Author: Linda Cooper

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Hidden Hills Villas – A True Hidden Gem, in the Heart of Uluwatu

A Personal Review by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager

In December of 2017, I met Max Loong, Owner and Founder of Hidden Hills Villas, at our Hotel Awards event in St. Moritz. On this night, he invited me for a stay if ever I am “in the area”, to see what they do and how they do it. I never knew that this invitation would extend to 7 years later, or that I would ever, actually, even make it to Bali!

I am glad he is a man of his word…

In April 2024 while conducting a site inspection at our gala ceremony host property, Max held true on his word and we were afforded a 3-night stay, in what I call “the paradise-on-earth villa” – the Seychelles Villa!

It’s one thing to say Bali is hot, until you actually experience it with 100% humidity! On arrival, there were cold towels, face spritzers and cocktails being served at their Hidden Gem Restaurant which overlooks Uluwatu from the top of the hill, down to the seemingly never-ending horizon of blue. Max was there to personally greet us, give us some information on Bali, advice on where and more importantly, where NOT to eat and update us via a brief tour on the upgrades and renovations to the property.

I’ve always said, “the true heart of a hotel, and what makes your stay memorable, is the hospitality of the staff that surround you.”, and that echoes truth at Hidden Hills Villas. The small things counted more than even the absolute blissful and luxurious setting we found ourselves in. Arriving in 34 degree weather with 100% humidity, the first thing I noticed when taken to our villa was the swimming pool filled with floaties and loungers, even one to hold your drinks – that tells me personally, friends are coming! Let’s make this memorable!

To speak about service excellence and not reference Hidden Hillas Villas for the rest of my life would not make sense… every single member of their team has a warm, charming and most hospitable way of helping you with anything that you need. From the start of the reservation until the moment we left, we felt like we were at a home away from home. We wanted and waited for nothing, and all this while sitting in the lap of luxury in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.  

Speaking of which, Hidden Hills Villas – being so centrally located, is a stone’s-throw from the bustling and beautiful nightlife that the famous Uluwatu boasts. It takes no time to take a transfer down to “the strip” where more than enough options of shops, clubs, pubs, restaurants and bars are available to choose from, for whatever you may be feeling for the night. Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach and Padang Padang Beach are also within a 10-minute drive and the shopping options are vibrant!

The World Luxury Hotel Awards would like to thank every member of staff for everything you offered in smiles, kindness and hospitality during our stay with you.

We would also like to give a very special mention and thank you to Tara for all your wonderful planning assistance and opportunities granted for us to experience Bali and Uluwatu in all her glory. The sites and visits you recommended will not be forgotten. Also, to Putu, the resident driver and tour guide while there, for your beautiful hospitality and time taken to explain everything Balinese to us as we spent, sometimes, hours in the car with you. You never made us feel like all our questions were too much.  

Max, you and your family have built something magical and full of heart, a haven that one just does not often find in their lives.

The only part about Hidden Hills Villas that I would not recommend, is leaving!

Reviewed by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager for the World Luxury Awards.

To book your stay at Hidden Hills Villas, visit their website: www.hiddenhillsvillas.com

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2023 World Luxury Hotel Awards Winners Announced

The World Luxury Awards celebrated its 17th year of awarding some of the top hotels, spas, restaurants and travel establishments on 28 October 2023. It was a night to remember. This luxurious affair was hosted by Grand Hyatt Athens in Greece and saw almost 300 establishments from around the world awarded for their dedication and commitment to the luxury hospitality industry.

“We are very proud of all of our winners, and being able to celebrate with them on an occasion like this is very special. The ceremony was incredible. The interactive entertainment, The Greek Priestesses and The Famous Zorba, were highlights of the evening and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. We wish to congratulate all our winners, also to those who were not able to be with us. A special congratulations to our overall winners: the Global Hotel of the Year – Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Global Spa of the Year – Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa, the Global Restaurant of the Year – Le Pavillon and the Global Travel Establishment of the Year – Australia Zoo.” says Jana Stoman, the Executive Manager for the World Luxury Awards.

A brilliant and tantalizing 6-course menu was prepared for all to enjoy throughout the night. We wish to recognize and give thanks to Alpha Wine Estate for providing the Greek wine pairing that complemented each course.

Prior to the Gala Ceremony, on Friday evening, the guests who opted in were treated to a spectacular walking tour of Athens by the Greek Gourmet Tours. After viewing multiple ancient and historical sites and a stunning walk around the Acropolis, the tour culminated in a sumptuous dinner at a delightful and modern, Greek tapas-style restaurant. One can truly say, dining in Greece can be an adventure on its own! Thank you to Anastasia and her team at Greek Gourmet Tours for providing this wonderful experience.

“Travelers today increasingly value experiences over possessions and are willing to invest in unique, authentic, and immersive travel experiences. It is with the unwavering commitment of dedicated staff that guests can enjoy this. We congratulate the 2023 winners, who have worked hard and tirelessly to be successful in a very competitive industry.” says Jana Stoman.

The after party on the Rooftop was blessed with a full moon, a blood moon in fact, rising overhead, and the Acropolis blazing in its glory in the distance. Many guests enjoyed socializing with new and old friends while the DJ enticed them onto the dance floor. It ended a momentous occasion, perfectly.

“The World Luxury Awards would like to recognize and thank France 24, our official partner sponsor for 12 years, for being with us tonight and remaining a part of our family in the hospitality industry.” says Brandon Lourens, Chief Executive Officer of the World Luxury Awards.

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The Granite Luxury Hotel

A Lavish Haven of Luxury: The Granite Luxury Hotel Exceeds Expectations

The Granite Luxury Hotel, located in Georgetown Penang, is the ideal destination for romantic escapes, family holidays, and business meetings.

I had the pleasure of staying at The Granite Luxury Hotel for two nights, and I must say that my experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped foot into the hotel lobby, I knew I was in for an unforgettable stay.

The staff at The Granite Luxury Hotel is undoubtedly one of their greatest assets. Upon arrival, I was greeted with warm smiles and personalized service that made me feel like a valued guest. Bryan at the front desk assisted me with the check-in process and showed me to my room. He was very informative and helped me with bookings throughout my stay for various activities and eateries.

I checked into their Luxury Room, which had tasteful décor, plush bedding, and a comfortable ambience. The amenities provided were top-notch, including a welcome gift, a coffee machine, and a luxurious bathroom with premium toiletries. The room offered big windows which allowed for a great view of the city and a partial sea view.  The bed was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a long day of exploring the city.

At turndown, the housekeeping set up a romantic bubble bath which included a bottle of sparkling juice, chocolates, and bath salts. They also dimmed the lights to create a romantic atmosphere.

The Mirage Pool Deck was the highlight of the hotel for me, it’s a stunning pool overlooking Georgetown and the pool area lights up at night.

The hotel has entered the Malaysia Book of Records for having the Highest Acrylic Bottom Swimming Pool. You can look down through the glass bottom of the pool and see all the way down to the street. It’s definitely a challenge for those afraid of heights. The pool is a great place to just chill and enjoy the views. Be sure to visit the pool deck around sunset time to get beautiful views with sunset hues.

The hotel’s fitness center was well-equipped with state-of-the-art machines, providing an excellent space for those who want to maintain their workout routine during their stay.

The location of the hotel was ideal, situated in the heart of the city and within close proximity to popular attractions, shopping malls and restaurants. This made it convenient for me to explore the city’s offerings and experience the local culture.

The hotel has another notable award, that was judged by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Tallest Automated Hotel Car Park.

Their Attic 23 Rooftop Bar is well-known in Penang, offering a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the city.

For dinner, the hotel arranged a special dining experience at a traditional Nyonya house which is over a hundred years old. It is a hidden gem that only accommodates a select number of patrons each night. Little Kitchen Nyonya is run by Baba Jay and his wife who are Peranakans. They are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, and various other nearby areas.

Baba Jay took us on a historical food journey giving us insight into his family’s history as well as how the Nyonya cuisine came about.

There were multiple small dishes being served, each with their own unique story. The dinner also allows guests to partake in the preparation of certain dishes if they so wish.

After dinner, we were given a tour of his house and met his family. This allowed us a glimpse into their culture. I would definitely recommend this if ever you are in Penang.

The hotel offers various different suite rooms, noticeably their ‘safari suite’ which is a themed room that offers fun and exciting toys for kids to enjoy. The room has two queen beds but together, to fit the whole family. There is a ball pit in the room as well as a tunnel around the room which kids will love.

There are also business suites which can double as ideal venues for small meetings, seminars, workshops, and job interviews. The hotel has also converted some rooms into co-working spaces which can be rented out per day. Professionals can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, access to the hotel gym, as well as a shared kitchenette with snacks.

The Granite Luxury Hotel also offers an event space that would be great for birthday parties, weddings, and events. It has a glass chapel with scenic views of Georgetown. There is an in-house event organizer that can cater to all your needs and requirements for your special event.

I would absolutely recommend this hotel if you ever find yourself in Penang, it offers something for everyone, and is a top-tier luxury hotel experience.

A special thank you to Jovan, the assistant hotel manager, who made sure my every want and need was taken care of during my stay. Jovan, Bryan and the team offered exceptional service and made my stay unforgettable.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book this hotel, visit their website: www.thegranitehotel.com

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Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

A five-star luxury resort located on Sentosa Island, Singapore

The moment you walk into Sofitel Singapore Sentosa you feel instantly relaxed. It is a haven of tranquility and peace. The design, the décor, the ambience, it all represents luxury and opulence.

The staff are extremely welcoming and are happy to attend to your every need and desire.

The resort is located on the Southernmost tip of Sentosa island and has access to Tanjung Beach. The resort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by lush greenery; a tropical ambience and the décor perfectly blends Singapore and France’s heritage.

The resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and it also offers many activities for those who want an active vacation.

Sentosa Island is home to the famous Universal Studios, as well as multiple scenic beaches and international restaurants. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is the perfect place from which to explore the island. The beach and adjacent establishments can be easily accessed via the resort’s staircase, which also boasts a stunning view of the South China Sea.

They also offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Resort every half hour, which stops at the Harbourfront MRT station on the mainland, from which one can venture into the city.

The front desk staff made check-in a breeze, and also provided me with their shuttle schedule, weekly activities, and dining options. The Marketing manager showed me to my suite, which was in their tranquility wing. On the way to the suite, she explained some of the resort’s décor pieces and significant design touches. I really appreciated the warm and personalized welcome. The resort definitely had a Balinese feel to it, and the architecture was incredibly impressive.

I booked their Junior suite which had a comfortable king sized bed, a spacious lounge area, and beautiful décor. It is an open-concept suite with a lavish bathroom complimented by Balmain amenities.

The housekeeping staff go out of their way to make your stay special, and even left me a handwritten card on my bed.  

The room was thoughtfully put together with clear French touches, making it feel very classy.

The bed linen was plush, and the sheets were smooth; I slept very well throughout my stay. Next to the bed, there are multiple different power sockets, which was very convenient.

A QR code is visible at the desk, which allows you access to their online platform including their room service menu. The entire resort also offers high speed Wi-Fi.

This was the perfect place to escape the city life and have a luxury staycation where I enjoyed both French and local influences.

As you wander around the resort, enjoy the refreshing breeze and views of the ocean and beyond. While walking around be sure to look out for the resort’s resident peacocks.

The recreational facilities at the resort make it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. This resort is suitable for leisure travellers, business travellers, and even those with pets!

The resort has a new herb garden which is very well maintained and is part of the resort’s sustainability efforts. The herbs and vegetables such as basil, tomatoes, and lemons, are used in the hotel kitchen. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa has multiple sustainability efforts, in line with the Singapore government’s green plan for 2030.

The resort gym is located in the middle of the property and is well equipped for any type of workout.

The SO/Spa was one of the highlights of my trip. The spa is luxurious and has multiple pools and spa facilities. The spa has a lap pool with sun loungers, and they have indoor hot and cold jacuzzis, as well as a Turkish steam room. If you are on a couple’s holiday, be sure to book their romantic package and have your treatments in their couple’s room which features a private jacuzzi bath.

Their pool is an instagram-worthy spot, with a waterfall feature and surrounding greenery. Their therapeutic body wrap experience is a must-try, where you lather on a special mud masque all over your body and leave it on for a few minutes, then enter the mud pool to soak it off, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

What’s better than a staycation? A staycation with your pets. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is pet-friendly and has a special “FurKid” package for those who want to bring their pets. They even offer special dog food menus at the restaurant. I spotted a Pomeranian at breakfast, and it made my day.

The resort is also an ideal destination for MICE events, meetings, and weddings. They have a grand ballroom and multiple meeting rooms. It is a stunning location for weddings, with multiple outdoor and indoor venues and great photo spots!

The hotel’s main pool is the place to be during the day. They offer single lounge beds as well as comfortable double lounge beds. Relax around the pool whilst enjoying the sounds of the birds and palm trees around you.

A rare and surprising feature of the resort is their fish spa, located next to Le Bar. The pond is filled with “Dr. Fish”, a special fish breed that nibbles on your feet, getting rid of your dead skin. The kids completely love this feature, and it adds to the many reasons why this property is one-of-a-kind.

Le Bar, located in the heart of the resort, offers a daily 1-for-1 cocktail happy hour and is a great place to enjoy an afternoon or evening drink. The bar lights up at night and has lively music playing.

Kwee Zeen is the resort’s all day dining outlet and offers delectable local cuisine and international favourites. For dinner, I had the beef cheeseburger and French fries, which had to be one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I went to bed with a very full and satisfied stomach.

Start your day the right way with the buffet breakfast at Kwee Zeen, which features a made-to-order egg station, an Indian cuisine station, cold meats, and more. You can choose to sit inside with air conditioning or outside with the ocean breeze (and view). The breakfast offers multiple hot and cold dishes and a great selection of fresh pastries. The bread-and-butter pudding was so tasty.

Their other dining outlet is The Cliff, a restaurant with a delectable Italian menu. Pasta and Tiramisu, the perfect dinner combination.

I felt very cared for during my stay, the staff were attentive and their hospitality was of superior quality.

The Sofitel brand has French flair, and this resort lives up to the Sofitel name. It’s definitely an exceptional experience in Singapore.

The resort has multiple water features and fountains, which makes for a peaceful experience whilst wandering around the resort grounds.

On the one side of the fountains there is a lion statue, which resembles Singapore’s heritage, and on the other side there is a horse statue, which symbolizes French heritage. These special design details add to why the resort is so unique.

The resort staff were attentive, polite, and always had a smile on their faces. They also gave me great recommendations for shopping and nearby attractions.

I would consider Sofitel Sentosa a hidden gem in Singapore, and an absolute must-visit. It is the ultimate accommodation on Sentosa Island.

Thank you to all the staff at Sofitel Sentosa who made my stay out of this world. I look forward to visiting again.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book this resort, visit their website: www.sofitel-singapore-sentosa.com

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The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel Bali Managed by Accor

A Boutique hotel located on the beachfront of the famous Kuta Beach

The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel is conveniently situated right by Kuta Beach, a 5-minute stroll from Kuta Square and the Kuta Art Market. The hotel blends contemporary design with fishing village-themed interiors and is the ideal destination for business and leisure travelers.

The hotel has a prime location and is a 5-minute walk from the Kuta Beachwalk shopping center which has great outlets and dining options. The airport is about a 15-minute car ride from the hotel. Right next to the hotel entrance is a convenience store, wine shop and transportation services.

From the hotel, you can go for a leisurely stroll on the beach and take in the beautiful sea views. Kuta beach is known for surfing, so I would recommend doing a surfing lesson during your stay.

My spacious room had a full view of the Kuta Beach and the bustling street below.

Many of the rooms have an ocean view and balcony, and some have direct pool access to a plunge pool.

My room was spacious and had a separate living area and study with a flat-screen TV, minibar and a balcony overlooking Kuta Beach. They also provided complimentary coffee and tea in the room daily. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day and the menu features international classics as well as local Indonesian dishes to try.

The bathroom had a luxurious bathtub and they offered bath salts as an extra amenity. The shower and toilet were private, and the double vanity featured quality amenities such as body lotion, scented hand soap and more.

The hotel also provides luggage storage in case you have a late flight and still want to explore Kuta. If you haven’t already booked sightseeing tours online, the hotel has a tour desk who can assist you with making bookings. I would absolutely recommend doing the Ubud full day tour.

The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is the highlight of the hotel and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Spend your day around the pool on one of the comfortable lounge chairs and relax with music playing in the background. The pool also has a bar with a variety of cocktails, you should definitely try a whole coconut.

The hotel features a spa, and I would like to mention that they offer a Traditional Balinese massage which is a must-do when in Bali. For fitness lovers, the hotel has a fully equipped gym.

Riva Bar & Restaurant has breathtaking ocean views and offers international cuisine as well as some local dishes. This is also a great spot for sunset.

The buffet breakfast is amazing, as you enter the breakfast area there are two Balinese performers playing a special instrument to add to the ambience of the hotel. The buffet offers a variety of food, including a vegetarian section, Indonesian section, sushi station and a made-to-order egg station.

The set up included traditional Balinese dishes and the staff were at your service and happy to explain the dishes to you. They also have a station that serves special juice that has Indonesian spices and herbs in, which is worth a try. Don’t forget to try their freshly made French toast with chocolate sauce. The perfect way to start your day in Bali.

The staff welcomed me with a smile every morning and made sure I was comfortable. You can also sit on one of the lounge chairs around the pool with a coffee and enjoy the view of Kuta Beach. 

The staff members are highly attentive and sincerely dedicated to ensuring your experience is exceptional. Whether it’s the buffet staff, security personnel, receptionists, or cleaning services, everyone is always eager to go the extra mile to accommodate your needs.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book this hotel, visit their website: all.accor.com/hotel/8151/index.en.shtml