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The Taj Cape Town – an oasis of calm in Cape Town City Centre…

Situated in the bustling Cape Town City Centre, The Taj hotel is within close distance to all local attractions.  We arrived at the Taj on a rainy Friday afternoon. The Staff warmly greeted us with umbrellas and took care of parking our vehicle. Entering the Taj is like entering another era; the grandeur and splendour of the lobby area simply takes your breath away.

After a smooth check in we were escorted to our room. We stayed in a Luxury Room in the King Tower wing with a view of Table Mountain and the bustling streets below. We were greeted with a welcoming snack of nuts and fruit, a bottle of white wine and note from the General Manager. The room was spacious with elegant designs and finishes. The bathroom for me was simply stunning with the perfect layout and marble finishes.

After settling in we headed to the lobby to enjoy an afternoon tea and snack while listening to the rain fall outside.

The fitness centre at The TAJ hotel is one of the best I have experienced. State of the art equipment including free weights and stretching equipment made for an intense training session. Fresh towels and water are available at each machine. There is also an indoor heated swimming pool if you wish to get in a few laps.

Dinner at Mint Restaurant was absolutely fantastic. Friendly staff, efficient service and a menu that will satisfy any craving made for the perfect evening. There was also live jazz music which added to the ambiance.

After a good nights rest in the King size bed we enjoyed a Buffet Breakfast which was incredible. From every cereal imaginable and English breakfast options to sushi and a variety of pastries we had it all!

Jiva Spa was the absolute highlight of our stay. We were treated to a 60minute couples Indian Aromatherapy massage. This was an amazing and relaxing experience from start to finish. A special thank you to Bianca who was my therapist – she has magic hands!

Overall my experience at the TAJ Cape Town was incredible. From Check in to check out everything was perfect. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the facilities are world class and the food is superb. I left thoroughly refreshed and would highly recommend the TAJ Cape Town to anyone visiting South Africa and hope to visit again soon – one night is just to short!

Reviewed by Tanique Echardt – Executive Manager of the World Luxury Hotel Awards

To book a stay at this incredible Hotel:

www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-cape-town/

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Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve – A piece of heaven in Portugal…

Pine Cliffs resort is located in the Algarve with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When you drive through the resort you feel like you’re driving through a beautiful little town.

Upon check in, we were greeted by friendly staff and promptly taken to our room. We stayed in a deluxe room on the 2nd floor, with a balcony overlooking the Resort. The bed was very comfortable, and the interior of the room was beautifully designed.

There are multiple swimming pools at the hotel and the gym and indoor pool overlooks the Resort grounds. To get to the beach, you need to take an elevator from the hotel down to ground level.

On the pathway to the beach you are surrounded by the most beautiful and unique red cliffs. On the beach there are complimentary lounger chairs and towels. There is also a boathouse with many water activities including jet skis.

The beach restaurant called Mare, was a great dining experience. The food was delicious, and you have a great view of the ocean and beach. For sun downers we went to the Mirador champagne bar. When the sun hits the red cliffs its almost like they glow, it was a breathtaking view.

Dinner at Yakuza was amazing, it is a Japanese inspired restaurant. I would eat there every night if I could. We had two breakfast options every morning and both were great. A huge selection of food is on offer along with great service.

Overall Pine Cliffs was an amazing experience, we wish we never had to leave the Resort because they literally have everything you want inside the resort. Highly recommended and I would love to visit again soon.

Reviewed by Kayla Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book a stay in paradise:

www.pinecliffs.com

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EPIC SANA Algarve – Paradise found …

EPIC SANA Algarve is located on Falésia Beach, which is one of the longest, and most beautiful beaches in Portugal. We were checked in by Stefanie, who showed us all the hotel facilities on our way to the room.  She also helped us with restaurant bookings throughout out trip.

We stayed in a Grand Deluxe Garden Duplex Suite. The balcony overlooks a beautiful garden and over the trees you can see the ocean. Downstairs we had a big lounge area and a fully equipped kitchenette. We were also given a complimentary bottle of wine and a platter of chocolates upon turn down.

The gym is open 24 hours and has all the necessary equipment. It is right next to the indoor heated pool which is also open 24 hours. The spa is beautiful and also has a separate heated pool and a relaxation room.

Breakfast was great, all the food was so fresh and delicious. The chef made really good omelets. We also had a choice of sitting inside or outside in the sun, which was great. The Manager came to check on us every morning, it was great to have such personalized service and hospitality.

Every night in the main restaurant there was a buffet dinner and the cuisine changes each evening. The hotel is also located within walking distance of many local restaurants and shops.

There is a beautiful wooden pathway leading to the beach with amazing views. There is also a “love tree” in their garden which is great for couples. There you can hang up a wooden heart and write your personal message on it and leave it to hang on one of the tree’s branches.

The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools and one is for adults only. So, it’s great if you want some peace and quiet. And if you’re with kids you can relax at the family pool.  There is also a nice restaurant next to the pool which is open for lunch and dinner.

The hotel is so peaceful and relaxing, we really enjoyed every moment at the hotel and hope to visit again soon. A huge thank you to the EPIC SANA team for making us feel so relaxed and at home.

Reviewed By: Kayla Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book a stay at this stunning Property

www.algarve.epic.sanahotels.com:

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Diamante Beach Spa Hotel & Convention Centre – The perfect spot for a business or leisure Holiday…

Diamante Beach Spa Hotel & Convention Centre is located in the small coastal town of Calpe in Spain. The hotel is perfectly located just a street up from the beach which has many shops and restaurants.

What a welcoming hotel, the staff made us feel instantly at home. We were checked in promptly and the staff were so friendly. Our room was on the top floor which gave us a great view of the ocean.

The beds were very comfortable, and the bathroom had all the amenities we needed and more. The view from our room’s terrace was just amazing. We were given a special fruit platter upon arrival which was delicious.

There are two pools with a kids pool and many lounge chairs for sunbathing. The spa was an experience on its own. A heated pool and many different showers and baths around it. Definitely one of the best spas I’ve visited.

Breakfast was delicious, many different food stations with a big variety. The coffee was great, and the service was friendly and attentive. A great way to start my day.

Audrey’s is a Michelin star restaurant located in the hotel. We had a special lunch and wine pairing. Chef Rafa greeted us personally and it was a culinary experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I would like to thank the entire team of Diamante Beach Spa Hotel & Convention Centre for making my stay unforgettable. Thank you for spoiling us and showing us what true hospitality is.

Reviewed By: Kayla Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book a stay at this beautiful hotel:
www.diamantebeach.com

 

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Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments- what a treat!

My husband and I were privileged enough to enjoy a stay at this lovely property as part of our honeymoon. It was the perfect, peaceful and relaxing break we were looking forward to after our wedding.

This establishment consist of 4 spacious and luxurious self-catering apartments, either a two bedroom or a one-bedroom apartment that features all the latest in-house amenities as well as a beautiful kitchen with washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, espresso machine, WiFi, and DSTV. Small touches, like a heated towel-rail, underfloor heating, multiple-setting shower head and one of the most comfortable baths either of us have ever used set Le Petit Bijou apart from the average accommodation establishment.

Guests can also enjoy a swim in the communal seasonal solar heated pool and the pleasure of sunbathing or reading a good book on a recliner located in the outside courtyard relaxing area.

As the town of Franschhoek is in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the views of the breath-taking Franschhoek mountains really stood out for us, complimented further by the fact that it could be enjoyed from the tranquil balcony that our room had.

Continuing with the theme, these 5 star apartments are situated just off the main road in the heart of the Franschhoek village between all the famous art galleries, shops, great restaurants and close to the tourist centre where one can hop onto a bus or wine tram to explore the surrounding vineyards.

We would highly recommend Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments to anyone looking for a relaxing break away or if you are just wanting to explore the surrounding wine vineyards with a comfortable, and luxurious stay.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative Jana Vos

To book this stunning property for a getaway:

www.lepetitbijou.co.za

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A city break at the magnificent Melia Barcelona Sarriá…

Upon arriving at Melia Barcelona Sarriá we were struck by the sheer size and majestic look of the building.

After a smooth check in we were shown to our Deluxe room which was warm and welcoming. It was so spacious we felt like we had our very own apartment. All staff were friendly and accommodating at all times and this really did make our stay that much more special.

I booked a facial treatment which was  calming; relaxing and completely rejuvenating. The Spa area was stunning and a wonderful space to relax in. We really enjoyed spending time in the pool area after a day of sight seeing.

The Buffet breakfast was absolutely fantastic with such a large variety. A combination of healthy, sweet ,English Breakfast choices and lots of fruit was available. We certainly ate a little more than usual each morning.

The restaurant service was amazing. We both had a large pizza which we enjoyed very much.

We must commend the Housekeeping staff at the hotel. They are incredibly efficient; every time we returned after breakfast our room was made up and spotless.

Overall, the experience was amazing and we really enjoyed our stay at Melia Barcelona Sarriá. A huge thank you to all the amazing staff for for there outstanding service and for welcoming us so warmly.

We hope to return one day soon and definitely recommend this magnificent hotel to anyone visiting Barcelona.

Reviewed By World Luxury Hotel Awards Representatives

To book a stay at Melia Barcelona Sarriá simply follow the link:https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/barcelona/melia-barcelona-sarria/index

 

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Exploring the beautiful town of Bruges…

We arrived in Bruges on the 31st of December, just in time for the New Year’s celebration. We decided we would walk the short distance from Bruges city centre to our hotel, this time of year is freezing cold, especially for people coming from +/- 30 degrees, however the small town of Bruges mesmerised us so that we forgot for a moment that we were freezing. Thankfully when we entered the hotel it was pleasantly toasty and warm, and just as I had imagined a hotel situated in the small and beautiful town of Bruges would be.

After a quick check in we were showed to our beautiful room. We got such a surprise at the bottle of champagne waiting for us to celebrate the new year. We had a garden room, the room was previously a horse stable and was so beautifully decorated in a rustic theme. I really loved the fact that the hotel reminded me of Bruges itself, charming and full of history.

We went out that evening, after finishing the champagne, and walked around the town until it was countdown time at T’Zand square. It was truly a special experience to be in Bruges for New Years. The next morning we had a delicious breakfast buffet with a huge variety to choose from. Thereafter we went for a stroll through Bruges and tried their famous hot chocolate at The Old Chocolate House.

Hotel Jan Brito is situated in the centre of Bruges, 200 meters from the Market Square. The 16th century manor house, the home of noble families for generations, was converted into a four-star hotel with all necessary amenities and welcomes its guests to an oasis of calm.

I would highly recommend visiting this amazing hotel, I loved everything about it. Thank you Betty for the wonderful stay, Bruges was one of our favourites and we will definitely come back soon.

To visit this amazing property in Bruges follow the link:

https://www.janbrito.com/en/

Reviewed by Jana Stoman – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative