Condé Nast Johansens, the long-running guide that has assessed luxury hospitality for more than four decades, has unveiled its Annual Awards for Excellence 2027. The list recognises standout properties across categories such as design, resorts, waterfront and city hotels, with 44 winners spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Mediterranean.
The awards draw on the assessments of local experts who visit every property each year, combined with guest reviews on the Johansens website and reader votes. The result is a curated selection that reflects both consistent quality and emerging trends in European hospitality.
New hotels making a mark
In the fiercely contested best new hotel category, the guide chose Andaz Lisbon in Portugal and Aethos London Shoreditch in the UK. Andaz Lisbon earned praise for its location, just a short walk from the Portuguese capital's main sights, and for a design that blends a “funky, retro sensibility” with respect for the building's original architecture. Aethos London Shoreditch, meanwhile, was commended for its “strong sense of place” and a 24/7 gym and wellness area that sets a new standard for urban hotels.
For travellers who prioritise interiors, The Lince Santa Clara Historic Hotel in Vila do Conde, Portugal, and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh took top honours. The Lince occupies a 14th-century Santa Clara Monastery, where a minimalist aesthetic lets the original stonework and monastic proportions speak for themselves. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, which was named best new hotel in the UK last year, won the design award for its elegant yet quirky interiors, a blend of Scottish heritage and contemporary flair.
City breaks and resort escapes
Among city hotels, Palacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel in Granada, and Middle Eight in London were singled out. Palacio Gran Vía is housed in the former headquarters of the Rodríguez-Acosta bank, directly opposite Granada's cathedral, offering guests a base steeped in Andalusian history. Middle Eight, in Covent Garden, sits close to Leicester Square, the British Museum and the Thames, making it a practical choice for first-time visitors to London.
For those who prefer to stay put, the best resorts were named as Bahía del Duque on Tenerife and Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny, Ireland. Bahía del Duque boasts 63,000 square metres of tropical gardens, ten restaurants (including one with a Michelin star), two beaches, six swimming pools and a vast spa with an outdoor thalassotherapy circuit. Mount Juliet Estate offers an 18-hole golf course and a 12-seat cinema, among other amenities.
The awards come as Europe's luxury hotel sector continues to expand, though not evenly. A recent analysis highlighted that while Italy's luxury tourism market has grown to €10.4bn, 25 of its provinces still lack a single five-star hotel, pointing to untapped potential in less-visited regions. Meanwhile, the continent's broader travel landscape is evolving, with budget-conscious skiers finding that nine of the ten most affordable ski resorts are in France, according to a separate study.
For travellers planning their 2027 holidays, the Johansens list offers a reliable starting point, whether the goal is a design-led city break, a historic retreat or a full-service resort. The full roster of winners is available on the Condé Nast Johansens website.
