Minor Hotels Anantara Brand Ranks in World Top 5 Best Hotel Brands in Travel + Leisure 2026 Awards

[Bangkok, July 9, 2026] — Minor Hotels has secured a historic industry breakthrough as its luxury arm, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, ascended into the Top 5 Best Hotel Brands globally. The achievement was announced following the release of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, where the group also saw four individual properties earn spots on the prestigious list of the 100 Best Hotels in the World.

The annual accolades are determined via a comprehensive global survey of readers, serving as a primary benchmark for quality and guest satisfaction in the international hospitality sector. These rankings highlight the establishments and brands that successfully merge high-end luxury with exceptional service and authentic travel experiences.

Anantara Climbs Global Brand Rankings

The 2026 results mark a significant leap for Anantara Hotels & Resorts, which moved up to the No. 5 position among the world's premier hotel brands. This represents a notable improvement from its No. 8 ranking in 2025. Industry observers suggest this trajectory is driven by the brand's commitment to "experiential luxury," a strategy that prioritizes deep cultural immersion and personalized guest interactions over standardized luxury.

Parallel to the brand's rise, Minor Hotels expanded its footprint within the elite "100 Best Hotels in the World" category. The group now has four properties recognized in this tier, an increase from the three properties that made the list in the previous year's cycle.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, stated that the inclusion of Anantara in the Top 5 and the presence of four properties in the global Top 100 serves as a strong validation of the daily efforts of their operational teams. He noted that these results emphasize the group's overarching goal of providing meaningful and transformative experiences for a global clientele.

Top Performing Properties in Tanzania and Thailand

The most striking results for Minor Hotels emerged from its safari portfolio in East Africa. Tanzania-based retreats showed an exceptional level of performance, reflecting a broader trend toward high-end wilderness tourism.

Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro, a luxury country-house estate located in northern Tanzania, claimed the 14th spot globally. Close behind was the Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp, which ranked 21st. The latter is praised for its immersive tented camp experience and its strategic proximity to the Serengeti ecosystem, allowing guests direct access to some of the world's most famous wildlife migrations.

In Southeast Asia, the group maintained a powerful presence in Thailand. The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort was ranked 37th globally. This property is specifically noted for its commitment to ethical elephant conservation and its unique geographic position at the border intersection of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Additionally, the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort secured the 81st position, recognized for its secluded beachfront luxury and comprehensive wellness offerings.

Regional Excellence Across Africa, Asia, and Europe

Beyond the global Top 100, Minor Hotels dominated several regional categories, proving its ability to scale luxury across diverse markets.

In Africa, the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara was named the No. 2 Best Resort on the continent. The property is lauded for providing guests with unparalleled proximity to the Victoria Falls, one of the world's most significant natural wonders.

The brand's strength in Thailand was further evidenced by the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort ranking as the No. 2 Best Resort in Thailand and No. 13 among the Best Resorts in Asia. Similarly, the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort was ranked as the No. 4 Best Resort in Thailand.

The group's European expansion also yielded results, with the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam being named the No. 5 Best Hotel in Amsterdam. This recognition highlights the brand's success in adapting its luxury model to fit the historic and urban context of a major European capital.

Minor Hotels 2026 Award Summary

The following table details the specific rankings achieved by Minor Hotels properties and brands in the 2026 awards:

Category	Property/Brand	Ranking
Best Hotel Brands	Anantara Hotels & Resorts	No. 5
Top 100 Hotels (Global)	Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro	No. 14
Top 100 Hotels (Global)	Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp	No. 21
Top 100 Hotels (Global)	Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort	No. 37
Top 100 Hotels (Global)	Anantara Layan Phuket Resort	No. 81
Best Resorts in Africa	The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel	No. 2
Best Resorts in Thailand	Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort	No. 2
Best Resorts in Thailand	Anantara Layan Phuket Resort	No. 4
Best Resorts in Asia	Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort	No. 13
Best Hotels in Amsterdam	Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam	No. 5

Strategic Impact on Global Luxury Travel

The ascent of Anantara into the Top 5 global brands signals a shift in what modern luxury travelers value. While traditional luxury often focused on opulence and exclusivity, these rankings suggest a move toward "meaningful luxury"—where the value is derived from the destination's culture, sustainability efforts, and the authenticity of the experience.

The strong performance of the Elewana properties in Tanzania indicates a surge in demand for high-end eco-tourism. By successfully blending rugged wilderness with sophisticated hospitality, Minor Hotels is capturing a segment of the market that seeks adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Furthermore, the brand's ability to rank highly in three different continents—Africa, Asia, and Europe—demonstrates a versatile operational model. Whether managing a safari camp in the Serengeti or a historic hotel in Amsterdam, the group has maintained a consistent standard of excellence that resonates with a diverse, international demographic of travelers.

A new era of experiential luxury is redefining the global hospitality hierarchy.