Travel Archives - Page 9 of 9 - World Luxury Hotel Awards

Posted on January 3, 2017November 14, 2023 by Melissa Hofmann

What Makes Armani Hotel Dubai The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel?

What does it take to become the world’s most luxurious hotel?

Does it involve outrageous amenities such as in-room 24 karat gold iPads, private jet and butler services, or even pet psychics for your pooches?

According to Anton Perold, Managing Director of the World Luxury Hotel Awards, true luxury is defined by “a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered,” he said. But since luxury can mean different things to different people, every year The World Luxury Hotel Awards takes on a new focus to select the new winner.

Armani Amal Terrace (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

For 2016, the ten-year organization shifts the focus on supreme style and unique elegance, and named Armani Hotel Dubai the winner.

Opened since 2010, the ten-story hotel with 160 rooms and suites is the first hotel by fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Bearing all the Armani signature details in the carefully curated space with Eramose stone floors, zebrawood panels, and custom-made furnishings, it’s no surprise that everything here is tastefully designed.

Hotel Lobby (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai & Max Montingelli©sip)

One of only two hotels (the other one is in Milan) launched by the legendary designer, much of Armani Hotel Dubai’s appeal is also defined by its location. Situated at Burj Khalifa—world’s tallest tower—in Downtown Dubai, the world’s most luxurious hotel boasts stunning views of the city, convenient access to the city’s best shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, plus a dedicated entrance to the tower.

Burj Khalifa (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

With all the amenities one would normally expect—Award-winning restaurants, lounge, deluxe spa and various Armani goods, what really sets this hotel apart is the “warm, Italian-style service” noted by Mark Kirby—General Manager of Armani Hotel Dubai.

Armani Ristorante (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

For instance, each guest is assigned a personal Lifestyle Manager who handles everything from arranging childcare to landing difficult bookings of the hottest restaurants and events out there. The idea of it is to provide guests with a “‘home-away-from-home experience,” said Kirby.

(Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

As a former guest of the Armani Hotel, Milton Pedraza—CEO of the Luxury Institute—believes that one of the most remarkable strengths of Armani is his ability in creating an understated style of luxury that’s completely serene. “It’s a paradoxical concept few could pull off. And when done properly (which Armani certainly has), it makes guests feel pampered and peaceful at the same time,” he noted.

All the books in this study at the Armani Dubai Suite are personally selected by the designer himself. (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

This ability not only reflects on the fashion legend’s renowned aesthetics, but also his personality and values. According to the luxury expert, there’s something about the Armani Hotel experience that made him feel special. “The staff at his hotels are very well-selected and well-trained. They make you feel welcome in a way that seems more genuine and relatable than other hotels,” he added.

Walk-in closet at the Armani Dubai Suite (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

“Fact is, people don’t want to be treated like royals anymore,” Pedraza said.

What this award points to—when it comes to luxury hotel trends in 2017—are well-designed spaces that aren’t excessively staged or opulent. As the world becomes more globalized, successful hotels are definitely angling for more local experiences, where guests could get intimate knowledge of each place.

(Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

Yet, for frequent travelers, don’t be surprised to find your favorite snacks or drinks from your home countries. “As hotels want to ease your transition from one place to another both physically and emotionally,” noted Pedraza, “2017’s hotel experience will focus equally on satisfying your curiosity of a new place as it is on fighting home sickness.”

(Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

Writer Credit

Eustacia Huen ,

CONTRIBUTOR

I cover food, luxury, and occasionally tennis (when Nadal is playing).

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Posted on November 9, 2016March 16, 2020 by Melissa Hofmann

Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa – Romantic Getaway

This luxury hotel Is situated on a cliff side, overlooking the Indian ocean in a nature reserve, featuring ten exquisitely decorated rooms. The décor can be described as pure elegance. All suites have underfloor heating, flat screen TV, DVD player, in room safe, gowns, slippers and a fully stocked bar with drinks and snacks.

The restaurant and spa are a must in this grand hotel. One can enjoy cocktails on the sun deck, a tantalising dinner or a visit to the fantastic spa with its array of treatments. The hotel also features a library which includes a big screen tv and many board games for the whole family.

“We felt Honoured to have stayed in a hotel that has hosted so many distinguished guests, such as Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson.”

The Team Told us about all the local activities in Plettenberg bay as well as helped us book. For breakfast excite your palate, one can enjoy a lovely buffet of fresh fruit, cheeses and freshly baked pastries, as well as many hot breakfast dishes to choose from.

For breakfast, we had an exquisite selection of tantalising food with a selection of fresh fruit, cheeses and freshly baked pastries, as well as many hot breakfast dishes to choose from which changed on a daily basis throughout our stay.

On our stay, we were welcomed by ‘Beauty’ she presented us with a lovely glass of port after our long trip. The room we stayed in was impeccable, to say the least with a balcony overlooking the ocean. We thoroughly enjoyed the daybeds which faced the fireplace and looked out into the night sky. We lay there with a glass of wine, mesmerised by the stars.

“A perfect romantic getaway”

The bathroom featured his and hers basins, a large bathtub, bath oils, bubble bath and bath salts and the shower overlooked the ocean. We felt like royalty throughout our entire stay. What stood out the most was the gracious staff, that presented exceptional work ethic and service delivery. World Luxury Hotel Awards highly recommends Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa for a romantic South African getaway.

To find out more please visit: www.plettenbergpark.co.za

Guest – Melissa Hofmann

Posted on June 9, 2016March 16, 2020 by Natalie Gautier

Experiencing the WTM Africa 2016

The World Luxury Hotel & Spa Awards team attended the highly successful WTM Africa earlier this year at the CTICC in Cape Town – not surprisingly one of the most loved cities in the world.

A perfect venue in which to facilitate a meeting and collaborative space for leaders and trend setters in our dynamic hospitality industry. We were impressed by the quality of the exhibition stands, and the level of excellence taken in representing their properties, spa’s and tourism related services. Although the show was created for the African segment of the market, a number of far reaching internationals were exhibiting, testament to the significance of a growing and energized trade culture.

A key highlight for our team included meeting the faces behind our participating hotels, lodges and spa’s which offered a great opportunity in solidifying important business to business relationships.

Naturally, we connected and networked with many new establishments and provided insight into the specialized hospitality awards market. We also gained incredible knowledge from attending many of the live conference events which saw global industry leaders sharing their expertise and travel forecasts. The WTM Africa travel and tourism event has entrenched itself as the leading global marketplace for businesses across the industry. It is an optimal opportunity to engage in value-driven conversations in a diverse range of South African, Sub-Saharan African and Internationally represented hospitality entities. Stay current with industry best practices, exchange ideas, and collaborate with travel professionals at this annual event. We look forward to attending in 2017, and hope to meet you there!

Posted on June 9, 2016March 16, 2020 by Bridgette Raal

The St Regis Doha, Qatar, To Host 10th Anniversary Hotel Awards

World Luxury Hotel Awards is honoured to announce that the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony will be hosted by The St Regis Doha in Qatar –

on Saturday, 29 October 2016

The 10th Anniversary of the World Luxury Hotel Awards and this year’s annual gala ceremony will be a celebration of legendary proportion. The World Luxury Hotel Awards event will offer hoteliers the unique opportunity to savour and celebrate their achievements of the past year with their industry peers.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is a recognized global organization providing luxury hotels with recognition for their world-class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. Awards are presented to luxury hotels in over 50 different categories on a country, regional and global basis. Public vote selects allwinners, reflecting real recognition for the hard work and dedication of hotel staff and hotel standards. Centrally located for all international travellers and set in Middle Eastern mystique, The St. Regis Doha presents interiors styled in modern opulence overlooking the Arabian Gulf’s tranquil blue sea. All around are the towering sand dunes and ancient architecture that make up the picturesque landscape of the region. Continuing a century-old tradition, all guests who stay at the hotel will be provided with their own butler for the duration of their stay, ensuring the highest levels of bespoke service. The St. Regis Doha features 336 rooms including 70 suites – all offering soothing views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel features ten restaurants and bars, 4,000-square- meters of meeting space and extensive recreational facilities including Remède Spa, an Olympic swimming pool and beachfront cabanas with private Jacuzzis.

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