Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the global authority on luxury hospitality, has unveiled The Edge List 2025—a prestigious collection of 20 hotels, resorts, and cruises that push the boundaries of modern travel. This year’s honorees represent destinations where luxury meets discovery, offering travelers rare access to remote corners of the world without sacrificing comfort or sophistication.

From wildlife encounters and cultural immersion to breathtaking natural wonders and ocean expeditions, the list highlights properties that embody adventure while maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s a rainforest retreat at the edge of Iguassu Falls, a secluded island escape in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, or an expedition cruise through the Galapagos, each destination has been chosen for its ability to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Forbes Travel Guide’s hallmark of elevated service.

The six categories of the 2025 list include: Animal Encounters, Beach Adventures, Cultural Immersion, Natural Wonders, Ocean Expeditions, and Wilderness Retreats.

Winners include Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Thailand, a secluded 54-room resort surrounded by limestone cliffs, verdant rainforests, and the emerald Andaman Sea (Beach Adventures); Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls, the only hotel inside Brazil’s Iguacu National Park (Natural Wonders); and Silversea’s Silver Origin, a sleekly modern small cruise ship built specifically to navigate the Galapagos Islands (Ocean Expeditions).

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Leads The Edge List With Three Honorees

Ritz-Carlton Reserve has the most winners, with Nujuma in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, and Mandapa in Bali joining Phulay Bay on the list. The brand focuses on creating a sense of discovery with its remote and intimate locations.

“Edge” is an acronym that represents: Exceptional Access to remote, awe-inspiring destinations; Daring Innovation in providing boundary-pushing adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences; Global Stewardship with a prioritization on conservation, minimizing impact and care for the community; and Elevated Experience, delivering excellence even in far-flung environments.

“The Edge List celebrates the spirit of discovery that defines great travel,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “These honorees combine access to extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path destinations with the elevated comfort and service that discerning travelers expect. We are proud to recognize these properties for delivering such unique and memorable experiences.”

The Edge List honorees were determined through in-person visits from Forbes Travel Guide‘s incognito inspectors or editorial team, combined with research and inspection data.

One of the honorees will be announced as the winner of the year at The Summit 2026, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual event bringing together the worlds of travel and luxury, to be held in Monaco in February.

To view the full list of The Edge List honorees, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star, or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process.