Showcasing the world's best hotels, resorts, restaurants and travel experiences

Today is the day Celebrated Living magazine, the premium-class publication for American Airlines, announces the winners of its prestigious 2018 Platinum List Awards. Hand-picked, expert judges and the public have finally spoken and we now know the best of the best in travel today.
Following thousands of votes being cast and counted across the 215 nominees, 77 winners from 19 countries have been chosen and the definitive list of the best resorts, hotels, cruises, fine dining and nightlife spots around the world is revealed.
The nominees were chosen by a distinguished panel of experts in the fields of media, fashion, food, sports and the arts. Their selections were then voted upon by our readers, whose opinions decided the winners.

The winners appear in the September/October issue of Celebrated Living magazine for American Airlines online and inflight. ( https://magazines.aa.com/en/features/2018/08/winners-of-the-2018-platinum-list-awards )

“Our Platinum List Awards September issue of Celebrated Living magazine is a highlight of the year, when we join our own experiences and knowledge with that of experts in the field and, most importantly, our loyal and affluent readers,” said Celebrated Living magazine Editor-in-Chief Eric Newill.
“We're delighted to showcase the best of the best in luxury travel today, as these awards represent the most inspiring places, people and destinations that are making travel memorable and exciting today. We hope the Platinum List Awards will stimulate readers to book their next trip.”
We're also excited to announce that the Platinum List issue will come to life on October 12 2018, with a panel event at the highly anticipated New York City Wine & Food Festival. Titled “The Future of Luxury Travel,” the event will investigate what it means to create a truly top-tier experience in an ever evolving industry (for more info, click here).

Participating Platinum List experts and winners will include Ashlan Cousteau, event producer Cheryl Gentry, chef Abe Conlon (winner of this year's James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes award), 1 Hotels director of food and beverage Matt Erickson, and Guy Young of The Travel Corporation, which operates Ashford Castle and the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
Quotes from some of our winners:
“It is a great privilege for our team to receive this prestigious award from Celebrated Living's 2018 Platinum List. At Scarfes Bar we always strive to create a truly unique and memorable offering which showcases the collaborative talent of our team, with a strong focus on delivering a stimulating guest experience. This year we have dedicated many months towards the development of our culturally inspired cocktail menu, and it brings us great pride to receive such esteemed recognition for the work of our teams, both at Scarfes Bar and Rosewood London.”
-Martin Siska, Bar Manager, Scarfes Bar

“We are so honored to be recognized on the Platinum List again. This is one of the premier awards lists in the world and our brands Ashford Castle and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection—which work hard to deliver outstanding quality, service and value—are so proud to be recognized here. Thank you, American Airlines.”
-Brett Tollman, chief executive, The Travel Corporation

"Golden Door and all our employees are proud to be recognized by Celebrated Living as one of the top wellness resort destinations in the world. Unique and healthy choices enhance the world of travel."
-Kathy Van Ness, general manager, Golden Door

“It seems fitting that The Little Nell—named for a legendary silver mine situated on Aspen Mountain, just steps away from the hotel—would be named to this list, as the word platinum is derived from the Spanish term platina, meaning 'little silver.' We are simultaneously proud and humbled to be honored by Celebrated Living with this recognition.”
-Mark Elias, director of sales, The Little Nell

Platinum List expert judges include:
Ashlan Cousteau
The co-star of the Travel Channel's adventure series Caribbean Pirate Treasure, Ashlan Cousteau dives into maritime mysteries alongside her husband, Philippe Cousteau. Her Discovery Channel documentary Nuclear Sharks premiered at number one in cable programming. For more than a decade, she appeared as a correspondent and anchor on E!

Giada De Laurentiis
The Emmy Award-winning television personality of the Food Network's Everyday Italian, Giada at Home, Giada in Italy and Giada Entertains, Giada De Laurentiis is a judge on Food Network Star, an NBC Today show correspondent, and the operator of the restaurants Giada and Pronto in Las Vegas. Her ninth cookbook, Giada's Italy, debuted in April.

Rande Gerber
A co-founder of Casamigos Tequila with George Clooney and Mike Meldman, Rande Gerber has been a leading impresario in the nightlife industry for over 25 years, creating the modern hotel lounge concept with his Whiskey Bars. Casamigos, which became the country's fastest-growing ultra-premium tequila, has recently released a new mezcal.

Barbara Hulanicki
Beginning her career as a fashion illustrator, Barbara Hulanicki founded the legendary boutique Biba in 1964. It quickly became one of the key haunts of Swinging London, attracting the era's foremost rock stars and celebrities. She went on to design interiors for the Rolling Stones' Ron Wood and Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost. She is the subject of the film Beyond Biba.

Naeem Khan
Born and raised in Mumbai, Naeem Khan launched his eponymous fashion brand in 2003, with clients including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Based in New York, he began a bridal collection in 2013. He is a member of Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Ma Yansong
The founder and principal of MAD Architects, Ma Yansong is recognized as an important voice in the new generation of architects. The Beijing native is the first Chinese architect to win an overseas landmark-building project with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. He was named one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2014 by Fast Company.

Lee Brian Schrager
The founder of both the South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals—which to date have raised more than $35 million for charity—Lee Brian Schrager is the senior vice president of communications at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. He serves on the board of trustees for Food Bank for New York City and has published three cookbooks.

Alison Taylor
As senior vice president of global sales and distribution at American Airlines, Alison Taylor heads a team of more than 1,000 associates to sell the AA product and experience. She also leads the airline's distribution strategy, ensuring AA offers value-added booking options across all channels customers utilize to access the airline's products and services. Before joining AA, she led the sales team at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Dwyane Wade
A three-time NBA champion, Olympic Gold medalist and 12-time NBA All-Star, Dwyane Wade began playing for the Miami Heat in 2003. In 2016 he joined the Chicago Bulls and then the Cleveland Cavaliers before returning to Miami in February. Off the court, he is recognized as a style leader, launching the charity fashion show A Night on the RunWade and serving as an ambassador for the first New York City Men's Fashion Week. He is also a best-selling author with his book, A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball.

Molly Young
A contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, GQ and Elle, style expert Molly Young served as the creative leader for the eyewear company Warby Parker. Her illustrated book about New York City, D C-T! (with Joana Avillez), is being released this month. She also operates the design store Young Blanks with her husband, Teddy Blanks.