Tag: hotel rooms

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Hanging Gardens of Bali, Ubud- The Magical Jungle…

We were privileged to visit this unique Resort in the heart of the jungle, North of Ubud, Bali in November 2018. Upon our arrival at the resort, we were welcomed by the friendly staff members in their one of a kind open air reception area with a refreshing welcome drink and cold towel after our long drive.

What immediately caught our eyes was how proudly the property displayed their various Awards including their World Luxury Hotel Awards winner trophy and plaques in the reception area for all to see.

We were then shown around the resort in their “cable car” that goes all the way from the top of reception down to the bottom at the spa with beautiful views of the jungle as well as the Dalem Segara temple on the opposite hill.

We felt like royalty when they surprised us by upgrading our room to a Panoramic Villa with the most amazing view! The room had a comfortable spacious bed with a on suite bathroom and its own private infinity pool. This was such a treat to be able to relax in our own private pool while enjoying the views of this stunning property.

They serve daily afternoon tea that can be enjoyed at the spa area where all you hear is the relaxing sounds of the Ayung River flowing in the background. Here guests can enjoy a selection of coffees, teas and specially prepared snacks.

On our first nights stay we enjoyed incredible supper at the Three Elements Restaurant, and oh what a treat this was! The chef specially prepared a vegan friendly dish for us.

On our first morning waking up at Hanging Gardens, we went for a delightful guided walk with Gusti, a staff member, through the surrounding local villages and rice fields.

Morning walk with Gusti

This was certainly the highlight of our stay! It was so inspirational and interesting to see how the locals live and grow and farm their own fruit, vegetables ,rice and how they make a living of it, whether it be for their daily meals or medicinal reasons.

We also enjoyed locally sourced coffee in the village – certainly the best coffee we ever tasted.

After our walk and morning coffee we enjoyed a wonderful buffet breakfast at the Three Elements Restaurant. I had the waffles with fresh fruit it was delicious.

The resort offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the centre of Ubud town where we did plenty of shopping at the local stores,markets and visited some of the beautiful local temples.

Guests can enjoy soothing yoga classes and also visit the spa where they combine natural, local ingredients and ancient techniques, to create beauty therapies and treatments that soothe the mind, rejuvenate the body and energize the soul. The spa features a royal suite that is located by the Ayung River where you can enjoy an unforgettable experience among the natural sounds of the jungle.

One of the aspects of this resort that deserves special mention, is the remarkable swimming pool at its centre. The unique design creates an effect that the pool blends into the jungle and is something to behold in itself, but it is the position overlooking the trees and the Dalem Segara Temple that gives it the rare ability to make you feel completely at one with nature and leave you in awe as you relax over the edge.

We give great thanks to all staff members who went the extra mile to make our stay very pleasant, and especially to Gusti who left a special place in our hearts.

We would highly recommend Hanging Gardens of Bali Resort, especially if you are looking to relax, unwind and connect with nature, and we guarantee your mind, body and soul will feel refreshed after your stay.

Reviewed By Jana Vos and Lindi Smuts- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representatives.

To book this luxurious jungle escape go to https://hanginggardensofbali.com/

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A spectacular wellness experience at The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa…

Arriving at The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is like being transported to another world. As our driver stopped at the entrance we were immediately warmly greeted by the staff and a large gong was rung to announce our arrival.

The lobby and reception area is truly beautiful with an open air layout, beautiful chandelier and contemporary décor. We were warmly greeted by Ninta who helped us with our check in. She also gave us a refreshing drink which helps with your metabolism and overall wellbeing.

Since we arrived early for check in we were escorted by our butler Merdita to Sapphire Bar and offered a complimentary cocktail and some snacks, what a surprise and absolute treat especially after a long car journey.

After enjoying our cocktails and relaxing Merdita escorted us to our rooms while also showing us around the Resort and giving us any information we needed. Walking through the resort we were struck by how beautiful the entire property is. The crystal blue lagoon pools, the ocean, lush gardens and swaying palm trees all add to the beauty and magic of the resort.. We stayed in a Deluxe Lagoon View Room with a private balcony and even a view of the ocean in the background. The room was modern and contemporary with beautiful designs and an overall relaxed feeling. The bathroom was stunning and elegant with a huge bath and shower.  We were also welcomed with a personal note, a beautiful Luxury Collection teddy and some delectable snacks. As soon as we had settled in the room we headed to one of the lagoon pools to relax with a signature cocktail and snacks. What a way to start a stay!

Dinner at the Arwana Restaurant was a real treat with the option to sit inside or on the beach watching the waves and sunset. The food was sublime with the freshest seafood and salads available. I must say the Chicken Ceaser Salad here is the best I have ever experienced while travelling.

Being a fitness fanatic the Lagoon Fitness Centre was absolute heaven for me. The layout of the gym, the equipment and the staff were all world class. While running on a treadmill you face one of the Lagoon pools with a fountain. What more does one need to start off a day in paradise! There are also showers, a sauna and steam room available. The Spa is right next to the gym and offers a range of treatments. This is one of the best Fitness Centres I have experienced at a hotel.

We also had the opportunity to take part in the Yoga Class which is held twice a week. This was a new experience for me and very enjoyable. It is so relaxing to start your day off this way.

Breakfast at Banyubiru was an experience in itself. I have never experienced such variety at a buffet with a stunning setup and flow to it. The food was out of this world and every morning we had an absolute feast!

The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to Bali Collection, which is an open air mall for guests to go and shop. This was a fantastic experience and the best shopping of my entire trip was done here. After a day of shopping you can return to the hotel and relax at the beach, one of the lagoon pools or pop into the shop for a delicious ice cream to cool off.

With its perfect location, impeccable service, range of activities and everything you need at your fingertips, The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is truly a magical paradise and world on its own.

Three days here and you leave relaxed, invigorated and enriched! Thank you to everyone at The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa for an unforgettable stay.

Reviewed By Tanique Echardt- World Luxury Hotel Awards Executive Manager.

To book this amazing property or look for more information click the website link below

Website

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Immerse yourself in the magic and culture of Ubud..

Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa by L’Occitane is 20 minitues away from Ubud center, located in the traditional village of Kedewatan which means “Place of the gods”. The name of the Resort Kupu Kupu Barong meaning giant butterfly originally came from all the butterflies that were seen flying within the surrounding nature, however only a few lucky people have spotted the giant butterfly.

Arriving at Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa by L’Occitane we were intrigued at how hidden in the jungle the property is. At the open air Lobby we were taken by golf cart up winding hills to the reception and greeted with traditional flowers and a refreshing juice while our check in was handled. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive and we immediately felt at home and relaxed. The reception area was also open air and decorated with traditional wood carvings and flowers. Even though we were inside, we felt very much a part of the jungle and nature.

Once we were checked in we were escorted to our room, and what a room it was! The room was very traditional, with wood being the focal point as well as local carvings and designs. The room had a private balcony overlooking the jungle, which was simply breathtaking. We were treated to a special welcome on our bed and even a beautiful butterfly bag to use and take home. This extra touch definitely made us feel incredibly special and welcome. The bathroom was simple and elegant with a large bath and shower head above and separate toilet.  The roof pool and Japanese restaurant was just above our room so we spent a lot of time, ordering cocktails, lounging at the pool overlooking the jungle canopy and snacking from the bar menu. The traditional red umbrella’s used at the pool and throughout the resort really added to the charm and cultural feel of the resort.

The buffet breakfast, which is always a favourite of mine at any property definitely did not disappoint! With everything from a full English breakfast spread, waffles and flapjacks with Nutella to Indonesian dishes and a large variety of fruit. This was really a great way to start each day in the jungle! Dinner is just as fantastic and it is truly special with all the lighting and background music to enjoy your meal and hear all the night time jungle sounds.  The food and service were absolutely spectacular.The gym was also fantastic with all the necessary equipment needed for a training session while on vacation. Again I loved the open air layout and the feeling you are one with the jungle.

The staff were also exceptionally great in helping us arrange our day to day activities and even have a pest control department to remove any unwanted visitors from your room, This was very impressive as we did have a few unwanted guests.

Mango Tree Spa by L’Occitane was a wonderful and relaxing experience. Hidden in the jungle canopy, with the sounds of the jungle as music you feel truly relaxed after a massage and treatment.

My entire experience at Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa by L’Occitane was truly magical. I have never felt so relaxed and immersed in the local culture as I did here. You really get a feel for the jungle, the local community and an overall sense of peace. It is the perfect place to unwind, gain some knowledge and explore the surrounding area. Thank you Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa by L’Occitane for a truly enlightening stay, I hope to return in the near future.

Reviewed By Tanique Echardt – World Luxury Hotel Awards Executive Manager

To book this amazing property or look for more information go to www.kupubarongubud.com 

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A beach escape on Dubai’s Arabian Coast…

The Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is located in Dubai’s lively seaside district called Jumeirah Beach residence, footsteps away from the warm Arabian ocean. The street is filled with award winning restaurants, shops and some of the best bars in the world.
What an ideal location, we were able to walk everywhere, the Dubai Marina Mall is the perfect place for shopping. In the marina was countless yachts which offered dinner cruises and tours.


We stayed in two executive rooms located on the 22nd floor of the hotel, overlooking the beautiful Jumeirah Beach. We were welcomed in our room with a display of homemade chocolates and a great bottle of wine. The duty manager personally escorted us to our rooms and showed us their facilities. We had exclusive access to the hotel’s executive lounge which offered complimentary high tea and evening drinks daily.


Breakfast was delicious, we had a special breakfast in the executive lounge every morning which was private, and we could sit outside with a great view of the beach. The staff greeted us by name and were very friendly and helpful.The swimming pool was great, and the barman made the tastiest cocktails. There was also a staff member who provided us with towels and umbrellas on the beach which was very convenient.

There are also a variety of restaurants to choose from and they have their own pizzeria, so you can order homemade pizza any time of the day.
In the lobby there was a café that offered ice cream and delicious coffee, there was also a souvenir shop which had the most beautiful gifts to purchase.
This hotel is one of the best addresses to stay in Dubai and will guarantee and unforgettable stay full of entertainment.

Reviewed by Kayla Lourens- World Luxury Hotel Awards representative.

To visit this beautiful hotel click on the link below

www.movenpick.com/en/middle-east/uae/dubai/hotel-dubai-jumeirah-beach/overview/

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Natural Simplicity – A Lover’s Paradise…

We arrived at Kilindi Zanzibar on a beautiful sunny day, as we looked over our new home for the next few days we noticed the resort is in the center of lush tropical gardens. Scattered among the beautiful gardens are a series of white-domed Pavilions. We where checked into a Kilindi luxury pavilion. The Pavilions have their very own private plunge pool, and possess a separate but extraordinary ‘rainfall’ shower room. These same showers provide not only a spectacular view to the Ocean but the liberating sensation of being ‘at one with nature’.

 

Kilindi achieves the perfect marriage between Scandinavian minimalism and the dramatic architectural overtones of Middle Eastern heritage, whilst encouraging an open, ‘back-to-nature’ ambiance throughout.

We really enjoyed the exceptional food throughout our stay and not to forget the delicious cocktails.

Thank you to all the staff who were so welcoming and especially Adam and Kim, Lucas and Julius – you made our stay perfect.

Our experience at Kilindi was magical and as close to paradise as you can get; we would recommend Kilindi to anyone looking to enjoy nature and luxury in a tropical paradise.

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To book this beautiful hotel click the link below

www.elewanacollection.com/kilindi-zanzibar/kilindi-zanzibar-at-a-glance

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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

nassimaroyalhotel.com

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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

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Paradise in Cannes

Nestled in the heart of Cannes, the Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Spa provides 133 modern rooms, a panoramic Restaurant and an amazing rooftop terrace facing the Mediterranean Sea and the bay of Cannes.

Upon arriving at the Radisson Blu 1825 Hotel and Spa you are immediately struck by how beautiful the hotel is and the feeling of magic it evokes in you. We had an absolutely fantastic time at the beautiful Radisson Blu 1825 Hotel and Spa and were treated like royalty from the second we arrived. The location of the hotel is perfect with beautiful views of the ocean and within walking distance to the Old Harbour area, restaurants and shopping which is ideal for daily exploring. The staff were also extremely friendly and helpful with anything we needed

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We were treated to a magnificent Harbour View (Mediterranean) suite with stunning harbour and ocean views. We immediately felt at home in the elegantly decorated suite with every amenity you can think of available to us.

Dinner at the famous Le 360° was amazing. The food is quite simply out of this world and is highly recommended.

With beautiful views, the perfect location and friendly, service oriented staff; our stay was spectacular and we definitely recommend Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Spa to all who visit Cannes.

Luxury at its finest!

Reviewed By World Luxury Hotel Awards Representatives

To book this beautiful Hotel Click Below

https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-cannes

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W Amsterdam – The Jewel of Amsterdam

What can one say about Amsterdam in the summertime… it is a place like no other. Warm days, cool evenings, bustling streets, hundreds of bicycles zipping past in amongst the cars and people, yet everything runs like clockwork. The city is modern yet the buildings that remain are historic, giving you that all-round “I’m in Europe” feeling. It is a truly magical destination. In the heart of Amsterdam city lies the W Amsterdam, and its story is one to behold.

Split across two unique buildings, a former telephone exchange building and an old bank, W Amsterdam is an intriguing design mix of heritage and contemporary style. This hotel holds back on nothing. It is a funky, modern, upmarket establishment that boasts an elegant restaurant, a stunning bar known as the W Lounge with a rooftop pool, super cool styled rooms and of course, the best in service excellence. We stayed in stunning rooms overlooking the canals which was a real treat to watch the boats go by as the sun set, and one of our favourite features of the rooms, apart from the hip and unique artwork in each, is the Marshall Bluetooth speaker set on the headrest… awesome, we have our own music at a touch!

Dining at The Duchess for breakfast each morning was a delight. The perfectly optioned a-la-carte menu is accompanied by a wonderous selection of pastries, juices and smoothies and gets your body ready for an energetic day walking the streets of Amsterdam. Although dining at a restaurant is always a great experience, the W Amsterdam offers something quirky in terms of its in-room dining, and nothing like what you would think you are going receive when ordering room service from a five star hotel. Instead of the usual silver domed plate and large trolley, room service is offered like a take away, delivered on a tray in a branded brown paper bag; you can simply sit on your bed in front of the TV eating your food out of paper boxes. We absolutely loved this feature of this hotel, as small as it may seem to some, it was a highlight for us! And of course, the food was absolutely fabulous as well.

The AWAY Spa simply had to make our schedule. I have always loved the look of this spa from its photos, however experiencing it is something quite extraordinary. Deep down in what was the old bank vault lies luxury, relaxation, sophistication and a very much required time-out. Lighting in this spa is everything; candles dancing in the slight breeze lead you down long and dark stair cases, yellow lighting in the hot tubs and pools make you feel as though you are swimming in liquid gold, and of course well-placed fireplaces add to the ambiance of the AWAY Spa at the W Amsterdam. The original vault doors are still in place as well as one of the gold smelting pots, now an ice water dip tub.

On 14 July 2018 at the World Luxury Spa Awards gala celebration, a week before our visit, this magnificent property took away, amongst other awards, the Best Unique Experience Spa award globally and upon arrival it was not hard to see why. The reception, X-bar (drinks and light snacks), Beauty Bar and hair salon are enough to entice your senses into what lies ahead, but finally getting down into that wet area is sublime, an experience like no other. Floating in the lap pool one can see oneself in the low placed mirror ceiling above whilst you can hear the music gently playing under the water.

Our stay at this phenomenal hotel will not soon be forgotten, and anyone visiting Amsterdam could safely pick this hotel as their accommodation preference and we can personally guarantee you will not be let down.

Reviewed by Joanna Evans- World Luxury Spa Awards Executive Manager

To view more of this beautiful hotel click the link below

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/amswh-w-amsterdam/

 

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Mid-week relaxation in Copenhagens Absalon Hotel

After a highly successful yet demanding working weekend, I was blessed to be whisked off for some mid-week relaxation and exploration in Copenhagen, staying at the Absalon Hotel.

The hotel is very stylish and modern yet still holds the charm of yesteryear; we had a warm welcome that helped us to easily find our way to the hidden elevator which is cleverly disguised as bookshelves! We found ourselves on the top floor in the most gorgeous, colourful, spacious and comfortable room, with fabulous views of the surrounding city.

Absalon Hotel is perfectly located for taking a short walk to the fabulous Tivoli Gardens which is a hub of activity including an amusement park, entertainment, beautiful gardens and more, in the heart of the city. In fact we could even see the heart-stopping “Golden Tower” ride of Tivoli from our hotel window! For areas a bit further afield there are plenty of bicycles available for hire from the hotel as cycling is a popular and fun way to experience this intriguing city.

After a busy day of sight-seeing there was nothing better than returning to our room at the Absalon Hotel, sinking into the comfort of that wonderful bed with such perfect pillows is still fresh in my memory. Breakfast was another pleasure to enjoy – an extensive Continental Breakfast buffet with great coffee, juices and plenty of choices of breads, pastries, cheeses, meats and more.

The staff were all friendly and engaging and truly made our stay all the more memorable, thank you, especially to those who took some time to chat during our visit and really went out of their way make us feel at home.

To book or view more of this fantastic hotel click the link below

Welcome to Absalon Hotel

Reviewed By Linda Cooper- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative