Last week in Monte-Carlo, Hotels Above Par Founder Brandon Berkson and Senior Editor Britney Eschelman attended the Forbes Travel Summit. This week-long gathering brings together the hospitality world’s top names—luxury hoteliers, travel CEOs, Michelin-starred chefs, and some celebrity guests. They meet to celebrate the properties and people behind the Forbes Travel Guide.
The event blends industry insight with Riviera glamour. Days are brimful with keynote sessions and media meetings. Evenings unfold at Monaco’s most iconic venues. From standout speaker moments to one-on-one conversations with hospitality leaders, the summit offers a gala we’ve dubbed the “Oscars of Travel.” Here’s what went on behind the scenes.
Travel Tidbits You Should Know
If there was one takeaway from this year’s summit, it’s that hospitality is evolving quickly—and technology and wellness are leading the charge.
Artificial intelligence dominated many conversations throughout the week. Platforms and hotels alike are exploring how AI can help personalize itineraries and anticipate guest needs before arrival. Ankur Jain, founder of Bilt, spoke about using data to create a “home away from home” experience where guests arrive already connected to the neighborhood around them.
Wellness was another major theme, particularly the ripple effects of weight-loss medications on travel behavior. According to PwC’s Ali Furman, these drugs represent a “physiological evolution” that is changing how consumers think about their bodies and health routines.
For hotels, the takeaway is clear: wellness is no longer a niche offering. From nutrition-forward dining to restorative spa programming, guests increasingly expect experiences that support their broader health journeys.
Speakers That Stole the Stage
No shortage of standout voices took the stage throughout the summit.
Activist adventurer Johan Ernst delivered one of the week’s most thoughtful reminders of why people travel in the first place:
“Every place is beautiful. Every person is interesting. It just depends what questions you ask.”
Meanwhile, Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, brought humor to the room with his famous hotel design “red flags,” including low shower heads and the absence of blackout shades.
Entrepreneur Chris Gardner, CEO of HappYness—and the man whose life inspired the film The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith—spoke about purpose-driven hospitality (not to mention, he has the most contagious laugh of all time), while 17-year-old Danish racing driver Alba Larsen offered a perspective on performance, resilience, and global travel from the world of motorsport.
A Glitzy Night at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Caviar carts, oyster platters, champagne flowing freely, live jazz, martinis, theatrical performances, truffle-laced pasta, and a Cédric Grolet dessert bar sums it up about right.
And after all of that? The night was far from over. Many guests made their way next door to Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo for an after-party that carried well into the early hours for those who wanted a little more movement after dinner.
The “Oscars” of Travel Gala by Forbes Travel Guide
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth turned back into Galinda for the evening, taking the stage to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow live.
Actor Erich Bergen—who recently portrayed Anthony Radziwill in the FX series Love Story—hosted the evening with witty travel remarks and natural je ne sais quoi as Forbes Travel Guide nominees were recognized in front of the crowd.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at one of Monaco’s most iconic nightlife venues: Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo. Espresso martinis flowed, the dance floor stayed packed, and a neon sign above the crowd read:
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here tonight.”
One thing is certain: the travel industry knows how to throw a party.
Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Winners
Among the awards presented during the gala, a few standout names caught our attention. Legendary chef Daniel Boulud was honored during the evening, a recognition that felt fitting given his decades-long influence on the intersection of fine dining and luxury hospitality.
On the boutique hotel front, Gregor Maximilian Köck, concierge at Rosewood Vienna, was recognized as the Les Clefs d'Or® International Young Concierge of the Year—the first Austrian ever to receive the honor. His recognition reflects the property’s exceptional service standards and Vienna’s growing appeal as a luxury destination.
Meanwhile, The Colony Palm Beach took home Best Luxury Collaboration of the Year, with owner Sarah Wetenhall and general manager Bruce Siegel accepting the award in Monaco. The accolade celebrates the hotel’s creative partnerships with brands like Apple TV+, goop, and Cabana Magazine, proving that thoughtful collaborations can extend a hotel’s story far beyond the guest room.
The Monaco Hotels Worth Noting
Of course, no trip to Monaco would be complete without experiencing the hotels that define the destination.
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) oversees many of the principality’s most iconic properties, including the storied Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and the grand Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. (Fans of the 2011 film Monte Carlo, starring Selena Gomez, may recognize the Hôtel de Paris as one of the movie’s glamorous backdrops.)
Both embody a level of Riviera opulence that feels almost theatrical—Belle Époque architecture, sweeping Mediterranean views, and service polished to near perfection.
Monte Carlo, France
