Author: Linda Cooper

CELEBRATING HOTELIERING EXCELLENCE IN A WINTER WONDERLAND 

2 December 2017 – Snow falls gently on the slopes of the Swiss Alps, pine trees are decked with white hats, and a warm glow resonates from the windows of the host of the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards gala ceremony, the resplendent Kulm Hotel St. Moritz. 

“We could not have hoped for a more magical setting. One can only try to describe the beauty of this location, and it is topped only by the fact that we are surrounded by a winter wonderland.” says Michelle Snyman, Brand Manager for the World Luxury Hotel Awards, as guests begin to arrive on the red carpet. 

In celebrating over a decade of awarding service excellence, the World Luxury Hotel Awards warmly welcomed its guests on 2 December to the 2017 grand gala ceremony at one of the top ski destinations in the world. St. Moritz, a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley is renowned for its winter season charm and its style, elegance and class. 

Setting the basis for service industry standards around the globe, the World Luxury Hotel Awards provides true recognition to luxury hotels and resorts in their relevant categories during its annual voting phase. “Over 300,000 votes were tallied this year from travellers and guests of these luxury establishments during the voting phase. It is because of this that our winners are here this evening, because they offer something extra special to their guests that satisfies their travel desires.” says Snyman. 

Guests were treated to a luxurious fine dining 6-course meal, designed especially for this magnificent occasion by Head Chef Mauro Taufer, and plated and delivered expertly to each guest’s delight. Entertainment from Leo Wundergut had the crowds roaring with laughter throughout the evening opening hearts and lifting spirits in their act “Comedy in Music – or how to kill a piano”. True entertainment for the mind, heart and funny bones. 

“We wish to congratulate all our winners tonight, who above all else have excelled as the best of the best in their respective categories amongst their industry peers. Our further special congratulations to our two top winners for the evening, of which the Chairman’s Choice Award went to Constance Hotels & Resorts, in recognition of this group’s unwavering dedication to service excellence in luxury hospitality. Our grandest award for the year, the prestigious 2017 Global Hotel of the Year, was bestowed upon Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives, a property for which words can rarely describe its splendour. This opulent hotel is well deserving of this accolade and represents everything that the World Luxury Hotel Awards stands for. Congratulations to the General Manager, Mr Amit Majumder and his entire team for this magnanimous achievement.” says Brandon Lourens, Founder and CEO. 

After interview and photo opportunities had concluded and the air of anticipation subsided, guests were welcomed to The Altitude Bar where the celebrations continued, friendships were formed, and good times were had by all. 

The World Luxury Hotel Awards extends a heartfelt thank you to every participant of the 2017 awards for their continued support, and to each attendee of the gala ceremony. We look forward to another prosperous award year, and to welcoming our valued clients to AYANA Resort and Spa Bali on 10 November 2018 for our next exciting awards celebration. 

Luxury establishments from around the globe are welcomed to participate in these exciting awards, to proudly show the world what they have to offer in terms of luxury and service excellence. 

On 29th October 2016, the World Luxury Hotel Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary in awarding the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service delivery.

Hosted on this auspicious occasion by the exquisite St. Regis Doha in Qatar, the evening saw over 350 guests from the world’s leading hotels and resorts gather to be recognised on stage for their outstanding efforts.

The evening itself was one of true celebration. Participants from over 50 countries arrived to a grand red carpet welcome and were dazzled during the evening.

Dining was to perfection, with a chic, decadent 6- course meal prepared to order, each course elegantly plated and paired with fine wine. Guests savoured their meals while being entertained with live, toe-tapping jazz music, performed throughout the evening. Awards were presented to luxury hotels and resorts in over 60 categories.

The Armani Hotel Dubai was announced as Overall Winner of the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

“We wish to congratulate all our winners for the 2016 award year, who through their tireless efforts and unbounded passion to satisfy their guests needs, have received this honour tonight. True luxury is no small feat, it takes a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered. This is the definition of luxury, this is what defines a World Luxury Hotel Awards winner.” says Anton Perold, Managing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

www.luxuryhotelawards.com

Harbour Grand, Hong Kong: The 9^th Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards was hosted at the prestigious Harbour Grand Hong Kong on Saturday 24^th October 2015. The event was hosted by international television presenter, Desmond So. Over 300 attendees represented their hotels to receive their awards at this red carpet, black tie event. The phenomenal success of this event echoes in the praise of the attendees who, not only celebrated their accomplishments and received their awards on a beautiful stage, but also enjoyed stellar presentation, a delectable 6 course fine dining experience and sensational cultural performances in the extravagant and glamourous Grand Ballroom at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong.

The event was attended by founder and chairman of the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Mr. Brandon Lourens, as well as Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism.

200 winners, in over 50 categories received their awards at the event. Winning a World Luxury Hotel Award provides hotels with recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. The awards are presented to luxury hotels in different categories on a country, continent and global basis. The Overall Winner Award was presented by Mr Brandon Lourens, founder and chairman of the World Luxury Hotel Awards, as well as Ms. Odile Franc, Director of Distribution and Development, France 24. Hotel Plaza Athénée received this award for achieving the highest honour in international hoteliering.

The 2015 awards season saw the introduction of the Chairman’s Award which is awarded to hotel management companies that have achieved the respect of their peers in the travel industry whilst having earned the trust of guests and travel coordinators alike. The first ever Chairman’s Award was awarded to LUX* Hotels and Resorts, Mauritius. The World Luxury Spa Awards Overall Winner was also announced and the winner received their award along with the other global winners. The Woodland Spa, UK, was awarded this accolade for their outstanding performance in the 2015 awards season! (Please visit our website for a full list of the 2015 winners – www.luxuryhotelawards.com/winners/2015-hotel-awards)

The event was filmed by renowned filmmaker Gideon van Eeden from the Netherlands. The official event film as well as the official photographs from the event will be available on our website from 9 November 2015. Please visit our website for any more information or media relating to this event or any other awards information.

The World Luxury Hotel, Spa and Restaurant Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for hotels, spas and restaurants worldwide accounting for all categories in the luxury hotel and spa industries. Award winners set the benchmark for luxury hotels and spas on the global front in achieving recognition for exceptional service.