Qualifications for the Star Diamond Award

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) is globally recognized for identifying and honoring excellence in luxury hospitality, travel, and services. Each year, the Academy bestows the prestigious International Star Diamond Award—the highest accolade of quality and achievement in the industry—to only a select group of Five and Six Star establishments and professionals.


A Global Standard of Excellence

Our qualifications go beyond a one-time review; they reflect consistent excellence year after year. Recipients represent the pinnacle of luxury across hotels, resorts, restaurants, chefs, airlines, spas, cruise lines, golf courses, destinations, luxury products, and services.

Being honored with the Star Diamond Award signals to the world that you uphold the highest standards of service, innovation, and experience.

Evaluation & Selection Process

  • An anonymous on-site inspection conducted by an AAHS expert

  • Review by our International Nominating Committee

  • Final approval by the Board of Trustees


Only those who meet and exceed the Academy’s exacting standards are invited into the exclusive Star Diamond circle.

Every award recipient undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, including:


Who Qualifies?

  • Five and Six Star Hotels & Resorts

  • World-Class Restaurants & Celebrity Chefs

  • Luxury Spas, Golf Courses & Cruise Lines

  • Elite Airlines, Destinations & Products

  • Lifestyle leaders and visionary hospitality professionals

Past honorees include Jean-Georges (NYC), La Pergola (Rome), 
The Dorchester Collection, Alain Ducasse, and Heinz Beck—
setting the bar for prestige and recognition.

We recognize excellence in:

Previous notable recipients

Evander Holyfield

buzz aldrin

Carmelo Anthony

Rita cosby

Buckingham palace

Joe torre

Dave winfield

Lebron james

Armand Asante

Mayor bloomberg

Muhammad Ali

Tom hanks

Andrea bocelli & 
Sharon stone

Tom Brady

Mercedes benz

Jean George

Lufthansa

Yankee’s stadium

Alain Ducasse

shaquille o’neal

Stefano Ricci

Michael phelps

Heinz beck

Nicholas cage

President Donald Trump

Wladimir Klitschko

Fifa Brazil

Ready to Be Recognized?

Join the world’s most prestigious hospitality leaders.

Apply for the Star Diamond Award →