Tag: hotel awards

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Jannata Resort & Spa – A Serene Jungle Escape in Ubud

From the moment we arrived at Jannata Resort & Spa, it was clear this was more than just a place to stay—it’s a tranquil sanctuary designed for relaxation, connection, and unforgettable moments. Nestled in the rural village of Sebali, just 15 minutes from Ubud center, the resort offers stunning valley and jungle views while remaining wonderfully secluded from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Our home for three nights was the 2-bedroom pool villa, shared with three friends. The villa is beautifully designed, spacious, and perfectly appointed for a group stay. The bedrooms were upstairs, with a comfortable lounger bed area, and we accessed our private pool and chill area via stairs—a lovely spot to relax, enjoy drinks, or soak in the lush valley views. The villa also featured an air-conditioned lounge and bar room stocked with drinks, plus a guest bathroom, which made it ideal for four adults. The layout provided privacy while offering shared spaces to hang out, making it perfect for a friends’ getaway.

Despite the rain, we made the most of our stay. One of my favorite experiences was a Balinese massage in the couples’ spa room, where my therapist, Ketut, was incredibly sweet and attentive. It was the perfect indulgence, and the serene ambiance of the spa made it even more relaxing. We also loved the yoga shala, where guests can enjoy morning sessions amidst the lush surroundings—a calming way to start the day.

The resort itself is designed to harmonize with Bali’s rich cultural heritage and is inherently romantic. From the infinity swimming pool to the infinity pond, it’s no surprise that Jannata is a popular choice for engagements, romantic dinners, and weddings. Every corner feels intimate, making it a perfect escape for couples or groups looking to create lasting memories. Even in the rain, the resort’s ambiance and views are magical.

Meals at Amateras were enjoyable and added a lovely touch to our stay. Breakfast was a la carte, with French toast and omelettes standing out, alongside freshly made watermelon juice and lattes, which were divine. For dinner, we tried samosas and spring rolls, the chicken Pad Thai (my favorite), and the chocolate lava cake, which was a perfect indulgence to end the evening. We also enjoyed a strawberry daiquiri and a mojito, both absolutely delicious. Another thoughtful touch was the daily afternoon tea, served with snacks and your choice of tea or coffee at Amateras—perfect for a mid-afternoon break.

The staff made our stay even more special. Krisna, our waitress, was so friendly and attentive; Tri, the receptionist, was informative and helpful, assisting us with bookings and local recommendations. Their warmth and professionalism added a personal touch that made our stay feel truly welcoming.

Jannata Resort & Spa is ideal for friends, couples, honeymooners, or anyone seeking a peaceful, romantic, and luxurious escape in Ubud. Between the private villa, stunning jungle views, spa indulgence, yoga, exceptional dining at Amateras, and the thoughtful, attentive staff, our stay was relaxing, memorable, and perfectly balanced. Even a little rain couldn’t dampen the magic of this secluded paradise.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative, Kayla Robertson

To book your stay at Jannata Resort & Spa, visit their website: jannataresort.com

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Kata Rocks – A Slice of Modern Luxury in Phuket

From the moment you arrive at Kata Rocks, it’s clear this isn’t just another beachfront resort—it’s a luxury experience designed for those who appreciate privacy, style, and breathtaking views.

Tucked into the hillside between Kata and Kata Noi beaches, Kata Rocks offers a perfect balance of seclusion and access. The villas are stunning—each with its own private infinity pool that overlooks the Andaman Sea. Watching the sunset from the pool, drink in hand, feels like a dream.

Our one-bedroom villa was impeccably designed—sleek, spacious, and filled with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors opened to reveal an expansive terrace and a private infinity pool with panoramic ocean views. The interiors struck a perfect balance between high-tech convenience and minimalist elegance, creating a tranquil and indulgent retreat. One of our favorite features was the automatic blinds, which opened at the push of a button to reveal the most breathtaking ocean views—a perfect way to start each morning.

We also appreciated the thoughtful practical touches, like the in-villa washing machine, provided laundry detergent, and clothes horse—super convenient for refreshing our swimwear and clothes during our stay.

When we arrived, we were greeted with the most thoughtful birthday surprises. A birthday “cake” made of towels, alongside a rich chocolate mousse dessert with edible rocks, and a handwritten birthday card. It was personal, charming, and instantly made us feel at home.

Another thoughtful touch was the resort-provided cell phone, which we kept with us during our stay. We used it to call for the buggy service, which transported us effortlessly from our villa to the main entrance near Kata Beach. The buggy was available any time of day and made getting around incredibly convenient. We also loved that the Kata area is so walkable—you can explore Kata Beach (gorgeous at sunset), local massage parlours, shops, and even a 7-Eleven, all just steps away.

Each morning began with a delicious à la carte breakfast. From tropical fruits and fresh juices to Thai-inspired dishes and perfectly brewed coffee, every detail was thoughtfully executed. The Tom Yam Eggs Benedict was a standout, packed with flavor and a unique Thai twist. I also enjoyed their house-made smoothies and the vanilla latte. One morning, when I wasn’t feeling well, a kind waitress noticed and offered to bring me some soothing ginger tea. Her gesture made all the difference.

The Restaurant impressed us throughout our stay. Breakfasts were relaxing and plentiful, and sunset cocktails by the water were a highlight of each day. For lunch one afternoon, we had the smoked salmon pizza and French fries—simple but delicious, and exactly what we wanted poolside.

The main pool is absolutely breathtaking, especially during golden hour. The loungers in the pool are unbelievably comfortable, perfect for enjoying a fresh coconut (or a cocktail!) while soaking up the views. Staff are always close by if you want to order something without ever leaving your lounger.

The spa was another highlight of our stay. Calm, sleek, and instantly soothing, the ambiance is perfect from the moment you walk in. My sister and I had an aromatherapy full-body massage in a couples’ room, and it was such a relaxing experience.

What truly elevated our experience, however, was the exceptional staff. Warm, professional, and consistently attentive, the team at Kata Rocks made every moment feel special. Whether offering local recommendations, ensuring seamless dining experiences, or simply greeting us with genuine smiles, the service was consistently world-class. A special thank you to Katie at the front desk, who looked after us throughout our stay with such care and kindness.

Kata Rocks is ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a serene, luxurious escape. While it’s not the place for a buzzing nightlife scene, if you’re seeking tranquility, elegance, and ocean views that are hard to beat, this resort delivers in every way.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your stay at Kata Rocks, visit their website: www.katarocks.com

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Exceptional Stay at Le Méridien Bangkok – A Perfect Urban Escape

I recently spent 3 nights at Le Méridien Bangkok in a Deluxe Room with views of the city, and the entire experience was outstanding. From the moment I arrived, the service was warm, genuine, and consistently excellent.

A special note of appreciation goes to Nita at the front desk, whose professionalism and kindness set the tone for my stay. She was incredibly helpful during check-in, offered great local tips, and was always cheerful and professional.

Equally worth mentioning is the female security guard at the front entrance, who greeted me every morning with the warmest and most genuine smile. Her presence made me feel safe and at home. It’s small gestures like these that really make a hotel stay memorable.

My Deluxe Room was spacious, well-designed, and very comfortable. It had a calm, modern aesthetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that brought in lots of natural light. The bed was plush and cozy, and the amenities were thoughtful and high quality. Housekeeping was prompt and meticulous, ensuring everything stayed spotless throughout my stay.

One of the standout features of the property is its excellent breakfast buffet. It easily ranks among the best I’ve experienced globally. The variety was incredible, from fresh tropical fruits and pastries to made-to-order eggs, Thai dishes, and Western favorites. The quality and freshness of everything on offer made breakfast a daily treat I looked forward to.

The property has an awarded barbeque restaurant, Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ, and the quality of the food was exceptional—especially the beef burger and chips. The burger was incredibly juicy, flavorful and perfectly cooked.

The hotel has a luxury spa and fitness centre on the sixth floor, next to the swimming pool. The spa offers a tranquil retreat with a range of holistic treatments inspired by European luxury traditions, tailored for the modern traveler. Additionally, the Flow Onsen, featuring mineral-rich waters imported from Japan, is a serene space to unwind.

The gym is a 24-hour facility equipped with Matrix machines and offers panoramic city views through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

I also enjoyed some relaxing time by the swimming pool; it offered a tranquil escape amidst the urban energy. Surrounded by stylish loungers and thoughtful landscaping, it provided the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the city. It also has views of the iconic Mahanakhon.

In terms of location, Le Méridien Bangkok is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. It is central, vibrant, and close to everything. Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or access public transport, everything is just a short walk away. Despite being in such a busy part of Bangkok, the hotel itself feels quiet and peaceful once you’re inside.

In every aspect—from personalized service to culinary excellence and refined aesthetics—Le Méridien Bangkok delivers a luxury experience rooted in comfort, culture, and care. I would gladly return and highly recommend this property to travelers seeking high-end accommodations with heart and soul in the heart of Bangkok.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your stay at Le Méridien Bangkok, visit their website: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bkkdm-le-meridien-bangkok/overview

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Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa – A Peaceful Slice of Paradise in Phuket

I spent three nights at Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa in Phuket, and it was a truly relaxing experience.

The resort is tucked away on a private stretch of Nakalay Bay, located between Patong and Kamala, which makes it a convenient spot if you want a peaceful setting that’s still close to more lively areas. The surroundings are scenic, and the location worked well as a relaxing place to stay while having access to explore other parts of the island.

We stayed in one of the resort’s Beachfront Cottage Rooms, which offered a comfortable stay with beautiful ocean views.

The room was incredibly spacious, with high ceilings, charming Thai-style decor, and sliding doors that opened directly onto the beach. Stepping out onto the private terrace each morning, with the ocean just a few feet away, felt like a dream. The bed was comfortable, the air-conditioning worked flawlessly (which was necessary in the April heat), and the room was well-maintained throughout our stay. A special thank you to Gift, our housekeeper.

One of the standout features of Thavorn Beach Village is its lush, tropical landscaping. The resort boasts beautifully maintained gardens with Thai statues, koi ponds, and plenty of spots to sit and soak in the views.

The lagoon-style pool is absolutely stunning. It’s massive—one of the largest in Southeast Asia—and winds through the resort like a tropical river. We spent hours lounging poolside, and it never felt overcrowded. The pool also has a swim up bar and daily happy hour specials. I enjoyed a fresh young coconut in the pool.

The private beach was also a highlight. While the tide goes out during part of the day (making it more rocky in some areas), the views are still amazing, and the sunsets were magical. It’s also great for kayaking or just strolling along the shore.

Breakfast each morning was excellent. The buffet offered a wide range of both Western and Asian options—fresh fruit, pastries, eggs made to order and local Thai dishes. We appreciated the wide variety of juices and the beautiful open-air dining space overlooking the pool and gardens.

Lunch at the Crocodile Bar & Grill was relaxed, with the restaurant located right on the beach. I had a fresh mango smoothie and a Caesar salad, while for dinner, we enjoyed cocktails along with a burger and chips each.

The Thai Sala Bakery is open daily and is the perfect place for a fresh juice, a coffee or ice cream. It is located right next to the pool.

The resort also offers an unforgettable private dining experience right on the beach, perfect for a romantic evening or special celebration.

Throughout our stay, the staff were polite and helpful. Check-in was smooth, and we were given a welcome drink upon arrival. A special thank you to Mercedes who looked after us at the front desk.

Overall, Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a peaceful beachfront escape in Phuket.

The combination of beautiful natural surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and warm hospitality made our stay memorable. Whether you’re visiting with family, a partner, or even on a solo retreat, this resort offers an ideal setting to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of Thailand.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your stay, visit their website: www.thavornbeachvillage.com

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Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort, a next-level lifestyle experience. 

Last month my fiancé and I visited Bali for the first time and spent 3 blissful days relaxing at this modern, global award winning, five-star luxury lifestyle resort. 

We arrived in the middle of the day to a very welcome refreshment and were kindly granted the opportunity to check in a bit earlier.

We were very pleased to arrive in our beautifully decorated, very smart room which was an Executive Suite on the ground level with direct access to a vast infinity lap pool, we also had the end unit which provided a bit of extra privacy. 

The room was spacious with a work station, couch and table and a large walk-in dressing room. The bathroom was impressive too, with a large round bath that I indulged in every night; the shower was separate and the toilet, which was fully automated. 

The mini bar station was well set  up and the coffee machine with pods was easy to operate with plenty of fresh milk provided.  We also received a very delicious chocolate and coconut welcome treat which thankfully I tasted before my fiancé swiftly tucked in 🙂

I was exhausted and finally taking a short break from some work deadlines and commitments, so for me comfort (and sleep) was key. Although the pillows were perfect for my other half, I requested a firmer option and for the first time in months I had the best night’s sleep without waking until morning. 

On our first night we dined at the Chinese restaurant, Lion X. We were starving and not familiar with the menu, so started with a soup followed by Peking Duck with rice; while enjoying that we noticed a rather interesting dish being served at another table. We enquired and ordered the “Flying Noodles”. It was quite a spectacular presentation and totally delicious too. 

Breakfast was served buffet style in the modern contemporary restaurant “Backstage”, it has an arty laid back atmosphere and we were very impressed with the many choices provided on display. On arrival we were offered coffee which was served at our table, one could also order items from the waiters if necessary. Although I was tempted by the diverse array of traditional Balinese cuisine on offer, I had to eat it with my eyes only because my Western trained palate always drew me to the chefs preparing eggs to order.

I enjoyed an omelette with mushrooms and spinach, grilled tomato, sausage and bacon. There was a vast selection of fruits, smoothies and yoghurts as well as cold meats, salad and every type of bread and pastry you can think of, even desserts! I wished I had a second stomach and right now just thinking about all that deliciousness is making my mouth water!

From the resort there are convenient complimentary hourly shuttles to the beach via a popular shopping area “Bali Collection”, where one can find souvenirs and Balinese as well as international fashion. We found these were very helpful to enable us to explore in the brief time we were there. 

On our last night, after returning on the shuttle from a late afternoon of exploration and shopping, we decided to indulge in the option of relaxing in the room with room-service. The menu was full of variety and in my opinion, truly had something for everyone. We had vegetable spring rolls and Vietnamese rolls to start, followed by Nasi Goreng and Bebek Goreng, the portions were substantial, very good value and everything was a taste sensation that although I am sorry that I forgot to capture this divine food with images, I will always hope to enjoy those dishes again. 

My fiancé, being on a mission to achieve 14,000 steps a day, in-between swimming laps in the infinity pool and walking all over the resort and even to the beach a couple of times, was extremely happy to enjoy some time each day in the very well-equipped gym. I went to visit the spa on our last day before our departure and while there he eagerly showed me around the gym, which is well laid out with the latest modern equipment; he even showed me that I could have a complimentary juice or smoothie, which was available from the fridge in the gym 🙂

Our first visit to Bali was merely a taste tease, and certainly a gem on the plate was the brief yet blissful time spent at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort. 

We loved every bit of our stay and hope to return to experience more of the resort with its incredible dining venues and bars, and to explore more of Bali, next time it would need to be seven days, at least!

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Linda Cooper.

For more information or to book your stay, visit: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dpsnd-renaissance-bali-nusa-dua-resort