African excellence recognised: Kilindi Zanzibar named continent’s top resort
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 14 July 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 560 properties across six continents, is celebrating a landmark year in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, with Anantara Hotels & Resorts named the #8 Best Hotel Brand in the World, and standout success for flagship properties across the Middle East and Africa.
Published annually, the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are a trusted barometer of the places and companies that resonate most with passionate, discerning travellers. In a region known for its dynamic luxury hospitality scene, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort secured the prestigious #1 spot as the Top Resort in North Africa and the Middle East and also ranked an impressive #26 globally in the list of the Top 100 Hotels in the World. The accolade cements the property’s status as a regional icon, famed for its overwater villas, Thai inspired design, and immersive guest experiences that continue to raise the bar in urban resort luxury.
Across the continent, Kilindi Zanzibar by Elewana Collection, also part of the Minor Hotels portfolio, was named the #1 Resort in Africa and ranked an outstanding #5 in the World, recognised for its barefoot luxury ethos, dramatic coastal setting, and intimate guest experience.
These regional wins underscore Minor Hotels’ strength across a diversity of destinations, reflecting the growing global recognition of its brands – particularly Anantara, which continues to shine in the eyes of international travellers.
Beyond the Middle East and Africa, several Anantara properties were also celebrated in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. In Europe, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel secured a spot among the Top 10 Resorts in Europe and Top 3 in Italy, while Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel was named among the Best Hotels in Rome – a timely accolade as it prepares to host the first Anantara Concorso Roma in 2026. In Asia, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas in Vietnam was ranked among the top 20 resorts in Asia and Southeast Asia, praised for its tranquil beachfront setting and elegant villas.
Other highlights from Minor Hotels’ diverse portfolio include NH Collection Copenhagen, ranked among the Top 3 City Hotels in Scandinavia, and Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel, which placed in the Top 10 City Hotels in Central and South America, reinforcing the group’s growing international footprint.
Minor Hotels is proud to operate in 13 of the Top 25 Cities named in the magazine’s 2025 rankings, including Chiang Mai (#2), Bangkok (#4), Jaipur (#5), Hoi An (#6), Mexico City (#7), Ubud (#9), Florence (#11), Seville (#12), Granada (#13), Siem Reap (#15), Rome (#18), Porto (#24) and Mérida (#25) – where Tivoli is set to debut soon.
The results are featured in the August print issue of Travel + Leisure, and can be viewed in full on Travel + Leisure’s official website. Winners will be celebrated at the T+L World’s Best Summit in New York on 15–16 July 2025.
See the full rankings below:
25 Favourite Hotel Brands
- Anantara Hotels & Resorts – No.8
Top 100 Hotels in the World
- Kilindi Zanzibar by Elewana Collection – No.5
- Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort – No.26
- Anantara Quy Nhon Villas – No.75
Regional Rankings
- Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort – No.1 Resort, North Africa & Middle East
- Anantara Quy Nhon Villas – No.5 Resort in Southeast Asia
- Kilindi Zanzibar by Elewana Collection – No.1 Best Resort in Africa
- Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel – No.9 Hotel in Europe, #3 Hotel in Italy
- Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel – No.5 Hotel in Rome
- NH Collection Copenhagen – No.2 in Scandinavia City Hotels
- Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel – No.10 City Hotel in Central and South America
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Minor Hotels
Editor’s Notes:
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 57 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
Each year, Travel + Leisure recognises the top hotels, islands, cities, cruise lines, airlines, spas, and more around the globe, according to the results of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 readers’ survey. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are an essential, trusted source for inspiration and guidance as travellers make plans to set out on trips around the globe.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Marion Walsh Hedouin
Global Head of PR & Communications, Minor Hotels
Camilla Coburn Davis
Regional Director of Public Relations, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
