2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony
Tag: best hotels in the world
2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards Winners Announced
10th November 2018, AYANA Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia was the venue of the prestigious black-tie event celebrating the 12th anniversary of the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Over 360 guests flew in from around the world to attend the event, which awarded the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service delivery.
Set across 90-hectares along Jimbaran’s golden mile, AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI, is a world-class destination resort. As the property approaches its 22nd birthday this November, the privately-owned resort holds more fame than ever. AYANA is recognized for prolific sunset and ocean views, as well as offering a choice of five-star accommodation and facilities, coupled with the genuinely warm Balinese hospitality that has put AYANA on the map. Over the years, AYANA has received many top-shelf accolades including Luxury Honeymoon Resort Global Winner for the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017.
Participants from over 100 countries sipped on cocktails after being welcomed on the red carpet. During the cocktail’s guests enjoyed Jegog instrumental background music followed by Okokan and Kecak dancing. Jegog is a form of gamelan music indigenous to Bali, played on instruments made from bamboo, and the Kecak Dance is a form of Balinese Hindu dance and music drama that was developed in the 1930s, but that was not all as the guests where welcomed to the gala dinner by the Panyembrama Dance, which is a traditional Balinese welcome dance followed by Gus Teja who is a maestro of the flute.
After Prof. Dr. I Gede Pitana Msc. delivered his keynote speech, the incredibly entertaining Masters of Ceremonies, twins Maria and Elizabeth Rahajeng, who are TV hosts for E! News Asia, guided the audience through a dazzling awards ceremony where awards were presented to luxury hotels and resorts in over 100 categories on a Country, Regional, Continent and Global basis.
Special congratulations go to the inspirational Gaia Retreat & Spa, who received the 2018 Global Hotel of the Year Award. Founded in 2005, Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John and Warwick Evans, affectionately known as G.R.O.W, set out as a close-knit team to realise a shared dream, offering the highest of standards and service excellence, true to the World Luxury Hotel Awards overall winner criteria. Gregg Cave, Co-Owner and General Manager of Gaia Retreat & Spa proudly collected the award on stage.
Mr Gregg Cave
The prestigious Chairman’s Award is the decision of the Owner and CEO of World Luxury Hotel Awards, Brandon Lourens. This year Imrhim Inad, Director of Sales, attended the ceremony and was privileged enough to collect the award on behalf of the Velaa Private Island Resort in Maldives. This boutique private hideaway can only be described as “beyond luxury”.
Further Global awards went to Vacala Bay Resort in Fiji who received both Luxury Contemporary Villa and Eco/Green Villa Award; Lamaraz Arts Hotel in Algeria received the Luxury New Hotel Award; Valamar All you can Holiday in Croatia received Luxury Hotel Group Award; Tintswalo Atlantic in South Africa received Luxury Beach Lodge Award and Okinawa Spa Resort EXES in Japan received Luxury Honeymoon Hotel Award just to mention a few.
The much sought-after World Luxury Hotel Awards trophy was presented to winners on stage. Thereafter, the proud winners were given an opportunity for one-on-one personalised video interviews to speak about their achievement with the media.
There was not a dull moment as the diners were spoiled by AYANA Resorts Executive Chef, Patrick Callarec and his team, who wowed guests with Balinese inspired 6-course meal. The food was elegantly plated and paired with the finest of wines supplied by Bali Indah and Sababay. The room was in awe as the incredibly plated food was served all at once to the entire ballroom. The fact that the food was on par with any fine dining restaurant made it even more impressive.
UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant was the venue for the after party where guests danced to the sounds of Martin Denev, the resident DJ from Rock Bar and were entertained by Sasha on vocals.
“We congratulate all our winners for the 2018 Award Year, who through their tireless efforts and endless passion to elevate their guests experience, have received this honour tonight. True luxury is not easily attained, it takes a team of highly efficient and dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that every guest feels cared for and no challenged not solved. This is the definition of luxury, this is what makes the winners shine at the World Luxury Hotel Awards event”. Says, Michael Hunter-Smith, Group Marketing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
“The 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards will take place on Saturday, 12th October 2019 at Arctic Circle, Finland. The event will be hosted by Arctic TreeHouse Hotel and the gala venue SantaPark is an ideal location just before Christmas in the home town of Santa Claus. The magical Finnish Lapland is a bucket list experience and attendees can look forward to a winter wonderland, beautiful natural landscape wilderness, reindeer safaris, the phenomenon of the Northern lights, and of course Santa Claus” said Michael,“Applications to host the event in 2020 are now officially open”.
An event of this calibre would not be possible without our much-cherished sponsors France 24, Copenhagen Traveller, Caviar Spoon, Destination Golf, Santé Magazine, Singapore Brides and Spa & Wellness International who we thank for their continued support over the years. Thanks, is also extended to Bali Indah Beverindo, Captain Morgan, Coca Cola, Dewata Primi Lestari, Dolomia, Two Island Wine, Heineken Light, Kita Satu Bali, Strongbow, Global Seafood, Frizzante, Classic Fine Foods, Valrhona, Revolt and ABV Media Asia who were the sponsors here in Bali.
Please see our video of this prestigious event.
Everyone who attended the event was blown away by the professionalism of every person who works at AYANA Resort & Spa. Congratulations!
TIME Oak Hotel & Suites, a truly magical experience…
TIME Oak Hotel & Suites is centrally located in Dubai, and within close proximity to the Mall of the Emirates. We received a warm welcome from staff members and were also greeted by the General Manager. We stayed in a spacious 3-bedroom suite which had its own kitchen and a big lounge area. We also had a great view from our terrace looking out on Dubai’s high-rise buildings and bustling streets.
The café at reception had the most delicious pastries and treats and we were also given a whole platter of sweets and snacks upon our arrival. Their attention to detail was great, the rooms and public areas were always very clean, and housekeeping regularly restocked our rooms.
The swimming pool was perfect, there was also a jacuzzi and a pool bar. The staff were very attentive and greeted us by name. The travel desk was a big help, they helped us book all our excursions and gave us great recommendations.
Breakfast was delicious, the chef made me an omelette, pancakes and waffles with cream every morning. The waiters were very friendly, and the Restaurant Manager also asked all the guests if they were happy with the service.
The hotel really made our stay personal, from the welcoming and throughout our stay the staff greeted us by name. They also arranged airport transfers for us which was very kind.
I would definitely recommend this hotel to travellers, it is well located and provides excellent service to its guests.
Reviewed by Kayla Lourens- World Luxury Hotel Awards representative.
To visit this beautiful hotel click on the link below
Escape to the heart of Dubai…
Nassima Royal Hotel is located in the heart of Dubai, very close to many of Dubai’s top attractions. There are also many shops and restaurants within walking distance, including the Dubai Metro.
What an unforgettable stay, the architecture of the hotel is beautiful, and the service was exceptional throughout our stay.
We stayed in two executive rooms on the 45th floor which had amazing views of Dubai. The rooms were spacious, each had a big bath overlooking Dubai. The amenities in the room were great and they provided the most comfortable bath robes and towels.
The swimming pool was one of the best I’ve ever seen, it overlooks the Persian Gulf and many high-rise buildings. The pool bar had the most delicious cocktails and pizzas and the lounge chairs were very comfortable.
There were numerous restaurants and bars in the hotel which had a big variety of food. The breakfast was delicious, the chef made the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had. The staff were friendly and gave world class service.
The concierge staff were very knowledgeable and assisted us with booking our restaurants and excursions. For our transportation they offered us their hotel car which was so comfortable and stylish.
This hotel is definitely on my list of top hotels in Dubai and is a must visit hotel when in the city. Truly great hospitality.
Reviewed By Kayla Lourens- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative
To book follow the link below
Tulia Zanzibar, a piece of heaven …
We arrived at this amazing resort on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We were warmly welcomed by the amazing staff who were ready to assist us with smiles on their faces.
We were checked into the lovely Deluxe Garden Bungalow which with its stone walls and thatch roof really gave the feel of being away from reality. The beds where so comfortable and the décor was stunning. The room opens up onto the beautifully designed garden where you can hear the birds singing in the morning. Such an amazing way to wake up in this paradise.
The resort stay included a wonderful 1 hour massage for both of us and a complimentary bottle of wine which was a fantastic start to our stay.
Tulia Zanzibar is an all-inclusive resort and we were treated to a true dining experience. Fresh Fish and local produce is sourced daily which means the menu is never boring and constantly changing. For breakfast we enjoyed the local fruit spreads and freshly baked produce. We even got to enjoy our breakfast on the beautiful private beach. The flavours of the food where exquisite and compliments to the amazing restaurant staff and chefs who made this experience perfect.
We really enjoyed the local activities at the resort especially the lovely pool bar and the complimentary kayaks that we used to explore the serene blue ocean.
Leaving this beautiful piece of paradise was so sad but we left feeling refreshed and like cherished family of the team. A special thank you to the staff and the owners of this stunning resort, we hope to return again someday soon.
If I have to use one word to describe Tulia it would have to be “perfection”.
To book this stunning resort go to www.tuliazanzibar.com
A once in a lifetime experience in the bustling city of Bangkok…
The InterContinental Bangkok hotel is in the centre of Bangkok and public transport makes everything easily accessible. There are several shopping malls within walking distance of the striking hotel.
The lobby was beautiful, there was a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the staff were all professionally dressed and friendly. Check in was smooth and we were offered a complimentary welcome drink in their lounge area.
We stayed in a double Grande Deluxe room which had a great view of Bangkok. The bed was extremely comfortable, and the shower was wonderfully spacious.
The swimming pool was on the 37th floor overlooking all the tall buildings of Bangkok. This was a great experience! There was also a pool bar with a wide selection of fresh juices and smoothies that can be enjoyed in the pool.
Breakfast was delicious, there was a huge selection of food, from Indian to Asian. The staff were attentive and knew me by name which made my stay more personal.
The hotel was gracious enough to send a delicious dessert up to my room on the night of my birthday which I really appreciated. Throughout my stay the staff also addressed me by name which made me feel so special.
InterContinental Bangkok is situated perfectly in the middle of the city and they provide excellent service, within a beautiful luxury hotel. I would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Bangkok.
To book this exquisite hotel follow the link to their website –bangkok.intercontinental.com
Reviewed by Kayla Lourens- World Luxury Hotel Awards representative
Power Relax at Powerscourt Hotel…
Warm smiles, a friendly welcome, seamless check-in and a jaw dropping lobby; these are the first impressions you will have of Powerscourt Hotel when you arrive.
Located a mere 30 minutes outside of Dublin in the beautiful countryside village of Enniskerry, this hotel not only boasts and incredibly impressive exterior – quite like something out of a fairytale wedding – but the interior itself is stunning. You can’t help but be drawn to the large front-facing windows past The Sugar Loaf Lounge that look over the extensive garden and fountain just ahead of you as you enter the reception area. Beautiful lighting compliments the elegant design of this open and magnificent space.
We were treated to a suite on the 5th floor, overlooking the wide spread forest and gardens with Sugar Loaf Mountain peaking in the distance. The rooms are spacious, well laid out and provide more than enough space for two people to comfortably move around and get on with their own business. I especially loved the bathroom, the TV in the mirror was a surprising find and lazing around in the large tub for an hour watching a movie was just what the doctor ordered after a 4 hour drive and a morning of hard work.
There are three dining options in the hotel, apart from in-room service, a favourite for us which was McGill’s, a charming Irish pub located below the reception level of the hotel. Guinness on tap, professional and service driven staff, delicious pub-style food and a friendly and cheery environment all add to the charm and warmly lit ambiance of the restaurant. Breakfast is served in Sika Restaurant, and we would strongly suggest, weather permitting, that you make use of the outside terrace area to dine. It is a peaceful experience to say the least.
Apart from the above, there is always my favourite part of any hotel to experience…. the spa… oh and what a spa it is. ESPA and Powerscourt have outdone themselves with this space. A highlight of my entire trip was being treated to the 2 hour Powerscourt Signature Ritual, starting with a purifying salt and oil scrub followed by an indulgent massage using a combination of essential oils that you select yourself to your preference. And lastly, a therapeutic scalp massage using Rose Quartz Crystals finishes the experience. After this bliss I was left in the serenity room overlooking the gardens and fountain and given a soothing mango sorbet. Time for a powernap!
The wet area is sublime. A large indoor lap pool with an adjoining hot tub, a sauna, steam room, plunge pools and conveniently placed showers will keep you relaxing for hours if you are not there for a treatment.
The lunch at the spa is also a delight. Different courses decadently styled in a Bento box in a chic and elegant café style dining area, and as always, served with a smile. It is the perfect way to end a treatment or even time in the wet area.
Overall, our stay at this hotel was a pleasure. From the door lady to the housekeeping, start to finish, we knew we were in an establishment that was proud to deliver service excellence from its every corner, and we can only hope to once again experience its beauty.
Reviewed By Joanna Evans -World Luxury Awards Representative
To view more of this beautiful hotel follow the link below
Relaxation and wonderful Thai hospitality at the Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas…
The Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas is situated in the centre of the busy town of Patong in Phuket. The hotel is within walking distance of the beach,shops and restaurants.
We received a Thai purple drink and a filled pastry with purple icing on top as a welcome treat and a cold towel to fight off the heat. We felt very welcome and all the staff were friendly.
We stayed two nights in a one-bedroom pool villa, which was gorgeous! A beautiful bath and a big lounge area. Our private splash pool was so great, and the pool chair was very comfortable.
There is a high tea lounge for VIP guests which offers complimentary beverages and snacks every day from 11:00am to 17:00pm which was delicious.
The swimming pool was heated and there were many poolside chairs available. Most of the ground floor pool facing rooms are adjacent to the swimming pool so guests can just jump in from their terrace. The pool bar had daily specials on their cocktails which guests can enjoy on the chairs inside the pool.
The buffet breakfast was delicious, there was an Asian corner as well as an assortment of Indian and western food.
There was even sushi for breakfast and also a stand where you could make your own iced coffee or chocolate milk which was great.
Our entire stay including the amazing staff made our trip unforgettable. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone who plans on visiting Phuket.
To book this magnificent property or get more details follow the link below
http://grandmercurephuketpatong.com
Reviewed by Kayla Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative
Hotel TWENTY EIGHT brings innovation, comfort and fun to the luxury hotel concept.
As you enter the hotel lobby you are met with bright colours, contemporary art and elegant décor . The hotel staff dress in funky but relaxed uniforms that compliment the hotels unique style.
The lobby, lounge, bar and reception are open 24-hours a day and the lobby is perfect for meeting other travellers over a drink, or opening your laptop and catching up on work. This is a hip and happening space with flair.
Located on 260 Stadionplein, Oud Zuid of Amsterdam. The metro station is located 300 meters from the hotel and the tram is located just opposite the hotel. This makes site seeing in Amsterdam a breeze, as all the major tourist attractions like Museum Square, Vondelpark and the City Centre are merely a short tram ride away.
The hotel offers comfortable design apartments combined with the service and facilities of a luxury hotel. All the apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a spacious seating area and a luxurious bathroom equipped with a rain shower. The rooms also feature climate control, a flat-screen TV and high-speed WiFi. The rooms are beautifully decorated with great attention to detail and a touch of Dutch heritage.
The property also offers an on-site restaurant, a sauna and fitness facilities as well as underground parking.
The level of service, apartments and hotel facilities make Hotel TWENTY EIGHT the perfect choice for business and leisure guests, both for short and long term stays.
Guests have the option to cook in their own apartment as well as make use of the self-service laundry room. This is exceptionally helpful for travellers that have been on the road for a while and want to relax and recuperate with privacy. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT feels like your home away from home.
When you do feel like going out for a meal the on site restaurant the Het Amsterdamse Proeflokaal is a must. This modern restaurant offers delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire family. Walking through the restaurant doors, the walls are decorated with vintage portraits of previous Olympic Games.
The staff are friendly, attentive and extremely helpful with anything that guests require. This is extremely helpful for foreigners visiting Amsterdam for the first time.
Hotel TWENTY EIGHT made my trip to Amsterdam exceptional and I would recommend this property to any traveller.
To book this hotel click here www.twentyeight.nl
Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager of Word Luxury Hotel Awards
Missing Amsterdam already!
Wildlife and luxury create harmony at the 57 Waterberg Lodge
What a wonderful surprise…after our long drive, we were greeted at the gate by our very own game-ranger with ice-cold champagne, served in silver goblets. The calm of the bush immediately settled over me as we made our way over the rocky terrain of the Waterberg Mountains to the lodge. An African welcome song and a glass of sherry completed our warm welcome upon arrival at the main lodge.
Beautifully furnished rooms, crisp white linen, snug fires and our own outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the bush filled my soul with thankfulness.
The game drives were informative and well worth the effort as we saw herds of elephant complete with little ones. The reserve is known for its conservation of white rhinos, of which we had a view close-up and personal.
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The superb 3-course dinner and service was truly of world-class standard and accompanied by excellent vintages. I could return just for that!
It was with a lingering sense of loss but a conviction that I will return one day that we left this piece of heaven.
Reviewed By Marna Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative
To book this wildlife experience follow the link below