LUX Hotel & Spa Awards 2017

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HoTEL & SPA Awards

Also in this issue: Sukhavati Estate Rottet Studio Changes Salon & Spa

Relais san Ruffino luxury boutique hotel

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Welcome to the 2017 Hotel & Spa Awards Every now and then, everyone deserves to escape everyday life a treat themselves to a long holiday, minibreak or even just a relaxing hour. For its third year, the 2017 Hotel & Spa Awards celebrate the dedication shown by those within all corners of the industry.

From the designers to the suppliers, even the theme and the products, the 2017 Hotel & Spa Awards honour the attention to detail that has been shown by these truly exceptional establishments. Â

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Best Boutique Hotel - Province of Fermo & LUX Hidden Gem Award 2017 - Italy - Casa San Ruffino Most Scenic Hotel & Spa Retreat 2017 – Bali - Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa Best Value Hotel 2017 – Durango - Comfort Inn & Suites Durango

Most Tranquil Hotel 2017 - Bayrischzell - Tannerhof - Ihr Versteck in den Bergen Most Luxurious Day Spa - Germany - Just Pure

Best Pet Friendly Accommodation - Riverina NSW - Elm Cottage Best Boutique Hotel – Azores Island & LUX Excellence Award:

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Best City Escape 2017 - Hotel do Canal

Best Countryside Hotel & Restaurant 2017 - West Midlands - Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant Best B&B Accommodation - Manchester - Ayuda House

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Stress Reduction Specialists of the Year - North Carolina - Kurotel Longevity Medical Centre and Spa Best Medical Spa 2017 - Nassau County - Sadhna Art of Wellness

Best Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Resort 2017 – New Zealand - Millbrook Resort

Best London Day Spa 2017 & LUX Excellence Award for Skincare 2017 - Amara Spa Best International Hospitality Architecture Studio 2017 - Rottet Studio

Best Dude Ranch Resort – Maricopa County & LUX Excellence Award for Golf & Spa Services - Arizona - Rancho de los Caballeros

Most Charming Rural Retreat 2017 - Portugal - Casas da Cerca Best Global Cruise Operator - UK - Viking Cruises

Hotel of the Year 2017 - South West Wales - Heywood Spa

Best Wedding Accommodation - Philippines - The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay Best Boutique Hotel & Spa - Greater Manchester - The Ainscow Hotel & Spa Best Spa & Wellness Centre - Saskatoon - Changes Salon & Spa Best Luxury Hotel 2017 - Beirut - Le Bristol

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Best Boutique Hotel - Province of Fermo & LUX Hidden Gem Award 2017 - Italy

Company: Casa San Ruffino Contact: Peter Nordini Contact Email: info@casasanruffino.com Address: Contrada Montese 13, Montegiorgio, Le Marche, 63833, Italy Phone: 0046 70 201 09 17 Website: peternordi0.wixsite.com/ casasanruffino-1

Best Boutique Hotel - Province of Fermo & LUX Hidden Gem Award 2017 - Italy Casa San Ruffino is a small exclusive boutique hotel, beautifully situated in open countryside, near the village of Montegiorgio. Owner Peter Nordini tells us more about this stunning Italian hideaway.

Casa San Ruffino is a historic building that dates from the mid 1800’s, beautifully restored with old materials in nature’s colours with art and culture as decoration.

Peter, who recently took the hotel over, discusses how he and his team, who comprise primarily of his family aim to offer every guest the very best experience possible.

“Personally, I see our guests as travellers, not classic tourists. Over recent years we have noticed guests becoming more aware of what they want, and we aim to provide this for them. Art, culture, history, gastronomy and opera join them with us. To ensure comfort and satisfaction for all our guests, all rooms have their own patio with beautiful views and amenities such as AC, as well as Molton Brown’s luxury collection toiletries in all bathrooms. The garden is very well maintained with open spaces.

The pool is charmingly located 10 meters from the building with sun beds and umbrellas. Next year we will offer light lunches, breakfast lunches at different levels and dinner experiences a few nights a week.

In addition to this, we sell our products, such as olive oil, marmalades, deposits, cookbooks, spices etc. all made on site.”

Overall, Realis San Ruffino, as the hotel will be named from next year, is truly an exquisite gem with all the factors that make up the discern luxury in harmony with nature. Located in a region that managed to preserve its true origin. Showcasing the true nature of Italy, Peter and his family will continue

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to draw on their vast experience in the market to offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

“Myself and my wife have acquired this little wonderful hotel, which we see as a paradise, from the former owners, the Gorman’s. We have a solid experience from the hospitality branch. Until last year we owned and operated one of Stockholm’s largest and most award-winning restaurant groups, consisting of 14 restaurants. Last year we decided after 30 years – to sell everything. We were looking for a life style change. During all our years of operation we have a long experience with the Italian countryside. We have both produced wine and olive oil for our restaurants.

“Looking ahead, we will develop the hotel business.

Next year, the hotel will be opened with offers of gastronomic dinners in the garden. We will build an outside kitchen. A unique barbecue and wood fire bread oven. We are both awarded chefs, sommeliers and pastry chefs. We have published cookbooks and participated in television shows. In Sweden, we are well recognized with many awards.

“This year we will write a cookbook and a novel collection. The cookbook will, most likely, be printed in English. We have also started to grow herbs and vegetables. We put in tomato plants in large pots.

San Marzano tomatoes are going to grow up soon.

We having zucchini and artichokes. Already we have olive groves, apricots, pears, lemons and apples.

And of course, lots of different herbs. These tastes amazing when everything gets mature under the sun.

All this will be in our gastronomy next year and we are looking forward to sharing it with our guests and showcasing our natural, Italian way of life here.”

Showcasing the true nature of Italy, Peter and his family will continue to draw on their vast experience in the market to offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

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Most Scenic Hotel & Spa Retreat 2017 – Bali Company: Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa Contact: Steve Griffith Contact Email: rejuvenation@sukhavatibali.com Address: Br. Bebengan Tangeb, Abianbase, Mengwi, Badung, Bali, 80351, Indonesia Phone: +62 361 900 6128 Website: www.sukhavatibali.com

Most Scenic Hotel & Spa Retreat 2017 – Bali Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa is known for offering life changing treatments that are based on the ancient healing techniques. We invited CEO and Founder, Steve Griffith to tell us more about the company.

One of the few natural Ayurvedic retreat, spa and wellness resorts in Bali, Indonesia, Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa is known for offering life changing treatments that are based on the ancient healing techniques. The spa has well-qualified and vastlyexperienced healers, motivators, natural therapists, and yoga and meditation teachers who help to eliminate the distress, disturbances, and deterrents in their client’s life, career, and relationships. Sukhavati understands the needs to put the client first, and Steve acknowledges how important it is to create an exceptional experience for their guests.

“With a team of highly-trained and motivated staff members, we are able to ensure our guests receive the best service and care during their time at Sukhavati, Bali.

We constantly evolve and improve through the use of ongoing reviews and training of our processes and staff.

“Sukhavati, Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa understands the significance of good health, and mental and emotional balance in your life. If you lead a calm and healthy lifestyle, your relationships, career and wealth will prosper.

Our Mengwi Badung Spa offer programs that help you gain health and wellness.”

The methods conducted throughout the treatments at Sukhavati are all natural removing the guests’ negative thoughts and attributes. No matter what problem you are looking to solve, Steve explains that there are a variety of exercises and treatments that can be used for each specific issue.

“The yoga and meditation methods at the spa can effectively heal problems like anxiety and stress, and

help you stay away from resultant health problems such as cancer, blood pressure, insomnia, heart diseases, fatigue, and other common ailments. All these health issues are a result of stress that we take in our daily life.

We, at our Badung retreat and wellness centre, suggest natural healing techniques that aid you to overcome many health-related problems and to bring your life back on track.

“Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa aims to nourish and restore the health and wellness by promoting the valuable ancient practices of Ayurveda and meditation.

Whether you are suffering from chronic health problems, or looking to alleviate stress, we have a series of natural Ayurvedic healing exercises that can enhance your wellbeing.”

Steve is keen to point out that guests and members of the spa are treated to an individual program, specific to their personal needs. The staff are all highly qualified and between them can boast a wealth of experience, contributing to an excellent experience at the spa.

“Sukhavati, offers an individually prescribed and specialized rejuvenation program as part of our five-star luxury experience. Our authentic Ayurvedic program provided by a team of highly qualified and experienced Ayurveda and Yoga practitioners helps restore vitality and maintain good health, and enhance performance in various aspects of life.”

“With a thorough consultation at the beginning of the program, the staff are able to scale the guests’ exact ailments or dosha, which in Sanskrit are worded as Vata, Pitta and Kaf or Kapha. These dosha have the

potential to influence customer’s physical, mental and emotional health. Basically, the treatments are able to treat all aspects of the client’s life. Thanks to the consultation, specific treatments and programs are given to each individual guest. The consultants then prepare a treatment program (Panchakarma program) based on the initial consultation. When undergoing the specific program, the customer’s whole system rejuvenates and detoxifies. Sukhavati’s recommendations and programs are unique for each of its guests and are suggested based on observations and comprehension.“ When discussing the developments within the Retreat and Spa industry, Steve describes how the program, which is used by Sukhavati, Bali offers benefits which contributes to a variety of different attributes for a healthy lifestyle.

“The Ayurvedic program, suggested by Sukhavati, Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa, consists of spa treatments, yoga, specialised Ayurveda diet, meditation, daily health consultations and lifestyle seminars.

“According to a number of studies, health and soul purification treatments similar to those being offered

by Sukhavati can offer amazing benefits such as fat and weight control, calm and restful sleep, stable blood sugar and pressure level, stronger immune system and rejuvenated body, mind, and soul.”

Looking to further its current success, the spa is always welcoming to new guests and whilst drawing on the thousand year old science of Ayurveda, each individual will receive a unique treatment program and approach to alleviating any stress or healing any problems which the guest finds troubling.

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Best Value Hotel 2017 – Durango

Company: Comfort Inn & Suites Durango Contact Email: gm.co106@choicehotels.com Address: 455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, Colorado, 81303, USA Phone: 001 970 259 7900 Web Address: www.comfortinndurango.com

Best Value Hotel 2017 – Durango Comfort Inn & Suites Durango is an award-winning Hotel in the heart of beautiful Durango, Colorado. We profiled the establishment to find out more.

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango is a AAA 3 Diamond hotel and their motto is simple; ‘To provide the perfect balance of Comfort, Modern Style and Friendly Hospitality always at the right price.’ The hotel focuses on providing a great guest experience every single day of the year.

The hotel guests are ensured to have a unique and excellent experience while staying at the hotel. It has a very high likelihood to recommend ranking and has a large repeat customer base. The staff are hospitality professionals keen to provide the customer service that the hotel guests deserve. Every single customer is greeted as though they are a favoured repeat guest. Choice Privilege members also receive a welcome gift upon arrival. In the evenings, a complimentary General Manager’s Welcome Reception with snacks, drinks and music around the lobby fireplace is provided. In order to enable that the guests have an outstanding memorable stay, the staff have been well trained to follow the hotel’s core values and behave accordingly in order to achieve those aims.

First impressions are important to the hotel. It has just completed the Comfort Brands Move to Modern Renovation which has been received very well with all its guests. The hotel has been updated to a contemporary modern look in every regard.

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Popular locations for guests are notably the lobby and breakfast area fireplaces, where most seem to gather in the evenings. The indoor pool and authentic Finnish Sauna are very popular as well.

Setting itself apart from other hotels and standing out in the Durango area, the hotel offers the best value in the area. Comfort Inn & Suites Durango is the perfect location and the guests always receive service with a genuine smile. The hotel possesses the only authentic Finnish Sauna in town. The hotel guest rooms are large and completely renovated which provides great value to all its guests making it the standout hotel in the Southwest Colorado region. The hotel is unique by way of providing complimentary evening popcorn and other snacks, adding to that a healthy complimentary warm breakfast for its guests to start the day. Within the hotel and spa industry there are some trends appearing, most notably a contemporary look and feel to hotels. Having just completed its Comfort Brands Move to Modern Prototype Renovation, the business can be said to be keeping up with the trends within the industry by possessing a contemporary-modern style.

Guests’ expectations have changed since the hotel’s inception and the business has had to keep reinventing itself in order to fulfil its clients’ requirements. Guests’ standards and amenities are

continuing to increase, and with the hotel making sure to provide ever enhanced guest experiences and satisfaction, the hotel is kept on its toes year after year. The hotel is always kept in a fresh and modern state and the exceptional friendly service provided by the team ensures guests always receive the best value for their stay.

In order to improve the hotel’s guests’ convenience, there is an iPad in Reception, as well as a flat panel touch screen which contains local information. High speed complimentary WiFi is provided throughout the facility and the internet equipment is state of the art, and there are redundant internet services within the hotel to ensure guest internet connectivity is provided.

Ultimately, the future looks bright for the business and building on its continuous success, the business will be adding more special packages with local attractions. Comfort Inn & Suites Durango is constantly looking to adapt to any future developments within the industry. The hotel is planning on installing even larger sized flat screen TVs within the next year to ensure that guests continue to receive the highest standard of service and levels of excellence which they have come to expect from this exceptional hotel.

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Most Tranquil Hotel 2017 - Bayrischzell Company: Tannerhof – Ihr Versteck in den Bergen Contact: Yvonne Aschoff Contact Email: info@tannerhof.de Address: Tannerhofstr. 32 83735 Bayrischzell Germany Phone: +49 (0)8023 810

Most Tranquil Hotel 2017 - Bayrischzell The Tannerhof is quite a special place with over 110 years of history of hospitality, savoir vivre and holistic curing. We invited Yvonne Aschoff (PR) to tell us more about the hotel and the range of services it offers.

This tranquil hotel hideaway lies nestled against the mountain slopes above Bayrischzell in one of the most enchanting parts of Bavaria, just an hour out of Munich. Resembling a village of its own, surrounded by mountains, woods and meadows, with a little brook running through it, the Tannerhof makes an idyllic place for indulging in fine organic food, outdoor activities, peaceful moments in nature, a renowned cultural programme or even a whole new approach to individual health issues. Yvonne outlines how the establishment works to ensure excellence for each and every one of its valued guests.

“The antique Bavarian furnishing, sophisticated understatement in architecture and interior design as well as high-end upcycling makes for both an original and airy atmosphere. We take pride in the little touches and our love for individuality. The Tannerhof has always been a place of authenticity, also encouraging guests to come as they are. Thus, one will find amongst our customers the young couple on a weekend retreat, those who are treating themselves to a longish fasting cure or low carb diet, the hikers and cyclists, the gourmets, the nature lovers or the elderly couple who has been coming to the Tannerhof for decades. What unites them is their wish to unwind in nature’s tranquillity whilst enjoying a unique, kitsch-free atmosphere and true kindness.

“Warm-heartedness is probably one of the strongest first impressions on entering the dignified old

farmhouse building “Alte Tann“. Dating back to the sixteenth century it is pure and simple in a very homely way. No fuss, no show, no makebelieve. It might seem as if travelling back in time, but also somewhat like stepping into familiarity. The sincerity of this building and its people is immediately perceivable.

“Our staff’s genuine cordiality will accompany our guests throughout their visit. To see our customers smile – for as many reasons as can be – really makes our day. It is something that simply strikes our chords. The time our staff actually spend with our guests is much more intense than in other places – the individuality of our visitors‘ needs calls for much personal attention, which we are happy to provide at any time.”

Internally and externally the hotel aims to provide the very highest standards of service to its guests, as Yvonne highlights.

“Sustainability, eco-friendliness and organic food have been moral values from the Tannerhof’s very beginnings in the early 1900s. Having its roots in holistic healing and the back-to-nature movement means it does not have to pretend being anything but the place that it is: dedicated to its guests’ utmost wellbeing.

“The Tannerhof has been run by the von Mengershausen family for 4 generations allowing a continuity not many houses are blessed with. This makes for a huge advantage for our guests: the Tannerhof never went through any drastic changes in order to copy one or the other fashion. Our guests now benefit from the self-confidence gained in decades of experience whilst enjoying high standards in ‘less is more‘. Be it the quality of our organic cuisine or our medical, body and beauty treatments – we are very aware that the beautiful outer shell is worth nothing without this profound content.

“With regards to the outer shell, our guests can choose from as many as six different room categories – from an 11 square metre cosy chamber to the tree top chalet tower rooms. Whatever category meets their taste, our visitors will find pure and natural materials which we went out of our way to purchase from local trade and regional craftsmen wherever possible.”

Moving forward, continuing to offer the most relaxing, invigorating space possible is the Tannerhof’s ongoing focus, as Yvonne is proud to conclude.

“Looking ahead, we will keep doing the best we can to give our quests a profound experience of inner and outer tranquillity which they might embody enough to actually reboot themselves with in stressful times back at home.”

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Most Luxurious Day Spa - Germany

Company: Just Pure DaySpa Contact: Gabriela Just Contact Email: dayspa@justpure.de Address: Siegesstraße 13, Munchen, 80802, Germany Phone: 0049 8938 569999 Head office: 0049 8367 9139330 Web Address: www.justpure.com

For 25 years Gaby Just has been intensively concerned with fitness, nutrition and beauty. She became well-known in Germany as a “fitness, beauty and wellness expert”, founder of the Just Dance Factory, Germany’s largest fitness and dance studio in Munich, as well as through her own TV shows “Enorm in Form” and “Let’s Move”. Her numerous books, articles, videos and columns in national journals and magazines document her long-term competence.

opened in that Location. A few years ago, Gaby Just developed a comprehensive JUST PURE treatment programme (Spa Menu) for a small number of exclusive and international hotels and spa resorts.

These have meanwhile attracted worldwide media recognition. One of the treatments developed by Gaby Just, the Mango Honey Milk Treatment, has been presented with the coveted “Crystal Award” in Hong Kong for the most creative and unusual treatment in the world (Signature Treatment).

She developed her own Fitness Beauty Health wellness concept adjusted to the specific powers of the four lunar phases. The concept was completed

JUST PURE stands for consistently pure ingredients and a consistently pure design with a focus on sustainability. By strictly linking the production to the moon phases, JUST PURE cosmetics can go without preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers, parabenes and mineral oils as well as artificial aromatics. JUST PURE quality standards include 100% natural and vegetable ingredients like fresh plant extracts from organic cultivation (kbA), 100% pure essential oils, cold pressed virgin vegetable oils and natural coloring with floral and herbal essences. The design of the JUST PURE cosmetics is as pure as its production: no frills, just simple glass jars and bottles with wooden or aluminum lids, all manually prepared.

Only shower gels and travel sizes are filled in shatterproof plastic bottles free from plasticizers, odorless

JUST PURE stands for consistently pure ingredients and a consistently pure design with a focus on sustainability.

by the development of a series of natural cosmetics based on organic cold pressed oils, herbs and plant extracts and the opening of the first DaySpa in Germany in 2000 with puristic and minimalistic design. In 2014 the first JUST PURE Spa Suite

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Most Luxurious Day Spa Germany Founded by Gaby Just, Just Pure DaySpa offers a range of innovative products and services to support the wellbeing and relaxation of clients. We profile the establishment to learn more. opposite of the hustle and bustle of today’s life: a puristic experience reduced to what really matters.

They allow the customers to experience hours of wellbeing and regeneration for that special moment in their lives when “it’s only me”.

and 100% pollutant-free and recyclable. Their simple design perfectly reflects the pure use of ingredients.

A care concept that positively influences all senses, making JUST PURE treatments and products a truly holistic experience.

To ensure excellence for her clients, Gaby Just has developed her own training programme for the employees of co-operating partners; this onsite training course lasting several days ensures the professional use of JUST PURE treatments. This guarantees that the high demands of spa visitors can be accommodated. An experienced JUST PURE beautician / masseuse can be present during the opening phase on request to guide and support guests.

In addition to her own DaySpa, Gaby Just also offers her services as a spa consultant. She develops holistic care concepts for international spa resorts

and design hotels that offer the JUST PURE beauty and massage treatments in their spa menus. For her consultancy services she also incorporates her extensive knowledge from her academic studies of architecture and design as well as from her independent work in product development, where no detail is left out: from the formulation and packaging design to the design of the spa and store locations, including the spa’s structural and functional quality, detailed quality standards, a clear presentation of the spa menu with plausible pricing as well as regular staff trainings on communications skills for customer guidance and sales.

Ultimately, the JUST PURE treatment and production concept is distinguished both nationally and internationally by virtue of its absolutely unique position within the market.

Gaby Just’s purely natural and organic certified beauty products, all of which are made in Germany, are closely linked to the JUST PURE spa concept: carefully developed signature treatments for body and face. By taking into account the different moon phases, these beauty treatments guarantee for a holistic experience: they include deeply nourishing and restorative treatments (anti-aging) for waxing moon or full moon and detoxifying treatments for waning moon or new moon.

Additionally, the JUST PURE DaySpa in Munich is the places to go when you are looking for holistic beauty programs.

Gaby Just opened her first JUST PURE DaySpa in Schwabing, Munich in November 2000, creating the first European spa outside a hotel. With opening the luxury Spa Suite in October 2014 their elaborate treatments, massages and beauty programs will be a haven of pure well-being, as they offer the exact

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Best Pet Friendly Accommodation - Riverina NSW

Company: Elm Cottage Contact: David Sheldon Contact Email: info@elmcottage.co.au Address: Elm Cottage, PO Box 40, Little River Road, Tumut, NSW 2720, Australia Phone: 0002 6947 5818 Website: www.elmcottage.com.au

Established in 2003 by tree-changers Deborah and David Sheldon, Elm Cottage caters to those looking for an authentic (true blue) regional Australian experience. Set on 62 acres in the pristine Goobarragandra Valley in the foothills of Australia’s Snowy Mountains.

“Our unique location on a headland with 2 miles of river frontage offering stunning river and valley views and magnificent walks along the river bank for both canines and humans alike, it is a picture perfect location.

Elm Cottage has a wide and diversified customer base catering from couples, families, small family gatherings to international visitors and now accessible tourism. The accommodation and property also caters for those looking for a wedding with a difference and small business functions.

David outlines what he and the staff do in order to make guests visits to the establishment a memorable experience for the right reasons.

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“Providing unobtrusive customer service is paramount to the Elm Cottage mantra and our vision is an ever evolving customer experience. We monitor current trends, making sure we are always staying ahead of developments within the industry, whilst many accommodation providers are cumbersome and unable to adapt quickly our team is small and effective, remaining nimble and able to adjust as required. The staff are contactable for guests on a 24/7 basis.”

First impressions are important within the accommodation industry, ensuring that guests’ initial thoughts are favourable towards the establishment. David discusses the friendly and personalised customer service that greets all guests as soon as they walk through the door, noting how accommodating the team can be to guests arriving at various times of the day or night.

“On arrival, all guests are welcomed and provided with a personalised familiarisation of their cottage and the property. If arriving late, the Cottage is left open with lights on, air conditioning appropriately set, with all instructions in clear view and a personalised familiarisation taking place in the morning. On departure guest are thanked, presented with an Elm

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Best Pet Friendly Accommodation Riverina NSW Elm Cottage, Tumut, is a Luxury Pet Friendly farmstay in New South Wales, Australia. We invited David Sheldon to tell us more about the accommodation and what makes it such an attractive location for clients.

Cottage gift and asked if there are any suggestions they have for us to improve the Elm Cottage experience.”

“Elm Cottage provides a small and effective team, employing 2 full-time staff and 2 part-time employees, and as such training is kept relevant and up to date with today’s ever changing world. We pride ourselves as a small award winning team not a team of award winners. As our guests say we continue to exceed their expectations” “Our unique location on a headland with 2 miles of river frontage offering stunning river and valley views and magnificent walks along the river bank for both canines and humans alike, it is a picture perfect location. Elm Cottage is a pet friendly establishment which allows dogs inside the cottages, which few other accommodation providers allow.

witnessing is an increase in ‘ techno free holidays’ with family re-connection taking precedence, the family escaping from technology and the hustle and bustle of the outside world, at Elm Cottage it is family time.”

Elm Cottage effectively uses social and digital technology to keep clientele up to date which is inline with their ever evolving vision.

“As the Elm Cottage experience evolves we are witnessing an increase in family reunions, a considerable growth in revisits and longer stays. For the last five years, our marketing campaigns have been designed around these trends which seem to be paying dividends, as over 55% of our visitation is repeat, most with the family the K9.”

Looking ahead, Elm Cottage are keen to expand their business and have provided extra accommodation so that they can attract more guests to the facility.

David describes the new development and explains that not all accommodation in the region can cater to all guests.

“Following our continued growth and watching the current trend, Elm Cottage has developed a fifth cottage called ‘Yellow Box’, containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms, that caters to family reunions. It is fitted out to be ‘all accessible’ for the impaired with wheelchair access. This is a growing market segment that is at present not really catered for in this region.”

“After all, too many family’s dogs and pets are an integral family member, so Elm Cottage provides dog’s bowls, treats and other dog and pet utilities.”

Although described as cottages the houses provide all the modern amenities of our guests’ home with quality furnishings, superior linen, fully equipped kitchens right down to the ‘cling wrap’. Elm Cottage provides tranquillity at its upmost, it is a home away from home set in a picture postcard backdrop 365 days of the year,” David and the Elm Cottage team consistently monitor trends within the industry, ensuring the business is able to stay ahead of new developments, delivering campaigns and experiences designed to make guests return to the facility.

“With the advent of modern technology and the development of the social media, i.e.; the internet and other platforms, we have witnessed guests’ expectations change and as such we have met these expectations. What is surprising, however, is depending on the type of vacation and time of year, family dynamic pertains to usage and what we are

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Best Boutique Hotel – Azores Island & LUX Excellence Award: Best City Escape 2017

Company: Hotel do Canal Contact: Arlene Nazaré Contact Email: hoteldocanal@bensaude.pt Address: Largo Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, 9900-026 Horta Telephone: + 351 296 301 800 Website: www.bensaude.pt

Best Boutique Hotel – Azores Island & LUX Excellence Award: Best City Escape 2017 Hotel do Canal, part of the Bensaude Hotels Collection, is located on the ocean front of Horta, Faial Island, with breathtaking views over the city bay and Pico Mountain. We invited Arlene Nazaré to tell us more about the hotel and what makes it attractive to potential guests.

The Bensaude Hotels Collection is more than 80 years old and is the main reference of the Hospitality Industry in the Azores. Born in the Azores, created in the Azores and influenced daily by the nine islands, our hotels reflect the symbiotic relationship of the brand with its surrounding context. Based on the values of tradition, innovation and sustainability, every day we seek a better service with high quality standards. It has been eighty years in pursuit of perfection, eighty years creating unforgettable moments. The hotel is a port of call in the Atlantic, making guests feel as they are at home even away from home. With the support of a friendly professional team, whether you are traveling on business or on vacation, it is the best choice to relax and enjoy the beauty of the wonderful Azores Islands of Faial, Pico and S. Jorge. Hospitality and Gastronomy are the outstanding points it offers to all the hotel’s guests.

relationship with guests in order to know them enough to offer the most appropriate type of goods and services.”

It is important in a customer focused business to always provide the best possible service to guests.

We asked Arlene what techniques he employs to ensure that guests enjoy a memorable experience when visiting the establishment.

Attracting the best clients can be done by making the establishment unique, setting it aside from other hotels and spas within the area. Arlene discusses what differentiates Hotel do Canal from other hotels in the surrounding areas.

“Here at Hotel do Canal we are dedicated to our guests and we do everything for their visit to be a success. We work hard to ensure that all our guests’ wants and needs are met and most of all exceeded.

And this goes beyond a clean bed and healthy meals.

We offer authentic experiences and unique memories for guests to take home, whether it’s a honeymoon, a wedding, a corporate event or a family holiday. Our main practice is O2O marketing to achieve a personal

“The hotel is located in the heart of Horta City, located right next to one of the most famous Bars in the whole world, Peter’s Café Sport, with only a 200 m distance from the best sand beach in Faial (Porto Pim). The establishment promotes the history of the island, belonging to the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, which crossed the lives of great adventurers sailing the skies and seas spreading the art of hospitality in the Azores with a deep

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Providing quality customer service also means employing the best staff and training them to deliver only the best for the hotel’s guests. Arlene explains how the team ensure that everyone within the business is aware of the hotel’s aims and behave accordingly.

“Leadership and teamwork ability are the successful keys. By sharing the vision and company’s mission, goals and results, our staff has an important role on decision making. This way, the staff is motivated to be involved with the firm’s aims not only with customer relations, but also with the surrounding community at a social and environmental level.”

connection to the sea, biodiversity and volcanology.

The city of Horta is linked to the history of the Atlantic voyages: the Clippers from Pan American World Airways, whaling and yachtsmen chasing the dream of traveling around the world. Hotel do Canal’s atmosphere and location mirrors this real and authentic storytelling.”

As tourism is the fastest growing industry, hotels must adapt to any future or potentially problematic developments as soon as they can. Its location is key for the complex, with the recent presence of low cost airlines within the Azores giving the region more notoriety, as Arlene explains. He also notes that Hotel do Canal is always looking at new ways to protect the natural environment in the surrounding areas.

“Tourism is the fastest growing industry. The first year of the presence of low cost airlines in the Azores in 2015 placed the region on a trending curve. I believe that we must continue working to keep the destination’s notoriety with qualified and sustainable development in the tourism sector. Other concerns such as the preservation of the environment and the development of tourism as a promotional tool for the regional economy of the Islands are very important to position the Azores as a unique destination of exuberant nature and to improve the competitiveness of the destination and increase tourist flow.

“Going forward, we will continue to develop and build educational projects and an ethical culture in the company, as well actions to protect the natural environment.”

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Best Countryside Hotel & Restaurant 2017 - West Midlands

Company: Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant Address: Four Ashes Road, Dorridge, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 8QE, UK Contact: Steven Quick Contact Email: steven.quick@hogarths.co.uk Phone: 01564 779988 Website: www.hogarths.co.uk

Best Countryside Hotel & Restaurant 2017 - West Midlands Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant is a hotel based in Solihull providing luxury accommodation and customer service. We invited Steven Quick to tell us more about the hotel and the secrets behind its recent success.

Hogarths Hotel was bought 11 years ago as a family home for the Hogarths. It was previously an old Bed and Breakfast and was on its knees. Over the past 11 years Helena Hogarth has worked tirelessly to restore the old manor house and its garden and lake to its former glory. Throughout this time, the hotel has grown to 49 bedrooms and now has event space for up to 700 guests and is now a multimillion pound turnover hotel. This year, the team have now added a second hotel, the Hogarths Stone Manor and plan to grow the company over the next ten years to be a small luxury hotel group that will consist of Red Star Hotels that offer the highest level of service and luxury. Steven outlines what makes the hotel special, highlighting the location of the facility and how hard the team at the hotel work in order to mark them out as the best hotel in the region.

“All of the team at Hogarths are true providers of Hospitality and we have worked so hard this year to set ourselves apart from the competitor. Winning an award like this allows us to be seen on a world stage.

The hotel is based in Solihull, and not a lot of people know that Solihull is the main hub for Birmingham; we have an international train station, the West Midlands Airport is in Solihull and we also house the NEC. The team are great and love it that we can be part of a bigger picture and hopefully attract visitors from other countries.”

A good first impression is important, especially in the hotel industry and Stephen tells us how the team ensure that when a guest first enters the hotel, the

initial impression is favourable. Creating a happy environment is something Stephen feels contributes greatly to making guests feel comfortable, something he is keen to point out.

“At Hogarths, we see our customers as our friends.

We create a fan club at Hogarths, and we work hard to make sure our guest visit us time and time again.

We want our guest to feel like they are simple coming home and create a family experience, and take time to stop listen and talk to every guest. Happy people, happy guests.”

Vital to achieving the goals that the team sets themselves is ensuring that every staff member is pulling in the same direction. For this to happen, staff have to be happy and passionate about their roles.

Steven notes that the staff are trained and developed by the Hogarth team, meaning that they buy into the philosophy of looking after guests.

“The employees at Hogarths have to be able to do one thing, and that is to deliver genuine hospitality and be themselves. We never go out to find the best of the best from other hotels, we grow them in house, we train and develop our people and they buy into what hospitality is all about, looking after people.

Our competitors don’t do this, for those people are sometimes numbers. At Hogarth’s our people are the hotel and the ideas and passion they bring, allows us to stay ahead. My team are an army of eye and ears, they are constantly visiting other hotels and restaurants and take those ideas and make them better.”

Listing what makes Hogarths unique, Steven again relates to customer service, emphasising this is an integral part of the business and hotel’s vision. Setting itself apart from other hotels within the area, the speed at which staff implement ideas is something which should be acknowledged.

“The advantage we possess over our competitors is that we engage with everyone, we take ideas on board and when we are given and idea we use it, and we do it quickly. We can be sat in a sales meeting at 8am, have an idea and before noon we have put the idea together, loaded it on our website and started selling, it is as reactive as that.”

Ultimately, Steven claims that Hogarths is not just a luxury hotel brand but also a high street restaurant, something which is important with the company looking to expand in the future.

“Moving forward, we are now on the lookout for our next hotel and we are also looking at the restaurant sector as a possible arm to the business. We see Hogarths as a high street restaurant offering as well as a luxury hotel brand.”

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Best B&B Accommodation - Manchester

Company: Ayuda House Contact: Melinda Beckett-Hughes Contact Email: stay@ayudahouse.co.uk Address: 1 Dean Drive, Bowdon, Cheshire, WA14 3NE, UK Phone: 00 44 161 713 0224 Website: www.ayudahouse.co.uk

Ayuda House was converted in 2014 from a large family home which has seen a lot of happy living, laughter and friendship into a luxury accommodation for guests. Staff try to create an environment where everyone will feel immediately at home and able to relax quickly whatever the reason for their stay

“All members of staff believe that a warm positive attitude, good sense of humour and an intuitive approach to meeting the guests’ needs is very important.”

– which the team try to interpret from the outset in order to meet specific guest needs. Over the past months, the team have moved the business emphasis of Ayuda House from a pure B&B to a ‘Retreat House’ where individuals and groups can come to rediscover their life or their business purpose, maybe reinvent themselves or plan a new way forward. This facilitation is provided by the owner, Melinda Beckett-Hughes who is a coach and mentor with over 25 years’ experience of working with groups and individuals going through change.

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The team at Ayuda House always aim to provide the best possible service to its guests, ensuring that guests always have a memorable experience for the right reasons. Melinda outlines what techniques the team and its staff employ to provide the best service.

“All members of staff believe that a warm positive attitude, good sense of humour and an intuitive approach to meeting the guests’ needs is very important. Room comfort is a vital part of the hospitality offering but some guests also really want to enjoy the luxury of a perfectly cooked and served breakfast with homemade bread along with pleasant morning conversation. Others enjoy a nice pot of tea and homemade cookies in the comfort of our traditional lounge.”

It is vital that a guest’s first impression is a favourable one, so steps are taken to ensure that when guests first enter the establishment they are impressed and instantly feel positive about their stay. Melinda describes that her and her staff are confident that they are able to instantly meet each visitors’ unique expectations, providing them with a feeling of acceptance within the venue.

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Best B&B Accommodation - Manchester Ayuda House is a luxury boutique bed and guest house and retreat house which has been rated 4 star by Visit England Quality in Tourism. We invited Melinda Beckett-Hughes to tell us a bit more about the attractive accommodation and the reasons for its success.

“Emotional intelligence as a host is as important as great service skills. Every guest has their story and some will appreciate a lot of TLC and others simply want a quiet, comfortable and private stay. I do believe we are great at picking up the signals early on in order to ensure we meet each guest’s unique expectations. The main feeling we want a guest to experience is warmth and acceptance as well as a feeling of security within the house itself. This comes from good organisation and housekeeping as well as smooth check in and check out and different and speedy payment options. The way a guest is greeted and checked in without too much fuss is all important. Good information provided in the rooms about their stay as well as suggestions for enhancing it with various trips and visits to restaurants is all in place.”

Most hosting is provided by Melinda and her partner Derek with Claire as PA and Beata as head of housekeeping. All staff are trained to a high standard with a meticulous approach to housekeeping and organisation.

Attracting clients is good for the business and in order to do this, the establishment must make itself unique so that it can entice new and repeat clients to the venue. Melinda explains what sets the hotel aside from other facilities within the area.

“There are very few quality B&B’s and guest houses in our immediate geographic area which makes us easily No 1 on Trip Advisor with a straight 5 stars in our review score. What we offer and no other Guest House in the region offers is the possibility of also coming on Retreat where an individual or a small team can actually come to have a deeper therapeutic stay and even turn their life around. Small business teams may book the whole house of seven to eight rooms sleeping up to 12 (if some share rooms).

Team facilitation as a form of ‘away day’ or weekend retreat is provided by Melinda working on areas of vision, strategy and purpose, operational problem

solving and team building. Various exercises and relaxation activities are provided including cooking contests, walking in the beautiful local countryside or even spa days can be organised with the luxurious Hale Spa and Country Club with which we are associated.”

The team at Ayuda house keep on top of trends within the hotel and spa industry. Melinda explains how welcoming the facility is and how the venue caters to all its guests, making allowances for lower calorie meals as well as providing foods which are allergy friendly.

“I think more guests are interested in health and wellness. There are so few places that an individual or a small group can come on retreat where they can work on their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in one place in a truly holistic way. We also find that more guests have special dietary requirements. We therefore can provide gluten free, dairy free and vegan meal options.”

Throughout the B&B sector guests’ expectations have risen, meaning the team have had to adapt so they can meet the demands of visitors. The staff are constantly striving to improve the services they provide, however Melinda is keen that the hotel stays true to its origins and doesn’t become robotic, so to speak.

“I think when you have great ratings you are always looking to improve but guest expectations also are raised so the bar is continually being moved higher.

We do our best to keep improving but at the end of the day we are human and we don’t want Ayuda House to completely iron out our little idiosyncrasies and become too perfect or sterile.”

Ayuda House has incorporated technology into the services it provides, ensuring that clients can enjoy the best possible experience within the venue. Highlighting the televisions within the rooms and sound systems, Melinda observes how the accommodation has adapted to the technology

generation, also providing strong Wi-Fi connection, appealing to all generations, whether it be children or business people.

“To ensure excellence for our guests, we are pleased to have chosen @eviivo as our partner for channel management at @ayudahouse. They provide a fantastic system for small hotels and they are always upgrading it to have more features that we benefit from. To be truthful we could not have been so successful in optimising our offering and managing rates and availability smoothly and had integrated billing and payment without them, and we are very proud of the service they provide to us and our guests.

“With regards to additional technology we use to enhance our guests’ stay, all our rooms have flat screen TV and most have Smart TV’s allowing access to the internet and use of Netflix etc. For groups renting the house as a whole, they can benefit from the Bose Hi-Fi system which allows music to be played throughout the house and cinema screen quality viewing in 2 sitting rooms and one master bedroom (which also has complimentary Amazon Prime film package as well).

“It goes without saying that strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection is paramount. We have two different broadband providers which is essentially a ‘belt and braces approach so we can always guarantee seamless and fast internet connection with good upload and download speeds.”

Moving forward, there are many upcoming projects which the venue is undertaking, with the main development being individual and group retreats, and Melinda invites any interested parties to book a viewing and an informal conversation about how Ayuda House can meet your needs.

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Most Innovative Medical Centre & Spa - Brazil

Company: Kurotel Longevity Medical Center and Spa Contact: Adriane Kinzel Contact Email: akinzel@kurotel.com.br Address: R. Nacoes Unida, 533 Bavaria, Gramado, 95670-000, Brazil Phone: 0051 51 9901 3701 Website: www.kurotel.com.br

Kurotel is proud of its 35-year history built on helping clients to live more meaningful lives. Adriane puts the success of the centre down to staff’s personal touch and commitment to guests, highlighting the spa’s high guest satisfaction rate.

“Combining wellness, longevity and medical services, we offer state-of-the-art facilities and science but above all, a truly personalized service

“Combining wellness, longevity and medical services, we offer state-ofthe-art facilities and science but above all, a truly personalized service...” and commitment to the long-term health of our guests, including a follow-up after one leaves our facility. There is a 3:1 staff to guest ratio. Innovation in the medical health and well-being sector is our trademark. All personnel know the guests by name, even after the first day. We have helped to change thousands of lives throughout the years and we are

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proud of our guest satisfaction rate, which is around 95 per cent.”

Adriane outlines what treatments and therapies the spa offers, along with the conditions and concerns which the centre is able to address. With over 35 guest rooms, guests are never short of treatments, with some lovely scenery to add to guests’ memorable experience to the establishment.

“Kurotel has 35 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, a Stress Management Center (five treatment rooms), Diagnosis Center, Kneipp Kur Clinic (14 treatment rooms), 10 medical/consulting rooms, 24h Nurse Station, Spa with 16 treatment rooms, Spa Boutique, Water Therapy Center (14 mud/salt bath therapy rooms), steam room, sauna, tennis court, walking trail, two indoor pools, one outdoor pool, outdoor Water Path, relaxation lounge, tea lounge, reading room, Business Center, auditorium, restaurant and bar, beauty studio, cooking classes, recreational activities, outdoor wooded area and gazebo.

“The health programs are scientifically state-of-the-

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Most Innovative Medical Centre & Spa Brazil

Since 1982 Kurotel Longevity Medical Centre and Spa have been helping people to live longer, healthier and happier lives through healthy diet, physical exercises, emotional balance, hydrotherapy and phytotherapy. We spoke to Adriane Kinzel to find out more about what makes the facility so attractive to clients.

art, polite and knowledgeable in the latest wellbeing research and technology. Besides weight loss, stress management, smoking cessation and healthy longevity, the cancer recovering program to provide wellness services for cancer survivors is one of the most comprehensive programs on Spa industry that I am aware of. The Brain Health was launched to deal with the modern life issues and assess the memory while Fitness & Spa program was designed to people who already are on a healthy lifestyle journey, with the goal of enhancing their athletic performance and boost beauty. All programs at the advanced diagnosis centre include a full medical check-up. As the focus is on preventative health, there are no invasive treatments.”

Before booking therapies, visitors will likely want to check how successful the treatments at the centre are. Adriane tell us what has been successful for the spa’s patients in the past, noting guests’ willingness to adhere to the lifestyle change means there is a higher chance the treatment will succeed.

“Fortunately our guests have shown great adherence to the lifestyle change proposed by Kurotel: balanced

diet of macro and micronutrients from natural and organic resources, based on one’s special needs and caloric expenditure; pre and post training nourishment; phytotherapy (herbal medicine); vitamins, minerals and metals assessment; food supplementation (if prescribed); anxious and stress management; repairing sleep; treatment and injury prevention through musculoskeletal balance and/or improvement of posture changes; aerobic exercises; functional and metabolic balance and hydrotherapy.”

disease. These actions can also prevent cancer recurrence and the appearance of new tumours. It is recommended for patients who have finished the conventional treatment like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Among the benefits are: an improvement in anxious and stress levels, detox, repair sleep, chronic pain relief, lowering the risk of developing heart diseases and post treatment cardiology complications and improvement body weight.

To ensure it meets its guests’ varied needs, alongside its core offering Kurotel also provides special programmes for those recovering from cancer or giving up smoking. Adriane explains what these programmes entail and which patients would be the ideal candidate for these programmes. The benefits of these therapies are something that Adriane is keen to point out.

“The Smoking Cessation Program includes medical treatment and guidance, pharmacology treatment (if prescribed), dentistry, psychotherapy, anxious management, breathing physiotherapy, detox diet, phytotherapy and regular and guided physical exercise. There is a psychology follow up after one leaves our facility with great success of guests that continue to have quit smoking. Among the benefits of this program are: a lower risk of cancer, heart diseases, brain and vascular disorders; improvement in self-esteem and confidence; improved blood pressure and a healthier skin appearance.”

“It is well-known that bad habits such as tobacco, poor diet, physical inactivity and obesity increase the risk of developing diseases like cancer. The Cancer Recovery Program offers an inter-disciplinary approach to health including medical and psychosocial therapies, physical conditioning, detox, relaxation and beauty sessions based on integrative medicine and scientific evidence to effectively benefit the oncologic guest. The main goals of this program are to speed up recovery, enhance the quality of life, encourage social and work life, and minimize the physical and emotional effects of the

Kurotel expansion plans are underway and will include 20 additional rooms, which are expected to be ready in early 2018.

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Best Medical Spa 2017 - Nassau County

Company: Sadhna Art of Wellness Contact: Vikas Varma Contact Email: sadhna. wellness@gmail.com Address: 61 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho New York, 11753, USA Phone: 001516 544 8899 Website: sadhnawellness.com

Best Medical Spa 2017 - Nassau County Sadhna Art of Wellness is a Jericho New York based spa offering a vast array of treatments designed to treat the person, not just the problems they are having. We profile this spa to learn more about the innovative range of treatments and services it offers.

Medical spas in Jericho, New York are popular mainly because of the various services they offer. Sadhna Wellness Center, however, not only provides one type of service, but are a spa, fitness studio, and medical center rolled into one, offering a unique service as the one-stop shop for anti-aging spa treatments in The Big Apple.

From yoga to weight loss and acupuncture to IV therapy, the Sadhna Center is the first facility of its kind: devoted to detecting, preventing, and treating age-related diseases. Based on the ancient concept of Sadhna and the years of research and work by Dr. Varma, the Sadhna Center is the place to come to gain a centered outlook, work on total body and mind well-being, and fight the signs of aging.

To ensure excellence for clients, the spa approach the clients’ treatment from different angles. Their team makes sure that they leave the center feeling better, lighter, more energized, and younger.

Taking a holistic approach to health, Sadhna treat the whole person rather than the symptoms, offering a unique alternative to drugs and hospital stays.

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Founder Vikas Varma has trained at some of the best teaching hospitals in the U.S including Mt. Sinai School of medicine, Hahnemann University, and North Shore University Hospital where he is currently an attending physician. Dr Varma holds many board certifications, some of which include Neurology, Interventional Pain Management, and Anti-aging Medicine. Dr. Varma has devoted his life to detecting, preventing, and treating symptoms and illnesses related to aging, as well as engaging in research to optimize the process of aging.

After more than 15 years of practicing anti-aging medicine, Dr. Varma’s experiences, research, and philosophies have been manifested in the new anti-aging and wellness Sadhna Center. Through this center, Dr. Varma continues to improve the health and quality of life as people grow chronologically older and promotes the advances made to prolong the human life span.

Clients can rest assured that they are in the very best of hands, as Dr. Varma is Board Certified by American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP), American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (AAAM) and, American Board of Psychiatry

and Neurology (ABPN) and American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM).

Overall, through the various medical spa services it offers, Sadhna Art of Wellness make sure that guests become the best version of themselves. The spa offers a range of effective treatments for a variety of conditions – from neurological disorders and sexual dysfunction, to muscle pain and weight loss. The centre’s methods include yoga and meditation, which are customized to fit each clients’ individual needs, ensuring that they always get the most out of the services they select.

...they leave the center feeling better, lighter, more energized, and younger.

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Best Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Resort 2017 – New Zealand

Company: Millbrook Resort Contact: Ciara Craig Contact Email: Ciara.Craig@millbrook.co.nz Address: 1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown, 9371, New Zealand Phone: 0064 3441 7039 Website: www.millbrook.co.nz Instagram: @millbrookresort facebook: MillbrookNZ www.facebook.com/MillbrookNZ/

Best Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Resort 2017 – New Zealand Millbrook Resort is a 5-star golf and lifestyle resort. Its business encompasses luxury accommodation, an award-winning day spa, four restaurants, a 27-hole championship golf course (home of the ISPS Handa NZ Open), health & fitness centre, various conference venues and real estate. The venue caters for on-site weddings, corporate retreats and conferences. We profiled the Hotel to find out a bit more about its success and what makes it so enticing to clients.

Millbrook Resort enjoys a peaceful, rural outlook nestled within the Southern Alps. The venue’s iconic, inspirational and peaceful setting is unrivalled in the Queenstown area. Framed by the aptly named Remarkables Mountain Range and set on 500 acres of lush green fairways, rolling hills and gentle streams, the hotel really is one of a kind. The land on which Millbrook Resort now calls home was first discovered by Maori and much later by Europeans, lured to the region by tales of a gold rush.

Today, Millbrook Resort is a 5-star golf and lifestyle resort. A pioneer in the luxury lodge industry of New Zealand. Its award winning resort offers luxurious, beautifully appointed accommodation, four onsite restaurants, a 27 hole championship golf course, award winning day spa, health and fitness centre and various conference venues.

The accommodation at the resort facilitate all kinds of visitors, whether it be families wanting a holiday, or people wanting a break away on the golf course or simple just to relax with a loved one. The venue provides 2, 3 and 4 bedroom self-contained cottages, which are perfect for a group of friends or family wanting to stay together. Each cottage is individually designed and decorated and has all the comforts of a ‘home-away-from-home’.

All the venue’s cottages have a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious lounge area, flat screen TV, stereo,

and spacious outdoor areas overlooking the greens, fairways and surrounding mountains. Each cottage has its bespoke luxurious interior and all offer magnificent views. Millbrook Resort in house guests receive complimentary use of the health and fitness centre, courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown and Arrowtown, preferential rates for golf green fees and complimentary WiFi during their stay.

Offering an assortment of comforts, the resort provides a range of bedding configurations, a fairway or garden view from the cottages, private garden, alongside a spacious lounge and living area. Inside the cottages there are also gas fireplaces, luxurious bathrobes, a fully-equipped kitchen, the choice of a minibar, a hairdryer and most importantly for this generation, complimentary WiFi and Sky TV. Guests at the resort also have access to an exclusive concierge service and ability to book a private chef as well as full access to all resort facilities and services.

For those looking for a getaway on the golf course, there is a signature golf package available. The resort’s stay and play package perfectly combines a stay at the resort with green fees and breakfast on a daily basis. The golf course is exceptional and rightly recognised across Oceania, with each nine hole course offering an unforgettable and different playing experience. The resort’s package includes a deluxe studio accommodation for one night, a buffet breakfast in the Clubhouse and the option to play

on the championship course as well as use of a golf cart. As part of this package, visitors are welcome to use the Health & Fitness Centre, containing a full gymnasium, 25m indoor swimming pool, saunas and outdoor hot pools, as well as complimentary WiFi and a complimentary shuttle service to the surrounding towns.

Not just for families looking for time away from home, the resort also contains luxurious and spacious deluxe studio rooms which are nestled between the babbling mill stream and the stunning fairway of the Arrow 9. The studios are situated in a quiet cul-desac just minutes from the resort centre and each studio has French provincial décor, a king bed, flat screen TV and patio or a balcony with views of the golf course, surrounding mountains and the resort itself.

Again, these studios, as well as being luxurious, the services include a choice of a king or twin bed configuration, complimentary WiFi and a fairway or streamside view. These rooms also include a separate shower, bath and WC, a walk-in wardrobe, writing desk for those who bring their work with them, under floor heating. Ultimately, Millbrook Resort is a stunning setting for the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a relaxing break or to simply explore new scenery.

Millbrook Resort-Escape the everyday.

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Best London Day Spa 2017 & LUX Excellence Award for Skincare 2017

Company: Amara Spa Contact: Bhavash Padhiar Contact Email: bhavash@amaraspa.co.uk Address: 18-20 Fulham High Street, Fulham, London, SW6 3LQ, UK Phone: 020 7384 9111 Website: www.amaraspa.co.uk

Best London Day Spa 2017 & LUX Excellence Award for Skincare 2017 Amara Spa has been a staple landmark business of Fulham since 2004. It quickly became the go-to place for beauty treatments through the use of exclusive premium products in a luxurious and welcoming setting. We profiled the Spa and owner, Bhavash Padhiar, to find out more about what makes them a leader in the Spa industry.

At Amara Spa, the therapists are thoroughly trained, ensuring they provide only the best treatments for clients. Previously, Amara’s services were a combination of traditional beauty treatments like waxing, facials, alongside eye lash and brow tinting, together with the relaxing spa massages and treatments usually found on luxury beach holidays.

What made us different was the use of high quality premium treatments and brands that are usually only found in the best 5-star hotels.

Currently, the Spa is established within the industry and has a large and very loyal following unrivalled by anyone else in West London. Clients return to the Spa for the service they receive and leave knowing they have got value for money. Staff still offer the luxurious treatments, giving clients a little oasis of relaxation, reminiscent of a beautiful holiday in the Maldives or Bali, as well as beauty treatments like St Tropez spray tanning, comfortable waxing and facials that the facility has become famous and well-loved for.

Under new ownership, the venue’s treatment profile has progressed further, with Bhavash Padhiar implementing a Pharmaceutical and non-surgical aesthetic side to the business. The spa now offer proven methods for skin rejuvenation concerning the face and body, using medical lasers, Mesotherapy and advanced facials to slow down and reverse the signs of ageing. Bhavash has over two decades of experience as a pharmacist, having worked in two major hospitals and a specialist burns unit, alongside a plastic surgery hospital as a clinical consultant ward pharmacist.

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Relying on experience, Bhavash uses his knowledge and understanding of the industry to hand-pick the best treatments which result in the best results for the spa. The beauty industry is largely unregulated with new treatments and products being launched almost every day with little or no actual results. As a pharmacist, Bhavash thoroughly investigates new products, ingredients and treatments at a chemical, biological and physical level. Staff at the spa do not believe in industry fads or fashions and focus much more on getting results.

Regarding client experience, the spa work hard to ensure that they can provide only the best service.

The customer journey starts from the moment when they are thinking about what they need and what they want done before they have even contacted Amara Spa. The team enact a careful process of attention and follow up leads to a seamless experience which continues right up from when the guest enters the facility, through to when they have left. The spa’s relaxing lounge is subtly interactive with information and sensory stimulation and is available to clients before and after any treatment they have.

“At the spa, our staff are integral to providing the best treatments and service. Many therapists working in the industry see it as a job and provide an average service. Our staff love the industry and love the opportunities Amara Spa gives them. They have many years of experience and understand that Amara Spa is a happy and rewarding place where they are continually learning new treatments, techniques and ways to ensure customer satisfaction.”

Bhavash then explained how Amara Spa work hard to mark themselves out as the best option for clients, noting how the treatments provided cover a variety of issues. Building on its sustained success, the firm has added more treatments to its portfolio, which will undoubtedly result in the spa establishing itself as the premier destination for great skin health and results based body reshaping treatments.

“It is Amara Spas continual effort in providing the best treatments and customer service in a beautiful environment that we also have quite a celebrity following who are not shy about how well we look after their skin. Our rejuvenation treatments work well to remove signs of aging and make the skin younger looking and radiant without the dreaded frozen look or looking like clients have received treatments.

We look at the body and target all the tell-tale signs of ageing from the neck, décolletage, knees and hands.”

“Amara Spa now offers hair loss treatments, nonsurgical fat reduction, cellulite treatments, laser hair removal and rejuvenation as well as injectable therapy for natural looking rejuvenation. With Mesotherapy they can treat many skin blemishes and issues that regular skincare can’t help with like pigmentation and tightening and lifting of the skin whilst providing an amazing finish and radiance.

Amara spa has really become the premier destination for great skin health and results based body reshaping treatments.”

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Best International Hospitality Architecture Studio 2017

Company: Rottet Studio Contact: Lauren Rottet Contact Email: lauren. rottet@rottetstudio.com Address: 808 Travis Street, Suite 100, Houston, Texas, 77002, USA Phone: 001 713 221 1830 Website: www.rottetstudio.com

Best International Hospitality Architecture Studio 2017 Rottet Studio is an international architecture and design firm with an extensive portfolio of corporate and hospitality projects for the world’s leading companies. The firm boasts more than 30 million square feet of built design and a vast array of award-winning projects and furniture designs. We profiled the firm to discover the secrets behind its success.

Within the last decade, Founder Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA has developed Rottet Studio into one of the finest interior design practices in the United States.

Ms. Rottet is one of the most celebrated interior architects in the world today with an extraordinary record of awards, publications, lectures, juries and honours. Ms. Rottet is the only woman in history to be elevated to Fellow status by both the American Institute of Architects and International Interior Design Association.

Marking itself out as the best possible option for clients, the firm’s portfolio and accomplishments speaks for itself. The company is a WBE-certified firm, boasting more than 40 million square feet of built design and a vast array of award-winning projects and furniture designs. Boasting a wealth of experience, the firm’s principals have worked together for as many as 35 years offering a broad range of services including architecture and interior design, furniture design, graphic design, product design, branding and art selection.

Distinguishing itself from competitors within the industry, Rottet Studio is known in the marketplace as an innovative company, not a follower. Reflecting a desire to improve the human experience through the built environment, the firm provides innovative architectural solutions characterized by precise detail and direct response to the client’s goals. Making sure the end product is always of a high quality, staff work with the client from inception through to completion.

Through thoughtful design, the company deliver environments that not only satisfy its clients’ needs, but allow them to achieve a level of enjoyment and success beyond their expectations because we create more efficient, less expensive, healthier, and in the long run, much better investments through timeless sustainable design.

Maintaining a global presence with best-of-class design professionals in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Shanghai, Rottet Studio is ideally positioned to exceed clients’ expectations.

Clients receive intelligent design admired for enhanced functionality, efficiency, flexibility and productivity, without sacrificing design integrity.

The firm’s architects and designers have received international attention and attracted an esteemed list of clients and are actively engaged in projects throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Rottet Studio is a group of inventive, intelligent and committed individuals who are some of the most talented designers in the world. The team take pride in seeking intricate design solutions to help develop beautiful, inspiring and influential projects that benefit its communities in enduring and impactful ways. Staff represent the style and sophistication of various generations and cultures and express themselves on a daily basis through the visual environments in which they live, work and play.

Fundamentally, Rottet Studio believe growth via education and hands-on training is the best investment in its staff and remain committed to cultivating talent through sharing a wealth of knowledge, actively encouraging mentorship and promoting a safe and dynamic space for new ideas. The company provide the financial aid and resources for all employees to join and participate in professional organizations related to its industry, philanthropic initiatives and civic engagement.

Management encourages its staff to obtain a broad and current base of academic knowledge to increase their skills and productivity in order to better share their talents with the world. Committed to ensuring everyone gets a fair choice, Rottet Studio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has an ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

...Rottet Studio is known in the marketplace as an innovative company, not a follower.

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Best Dude Ranch Resort – Maricopa County & LUX Excellence Award for Golf & Spa Services - Arizona

Company: Rancho de los Caballeros Contact: Rick Hamilton Contact Email: rick@sunc.com Address: 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, USA Phone: 001 928 684 4884 Website: www. ranchodeloscaballeros.com

Best Dude Ranch Resort – Maricopa County & LUX Excellence Award for Golf & Spa Services - Arizona Located in Wickenburg, just north of Phoenix, Rancho de los Caballeros is a historic Arizona ranch, family-owned and operated since its inception in 1948. We invited Rick Hamilton to talk us through what the hotel and its staff offer to make it such an enticing venue for visitors.

Rancho de los Caballeros is a guest ranch resort situated on 20,000 acres of beautiful High Sonoran Desert in Wickenburg, Arizona. With warm hospitality, respect for natural beauty and quiet dignity, The Arizona guest Ranch embodies the spirit and style of the Spanish caballeros gentlemen on horseback, who explored and settled the Southwest. The Ranch has had additions and improvements over the years, but the friendly service remains the same. Rick outlines why guests visit the facility, listing what activities are available around the resort.

“Trade in the noise and worry of every-day life for the carefree respite of Rancho de los Caballeros. We offer authentic western activities and resort amenities for adults and children alike. Our unique ranch resort offers activities from peaceful horseback rides through pristine desert, soothing treatments in our full service spa, relaxing and challenging golf on our award winning golf course and much, much more.”

“The surrounding desert provides the perfect setting for visitors to have a horse back adventure. Our corral holds a string of 100 horses, each with a unique temperament and personality. It does not matter if people are an old hand at riding or have only been on a carousel horse before, we can give guests the guidance they need and a friendly and gentle equine companion to make horseback riding vacation in Arizona unforgettable. Beginner, intermediate and advanced rides are available, and with 20,000 acres of scenic Sonoran Desert to explore, explorers are guaranteed a different trail ride every time. For those

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who are interested in learning about the desert, we offer a nature ride.”

With regard to food at the ranch, Rick talks us through the assortment of options on the table for visitors. With mouth-watering food all throughout the day, the venue really does look after its guests, with no extra cost as the meals are included in the room rates.

“Rancho de los Caballeros is pleased to offer a variety of dining options for our guests. We offer an a la carte dining menu for breakfast lunch and dinner.

We also offer full and modified meal plans, allowing guests to indulge in the inspired culinary creations of its talented chefs three meals a day, and it is all included in the room rates. Begin each day with our hearty buffet that includes homemade biscuits, fresh fruit and homemade granola as well as made-to-order omelettes. For your midday meal, enjoy our lunch buffet, which features a full salad bar as well as a variety of cold prepared salads, homemade soups, daily hot entrée, fresh baked goods, a sandwich station and fresh desserts prepared by our bakery.

Served in our formal dining hall, evening meals at the Ranch are epicurean events that recall the sophisticated lifestyle of the original caballeros.

Begin with delicious soup or fresh salad, then tuck in to a savoury entree paired with something from our extensive wine list. As the grand finale, follow it all with a decadent dessert. Southwestern and vegetarian options are also available.”

Within the hotel and spa industry, a lot of business can come through word of mouth. Therefore, it is

essential staff at the facility guarantee guests have a memorable stay and will want to not only return but also recommend the venue to friends. Highly trained, the staff always look after the clients, surpassing their demands and ensuring they will not have a bad word to say.

“The staff at Rancho de los Caballeros are a group of highly trained professionals assembled to serve and delight our guests. From our creative kitchen staff to our world class dining room servers to our authentic western wranglers the team at Rancho de los Caballeros will make you feel cared for, pampered and at ease.”

The modern feel of the resort is something Rick is keen to point out, as well as the fact that it incorporates a variety of cultures and is very clean.

Rancho de los Caballeros is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the world at home.

“A desert home away from home, Rancho de los Caballeros offers modern comforts in a historic Arizona dude ranch setting. With whitewashed walls, hand-hewn beams and colourful Mexican tiles, The Ranch exudes the elegant ease of a traditional hacienda. And with the wide open sky over head and the stunning desert vistas all around, The Ranch offers a welcoming oasis where you can trade in your cell phone for some reins, and make life-long memories with the people you care about.”

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Most Charming Rural Retreat 2017 - Portugal Company: Troviscais – Actividades Turísticas do Alentejo Unipessoal Lda Contact: Graça Jalles Contact Email: info@casasdacerca.com.pt Address: Herdade de S. Nuno, Caixa Postal 2410 Troviscais, S. Luis, Odemira, 7630-435, Portugal Phone: 00 351 283 975 263 or 00 351 919990418 Website: www.casasdacerca.com.pt

Most Charming Rural Retreat 2017 - Portugal Casas da Cerca is located in one of the most protected areas of the Natural park. The houses are reconstructions of earth ruins existing at the place where there were many legal restrictions to building on the site. We invited Graça Jalles to tell us more about the facility.

Casas da Cerca started 10 years ago, with one house, Casa da Adega, and has since flourished into a selection of stunning retreats. More houses followed, with Casa do Tanque built six years ago. Since 2014, another house was added in the form of Casa do Pomar. Apart from being the Architect who rebuilt the Houses, Graça is also Manager of Troviscais – Actividades Turísticas do Alentejo Unipessoal Lda which manages the tourist venue of Casas da Cerca.

Most of the venue’s guests are people seeking nature, silence and privacy. They also come because of the specificity of the houses and earth houses, which follow the tradition of construction in the region.

Graça describes her experience of living in the area and describes why she feels guests and visitors attend the facility and fall in love with it.

“My life experience of living in this secluded place of Portugal for almost 20 years now is in itself an inspiration for many that pursue a life in the countryside, away from all the negative aspects of the big cities. People at Casas da Cerca make peace with silence again.

“Casas da Cerca is a pet friendly tourist attraction and a lot of our clients come because of that, being almost the only tourist venue in the region that allows pets to stay at the houses with the owners.”

Providing the best possible service to guests is an essential part of working in the hotel industry. As

a resort, the views are already attractive enough to make sure visitors have a good first impression, however, staff still work hard to provide a personal touch, getting to know guests and always be at their disposal.

“On one hand the place speaks for itself because of the specific spot where the houses stand, in a confined and condensed place of the property with a very strong energy. The houses are situated in one of the most protected areas of the Natural Park and near the River Mira. On the other hand, we try to put ourselves in the place of guests, try to know them a little bit and be always at their disposal and to fulfil their needs.”

Along with the views and perfect customer service, Graça also explains how else the establishments ensure guest’s initial impression is favourable.

“Guests receive an email from us a few days before their arrival with information on their stay and how to contact us. When they arrive, we explain to them a bit about the area around the facility, as well as the way of living of people at the venue. As it is a secluded spot, we also give a welcoming pack with local products so that guests will have food at the house in case they do not want to leave the place on the first day. We also provide a meal service.”

Overall, Graça is incredibly very proud of the heritage and surrounding scenery of Casas de Cerca. The river that travels around the houses is the only non-

polluted river in Europe. It is a secluded spot which makes it very attractive for guests who want to have a quiet relaxing break from the technology heavy, hectic city. Troviscais is a small community in which people embrace all values, are polite and friendly. If someone says good morning or good afternoon, it is clear it is sincere in this lovely community.

“The location of Casas da Cerca near the River Mira really marks the venue out amongst other hotels.

Built alongside the only non-polluted River in Europe, in an environment of astonishing beauty with a lot of preserved habitats, it is also located close to a small community. Most of the people within the region of Alentejanos have lived here for several generations.

There is no preservation of nature without the human presence, particularly in a place like this where people have been living here for so long.

“This makes all the difference and Casas da Cerca would not be the same if it was not closer to the small Village of Troviscais and all their genuine and unique Alentejano inhabitants. Due to its lovely scenery, people from other countries started arriving three decades ago and still live here. In the small community of Troviscais, people embrace all the values that were already present here, such as tolerance, innocence, time, people talking to each other, saying good morning, and good afternoon when they pass you by, and that look you in the eyes when they say it.”

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Best Global Cruise Operator - UK

Company: Viking River Cruises, Inc Contact: Monic Chhabria Contact Email: monic. chhabria@vikingcruises.com Address: Nelsons House, 83 Wimbledon Park Side, London, SW19 5LP, UK Phone: 0800 319 66 60 Website: www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Best Global Cruise Operator - UK Viking Cruises offers destination-centric river and ocean cruises to superb destinations around the world. We profile the company and its ocean cruise offering to examine what helps it to make such memorable trips.

Viking and its staff work hard to turn a good cruise into a great cruise. The guests among the cruise ships are always at the forefront of the staff’s mind.

Enticing customers to travel by water, there are lots of desirable elements about travelling by water. There is an exciting new destination almost daily, along with an elegant environment. The cruise ships at Viking are all stylish, with spacious accommodation. Guests are entitled to delectable multi-course meals as well as receiving impeccable service from a highly-trained crew. Throughout the cruise there is also inspiring entertainment. All of these aspects are what Viking Cruises has been working towards for the past 20 years, first with its river cruise ships and now with its recently launched ocean cruise ships. Its formula of stylish comfort, enlightening exploration and sophisticated fun has been carefully nurtured.

To ensure continued excellence for guests, standards have been raised to a superior degree on Viking’s acclaimed ocean ships. One of cruising’s most powerful attractions is the array of destinations visited in one holiday. This is why Viking itineraries allow as much time as possible in ports, as well as a free excursion in almost every one to ensure guests can explore without worrying about the cost. As for the ambience, the chic Scandinavian design is admirable for its copious comfort and attention to detail. Every stateroom on the ocean ships has a private veranda so you can relax and enjoy the views.

The company does not believe alternative dining should be chargeable, so The Chef’s Table and delicious Italian food in Manfredi’s carry no supplement. As for the service, guests would expect pampering on any cruise, but on a Viking voyage

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people are as likely to make friends among the amiable crew as you are with your fellow guests.

Regarding entertainment, guests can expect to move seamlessly from a classical trio playing in the lounge to the beat of a live band by the pool.

Additionally, Viking offers another compelling difference, and that is the value guests receive. If guests fancy some wine with their lunch or dinner on board, then it is free of charge. It is on the house.

As is a great deal else – flights from the UK including selected regional airports (on European cruises only), on board Wi-Fi, tea and coffee anytime and 24-hour room service.

All over the globe, Viking focuses on bringing the destinations on board. On the 15- day Viking Homelands itinerary, for example, guests not only investigate the great cities of the Baltic but also have a close-up view of the glorious Norwegian fjords. Learned lecturers will load guests up with fascinating facts in the ship’s theatre so they make the most of their time ashore. There is also free access to the wonderful spa with LivNordic thermal suite, saunas, a plunge pool and the first ever snow grotto at sea, so guests can learn how to chill Nordicstyle.

Floating in gently bubbling water and gazing at the flickering flames of a full length fireplace at the end of the pool epitomises the wellbeing promise of a spa. Slip out of the water and recline on a warmed ceramic bed, the soft lighting inducing calm, and people will be in complete harmony with the elegant surroundings. On most cruise ships a visit to such an exquisite haven would be dampened by a not-so- relaxing entry on your bill. On a Viking ocean

ship you can wander into the LivNordic Spa anytime you like to use the pool, saunas, hot tubs and signature Snow Grotto without charge.

A spa may be the most obvious route to experiencing hygge but Viking Ocean Cruises’ ships offer plenty of other ways to be at one with the world. Perhaps the magic moment will come after someone has taken a dip in the infinity pool with its endless sea view, then enjoyed some sushi in the sunshine on the adjacent Aquavit Terrace while a waiter pours a chilled glass of complimentary wine.

Others may find their fulfilment listening to the gentle tones of a guitarist as they gaze out at their journey ahead in the panoramic Explorers’ Lounge, swapping stories with a fellow traveller. Alternatively, guests could flop on a sofa in one of the top-deck sanctuaries, or inspect the wonderful collection of art and artefacts in the homely living room.

With two new ocean ships launching this year taking the total fleet to four, and each taking just 930 guests, Viking now sails to many incredible destinations including the sparkling Mediterranean, the historic Baltic, the majesty of Norway, the vibrant Caribbean, the exotic Far East and the ever-changing coasts of Australia and New Zealand, taking in Tasmania on the way.

Ultimately, this is what turns a good cruise into one that is unforgettable, but perhaps the most important aspect is that Viking ships are simply stunning settings for any occasion, making them the perfect destination for a once in a lifetime experience.

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Best Luxury Hotel & Spa 2017 – Germany & LUX Award in Naturopath 2017

Company: Hotel Bodenmaiser Hof www.bodenmaiser-hof.de Tel. 0049 9924 954-0 Contact Email: info@bodenmaiser-hof.de Address: Inh. Wolfgang Geiger e.K., Risslochweg 4, Bodenmais, D-94249, Germany

Best Luxury Hotel & Spa 2017 – Germany & LUX Award in Naturopath 2017 Bodenmaiser Hof is an extraordinary 4-Star superior wellness hotel in the Bavarian Forest.

We profiled the venue to find out what makes it so attractive to guests.

Bodenmaiser Hof is located in the heart of Bodenmais, a picturesque small village in the Bavarian Forest, surrounded by mountains and forest, not far from the Arber mountain – the building is surrounded by a lovely garden- and waterlandscape, including a pool and natural pond. Staff combine traditional hospitality with a clear focus on relaxing in style. If guests are asked what they like most about the facility, they talk about “casual luxury” - feeling home in a luxurious home-away-from-home.

The team aim for unique charm, combining traditional and modern elements. There is no other place in the whole area that could be compared when it comes to style, design, spa and garden area, pools. The 4*-Superior-Hotel welcomes guests and makes them feel home. All rooms and areas are created with a lot of love for the Bavaria region, and the venue uses natural material like wood, stone, moss or other plants, in various designs. Its guests are singles or couples of all ages, enjoying luxury and a relaxing spa ambience, also searching for delicious food experiences and outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing and biking, or nature lovers. All searching an ambience of silence, design and style, but also for feeling home away from home.

Honeymoon, time-out when work projects had been tough, simply relaxing for a weekend – staff do ask.

However it does not really matter as to why guests choose to stay some days or longer at Bodenmaiser Hof: The venue offers the best service to every guest, no matter why they are coming. And everybody does a lot to make them wish to come back.

Guests would probably talk about feeling at home at Bodenmaiser Hof, but with a special touch of being “pampered” while staying at the venue, without being able to tell that the staff are actually staff. The most important thing for the team is that employees do everything for their guests from the whole heart. The first welcome is a smile, as each member of staff takes time for each guest, explain everything – and always offer to go a step further to make the time great for them. As the venue only has 120 beds, all is quite familiar, but: the team know that guests want to take their very private time and staff do everything for them to let this happen.

The hotel is family driven, with a lot of passion and a great team – for all member of staff it is not a job, it is their life, and that is what guests and staff like. It is a mixed team, some have been with the facility for years, some are quite new, which is always a good combination, as all know how to work, but teamwork results from existing routines combined with new methods. Guests name the team “Hofgeister” - like good ghosts, they provide service, unseen, but recognized by the guest.

Overall, Bodenmaiser Hof has a strong family tradition, the origin was a lemonade and brown ale factory in 1922, step by step used as an inn and later a guest house since the early 1940s, becoming a hotel over the following 25 years. What the ownders are doing since then are continuous refurbishments in buildings and modernizations to the design. The last was an all-over-renovation including building facade, new rooftop suites, spa and pool area in 2015. The team are also improving treatments and packing holidays to guests needs on an ongoing basis.

To ensure continued excellence for guests, the hoteal was renovated completely in 2015, and again in May 2017 when the restaurants and some rooms were completely refurbished, the garden had a facelift and the hotel reopened in June 2017. Staff have the latest technology with sustainable focus in use, whether it is a light system, spa or sauna equipment, pool areas or heating system, and moving forward this approach will continue so that clients always receive the very highest standard of service when they visit Bodenmaiser Hof.

There are a lot of trends in the hotel segment, but the team follows its very own path. It takes inspiration, not only from other hotels, also from the home region, lifestyle, luxury, architecture and further segments, and from many conversations with guests, who always bring a lot of inspiring ideas. This combination is unique and makes the establishment truly one of a kind.

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Hotel of the Year 2017 - South West Wales

Hotel of the Year 2017 - South West Wales Heywood Spa is a 3-star hotel based in Tenby, Pembrokeshire – a beautiful seaside town whose beaches could easily rival the crystal-clear sands of the Australian coast. We spoke to Claire Nutty to find out more about the facility and find out what makes the facility so attractive to clients.

A family-run hotel, staff at Heywood Spa seamlessly unite the mixture of families, coastal path explorers and loved-up couples by providing a genuine, friendly service; the team welcome every guest as though they are their home away from home, and this is why the hotel believe it has so many friendly faces returning year after year.

Claire discusses how the hotel always aims to provide the best possible service to its guests, noting the techniques which staff employ to ensure their visit to the hotel is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Just as we play host to a variety of different clientele, we recognise that each holiday-maker that chooses Heywood Spa is celebrating something. As a thank you for choosing our hotel to share their special occasion, we repay the favour by taking extra steps to make their stay more memorable. Perhaps a bottle of prosecco and rose petals on arrival, or a bouquet of fresh flowers; we believe that it is the little details that mean the most.”

Being in the hotel and spa business, it is important that the hotel makes a good first impression to guests. Ensuring the initial impression is favourable, Claire says that every guest is welcomed by a member of staff and provided a quick tour of the grounds. Following on from this, Claire goes on to talk about her staff and how she ensures that everyone within the business is aware of the hotel’s aims and behaves accordingly.

“When checking-in to Heywood Spa, every guest is welcomed by a member of staff who will provide a

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quick tour of the hotel, before showing them to their room. By taking this personal approach, we can ensure that every guest is aware and makes use of the complimentary facilities available to them during their stay. It also opens an immediate dialogue, demonstrating that we are engaged, approachable and ready to meet any query or request they may have.

“Providing excellent customer service comes naturally to us, to put it simply, we care about our guests’ wellbeing. Our team is made up of the most friendly and welcoming employees you would ever wish to meet, and together we aspire to help our guests make memories that will last a lifetime. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide guests a luxurious stay, whilst also sustaining a down-to-earth, friendly approach to customer service. We go above and beyond to fulfil our guests needs, and nothing is ever too much trouble.”

In order to attract the best business and guests, the venue must distinguish itself from others in the area, and Claire points us towards the complete refurbishment of the hotel as a way that the firm does this. Claire acknowledges that traditional customer service is a key part of anyone’s holiday, and this is implemented and evident in guests’ visits to Heywood Spa. “Following a complete refurbishment, Heywood Spa now offers a number of well-thought-out facilities for our guests to enjoy. We have a choice of 24 comfortable and stylish bedrooms, including complimentary breakfast, as well as a trendy

Brasserie and Café Bar offering a choice of casual and fine-dining experiences. For the colder months, our heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym offer guests the perfect solution for those who do not want to brave the windy coastline; and to top off our list of facilities, our range of spa treatments and upmarket ladies and gents’ hair salon ensures that our guests will leave us feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Outside there is a small sun terrace conveniently tucked within the courtyard at the back of the original house, which also acts as a sun-trap during those lovely sunny days when we open up the bi-foldable doors leading directly to the heated pool.

“At Heywood Spa, we truly believe that traditional customer service is a key component in any holiday – and for people who are travelling in unfamiliar territory, our friendly staff are on hand to provide valuable local knowledge to ensure they make the most of their stay.”

Regarding the future, Claire states that Heywood Spa will continue to be renovated, guaranteeing guests receive the best value. It is easy to say that guests and visitors are not let down when they visit the hotel.

“In 2014, Heywood Spa Hotel was taken under new management. Since then it was witnessed an enormous transformation, with a brand-new restaurant and café bar, treatment room and salon facilities. Renovations will continue in the bedrooms as early as this winter, ensuring that guests are receiving the best value and highest quality accommodation in Tenby.”

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Company: The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay Contact Name: Jennifer Dee & Jeffrey Mancao Contact Email: iinfo@theinnatcliffhousetagaytay.com Address: KM 58, General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika East, Tagaytay City 4120 Philippines Telephone: (63-46) 483-2093 Website: www. theinnatcliffhousetagaytay.com

Best Wedding Accommodation - Philippines LOGO FINAL

FONTS / BODONI MT CONDENSED > HALVETT ULTRA COMPRESSED

PANTONE 2577C

PANTONE GREEN C

Best Wedding Accommodation - Philippines Tucked inside the exclusive Cliffhouse Tagaytay complex, on the iconic Taal Volcano’s southern ridge, it is an elegant inn offering the refined traveller chic luxury accommodations, inspired by lighthouses and nautical designs. Jennifer Dee, Marketing Communications Director for The Inn At Cliffhouse Tagaytay, tells us more about the services provided at the venues and what makes it so attractive to clients.

The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay is an eight-year-old boutique Bed & Breakfast, which offers chic luxury accommodations on the Tagaytay ridge, a popular tourist destination with both locals and foreigners.

The suites, which are 75 -100 square meters in area, are not just the largest, most spacious suites in the area but all of them also have an unimpeded sweeping view of the iconic Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Guests and visitors are mostly couples looking to getaway for some quiet time together or who are on their honeymoon, and then there are also families getting together for a reunion or for a special celebration. The venue is also a popular wedding destination, having an outdoor rustic garden events space- Clear Water House- that is 3000 square meters in area, with virtually the same panoramic view of the Taal Volcano and Lake as our suites.

First impressions are important for guests, as they must enjoy their experience if they are to return and generate more business for the facility. Jennifer comments on whether or not there is a specific theme or focus that is cultivated at the venue and whether or not this affects guests’ experience.

“The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay takes its inspiration from lighthouses, the idea that it is a beacon guiding ships to safe harbour. We are like the lighthouse, we offer guests a refuge from whatever they want to get away from. We offer them the luxury of space and privacy in a naturally beautiful setting (our property fronts the iconic Taal Volcano and Lake), all of which contribute to unforgettable stays. Our guests like to stay in their rooms, as once they have checked in to

their suites, they do not really venture out except for meals. There are five restaurants inside Cliffhouse Tagaytay, and our guests are always delighted that they do not have to leave the premises at all. We are an ideal place for guests to have a breakaway.

We carry this lighthouse inspiration throughout the entire property, with our suites being named after old lighthouses, each with an interesting story to tell.

“The ambience is that of a coastal village not unlike those in Cape Cod. Although we are only an hour and a half drive from the central business district of Makati, guests and visitors feel like they are far away, in a different place entirely.”

Customer service is also a very important aspect within the Hotel & Spa industry. Jennifer and the team must ensure that everyone at the hotel is aware of the firm’s aims and behaves accordingly. The team and its staff understands that they must work to delight people, on both a personal and emotional level.

“Importantly, we are a team that understands that we are in the business of delighting people, on a personal and emotional level. There is a strong sense of ownership, which gives all of us the drive to exceed guest expectations and deliver unforgettable moments of a lifetime, unforgettable stays that guests seek to experience repeatedly. For now, our collective passion is to be a leading developer and operator of luxury B&Bs and wedding destinations in the country, starting with our first: The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay.”

Ultimately, the venue must mark itself out as the best possible option for clients, something which can be challenging in the area of Tagaytay. Providing us with an overview of the Hotel & Spa industry in Tagaytay currently, Jennifer notes how popular the area is for tourism. With over 97 B&B’s in Tagaytay, competition is tough, however, she is confident that the excellent customer service and personal touch provided by staff at the venue makes them the leading attraction for potential and returning guests.

“Tourism in Tagaytay is booming and the hospitality industry has been experiencing tremendous growth in the last decade. Our strength is a high standard of personalized and bespoke service that is consistent and remarkable throughout the inn. It is because of this focus on personalized/bespoke service that The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay has become a leading B&B in Tagaytay, and we have become a benchmark for many competitors. We have an outstanding Innkeeper in Mr. Jeffrey Mancao, who brings with him years of relevant experience from working the VIP floors of some of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive hotels.

“Additionally, we are a team of professionals always eager to learn new things that can be put to practice in housekeeping, F&B, reception, events and even maintenance and security. Ultimately, we love our work and it shows. Genuine hospitality is rare. It is not just something that a guest sees physically; it has to be experienced, and this is what we at the Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay aim to offer consistently.”

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Best Boutique Hotel & Spa - Greater Manchester

Company: The Ainscow Hotel & Spa Contact: Paul Wadsworth Contact Email: gm@theainscow.com Address: Trinity Way, Salford, M3 5EN, UK Phone: 0161 827 1650 Website: www.theainscow.com

Best Boutique Hotel & Spa - Greater Manchester With a superb location, quality service and superb facilities, the Ainscow Hotel is the perfect destination for a variety of clients seeking both business and pleasure. We profile this exceptional establishment to learn more about how it came to win one of our prestigious award titles.

The jewel in the regenerative crown of Salford’s historic Chapel Street area, the Ainscow Hotel is ideally situated just a hop, skip and jump from some of Manchester’s brightest and most exclusive lights.

Featuring impeccable rooms, superb service and the opportunity to shamelessly indulge your love for luxury, the Ainscow Hotel provides a unique way to experience the varied pleasures and inimitable character of the two cities.

With a history dating back to 1878, The Brown Brothers Building has long been recognised as a local landmark – standing as it does on the very border between the twinned cities of Manchester and Salford.

Initially built as the Watson & Woodhead brewery, the building changed hands in 1927, becoming a jam factory for Mackie & Sons Fruit Preservers. In 1957 the building was occupied by Brown Brothers Auto Parts who would remain there until 1986. From then, this splendid testament to Northern industrialisation would lay barren – eventually falling into disrepair.

In restoring this famous landmark, the new management have sought to capture the character

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of the original building. As such guests are able to enjoy some of the original features and architectural aesthetics of this stunning relic of Manchester’s architecture, whilst at the same time indulging in all the modern comforts that the hotel has to offer. These include the hotel’s restaurant, bar and in-house spa facilities, ensuring that guests can enjoy convivence and choice.

Seasonal fare is always on offer at the Ainscow Hotel’s Lynwood Restaurant. With the culinary signature of our Head Chef evident in every dish, guests of the Lynwood Restaurant can look forward a showcase of contemporary British cooking emboldened by an international dash of drama and flair.

For guests who wish to wash down their meal with a refreshing drink, the hotel also offers a bar where they can select from a vast array of berverages.

Offering both impeccably crafted drinks and some of the most refined teas and coffees from around the world, the Ainscow Hotel bar is as suited to a relaxed business meeting as it is a pre-dinner sharpener.

Benefitting from the simple luxury of antique leather, the hotel bar has been designed to provide both elegant comfort as well as a pleasingly informal

atmosphere where guests can enjoy the good company of their friends and colleagues over a carefully chosen selection of drinks and bar snacks.

The spa boasts two double treatment rooms, relaxation room, manicure and pedicure stations, ensuring that guests can indulge in a wide range of rejuvenating beauty treatments, along with Cryotherapy, an innovative freezing treatment involving liquid nitrogen.

Additionally, the hotel offers a variety of rooms ranging from superbly appointed standard rooms to some of the most decadent suites in the city. Each space has a distinctive character and personality of its very own, and as such every single one is unique, whilst still retaining the character and theme of the establishment.

Ultimately, whilst the hotel is proud of its heritage, the new renovations have ensured that Ainscow Hotel offers every luxury and comfort to its discerning visitors. Unashamedly in the thrall of contemporary British style, comfort and luxury, the hotel offers a stylish, yet informal retreat for visitors to two major cities.

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Best Spa & Wellness Centre - Saskatoon

Company: Changes Salon & Spa Contact: Carolyn Schwab Contact Email: carolyns@sasktel.net Address: #110 - 3501 8th Street, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7H 0W5, Canada Phone: 001 306 477 6245 Web Address: Changeshair.com

Best Spa & Wellness Centre - Saskatoon Changes Salon & Spa is an innovative Saskatoon based salon offering a vast array of treatments to suit its clients’ individual needs. We profile this decedent establishment to find out more.

Established in 1994, Changes is one of Saskatoon’s most luxurious and largest full service salon and spa for women, men and children. Change’s long list of personal indulgences are designed to soothe both mind and body allowing the clients to relax in total comfort as layer after layer of tension and stress melt away to reveal a new you. For relaxation anytime, any day, the salon is open 7 days a week, allowing flexibility and convenience for the clients when booking appointments either in person or online to ensure a stress-free experience.

Since inception, Changes is committed to doing everything we can to provide the clients a wonderful experience leaving them feeling happy, radiant, rejuvenated and satisfied by providing exceptional services with specially trained professionals while utilizing top quality products. Additionally, this pioneering spa has been offering permanent makeup procedures for over 25 years.

Promoting a healthier self-confidence and improved life style, Change’s commitment to have the very best and latest in technology, products and a wide array of salon services to meet the needs of all ages male and or female. As such, the team are continually striving to set the standard in the Spa and Salon industry by offering the highest quality products and services.

For the ultimate relaxation experience, the spa’s décor and ambiance provides a quite sanctuary to

relax and rejuvenate along with our service level and professionalism are truly what sets us apart from everyone else.

Additionally, to ensure that clients receive the very best possible experience, the staff of Changes are all completely committed to giving them the highest possible level of customer service and care. They strive to create an unparalleled experience from start to finish in a most inviting and tranquil environment.

Recently within the spa market, Changes has noticed is that clients are looking for more instant results, such as hair extensions, eyelash extensions, spray tanning, nail extensions and permanent hair removal. As such, the spa follows these fashions and other current trends, looking for the most advanced technology to provide the clients with the best possible results. The beauty industry is leaning towards Health and Wellness, with many businesses promoting healthier life styles through self-awareness, confidence and anti-aging. Therefore, Change’s offers several different services for all of these to promote healthier life styles.

Fundamentally, Changes recognize that the reputation of the salon can be no better than the reputation earned by each employee. Each and every employee goes through orientation so that each and every client that comes through the doors is greeted with a 5 Star experience, whether they have been coming for 25 years or the very first time. Whether

they are a young mother, a career woman, a family, a professional man, a child, a romantic couple or just friends, all will feel welcomed and at ease the moment they walk through the doors at Changes, and walk out feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and truly pampered.

Ultimately, Changes has thrived in the Saskatoon community for 25 years both despite growing competition. While realizing the importance of competition, Changes also knows that the best way to grow and improve a business is to always believe in the success of your own salon and spa. Through its use of forward thinking, its focus on looking inwards and building with confidence, Changes has outlasted many of its competitors. Alongside this, by the hiring of cutting edge employees, using updated technology, commitment to our customers, our loyalty program and always striving for excellence in customer relations Changes and will stand proud for many years to come.

Looking ahead, the forecast for business in Saskatoon continues to be excellent for the remainder of 2017 and through to next year. There are now more than 246,000 people who call Saskatoon home and that number will continue to grow during the next 25 years. This is all due to the growing strength of the city, province and their economies, and provides many great opportunities for further growth and expansion for Changes Salon & Spa.

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Best Luxury Hotel 2017 - Beirut

Company: Le Bristol Hotel Beirut Contact: Pascale Selwan Contact Email: Email : p.selwan@lebristolbeirut.com Address: Verdun, Mme Curie Street, Beirut, P.O Box 11-1493, Lebanon Phone : 00961 3 337842 Web Address: www.lebristolbeirut.com

Le Bristol opened in 1951 and is famous for both its architecture and guests, the hotel consists of a triangular 6-story building that is hollow in the middle in order to accommodate a garden. Since its opening, the hotel has hosted a variety of famous guests, some including royalty. Pascale Selwan outlines what services and clientele the firm focuses on.

A “ t Le Bristol, our attention to detail helps us to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience geared towards guest satisfaction and exceeding the expectations of the most discerning guests.”

“The hotel is renowned for its personalized service and devotion towards clients, as we are committed to

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delivering the utmost level of quality customer care.

The venue can hold meetings and seminars, private events and is able to offer luxury and comfort with authentic service. Due to this, our strategy is adapted to meet the rising traveller demand, whilst also working hard to maintain the best level of luxurious customer service.

“In addition to our focus on the international business travellers, free independent travellers, and group travellers, we strive to offer the best banqueting and hospitality in Beirut. Our valued guests are warmly welcomed upon their arrival by our dedicated reception staff at the cozy yet luxurious lobby atmosphere, with a welcome drink. The team then conducts follow ups to ensure that guests are having an enjoyable experience throughout their stay. When they leave, guests can expect to receive personalized embroidered face towels upon their departure.

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Best Luxury Hotel 2017 Beirut Le Bristol Hotel Beirut is a famous 5 stars luxury hotel located in Verdun, Lebanon at Madame Curie Street, in the heart of Beirut where restaurants and Beirut’s business and shopping centres are located. We spoke to Pascale Selwan to find out a bit more about it and what makes it attractive to customers. and other responsibilities based on effective communication, innovation and responsiveness. Our team members ensure that their own work is aligned with the hotel’s values and aims, to provide the highest quality of service.”

Technology is continuing to have an impact on the hotel industry and the wider hospitality sector.

Pascale Selwan explains how any hospitality business that wants to continue staying viable uses technology tools to improve level of integration and engagement with guests, pointing out how WiFi provided to guests is essential in satisfying guests.

“Moreover, Guest WIFi has become a commodity rather than a luxury in this age, thus we Offer it at high speed and on complimentary basis to our guests”

For staff to deliver the best service, it must adapt to guests’ needs. Developing the customer service management system, the hotel inputs data and feedback into the system, which has helped the hotel ensure visitors encounter personalised experiences throughout their stay and the next one.

Discussing what makes the hotel stand out amongst its competitors, Pascale Selwan alludes to the attention to detail paid by the firm.

“At Le Bristol, our attention to detail helps us to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience geared towards guest satisfaction and exceeding the expectations of the most discerning guests.

“Honesty, integrity and enthusiasm are all essential aspects in ensuring staff can perform their duties to the highest quality of standard. Staff are driven by the customers’ needs, and the team share leadership

Pascale Selwan is keen to mention the hotel’s partnership with Preferred Hotel & Resorts. The partnership opens up new opportunities for clients and it helps Lebanon to become a new destination for Preferred’s guests.

worldwide , in addition to The free-to-use iPrefer mobile app which allows members to easily manage their account before, during, and after every stay.

Members can search for and book hotel stays, redeem Reward Certificates, and connect with the property directly from the app.”

Ultimately, Le Bristol is a luxurious hotel that provides guests with an extremely comfortable stay and excellent customer service, ensuring they are likely to return. This is important in the hotel industry as Pascale Selwan comments on what makes the hotel so enticing to clients and why so many guests want to visit.

“Lastly, being located in a prime location in the heart of the city, the hotel is well known for our exceptional personal 5-star hospitality service, and the exclusive yet personalised amenities. Add to that our attention to detail as mentioned earlier and we easily attract travellers of all types to come and stay at the hotel.”

“Le Bristol Hotel opens up Lebanon as a new destination for Preferred’s guests who are seeking an authentic, memorable luxury travel experience through a new partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection who represents more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 86 countries, with nearly 40 offices worldwide.”

With their partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Le Bristol’s guest will have the chance to enrol in the iPrefer Loyalty program, that entitles guests to collect and redeem points, whilst enjoying multiple benefits such as early check-in or late check-out, VIP amenities and more, in over 600 participating Preferred Hotels and Resorts

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