusseldorf’s Breidenbacher Hof was named Hotel of the Year, recognised for its artful balance of heritage, local integration and refined modern comfort. Morocco’s Dar Ahlam was celebrated as Considerate Hotel of the Year, applauded for its forward-thinking approach to regenerative hospitality. In Bali, Desa Hay captured the title of Resort Hotel of the Year, while Stein Eriksen Residences in Utah was named Country House Hotel of the Year for its panoramic alpine setting and effortless sophistication.
Other standout winners included Tokyo Station Hotel for the SLH Spirit Award, Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen for The Club by SLH Award, and Forestis in Brixen for The withIN Award. Lanson Place Causeway Bay, The Retreat Koh Chang, and The Terrace Club Wellness Thalasso at Busena also earned top distinctions for their guest engagement, online presence, and excellence within the Hilton Honors partnership.
Richard Hyde, Chief Operating Officer of SLH, said: “Our winners exemplify the best of small, independent luxury—properties that inspire travellers through authenticity and purpose. As SLH turns 35, we celebrate not just excellence, but evolution.”
At a glance:
- Event: 2025 SLH Awards, Conrad Tokyo
- Host: Carmen Roberts, BBC Travel Show
- Top Honour: Breidenbacher Hof, Düsseldorf – Hotel of the Year
- Milestone: SLH celebrates 35 years with 650+ hotels in 90+ countries
Also read Small Luxury Hotels Expands Portfolio With 49 New Additions in the First Half of 2025
