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 Lavish Haven of Luxury: The Granite Luxury Hotel Exceeds Expectations
The Granite Luxury Hotel, located in Georgetown Penang, is the ideal destination for romantic escapes, family holidays, and business meetings.
I had the pleasure of staying at The Granite Luxury Hotel for two nights, and I must say that my experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped foot into the hotel lobby, I knew I was in for an unforgettable stay.
The staff at The Granite Luxury Hotel is undoubtedly one of their greatest assets. Upon arrival, I was greeted with warm smiles and personalized service that made me feel like a valued guest. Bryan at the front desk assisted me with the check-in process and showed me to my room. He was very informative and helped me with bookings throughout my stay for various activities and eateries.
I checked into their Luxury Room, which had tasteful décor, plush bedding, and a comfortable ambience. The amenities provided were top-notch, including a welcome gift, a coffee machine, and a luxurious bathroom with premium toiletries. The room offered big windows which allowed for a great view of the city and a partial sea view. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a long day of exploring the city.
At turndown, the housekeeping set up a romantic bubble bath which included a bottle of sparkling juice, chocolates, and bath salts. They also dimmed the lights to create a romantic atmosphere.
The Mirage Pool Deck was the highlight of the hotel for me, it’s a stunning pool overlooking Georgetown and the pool area lights up at night.
The hotel has entered the Malaysia Book of Records for having the Highest Acrylic Bottom Swimming Pool. You can look down through the glass bottom of the pool and see all the way down to the street. It’s definitely a challenge for those afraid of heights. The pool is a great place to just chill and enjoy the views. Be sure to visit the pool deck around sunset time to get beautiful views with sunset hues.
The hotel’s fitness center was well-equipped with state-of-the-art machines, providing an excellent space for those who want to maintain their workout routine during their stay.
The location of the hotel was ideal, situated in the heart of the city and within close proximity to popular attractions, shopping malls and restaurants. This made it convenient for me to explore the city’s offerings and experience the local culture.
The hotel has another notable award, that was judged by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Tallest Automated Hotel Car Park.
Their Attic 23 Rooftop Bar is well-known in Penang, offering a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the city.
For dinner, the hotel arranged a special dining experience at a traditional Nyonya house which is over a hundred years old. It is a hidden gem that only accommodates a select number of patrons each night. Little Kitchen Nyonya is run by Baba Jay and his wife who are Peranakans. They are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, and various other nearby areas.
Baba Jay took us on a historical food journey giving us insight into his family’s history as well as how the Nyonya cuisine came about.
There were multiple small dishes being served, each with their own unique story. The dinner also allows guests to partake in the preparation of certain dishes if they so wish.
After dinner, we were given a tour of his house and met his family. This allowed us a glimpse into their culture. I would definitely recommend this if ever you are in Penang.
The hotel offers various different suite rooms, noticeably their ‘safari suite’ which is a themed room that offers fun and exciting toys for kids to enjoy. The room has two queen beds but together, to fit the whole family. There is a ball pit in the room as well as a tunnel around the room which kids will love.
There are also business suites which can double as ideal venues for small meetings, seminars, workshops, and job interviews. The hotel has also converted some rooms into co-working spaces which can be rented out per day. Professionals can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, access to the hotel gym, as well as a shared kitchenette with snacks.
The Granite Luxury Hotel also offers an event space that would be great for birthday parties, weddings, and events. It has a glass chapel with scenic views of Georgetown. There is an in-house event organizer that can cater to all your needs and requirements for your special event.
I would absolutely recommend this hotel if you ever find yourself in Penang, it offers something for everyone, and is a top-tier luxury hotel experience.
A special thank you to Jovan, the assistant hotel manager, who made sure my every want and need was taken care of during my stay. Jovan, Bryan and the team offered exceptional service and made my stay unforgettable.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens
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
A contemporary private villa located in Seminyak, Bali.
This villa is the ultimate luxury accommodation for families or a group of friends, with a total of 5 bedrooms. The villa can also be split into a 3-bedroom and a 2-bedroom which can be booked separately. Each has its own private swimming pool, indoor and outdoor living area, kitchenette, and private gardens.
Villa Samuan is within walking distance of the popular Seminyak beaches, local shops, craft markets and a variety of restaurants. The area is safe and peaceful, a haven for travelers.
Upon arrival I felt completely at home, the staff were friendly and courteous.
I spent three nights in the 2-bedroom “Villa Kalih” which is fully serviced and offers in-room massages, full breakfast, complimentary coffee and tea, a private driver and ultra-fast Wi-Fi.
The villa staff are available 24 hours a day and are happy to attend to your every need. The lavender scented hand soap and shower amenities smelled like a dream and the bathtub is perfect for an afternoon soak. They also offer mosquito spray in the rooms and outside, which is definitely useful at night.
The villa has beautiful architecture, and a warm ambience, the ideal luxury private retreat. Around the pool you are surrounded by coconut trees and lush tropical gardens. Inside you have striking furniture, stunning art pieces and luxury amenities. It has stylish touches around every corner. The Villa is elegantly designed, and the king-size bed offers a comfortable night’s sleep.
Komang, the villa manager, has excellent commitment to service. Everything I needed, him and his team supplied. The fantastic staff provided exceptional service, making my stay unforgettable. The Balinese hospitality is so comforting, and they ensured my stay was carefree.
The daily breakfast was delicious, and they make the best cappuccinos. For breakfast, you can choose from a selection of meals such as Indonesian breakfast or full breakfast. You can have fresh juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, and I opted for the smashed avocado on toast with poached eggs. I had this dish every morning as it was so tasty.
Nearby attractions that I would recommend are KU DE TA, a beach club and restaurant that is an outstanding place for sunset drinks. For shopping I would recommend The Flea Market, and you can walk along that road to find multiple different cafes and shopping experiences. I would also recommend Luc. Coffee Roasters, a great café for lunch or a coffee in between shopping. These places are all within walking distance of the villa.
Villa Samuan stands out from the plethora of private villas in the vicinity due to its distinct architectural design and exceptionally fashionable interior decor. The villa harmoniously blends traditional Balinese elements with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Thank you Komang and your wonderful team for being efficient, friendly, and treating me like royalty.
I would recommend Villa Samuan as one of the best luxury villas in Seminyak. Top class hospitality and exceptional service.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens
On a recent trip to Australia, I stopped over in Sydney and had the absolute pleasure of spending a few nights at the Crown Towers, Sydney. Having travelled to every continent and stayed in numerous luxury hotels, I can honestly say that this is the most incredible hotel I have ever experienced.
I was booked into a Studio room with extensive, fabulous views of the harbor. To give an idea of just on how “state-of-the-art” everything was, the bathroom even had an electric toilet!
The breakfast was fit for royalty, a feast for the eyes, catering for all palates with every conceivable type of food.
My sister, who lives in Australia came to visit me at the hotel for the day, she was blown away by the magnificence of the hotel. We spent a few hours relaxing at the infinity pool with spectacular views of the harbour and Sydney skyline. My sister was very happy to be right in the pool on a perfectly situated comfortable pool bed.
Unfortunately I did not have time to use the spa myself, but my sister went for a treatment, after which she could not stop commenting on how wonderful it was and complimenting the therapist on how good they made her feel. I did take a look around the spa and was very impressed with the ambience, and the warm and welcoming staff that were keen to show us around.
I try to work out almost every day, so naturally I went to try out the gym which was fantastic and equally impressive to my room with all the latest equipment, as well as great views of the Sydney Harbour as a perfect distraction to a heavy workout – much needed after enjoying rather a few good meals on my trip.
Whilst there, being so impressed, I took a moment to read a few reviews of the hotel and one that stood out to me said, that if it was possible to achieve 6 stars, this hotel certainly deserves it, and I can wholeheartedly agree!
Thank you to the General Manager, Mr. Chris Kemlo, for his kind hospitality, the attention to detail is impeccable and I extend my appreciation to all the teams working in the hotel for the excellent service I experienced.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Angelo Henry.
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
