Four Seasons' Unbroken Reign: A Decade of Five-Star Dominance

TORONTO, ON – February 12, 2026 – As the arbiters of luxury travel at Forbes Travel Guide unveiled their 2026 Star Awards, a familiar name once again stood at the apex. For the eleventh consecutive year, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts secured more Five-Star ratings than any other single brand, a testament to its enduring command of the ultra-luxury hospitality sector. The achievement, which comes as the company celebrates its 65th anniversary, includes a remarkable 62 top-tier distinctions spread across 42 hotels and resorts, 16 spas, and 4 restaurants globally.

This sustained recognition underscores a deep-seated commitment to a level of service that consistently meets the rigorous, objective standards of Forbes' anonymous inspectors. "Service excellence and genuine care have long defined Four Seasons legacy and remain at the core of our guest experience," said Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons. "This incredible industry recognition is a testament to the dedication of our people and the enduring strength of our culture."

A Crowded Field of Excellence

Four Seasons' continued leadership is made all the more impressive by the increasingly competitive and dynamic nature of the global luxury market. The 2026 Forbes Travel Guide awards reflect a significant evolution in high-end travel, expanding to cover new destinations and even new categories, with the first-ever Five-Star ratings awarded to a cruise ship and a cruise-ship restaurant. This signals a broadening definition of luxury, where discerning travelers seek impeccable service not just in traditional city centers but in emerging locales and on the high seas.

While Four Seasons holds the top spot for a single brand, the landscape is populated by formidable players. Marriott International’s Luxury Group, for instance, celebrated a banner year with numerous new Five-Star accolades, and brands like Mandarin Oriental and Rosewood also secured significant new top-tier ratings. This context highlights the intensity of the competition and the difficulty of maintaining such a long-standing winning streak. The awards also point to a decentralization of luxury, with new Five-Star properties emerging in secondary markets from Japan to Montenegro, proving that world-class experiences are no longer confined to a handful of global capitals.

The Human Element Behind the Stars

At the heart of Four Seasons' consistent success is a philosophy that prioritizes people. The brand's greatest competitive advantage, as stated by the company, is its nearly 60,000 employees. Forbes Travel Guide’s methodology, which bases 70% of a property's rating on the quality of its service, directly validates this human-centric approach. The awards are not just for opulent facilities but for the virtually flawless, intuitive, and heartfelt service delivered by the staff.

A poignant example of this culture in action is the recognition of Blanca López Giménez, a Reservations Agent at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, as a finalist for Forbes Travel Guide's 'Employee of the Year' award. Selected from hundreds of nominations worldwide, this distinction showcases how the brand’s ethos of empowerment and genuine care translates into tangible, award-worthy moments for guests. It is this dedication, replicated across the globe, that enables properties like Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest and the spas at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and the Beverly Wilshire to maintain their coveted Five-Star status for a decade or more.

This year also saw new properties join the elite ranks. The Pearl Spa and Wellness at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island earned its first Five-Star ranking, a 21,500-square-foot sanctuary recognized for its highly skilled practitioners and holistic approach to well-being, further proving the brand's ability to instill its service standards in new ventures.

Redefining the Boundaries of Luxury

While celebrating its heritage, Four Seasons is actively shaping the future of luxury travel. With approximately 60 projects in its global pipeline, the company is not merely expanding its portfolio of hotels and resorts but is also venturing into new experiential territories. These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving desires of affluent travelers who seek more than just a beautiful room.

The brand's pioneering Four Seasons Private Jet Experience has set a standard for curated, globe-spanning journeys. Now, the company is poised to extend its legendary service to the water with the upcoming launch of Four Seasons Yachts. This move aligns perfectly with the industry's growing recognition of ultra-luxury cruising, as evidenced by Forbes' own new award category. By expanding to land, air, and sea, the brand is creating a comprehensive ecosystem of luxury travel that ensures its signature service accompanies guests throughout their entire journey.

This forward-looking strategy complements the continuous refinement of its core offerings. The company’s diverse portfolio is designed to connect guests with each destination authentically, while the steadfast commitment to its founding values provides the consistency that travelers expect. In its 65th year, Four Seasons demonstrates that true leadership lies not in resting on laurels, but in relentlessly pursuing excellence while simultaneously imagining what comes next for the world’s most discerning travelers.