Westgate Resorts Won Gold Magellan Award
The Orlando-based hospitality company received top honors in the 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards competition.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Travel — General
Westgate Resorts has been awarded a Gold honor in the Overall Vacation Rentals/Villas/Timeshare category of the 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. The recognition follows a year of expansion for the company, which opened its new Westgate Bimini Bay property in August.
Why it matters
The Magellan Awards are designed to highlight industry excellence through a judging panel of travel and hospitality professionals. By utilizing a standard of excellence model, the competition evaluates entries individually rather than pitting them directly against one another.
Founded in 1982, the Orlando-based company now manages nearly 60 resort properties across the country. The firm currently employs approximately 9,000 team members.
The players
Westgate Resorts
This hospitality company is headquartered in Orlando and operates nearly 60 resort properties.
Travel Weekly
This organization manages the annual Magellan Awards, which recognize excellence across the global travel industry.
The details
The company continues to grow its national footprint, having recently added VI Resorts by Westgate to its portfolio in 2025. Entries for the Magellan Awards are strictly assessed by hospitality experts to ensure they meet high benchmarks for service and quality.
Timeline
Westgate Resorts was founded in 1982.
The company added VI Resorts by Westgate to its portfolio in 2025.
The new Westgate Bimini Bay resort opened in August 2026.
The Magellan Award Gold win was announced on October 12, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards serve as the industry benchmarking standard for identifying quality in global hospitality. This award acknowledges how Westgate Resorts differentiates itself within the competitive timeshare and vacation villa market.
Travelers looking for verified high-quality accommodations can consult the list of Magellan Award winners to guide their future vacation bookings. This recognition provides a professional endorsement for those navigating the company's 60 available resort destinations.
The takeaway
Industry awards often act as a quality signal for consumers researching new vacation destinations or loyalty programs. Implementing a strategy of checking award-winning properties can help ensure a consistent level of service and facilities for your next trip.
Further reading
Learn more about industry trends in our Travel — General section.
More information
View the complete list of Magellan Award winners for more details on the 2026 recipients.
