WLHAwards2016 Archives - Page 2 of 2 - World Luxury Hotel Awards

Posted on February 1, 2017March 16, 2020 by Melissa Hofmann

A tropical Bali experience at the RIMBA Jimbaran Bali

This breath-taking property overlooks the Jimbaran Bay and gives every guest a true Balinese experience.

Arriving at the RIMBA Jimbaran Bali was like stepping into a dreamy tropical fairy tale. Adorned with the most beautiful flower necklace and delicious welcome drink

“We were immediately refreshed, relaxed and energized.”

Our stay was met with exceptionally friendly, warm and attentive staff, which provided a great sense of care and hospitality that Bali has become famous for. Imagine our delight at our towels being magically transformed into gorgeous animated jungle animals… a touch of humour is always good for the soul!

If the luxurious and spacious rooms were not enough… we were totally captivated by the heavenly views stretched out from our honeymoon abode. Forested oceanfront and sunset horizons set the tone for a surreal travel experience.

“A culinary gold mine”

We were spoilt for choice by collection of unique on-site restaurants… seventeen to be exact! Our favourite was the Rock Bar, superbly situated on the rocks serving up the freshest seafood and cocktails. The immaculate beach was rivalled by eleven sparkling swimming pools dotted around the resort, but we preferred the sand between our toes for this romantic time away.

The resort has a secluded white sand beach, 11 swimming pools, an 18-hole putting course and an award-winning spa, Thermes Marins Bali. It offers a truly relaxing experience for anyone who wants to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.

“A magnificent resort, a paradise within paradise.”

The RIMBA Jimbaran Bali is uniquely positioned inside the Ayana Resort and Spa

The Breath taking views across Jimbaran Bay guarantee a holiday experience of a lifetime.

Guest : Jana Stoman (World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative)

www.rimbajimbaran.com. Reservations can be made through the hotel at booking@rimbajimbaran.com.

Posted on January 3, 2017November 29, 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 December 8, 2016March 16, 2020 by Melissa Hofmann

Whalesong & Hydro – Thatched jewel on the Southern African coastline

The World Luxury Hotel Awards had a wonderful opportunity in interviewing and experiencing Whalesong & Hydro, an understated gem perched on a hill in the world famous Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Majestic views overlooking the Indian Ocean, surrounding mountains and lagoon provide a luxurious nest in which guests from all over the world come to find rest, rejuvenation and explore this beautiful part of Southern Africa.

Warmly welcomed and lovingly managed by Manuela Teuscher, we were introduced to her hospitality style and received some insight on what makes her property so unique. Manuela shares with us her secret to success in keeping guest satisfaction levels high and attracting new and repeat guests, which ultimately lies in their staff selections. This cannot be emphasized enough as being the key to a thriving hospitality destination. Her focus is on recruiting staff that are passionate about this industry, as opposed to being motivated by earnings, and this certainly seems to be a winning approach.

Excellence is what we experienced – money could not have bought the level of service and heart that was infused into every minute detail of our stay. Luggage was carefully transferred to our first story cottage which had breathtaking views, we dined at the on-site @Whale Restaurant and enjoyed impeccable service and an outstanding meal. Upon return to our luxurious abode, we were surprised by a room laden with delicate rose petals and lit candles in honour and celebration of our honeymoon. Understanding guests needs and exceeding expectations is all true of the Whalesong and Hydro.

This chic African inspired thatched property combines lush landscaped gardens teeming with prolific birdlife – a major attraction for birding and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its natural features, it offers a magnificent spa, salon, bar and pool. The hotel is also just minutes away from the town center which has top restaurants and boutique shopping outlets. Pristine beaches, golf courses, the Tsitsikamma National Park, the world’s highest bungee and a diverse range of attractions including whale watching, dolphin encounters and diving are on your doorstep.

If personalized service, spectacular scenery and gracious hospitality are important to you, make sure you put the Whalesong and Hydro on your travel itinerary.

To Book Contact

reservations@legendlodges.co.za

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