by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Wed September 10, 2025
Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has released The Edge List 2025, highlighting 20 hotels, resorts and cruises that offer access to some of the world’s most remote destinations while delivering elevated service.
The honourees span six categories: Animal Encounters, Beach Adventures, Cultural Immersion, Natural Wonders, Ocean Expeditions and Wilderness Retreats.
Among this year’s selections are Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Thailand (Beach Adventures); Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls, the only property inside Brazil’s Iguacu National Park (Natural Wonders); and Silversea’s Silver Origin, a purpose-built small ship for the Galapagos Islands (Ocean Expeditions).
Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties appeared three times on the list, including Phulay Bay, Nujuma in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, and Mandapa in Bali.
“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 draws its name from four principles: Exceptional Access, Daring Innovation, Global Stewardship and Elevated Experience.
Selections were determined through a combination of on-site inspections by Forbes Travel Guide inspectors and editorial staff, as well as additional research and inspection data.
One of the honorees will be named “winner of the year” at The Summit 2026, FTG’s annual luxury and travel gathering, to take place in Monaco in February.
The complete Edge List 2025 can be viewed at ForbesTravelGuide.com.
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