We recently had the pleasure of staying at Athens Flair during our visit to Athens, Greece, while attending the 17th Annual World Luxury Awards Gala Ceremony, and we can confidently say it exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we walked through the door, the hotel’s commitment to excellence was evident.
Nestled in the heart of historic Athens, Athens Flair is a true gem that combines modern luxury with a touch of Greek charm.
The hotel’s unparalleled location offers convenient access to some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. The Acropolis, Plaka, and Syntagma Square are all within walking distance, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Upon entering the hotel, there is a beautiful spiralling staircase which leads you to the reception area. Thankfully the friendly staff assisted us with our luggage and was very accommodating throughout our entire stay. Their genuine warmth and professionalism added a personal touch that made us feel like valued guests.
Our room at Athens Flair was a sanctuary of comfort and style. Spacious, elegantly furnished, and impeccably clean, with amazing views of the city. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail, from the luxurious bedding to the well-appointed bathroom stocked with premium amenities.
The hotel’s breakfast was equally impressive, featuring a variety of fresh and delicious options to suit every palate. We opted to eat in our room, however, you may also enjoy your breakfast on the rooftop terrace. The terrace has the most amazing panoramic views of the city.
In conclusion, Athens Flair is a true gem in the heart of Athens, offering a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a leisure traveler or in town for business, this hotel is a top-notch choice. We left Athens with fond memories, and much of that credit goes to the exceptional experience provided by Athens Flair.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Jana Stoman
To book your stay at Athens Flair, visit their website: athensflair.com
A five-star luxury resort located on Sentosa Island, Singapore
The moment you walk into Sofitel Singapore Sentosa you feel instantly relaxed. It is a haven of tranquility and peace. The design, the décor, the ambience, it all represents luxury and opulence.
The staff are extremely welcoming and are happy to attend to your every need and desire.
The resort is located on the Southernmost tip of Sentosa island and has access to Tanjung Beach. The resort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by lush greenery; a tropical ambience and the décor perfectly blends Singapore and France’s heritage.
The resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and it also offers many activities for those who want an active vacation.
Sentosa Island is home to the famous Universal Studios, as well as multiple scenic beaches and international restaurants. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is the perfect place from which to explore the island. The beach and adjacent establishments can be easily accessed via the resort’s staircase, which also boasts a stunning view of the South China Sea.
They also offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Resort every half hour, which stops at the Harbourfront MRT station on the mainland, from which one can venture into the city.
The front desk staff made check-in a breeze, and also provided me with their shuttle schedule, weekly activities, and dining options. The Marketing manager showed me to my suite, which was in their tranquility wing. On the way to the suite, she explained some of the resort’s décor pieces and significant design touches. I really appreciated the warm and personalized welcome. The resort definitely had a Balinese feel to it, and the architecture was incredibly impressive.
I booked their Junior suite which had a comfortable king sized bed, a spacious lounge area, and beautiful décor. It is an open-concept suite with a lavish bathroom complimented by Balmain amenities.
The housekeeping staff go out of their way to make your stay special, and even left me a handwritten card on my bed.
The room was thoughtfully put together with clear French touches, making it feel very classy.
The bed linen was plush, and the sheets were smooth; I slept very well throughout my stay. Next to the bed, there are multiple different power sockets, which was very convenient.
A QR code is visible at the desk, which allows you access to their online platform including their room service menu. The entire resort also offers high speed Wi-Fi.
This was the perfect place to escape the city life and have a luxury staycation where I enjoyed both French and local influences.
As you wander around the resort, enjoy the refreshing breeze and views of the ocean and beyond. While walking around be sure to look out for the resort’s resident peacocks.
The recreational facilities at the resort make it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. This resort is suitable for leisure travellers, business travellers, and even those with pets!
The resort has a new herb garden which is very well maintained and is part of the resort’s sustainability efforts. The herbs and vegetables such as basil, tomatoes, and lemons, are used in the hotel kitchen. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa has multiple sustainability efforts, in line with the Singapore government’s green plan for 2030.
The resort gym is located in the middle of the property and is well equipped for any type of workout.
The SO/Spa was one of the highlights of my trip. The spa is luxurious and has multiple pools and spa facilities. The spa has a lap pool with sun loungers, and they have indoor hot and cold jacuzzis, as well as a Turkish steam room. If you are on a couple’s holiday, be sure to book their romantic package and have your treatments in their couple’s room which features a private jacuzzi bath.
Their pool is an instagram-worthy spot, with a waterfall feature and surrounding greenery. Their therapeutic body wrap experience is a must-try, where you lather on a special mud masque all over your body and leave it on for a few minutes, then enter the mud pool to soak it off, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
What’s better than a staycation? A staycation with your pets. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is pet-friendly and has a special “FurKid” package for those who want to bring their pets. They even offer special dog food menus at the restaurant. I spotted a Pomeranian at breakfast, and it made my day.
The resort is also an ideal destination for MICE events, meetings, and weddings. They have a grand ballroom and multiple meeting rooms. It is a stunning location for weddings, with multiple outdoor and indoor venues and great photo spots!
The hotel’s main pool is the place to be during the day. They offer single lounge beds as well as comfortable double lounge beds. Relax around the pool whilst enjoying the sounds of the birds and palm trees around you.
A rare and surprising feature of the resort is their fish spa, located next to Le Bar. The pond is filled with “Dr. Fish”, a special fish breed that nibbles on your feet, getting rid of your dead skin. The kids completely love this feature, and it adds to the many reasons why this property is one-of-a-kind.
Le Bar, located in the heart of the resort, offers a daily 1-for-1 cocktail happy hour and is a great place to enjoy an afternoon or evening drink. The bar lights up at night and has lively music playing.
Kwee Zeen is the resort’s all day dining outlet and offers delectable local cuisine and international favourites. For dinner, I had the beef cheeseburger and French fries, which had to be one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I went to bed with a very full and satisfied stomach.
Start your day the right way with the buffet breakfast at Kwee Zeen, which features a made-to-order egg station, an Indian cuisine station, cold meats, and more. You can choose to sit inside with air conditioning or outside with the ocean breeze (and view). The breakfast offers multiple hot and cold dishes and a great selection of fresh pastries. The bread-and-butter pudding was so tasty.
Their other dining outlet is The Cliff, a restaurant with a delectable Italian menu. Pasta and Tiramisu, the perfect dinner combination.
I felt very cared for during my stay, the staff were attentive and their hospitality was of superior quality.
The Sofitel brand has French flair, and this resort lives up to the Sofitel name. It’s definitely an exceptional experience in Singapore.
The resort has multiple water features and fountains, which makes for a peaceful experience whilst wandering around the resort grounds.
On the one side of the fountains there is a lion statue, which resembles Singapore’s heritage, and on the other side there is a horse statue, which symbolizes French heritage. These special design details add to why the resort is so unique.
The resort staff were attentive, polite, and always had a smile on their faces. They also gave me great recommendations for shopping and nearby attractions.
I would consider Sofitel Sentosa a hidden gem in Singapore, and an absolute must-visit. It is the ultimate accommodation on Sentosa Island.
Thank you to all the staff at Sofitel Sentosa who made my stay out of this world. I look forward to visiting again.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens
A Boutique hotel located on the beachfront of the famous Kuta Beach
The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel is conveniently situated right by Kuta Beach, a 5-minute stroll from Kuta Square and the Kuta Art Market. The hotel blends contemporary design with fishing village-themed interiors and is the ideal destination for business and leisure travelers.
The hotel has a prime location and is a 5-minute walk from the Kuta Beachwalk shopping center which has great outlets and dining options. The airport is about a 15-minute car ride from the hotel. Right next to the hotel entrance is a convenience store, wine shop and transportation services.
From the hotel, you can go for a leisurely stroll on the beach and take in the beautiful sea views. Kuta beach is known for surfing, so I would recommend doing a surfing lesson during your stay.
My spacious room had a full view of the Kuta Beach and the bustling street below.
Many of the rooms have an ocean view and balcony, and some have direct pool access to a plunge pool.
My room was spacious and had a separate living area and study with a flat-screen TV, minibar and a balcony overlooking Kuta Beach. They also provided complimentary coffee and tea in the room daily. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day and the menu features international classics as well as local Indonesian dishes to try.
The bathroom had a luxurious bathtub and they offered bath salts as an extra amenity. The shower and toilet were private, and the double vanity featured quality amenities such as body lotion, scented hand soap and more.
The hotel also provides luggage storage in case you have a late flight and still want to explore Kuta. If you haven’t already booked sightseeing tours online, the hotel has a tour desk who can assist you with making bookings. I would absolutely recommend doing the Ubud full day tour.
The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is the highlight of the hotel and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Spend your day around the pool on one of the comfortable lounge chairs and relax with music playing in the background. The pool also has a bar with a variety of cocktails, you should definitely try a whole coconut.
The hotel features a spa, and I would like to mention that they offer a Traditional Balinese massage which is a must-do when in Bali. For fitness lovers, the hotel has a fully equipped gym.
Riva Bar & Restaurant has breathtaking ocean views and offers international cuisine as well as some local dishes. This is also a great spot for sunset.
The buffet breakfast is amazing, as you enter the breakfast area there are two Balinese performers playing a special instrument to add to the ambience of the hotel. The buffet offers a variety of food, including a vegetarian section, Indonesian section, sushi station and a made-to-order egg station.
The set up included traditional Balinese dishes and the staff were at your service and happy to explain the dishes to you. They also have a station that serves special juice that has Indonesian spices and herbs in, which is worth a try. Don’t forget to try their freshly made French toast with chocolate sauce. The perfect way to start your day in Bali.
The staff welcomed me with a smile every morning and made sure I was comfortable. You can also sit on one of the lounge chairs around the pool with a coffee and enjoy the view of Kuta Beach.
The staff members are highly attentive and sincerely dedicated to ensuring your experience is exceptional. Whether it’s the buffet staff, security personnel, receptionists, or cleaning services, everyone is always eager to go the extra mile to accommodate your needs.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens
The Racha is located on Racha Yai island which is about a 30-minute speedboat ride from Chalong Pier in Phuket. The island has the most beautiful natural scenery and breathtaking sunsets, it is also a well-known spot for diving and snorkeling.
The meeting point is at The Racha Chalong Lounge at Chalong Pier which is about an hour’s drive from the Phuket International Airport. At the lounge, they offer Wi-Fi as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. It is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled boat trip.
Upon arrival at the lounge, we were offered a choice of different scents for our room on the island.
We decided upon lemongrass as the staff explained that is repels mosquitos, as well as having a natural tropical smell.
Welcome Lounge
We took a shuttle bus from the lounge directly to the boat and the staff assisted with our luggage. The speedboat ride was a fun experience, and the weather was perfect.
Upon arriving at The Racha, you are welcomed by crystal blue water and powdery white sands.
We were escorted to the welcome area at the resort and offered a scented cold towel and a special purple drink. The front office staff assisted us to our room and explained the services and facilities on the way.
We checked into a Grand Deluxe Villa for three nights, and it was just what we needed. A comfortable bed, indoor and outdoor showers, bathtub, luxurious amenities, and a terrace with sea views.
We arrived at the resort around 2pm in the afternoon, so we headed to the pool for lunch and a dip.
The adults-only infinity pool is the heart of the resort, it has the best view of the island and is the perfect place for a day of relaxing and sun tanning.
There are complimentary water bottles available around the pool and you can order drinks and food during the day.
The beach is another option for relaxing and sunbathing, there are lounger chairs and hammocks on the grass in front of the resort and beach towels available. The palm trees all around the resort make it such a relaxing atmosphere. The weather was perfect and every day we swam in the ocean and the pools.
The resort has a very laid-back ambience and is a great option for couples and even families who just want to relax.
There are numerous activities available on the island, including complimentary watersports such as kayak and snorkeling. This island offers some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Phuket. I would encourage everyone to try the water sports, the staff are knowledgeable and will assist with everything.
You can also explore the island by foot, there are a few beaches a short distance away from the main beach, which is more secluded. The reception will give you a map and are happy to help with directions.
They also offer chargeable activities such as island hopping, sunset cruises, ATV’s and guided hikes, which can all be booked via their mobile app. You can also ask any questions via the live chat on their app which is really convenient.
The resort also has a PADI certified diving center for those interested in learning to dive.
For those just wanting to relax, you can opt for a treatment at the Anumba Spa. The Spa also offers daily complimentary yoga sessions, which is also suitable for beginners. I would definitely recommend anyone to try yoga, the instructor is so friendly and its just a fun experience to try something new.
Sunsets at The Racha are magical. Six thirty until seven thirty at night is the best time of day for me. We made sure to book the best table at the restaurant which has a perfect view of the ocean and the sunset. Enjoy a fresh coconut or a cocktail as the sun sets.
The main restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, we sat outside all three nights because of the stunning views. Just ensure you spray mosquito repellant when sitting outside at night.
The restaurant menu is extensive, they offer international favorites as well as Thai specialties. I suggest you try a Thai dish at least once, for example the Pineapple fried rice, such a flavorful dish. I also had the mango Crème Brûlée which was 10/10.
If you are on a romantic holiday, you can book the private dining area which is set up right in front of the resort with unobstructed views of the bay.
The breakfast buffet has a great variety including an egg station where the chefs prepare eggs benedict or omelettes for you. They also offered complimentary sparking wine at breakfast for those wanting to make a mimosa.
The resort also has a gelato shop which is open during the day and is the perfect place for an afternoon scoop to cool down. Next to the resort entrance, there are a few small local stores which sell all kinds of snacks, and even swimwear and accessories.
I had a wonderful holiday, there is so much to do on the island, but it also is just so relaxing to do nothing if you want.
The staff were friendly and attentive, and the whole team delivered beyond my expectation.
Overall, I had a fabulous time at The Racha, thank you to all the staff who made my stay memorable, I will be back in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Kayla Lourens
To book your stay at The Racha, visit their website: www.theracha.com
Fancourt offers a luxurious, contemporary and relaxed environment and with award-winning golf courses, fine dining, wellness and family-friendly facilities, it makes Fancourt perfect for any kind of traveller.
Upon arrival, my partner and I were warmly welcomed by the friendly porters’ ready to assist with our luggage and they even offered to park our vehicle for our convenience.
At the reception desk, my partner and I were served with a glass of champagne while the receptionist assured a smooth check-in process.
Jamie Cooper, the Marketing Manager took the time to introduce herself and offered her personal assistance should we need any assistance during our stay.
The porter then showed us to our One-Bedroom Suite where we were delighted to enter our room and find a complimentary wine accompanied by a hand-written note.
Each suite has a private balcony or patio with idyllic views of Fancourt’s estate. The room had a king size bed with a separate lounge area, TVs, mini bar, Coffee and tea making facilities and Wi-Fi access.
The second night we received a room upgrade and stayed in one of the suites at the Manor House. We were again surprised with a chilled bottle of champagne and they spoiled us with a beautiful towel and rose petal representation in our room, seeing that is was our honeymoon.
Guests staying at the Manor House can enjoy from 24-hour in-room dining and luxury bathroom amenities to a private pool and the beautifully appointed Manor House Library and Manor House Lounge.
My partner and I had dinner at La Cantina serving Italian cuisine. I enjoyed the best Chicken Ravioli and my partner had the most tender, flavourful T-bone steak served with salad and fries. The staff were very eager to assist with any request we might have had. Fancourt offers 4 restaurants to choose from and allows you to definitely find something to enjoy on their menus.
We enjoyed our complimentary full buffet breakfast at La Cantina since they are also Fancourt’s breakfast restaurant of choice.
The breakfast was delicious, the buffet included, pastries, hot dishes, cold meats, cereals and more, the chef also cooked our choice of eggs upon request.
We made use of the complimentary facilities such as the Roman Bath and Jacuzzi. The area was always clean and we appreciated the fact that there were always dry towels readily available to use. The perfect temperature of the Roman bath made it easily enjoyable and we could truly relax.
We were thoroughly impressed with all of the staff that we came into contact with. We were impressed with the effort that they went through to ensure our every need was met in an unobtrusive but kind way. The housekeeping services were quick to notice when extra items in the room were needed.
Our stay at Fancourt was an absolutely unforgettable experience and one that we are bound to remember for a long time. The excellence in service, presentation and luxurious details from beginning to end will definitely ensure that we will be recommending Fancourt as a place to stay when visiting South Africa.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Chanté Ebersohn.
Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila is located in Ortigas, Pasig which is a popular business district and has multiple shopping malls within walking distance.
I enjoyed two nights in a one-bedroom suite which was spacious and comfortable. The kitchen is fully stocked and the room had high speed internet. The shower also has a steam option and there was a TV in the bathroom which was convenient.
The hotel has a rooftop bar on the 43rd floor with panoramic views of Manila Bay, it is the perfect spot for sundowners. They also serve food from the grill to accompany your cocktails.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Nostalgia Lounge & Bar, offers buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast was delicious, the buffet included, pastries, hot dishes, cold meats, cereals and more, the chef will cook your eggs while you wait.
The indoor heated pool is the perfect place to relax after a long day and be sure to take a dip in the jacuzzi. The pool even has underwater music playing! The fitness center has all the necessary equipment for a good workout.
This hotel is perfect for long stays, or a short staycation when you are in Manila. The suites are pet friendly and spacious for families.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Kayla Lourens
We had the pleasure of staying at Hyde Park Guest House on a recent short visit to Johannesburg.
As a family of four, with 2 young children, it was ideal for us since we were able to have adjoining rooms which gave us plenty of privacy and space.
We were offered the choice of a cooked breakfast, made to order, there was also a full breakfast buffet with a variety of items to choose from.
Thank you, Elfreda, for a lovely stay. The hospitality from the friendly staff was wonderful, the accommodation was very comfortable and the breakfast was delicious.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Adele Hamman.
When in London we had the pleasure of spending a night at Pan Pacific London. We arrived to immediately feel embraced by the ambience and were impressed with the décor which was matched by the friendly and attentive staff who welcomed us.
My partner and I enjoyed the comfort of a beautiful en-suite deluxe room with a stunning view of the city. The room was super-modern with all the amenities at hand to make one feel at home.
We chose to dine at the in-house restaurant, Straits Kitchen, which proved to be an experience we will never forget. The restaurant serves South East Asian food with dishes from Singapore. Our favourite was the variety of small plates, which included spring rolls, prawns and vegetables, to top it all off, we indulged in the Mandarin dessert which was absolutely delicious.
My partner and I are both very keen on keeping up with our gym routines when travelling and this was undoubtedly the best gym I have ever seen in a hotel. The gym is fully equipped with the latest technologies and is clean and organized. We also took the opportunity to have an afternoon dip in the pool at the spa, it was extremely relaxing and the setting was amazing with an incredible view of the city.
We will definitely return to Pan Pacific London on our next visit to London.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Shannon Langeveldt
SOFITEL Legend the Grand Amsterdam certainly makes a grand first impression which was upheld throughout the entire luxurious experience of our stay.
The Lobby
We received a warm welcome on arrival with the full attention of the Concierge who assisted us to make the most of our visit by immediately booking us on a boat tour for the next day which conveniently left from the canal directly outside the hotel – this was definitely a highlight of our Amsterdam experience.
Stunning Marble Staircase
As the name suggests, the hotel exudes grandeur, with a stylish interior reflecting modern influences, contrasting perfectly with the obvious history of the city. We took a historical tour of the hotel and discovered many interesting facts, including that many years ago the building was 2 separate convents alongside each other, the buildings were eventually combined and the hotel was also the City Hall for a number of years.
Stained Glass Window – From Rotterdam to Amsterdam
The
hotel offers a perfectly situated location, within easy walking distance of the
Central train station and right at the heart of Amsterdam’s major attractions.
Beautiful Hotel Garden’s
The gardens of the hotel are a peaceful haven in the heart of a busy city, immaculately maintained with great attention to detail, amongst all the greenery we spotted trees full of beautifully ripe apricots!
Bridges Restaurant
The well known, Michelin star restaurant, Bridges was outstanding for daily breakfast, the best we have ever experienced. The newly opened Oriole garden bistro, offering indoor and outdoor dining, provided exceptional taste experiences after a long day exploring the city.
The luxurious SPA
All amenities are provided from luxury spa to gym an d an indoor swimming pool and sauna.
Meeting Kirsten and Anne Claire
Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam is certainly an unforgettable legend.
Reviewed by: World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative Linda Cooper
Situated in the bustling Cape Town City Centre, The Taj hotel is within close distance to all local attractions. We arrived at the Taj on a rainy Friday afternoon. The Staff warmly greeted us with umbrellas and took care of parking our vehicle. Entering the Taj is like entering another era; the grandeur and splendour of the lobby area simply takes your breath away.
After a smooth check in we were escorted to our room. We stayed in a Luxury Room in the King Tower wing with a view of Table Mountain and the bustling streets below. We were greeted with a welcoming snack of nuts and fruit, a bottle of white wine and note from the General Manager. The room was spacious with elegant designs and finishes. The bathroom for me was simply stunning with the perfect layout and marble finishes.
After settling in we headed to the lobby to enjoy an afternoon tea and snack while listening to the rain fall outside.
The fitness centre at The TAJ hotel is one of the best I have experienced. State of the art equipment including free weights and stretching equipment made for an intense training session. Fresh towels and water are available at each machine. There is also an indoor heated swimming pool if you wish to get in a few laps.
Dinner at Mint Restaurant was absolutely fantastic. Friendly staff, efficient service and a menu that will satisfy any craving made for the perfect evening. There was also live jazz music which added to the ambiance.
After a good nights rest in the King size bed we enjoyed a Buffet Breakfast which was incredible. From every cereal imaginable and English breakfast options to sushi and a variety of pastries we had it all!
Jiva Spa was the absolute highlight of our stay. We were treated to a 60minute couples Indian Aromatherapy massage. This was an amazing and relaxing experience from start to finish. A special thank you to Bianca who was my therapist – she has magic hands!
Overall my experience at the TAJ Cape Town was incredible. From Check in to check out everything was perfect. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the facilities are world class and the food is superb. I left thoroughly refreshed and would highly recommend the TAJ Cape Town to anyone visiting South Africa and hope to visit again soon – one night is just to short!
Reviewed by Tanique Echardt – Executive Manager of the World Luxury Hotel Awards
