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Cauayan Island Resort – Picturesque “laid back luxury” private island resort in El Nido, Palawan

I had the pleasure of staying at Cauayan Island Resort for two nights and what a magical two nights it was. The resort is breathtaking in every aspect; it is the perfect island holiday destination. You cannot really put my stay into words as it truly was one of the best places I have ever been to.

After a scenic 20-minute boat ride from the El Nido Port, I arrived at the most beautiful setting – a private cove nestled in between towering limestone cliffs with over-water villas, white sand, lush palm trees and the most vibrant blue water that I have laid my eyes on.

What an idyllic setting, it is rare to find so much beauty in one place.

I received one of the warmest greetings from the staff when I arrived at the resort. This continued throughout my stay as every staff member greeted me by name. This was a small gesture but a very touching one, as it made me feel at ease wherever I went on the island.

I checked in to one of their water villas which overlooked the cove. The views of the cove being immersed by the limestone cliffs as you sit on the edge of the bed, could pass as one of the 7 wonders of the world. The villa itself offered me privacy which made me feel as though I was the only person on the island. All rooms on the island are villas that each have their own unique feel and features. These include beach villas, lagoon villas, as well as sunrise and sunset villas with their own private pools.

The water villa offers two loungers on the deck which was without a doubt the highlight of the room; allowing me to relax outside and listen to the sounds of the ocean. Included on the deck floor is a glass panel, so you can admire the sea creatures below. The sliding doors leading out onto the deck, as well as the window beside the bed, are tinted, allowing guests comfort and privacy in their own villa.

There was a large tub in the bathroom, that included a rain shower. It is not your typical shower bath. There is also an outdoor shower which is accessible from the bathroom as well as the main entrance, allowing you to rinse off before entering your villa. The amenities in the bathroom were all from L’Occitane, another small touch that really amplifies the luxury of the resort.  

I had one of the best nights’ sleep in the extra king bed. The sounds of the ocean beneath evoking a sense of calm. The cabinet at the base of the bed has a television that can be brought up through remote control if you want to watch one of your favorite Netflix shows, or you can leave it down and admire the view of the cove.

One of the main features of the resort is the infinity pool. It encapsulates everything a resort pool should be. It has unobstructed views of the ocean and is a stone’s throw away from the beach.

The resort offers complimentary water sports and activities. All motorized water sports are unauthorized due to El Nido islands’ regulations. The activities on offer include, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. I opted to go snorkeling in the cove. This presented me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the numerous baby sharks that are residents of the cove (they are ‘vegetarian’ as the guide put it, and not harmful in any way). All the gear is provided free-of-charge, including swimming shoes to protect you from the sea urchins and coral reefs.

The resort offers numerous activities on the island. These include sunrise and sunset hikes, yoga, volleyball, board games, and many more. I opted to do both hikes. The sunrise hike is a challenging one that includes rock climbing. It is worth it for one of the most breathtaking sunrises over the El Nido mainland, as well as memorable views of the Cauayan Island Resort. The guides are fantastic, you are provided with a helmet with a light as well as gloves for the sharp limestone cliffs you must climb. There are ropes all the way along the path for you to hold onto to make the climb easier, and to feel safe all the way. The sunset hike is on the opposite side of the island and is a lot less strenuous. It is a lot quicker and can be done in open shoes. It also delivered spectacular views and the perfect way to unwind before dinner.

In addition to the island-based activities the resort also offers full and half-day island hopping tours, as well as a sunset cruise. These tours can either be done on their speedboat or on the local group boat. There are numerous different packages on offer, all allowing you to take in the incredible different islands in and around El Nido.

I chose to do the half-day island hopping tour with the resort’s private speedboat, which was a fantastic experience. We visited some of the most picturesque lagoons and snorkeling spots, some of which have been featured in world-renowned films. The tour guide, Alan, was so friendly and gave me all the information regarding the sights and assisted me with all of the equipment.

The resort has one main dining area, which is located right next to the swimming pool, looking out over the cove. The tables are well positioned, allowing you to get the best view of the beach, as well as a real tropical feel from the surrounding palm trees. They offer a full buffet breakfast, with the option to order from the kitchen. My favourite was the eggs benedict, which I ordered every morning together with an orange juice. The orange juice was freshly squeezed, and the staff ensured that your glass was always full.

Lunch and dinner are served à la carte. You will not be short on variety as the menu is extensive. It includes over 100 different dishes bringing together flavours from all over the world. The portion sizes are generous, so you will not leave feeling hungry or short-changed. Lunch around the pool was relaxed. I had a fresh coconut which is the perfect hydrating drink on holiday. The dinner ambience was complimented by the pool lighting and ocean sounds. Fresh seafood is also available every evening, displaying the catch of the day that you can choose from. My favourite was the mango meringue roll for dessert, which was freshly made by their talented pastry chef.

On top of the à la carte menu there is also a bar menu that includes bar snacks as well as sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. Not to mention the numerous cocktails, wines, spirits, and beer on offer that any bar around the world would envy. This menu is also available at lunch and dinner, you can relax on one of the pool loungers, or sit in the bar located across the swimming pool from the main dining area, and order from there. It really is the ideal dining setup: informal and relaxed, the perfect combination for a holidaymaker seeking to unwind.

The spa treatment room was one-of-a-kind. Each treatment room is tranquil and private. Each massage table includes a glass panel beneath it, allowing you to spot your favorite fish or take in the resident baby sharks. If you really want to get into a sense of Zen, there is no better feeling than doing it to the calming sound of the ocean. I opted for the signature massage. It did not disappoint, the pressure from the therapist was perfect and the setting could not have been better. I can honestly say it was one of the best massages I have ever experienced, and 90 minutes that I wish had never ended. To bring me back to reality, I was given a homemade ginger tea whilst sitting out on the deck overlooking the cove and El Nido mainland.

The resort has a romantic ambience and is a place you can call ‘a home away from home’. They offer honeymoon and special occasion packages which makes it the perfect romantic destination. They have private dinner locations and, of course, top-class service and hospitality. I would rate this property as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.

There were so many small touches that contributed to making my stay so perfect, many of which I cannot explain as it has to be experienced personally.

Everyone I encountered made me feel so well taken care of, especially Jolery and Kath who looked after me in the restaurant, Jen and the front office team, and Alan the tour guide. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners of Cauayan and what a lovely couple, so down to earth and they look after their staff well.

Cauayan Island Resort really is a paradise of tranquility and a haven of comfort. Their slogan is “the art of laid back luxury” and that is exactly what you will experience.

The photos online do not do this resort justice. There are also small details and personal touches that really elevate your stay that you won’t get from their advertising or website. The staff really focus on giving you a personalized experience and creating lasting memories. I cannot sum up my stay any better than to say the resort is truly out of this world and the most beautiful place I have ever stayed at.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your stay at Cauayan Island Resort, visit their website: cauayanresort.com

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The Level at Melia Barcelona Sky – The perfect City Escape

The Level at Melia Barcelona Sky is located in the El Poblenou neighborhood and within walking distance of the metro station. The metro connects the entire city which was extremely convenient.

The level reception is located on the 25th floor of the building and we were checked in by Marta. Check in was done smoothly and Marta gave us all the information we needed. I would like to give a special thank you to Marta for helping us with all our bookings and transfers. She was amazing.

We stayed in a spacious suite on the 27th floor of the hotel which gave us amazing views of the city. The room had a big lounge area and a separate area for luggage storage. The bed was extremely comfortable, and the bathroom had a double shower as well as a bath.

View from our room:

The pool area was great, with many lounge chairs and a few double loungers which were very comfortable. The weather was also perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Breakfast was served on the 24th floor with seating areas on both sides of the building so you had a choice of a city or ocean view. There was a huge variety of food and drinks at breakfast and very high quality, it was delicious.

On the 25th floor there was a special dining and lounge area only for selected guests. Complimentary food and drinks were served throughout the day. Tapas and sun downers were also served every evening around sunset.

What an amazing experience, I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Barcelona and I hope to visit again soon.

Reviewed by Kayla Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book a stay at this incredible hotel

https://www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/barcelona/the-level-at-melia-barcelona-sky/

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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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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

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A Romantic escape to Paris…

We arrived at Hotel Mademoiselle in Paris on a very cold day, our flight got delayed on our way to Paris as the weather was too bad to take off. Luckily we finally made it and arrived at our new home away from home for the night, The Hotel Mademoiselle.

We had quite the fast check in and once we arrived in the room we had some coffee before heading out to explore Paris. We got quite the weather as it started hailing on our way back to the hotel. I have never been as cold and as happy to take a warm shower once we arrived back at the hotel.

This Parisian hotel must be one of my favorites yet, we had a view of the Eiffel tower from our room creating the perfect French atmosphere. Behind the hotels discreet facade, hides a chic, yet unassuming establishment with couture style decor evoking the elegance and charm of Parisian women.

The next morning we enjoyed the delicious breakfast buffet before heading to the airport to fly back to South Africa.

Although we only had one night at this exquisite hotel I can fondly say that it exceeded all my expectations and is exactly what a Parisian hotel should strive to be.

I would love to go back someday and explore the hotel and Paris some more, the hotel has a lot of character, charm and the staff where amazing and so friendly and accommodating – it really made our stay feel special.

Reviewed By Jana Stoman – World Luxury Awards Representative

To book this hotel click the link below

hotel-mademoiselle-paris.com

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A sunny weekend escape to Johannesburg’s The Palazzo, Montecasino

I arrived in Johannesburg on a hot, sunny afternoon and took a taxi directly to The Palazzo, Montecasino. Arriving at the Palazzo I felt like I was entering a hidden oasis in the city. The Grounds are spectacular with beautiful manicured gardens and a stunning fountain at the entrance. As my taxi stopped in front of the hotel I was warmly greeted by staff and my luggage was handled immediately.

Walking into reception my first thought was how striking and beautiful the hotel is with the magnificent chandelier in the lobby. I was meeting my sister at the Palazzo who had already arrived and was waiting in our room. After my refreshing welcome drink and smooth check in I was escorted to my room. Upon arrival I was confused as my sister was not in the room – the hotel was kind enough to upgrade our stay and give us each our own room. This was a wonderful surprise and start to our stay!

The hotel has a Tuscan inspired, elegant feel to it and the rooms were no different. Refined and luxurious is how I would best describe them. A large and undoubtedly the most comfortable King sized bed I have ever slept in, bath, spacious shower and fully stocked mini bar were available. With a complimentary bottle of red wine as a welcome gift and some delicious sweet snacks I felt right at home. My room had a balcony overlooking the Palazzo gardens and courtyard and this was the perfect spot for us to relax and sip on glass of wine.

As a palazzo guest; the Montecasino was right on our doorstep. We took a stroll there for dinner and explored the shops. It was great not having to go far at all for entertainment, shopping and restaurants.

I of course tested out the Gym bright and early and was definitely not disappointed. A variety of cardio equipment, weights, sweat towels, chilled water and even apples were available as a post gym snack. The gym kept in theme with the Tuscan look and feel and I felt right at home here getting in my early morning gym session.

Breakfast at the Palazzo was outstanding each morning, with a full buffet offering a variety of delicious food options. Fruit, Champagne, pastries, hot breakfast, cereal… you name it – we had it. The dining area is also breathtakingly beautiful looking out onto the gardens with luxurious and timeless décor.

All the staff at The Palazzo are friendly, attentive and make sure all guests are happy and having a good time.

The Palazzo, Montecasino is definitely an oasis in the urban jungle and a hotel I highly recommend to anyone travelling to Johannesburg for leisure or business.

Reviewed By Tanique Echardt – World Luxury Hotel Awards Executive Manager

To book or see more of this beautiful hotel click the link below

https://www.tsogosun.com/the-palazzo-hotel 

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A historical journey through Amsterdam…

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has quite the history, from a 15th-century convent to royal lodgings to Dutch Admiralty headquarters to the city hall of Amsterdam, the hotel boasts a rich history. Now, after a careful renovation by French designer Sybille de Margerie, it is a place of hospitality, art and culture. Furnished with French elegance and grandeur, the hotel blends sleek design with five star facilities, including 52 luxury suites with Butler Service and an indulgent spa. With the Michelin star restaurant Bridges, a Parisian themed bistro, the Library ‘Or’, a brown café, the banqueting halls and the beautiful garden terrace, this is definitely the perfect spot for the discerning business traveller or for a luxury stay in Amsterdam. Poetry and a rich history captivate and seduce everyone into visiting the hotel.

We checked in quite early for our three night stay at the hotel. We went up to our room and marvelled over how big, modern and beautiful it was. We had the most amazing view of the hotel garden and couldn’t wait to make ourselves some coffee to warm us up.

 

The hotel has so much to offer and one will definitely not get bored while staying there. My husband and I really enjoyed the So Spa and of course the marvellous breakfast they serve at Bridges. My favourite? I really can’t choose between the chefs special eggs Benedict and the amazing waffles. My husband and I had quite the appetite as there was just too many amazing things to try.

The hotel has the perfect location. We walked everywhere during our stay and while the wind was sometimes cold we actually enjoyed roaming around the streets and getting lost. There are many restaurants and bars in close proximity of the hotel, and it is also located in the Red Light District.

I would recommend this hotel to any traveller, the service was superb, the food was delicious and we could not have wished for a better location to explore Amsterdam from.

Reviewed by Jana Stoman- World Luxury Awards Representative

To view this Beautiful Hotel or book click the link below

Book Now

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Adventures in the wilds of Africa at Pondoro Game Lodge…

After our 6-hour drive from Johannesburg, we finally arrived at Pondoro Game Lodge.
Upon our arrival, one of the staff members, Armand welcomed us and took us to the reception area. We were offered a special welcome drink by the staff members. Armand briefly explained the program for the following days to us.


We were then taken to our room which left my husband and I breathless. The room was really a big spoil – beautifully decorated to suite the name of the room which was called tree suit. The suite that we stayed in had a spectacular view overlooking the Olifant’s river and our own private hot tub on the beautiful deck.

During our three day stay, my husband and I were so overwhelmed with the wonderful staff and the exceptional service. The effort that was made for us was so special and the managers and staff really bent over backwards to accommodate our every need, no matter how small or big. My husband had a special dietary requirement which the staff accommodated without any hesitation. This meant a lot to us.

Dorah, the lady who cleaned our room every day, made the stay extremely special for us. We really want to thank her for making our stay even more memorable. She left us a note on our bed every morning and evening. It was really the little things she did that stole our heart.

The highlight of the trip was definitely the game drives and wildlife. Within the first few hours of arrival we saw 4 out of the Big 5 animals. Our Game Rangers Marius didn’t let anything stop him to get us as close as possible to the animals. Never before have I had such great success spotting wildlife.

It was a stay we won’t easily forget. Just speaking to other guests at the lodge, who return year after year, says so much about the Lodge.

We had a amazing stay and I hope to return again one day soon.

Reviewed by Franca a representative of World Luxury Awards

To book follow the link to the website www.pondoro.co.za

 

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A visit to Valverde Hotel in romantic Lisbon…

I think all of us can agree that after a long flight the first thing you want to do is take a shower and a much-needed nap. We arrived in Lisbon at 6 in the morning and knew the chances that the hotel would have a room ready for us this early in the morning was next to nothing. I did however send our flight details to the hotel and arranged that we would drop our luggage at the hotel to then go and explore the city, or rather wait for the time that we could check in.

To my surprise and utter relief, our room was ready. We were welcomed by a quick check in, and a voucher for a complimentary drink at the Sítio Bar. I could take the shower that I wanted to, and we had a long nice nap before we headed out to explore the city, this time ready and happy to do so.

Our room had the most beautiful views of Avenida da Liberdade and was quite modern, very clean and had everything one could need- they even had an umbrella for the cold winter rain.

The hotel is situated at Avenida da Liberdade, most probably one of the best spots a hotel can be in when visiting Lisbon. The avenue is vibrant and was modelled after the boulevards of Paris. The first night we got quite lucky as we took a stroll through the avenue and ended up in what seemed to be a Winter Wonderland Street fare

The next morning, we went for our first breakfast at Sítio, they have a wide variety to choose from and everything was very delicious.

We enjoyed our complimentary drink voucher that evening, my husband had a Portuguese beer and I had a white wine from the Douro Valley. As the weather was quite nice, we decided to have the drink by the hotel swimming pool, I think it would be even better in the summer time when you can take a swim with a refreshing glass of white wine.

We had an amazing two-night stay at Valverde Hotel, Lisbon and would recommend anyone to visit not only the hotel but Lisbon as well.

To book this hotel follow the link to your website www.valverdehotel.com/en/luxury-hotel-lisbon 

reviewed by Jana Stoman – World Luxury Awards Representative