The publication Rules of Life honored leading figures in Russia’s hotel and restaurant sector, along with services that elevate domestic tourism to new heights, according to the event organizers. The Voyage Prize was presented to a diverse group of industry leaders and supporters who have helped shine a light on the country’s hospitality scene.
The inaugural travel awards ceremony took place at the Odeon Theater in Moscow, turning a historical venue into a showcase for hospitality excellence and industry innovation. Attendees represented a broad spectrum of hotels, restaurants, and entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to the vibrancy of the sector.
Among the guests were notable figures from the black book of Russian hospitality, including businesspeople, creative professionals, and media personalities. The presence of Oksana Lavrentieva, entrepreneur; Alexander Tsypkin, writer; Maria Minogarova, influencer and blogger; Elena Letuchaya, television presenter; and other industry advocates underscored the event’s significance as a gathering of leaders and enthusiasts who share a commitment to enhancing guest experiences across the country.
During the ceremony, Sergei Minaev, the editor in chief of Rules of Life, spoke about the critical role of supporting hospitality projects at this moment. He emphasized that nurturing innovative ideas in hotels, restaurants, and related services is essential to sustaining momentum in domestic travel and attracting new interest from travellers within Russia and beyond.
Humor was part of the evening as comedian Dima Koval delivered a stand-up set focused on travel, offering a lighthearted reflection on the industry and its evolving landscape. The blend of entertainment and industry insight highlighted how the sector can engage audiences while showcasing the best in hospitality design and service.
Later, Trifon Bebutov, chief editor of Rules of Life, elaborated on why the magazine places strong emphasis on the hospitality field. He explained that as editors, the team observes a steady growth in domestic tourism and collaborates with readers to discover new corners of the nation that may have remained unexplored. The Voyage Prize, he noted, represents a concise summary of the magazine’s year-long exploration of travel in the country.
He stressed that the hotels recognized by the editors are not merely impressive on paper; they are projects that the editorial team and its experts genuinely admire and want to share with as wide an audience as possible. The aim is to inspire readers to seek out experiences in places they might not have considered before and to recognize the value of well-executed hospitality in shaping memorable journeys.
Among the winners, Tasigo Kazan Palace in Kazan was named the best city hotel, reflecting a blend of modern comfort and cultural resonance that resonates with travelers seeking authentic regional experiences. The jury also highlighted Mriya Resort & Spa in Crimea as the most interesting architectural project, recognizing its ambition and the way it integrates into its seaside setting while pushing forward design standards in the region.
In the design category, Villa Romanov Wine Club & Spa in the Krasnodar region received top honors for its distinctive approach to guest spaces and service aesthetics that merge luxury with a sense of place. Other notable recognitions included Kivach Sanatorium in Karelia and Hvoy restaurant at We Lodge in the Leningrad region, which were celebrated for their commitment to quality, service, and unique guest experiences. The Pestovo Podvorye tourist site in Suzdal and Cuva.ru, a digital travel service, also received commendations for contributing to the broader travel ecosystem. These recognitions underscore the breadth of the Magazine’s coverage, from boutique properties to digital platforms, all playing a role in expanding domestic travel options for readers and visitors alike, as noted by the publication’s evaluators. Additional projects were acknowledged for their contributions to the industry’s growth and innovation, illustrating a wide spectrum of excellence across hospitality and tourism services.