"I never thought I’d be called an icon. For me, hospitality has always been simple—it’s about care. Caring for people, for our community, and for the planet. It’s about creating good times that actually mean something. And that’s always been more than enough.
This award is a real honour, but more than anything, it’s a reminder of what hospitality can be when it comes from a place of purpose.
Being an icon isn’t about one person or one place—it’s about setting an example. And I truly believe we all have the power to lead with care, act with purpose, and make sure the good times we create also do good for others.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. This is all of ours. We’re all icons."
-Ronald Akili
Ronald Akili received the first-ever Icon Award from the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 in Bangkok.
