Tourexpi
Turkey Named Best Wellness Destination in the 2025 Matador Network Travel Awards
Matador Network has announced the twelve winners of
its 2025 Travel Awards, honoring destinations and airlines that shaped global
travel this year. While the list includes standout places from Estonia to Baja
California, Turkey’s recognition as Best Wellness Destination marks one
of the most significant highlights of the awards cycle.
Turkey’s wellness culture earns global praise
According to Matador’s editors, Turkey’s wellness appeal is deeply rooted in everyday life:
from weekly hammam rituals and ancient thermal baths to slow breakfasts,
seaside walks and a cultural rhythm that prizes balance and restoration. This
holistic approach set Turkey apart in a competitive field and secured its place as
the top wellness destination for 2025.
The award also reflects the country’s growing
international visibility as a haven for travelers seeking meaningful rest,
rejuvenation and authentic local traditions.
Other award winners
Alongside Turkey, Matador announced winners across key categories.
Estonia was named Next Big Destination, Oaxaca earned Best Adventure
Destination, Madeira took Best Sustainable Destination, and Baja California
became the first-ever Best Wildlife Destination. Qatar Airways was selected as
the Best Airline by Matador’s editors, while Emirates claimed the readers’
choice.
Readers’ choice highlights include Albania as Next Big
Destination, Patagonia for adventure, Costa Rica for sustainability, Rotorua
(New Zealand) for wellness and Nairobi National Park for wildlife.
A guide for 2026 travel inspiration
“These award-winning destinations set travelers up for
remarkable experiences,” said Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. “Whether you are
taking one major trip or planning a year of exploration, the list gives
inspiration for 2026.”
Matador’s editorial content director Nickolaus Hines
added that these places and airlines continue to deliver the kinds of
experiences people seek year after year.
The full list of the 2025 Matador Network Travel
Awards is available on the Matador Network website.
Image
Credit: © FVA Türkei
The most interesting news
Read the News
Explore More Cities in One Trip with the Emirates Asia Pass
A single booking unlocks flexible multi-city travel across Southeast Asia
Read the News
Seabourn launches Explore More Event with savings of up to 15 percent
Exclusive offers available on most 2026–2028 ocean voyages and expedition itineraries
Read the News
Savor the Flavors: Agoda Showcases Asia’s Must-Visit Foodie Destinations
Why culinary experiences will shape 2026 travel choices across the region
Read the News
TAT celebrates three new Japan–Bangkok routes by Thai AirAsia X and Thai Lion Air
New flights from Sendai, Hokkaido and Osaka boost Thailand’s access to a key source market
Read the News
Making Invisible Disabilities Visible: Lufthansa Joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Sunflower symbol now available on Lufthansa flights and at home airports in Frankfurt and Munich
Read the News
Riyadh Air and IBM Announce Partnership to Launch the World’s First AI-Native Airline
AI-driven operations will underpin guest and employee experience and set a new benchmark for digital transformation in global aviation
Read the News
A New Design Chapter Begins in Osnabrück with the Opening of Prize by Radisson
Brand’s refreshed design language debuts at a central new hotel address
Read the News
Ryanair to Cut 1 Million Seats in Brussels and Charleroi as Government Plans to Double Aviation Tax
Airline announces a 22% capacity reduction, withdrawal of five aircraft and 20 route cuts for Winter 2026/27 – warns of major economic impact
Read the News
Star Alliance Named World’s Leading Airline Alliance for 2025
Sixth consecutive win at the World Travel Awards highlights the Alliance’s focus on seamless travel
Read the News
Global Tourism Economy Forum 2025 to Convene in Harbin from December 15–17
Over 1,000 international delegates expected as Heilongjiang hosts the Forum for the first time
Read the News
Century Cruises Unveils First Look at the Century Star
The new vessel will mark the company’s European debut when it begins sailing the Danube on 18 September 2026
Read the News
Condor and Etihad Airways Sign Codeshare for New Germany–Abu Dhabi Services
Daily nonstop flights from Frankfurt and Berlin begin in summer 2026, supported by seamless onward connections via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub
Read the News
Turkish Airlines and South African Airways Sign New Codeshare Agreement
Joint flights begin on 1 March 2026, expanding travel options between Türkiye, Africa and key global hubs
Read the News
Club Med Announces Expansion in Canada with New Club Med Tremblant
The brand’s second Canadian resort will bring a premium, ski-in/ski-out experience to the Laurentians
Read the News
Ryanair Expands Liverpool Base with Sixth Aircraft for Summer 2026
US$600 million investment brings 15% growth, three new routes and more capacity for the Northwest
Read the News
IHG and SEDCO Capital sign Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah
New 150-key lifestyle hotel anchors Jeddah’s upcoming Grand Square development with design-led, neighbourhood-inspired hospitality
Read the News
Marella Cruises unveils Umi Sushi, a new à la carte venue on Marella Voyager
Japanese-inspired dining joins the ship’s culinary line-up from December 2025
Read the News
Introducing InterContinental The Red Sea Resort
Early opening on Shura Island reinforces IHG’s luxury vision
Read the News
Konya opens 11-day commemoration for the 752nd anniversary of Mevlana Rumi’s passing
UNESCO-recognized Sema ceremony launches the “Time for Serenity” program, drawing visitors from Türkiye and around the world
Read the News
Global Classics with an Asian Twist: Festive Indulgence Across Hilton in Asia Pacific
Hilton hotels across the region reimagine holiday favourites with local flavours, craftsmanship, and seasonal creativity
Read the News
Taiwan Tourism Charts a New Course for Growth
A three-pillar strategy—local immersion, digital innovation, and international promotion—sets the direction for the industry’s next phase
