Who do those leading the lifestyles of the rich and famous turn to when booking a travel excursion or vacation? The readers of Luxury Travel Advisor, a select group of sellers of affluent travel dedicated to booking lavish, extravagant travel experiences for those who have the extreme means to indulge. These elite travel professionals have voted to bestow honor upon those individuals, destinations and travel companies that add true panache to the world of luxury travel.

Luxury Travel Advisor, the publication created exclusively for these top-notch agents, has officially announced the winners of the 2009 Luxury Travel Awards of Excellence.

Nominees were hand-selected by a nomination board comprised of the most influential voices in the travel industry including; Priscilla Alexander of Protravel International, Barbara Gallay of Linden Travel Bureau, Inc. and Bob Malmberg of Malmberg Travel Group. Winners were decided upon by the qualified readers of the Luxury Travel Advisor Publication.

The elite group of luxury travel authorities gathered together at the second annual Awards of Excellence Gala held at The Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas for an evening of highest recognition. During the ceremony, each winner was presented with hand-crafted statuesque awards designed by Master Glass Artist, James Stone.

The paramount winners of luxury travel industry for 2009 are:
Airline with Best First-Class Service
Singapore Airlines

Airline with Best Business-Class Service
Virgin Atlantic Airways

Best Private Jet Company
Blue Star Jets

Best Cruise Line for Luxury Ocean Cruises
Crystal Cruises

Best Cruise Line for Luxury Small Ships
Silversea Cruises

Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises
Viking River Cruises

Best Luxury Tour Operator/Wholesaler
Abercrombie & Kent

Best Luxury Car Rental Company
The Hertz Corporation

Best Hotel Bar Worldwide
The American Bar, The Stafford Hotel, London

Best Resort Beach Worldwide
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora

Best City Center Luxury Hotel in Europe
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Best Luxury Hotel/Resort in North America
Montage Laguna Beach

Best Luxury Hotel/Resort in Asia
Amanpuri Resort, Phuket, Thailand

Best Luxury Hotel/Resort in South Pacific/Australia
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora

Best Luxury Hotel/Resort in Caribbean/Bermuda/Bahamas
One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Best Hotel/Resort in Mexico/Central/South America
One&Only Palmilla Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Best Hotel/Resort in the Middle East
Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Best Luxury Hotel/Resort in Africa/Indian Ocean
Cape Grace, Cape Town

Best Luxury Hotel Group
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Top Luxury Suite in a Hotel/Resort Worldwide
Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Top Villa in a Hotel/Resort Worldwide
The Sanctuary, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

Best City Center Hotel Spa Worldwide
Bellagio, Las Vegas

Best Luxury Family Resort Worldwide
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Orlando

Top Concierge Worldwide
Frank Laino, The Stafford Hotel, London

Top General Manager of a Luxury Hotel/Resort
Aaron Kaupp, Hotel Palazzo Sasso, Ravello, Italy

Top Luxury Destination Management Company Worldwide
Abercrombie & Kent

Luxury Travel Advisor Humanitarian Award
Priscilla Alexander, President, Protravel International

Luxury Travel Advisor Top Educator 2009
Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio

Luxury Travel Advisor Top Innovator 2009
The Ritz Carlton Hotel Group