Cover The winners of Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026
The winners of Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026
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The Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026 event was truly a night to remember
The Tatler Best Asia-Pacific awards recognise hospitality excellence, the region’s diverse and dynamic scene and the talented, dedicated people who make it happen. After hosting the annual event in Bangkok in 2024 and 2025, we brought this year’s celebrations to Shanghai on October 22.
The programme kicked off with Tatler Best Talks, an invitation-only series of five inspiring conversations, when hospitality leaders and visionaries explored the ideas and trends shaping hospitality across the region. Jack Morris, founder of travel platform doyoutravel, and Phoebe Ba, who posts as The Traveling Qipao, discussed the business of social media.
Brian McGinn, the executive producer of Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning series Chef’s Table, spoke about the importance of sharing Chinese cuisines stories with the world, while entrepreneur Andy Zhang talked about his vision to build the “Ibiza of China”. And Tony Chi, the designer behind such coveted hotels as Rosewood Hong Kong and Park Hyatt Kyoto and recipient of this year’s Tatler Best Legacy Award, swapped industry stories with long-time friend and hospitality veteran Christophe Sadonès.
Then, it was on to the main event.
See also: Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026
Above Sean Fitzpatrick hosts a panel at Tatler Best Talks with Jack Morris, Phoebe Ba and Derek Tang
Above Brian McGinn at Tatler Best Talks
Sean Fitzpatrick hosts a panel at Tatler Best Talks with Jack Morris, Phoebe Ba and Derek Tang
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We were joined by more than 600 attendees, among them luminaries from all over the world, including the region’s most respected and recognised chefs, mixologists and hoteliers. We also welcomed members of the first ever Tatler Best x Instagram Creators Spotlight, which saw Tatler partner with some of the platform’s most talented creators including the aforementioned Morris and Ba, as well as Kyeonghwan Lee and photographer Derek Tang, to name but a few.
The majesty of the Tatler Best Asia-Pacific awards was matched by the spectacular venue: Yan Garden, Shanghai, a cultural reserve that celebrates Chinese architecture through the dynasties. Set to open officially next year, our guests were treated to a world-exclusive preview of what is sure to become a landmark in the city.
Audible gasps could be heard from guests as they approached the cocktail reception, which was held in Yan Garden, Shanghai’s Jin Xiu Building, a remarkable space reminiscent of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Here, guests mingled over a selection of Chinese wines curated by Strategic Wine Partner, Wynn Resorts Macau, which showcases China’s premier terroirs through the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, the world’s largest competition dedicated to Chinese wine.
Guests arrive at Yan Garden, Shanghai for Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026
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Then, it was on to the Jinxiu Grand Ballroom, a truly impressive space dressed in rich hues of red and gold, for the main event. Fan Li, editorial director of Tatler Shangliu, said in his opening remarks: “We always thought we should bring the celebrations to China, especially Shanghai, and here we are.” Sean Fitzpatrick, chief experience officer, echoed his thoughts: “When it came to deciding where we wanted to hold this year’s edition of Tatler Best Asia Pacific, we had a few options, but when we got on a call, [Fan Li] told me, ‘Sean, I think we found somewhere special.”
During the ceremony, we unveiled the 2026 lists of Asia-Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants, Best 100 Bars and Best 100 Hotels, announcing winners from across the region: from China, New Zealand and Kazakhstan to South Korea, Australia, Nepal and beyond.
We also announced this year’s Best-in-Class award winners across 31 categories including Restaurant of the Year, which went to Wing in Hong Kong; Bar of the Year, awarded to Zest in Seoul; and Hotel of the Year, presented to Mandarin Oriental Qianmen in Beijing.
The Tatler Best 100 Hotels winners of 2026
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A number of individuals were recognised for their outstanding achievements, including Best Sommelier, Carlito Chiu, wine director of Ando in Hong Kong; Rising Star Dario Dong of Cucina di Dario in Shanghai; and Best Pastry Chef Hannah Jang of Mingles in Seoul.
This year, we also introduced our first ever Best-in-Class awards for cruises, a nod to UHNW travellers’ growing affinity for luxury slow travel at sea. The top honour, Cruise of the Year, was awarded to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The Best-in-Class awards for Best New Restaurant, Best New Bar and Best New Hotel were presented by Tatler Best Experience Partner Mastercard’s executive vice-president of marketing and communications for Asia-Pacific, Julie Nestor, who took the opportunity to introduce the room to Mastercard’s Time for Acceptance initiative.
Launched in Singapore with St Andrew’s Autism Centre, the programme transforms public spaces into welcoming, sensory-friendly environments for people with autism and other neurodivergent individuals. Moving beyond awareness to practical action, the programme equips frontline retail and dining staff with training in sensory needs and de-escalation. It also features a directory of sensory-friendly venues offering accommodations such as quiet hours, lowered lighting, dedicated calm zones and literal menu descriptions to ensure low-stress experiences.
Above The official Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026 after party
Above Master Wen keeps the vibes going at the official Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026 after party
The official Tatler Best Asia-Pacific 2026 after party
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At the cocktail reception, guests experienced the approach through an interactive canapé game: matching screen-displayed sensory notes—texture, garnish, plating—to the right bite, or tasting a canapé and identifying its profile on a sensory wheel. A final QR code brought guests to Mastercard’s website which creates custom sensory menus and promote accessibility.
Halfway through the ceremony, guests were treated to a live performance by social media sensation Master Wen, a street performer turned viral star who captured hearts around the world with his covers of hits such as Bill Withers’ Just the Two of Us, which he performed that evening to enthusiastic applause.
Once all the awards had been handed out, we turned the ballroom into our annual “sea of hexagons”, where all of the winners raised their Tatler Best trophies for a memorable photo that captures the spirit and excitement of the awards.
The night came to a reluctant end with an afterparty held in one of Yan Garden, Shanghai’s heritage-inspired courtyards for cocktails and canapés under the stars.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
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