BHA Awards 2012 by Steven penney

The 2012 World Boutique Hotel Awards Review

E L AWA R D

HOTEL AWARDS

Recognising Unique Excellence 1

Welcome

The 2012 World Boutique Hotel Awards Review showcases the finest and most unique boutique hotels in the world. We have searched high and low to find hotels that offer authentic and enriching experiences. Each of our finalists demonstrate unsurpassed excellence in their category. However, more importantly they are capable of transporting their guests into a novel world through the history of the location, its culture and its own stylistic flair. A Boutique Hotel Award winner's service will be intuitive, their environment intimate and the experience priceless. To find such hotels, we use an evaluation process which is unique in its ability to aid the difficult comparison between hotels that are, by definition, different. The 2013 Awards will take place in London on the evening of the 5 December. Further details can be found on page 36. To nominate a hotel, participate in the awards, or make a booking visit www.BoutiqueHotelAwards.com

World Boutique Hotel The glittering annual Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony was held at the iconic Hempel Hotel, London. The Awards dinner brought together boutique hoteliers, press, and industry insiders from all over the world - Argentina, Colombia, China, Fiji, Greece, Holland, Italy, Indonesia, Malta, Sweden, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who attended the event. Guest presenters included Mr. Stephen Albert, Vice President of the WATG, acclaimed chef Chantelle Nicholson, now manager of the Gilbert Scott, St Pancras and Maya Olesen, Miss World Denmark 2011.

Musical performances were given on the night by Cantabile (Operatic Quartet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; emily.m.phillips@gmail.com) and below Jazz Pianist George Stevenson, (george.stevenson@live.co.uk)

World Boutique Hotel

Best Beach Boutique Hotel in the World

Best Classic Boutique Hotel in the World

WINNER - Hansar Samui (Koh Samui, Thailand)

RUNNER-UP - Layana Resort (Koh Lanta, Thailand)

WINNER - Poseidonion Grand Hotel (Spetses, Greece)

RUNNER-UP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hotel Les Ottomans (Istanbul, Turkey)

Best Dining Boutique Hotel in the World

Best Honeymoon Boutique Hotel in the World

WINNER - The Samling Hotel (Windermere, UK)

RUNNER-UP - Xara Palace (Mdina, Malta)

WINNER - Taveuni Palms Resort (Taveuni, Fiji)

RUNNER-UP - The Pavilions Phuket (Phuket, Thailand)

All sponsorship and media enquiries can be made directly through our head office:

E L AWA R D

HOTEL AWARDS

Recognising Unique Excellence

World Boutique Hotel Awards Office 2 Bailey House Coleridge Gardens 552 Kings Road Chelsea SW10 0RG Telephone: +00 44 203 151 1688

Best City Boutique Hotel in the World

Best Design Boutique Hotel in the World

WINNER - The Toren (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

RUNNER-UP - Lydmar Hotel (Stockholm, Sweden)

WINNER - Casa Colombo (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

RUNNER-UP - Sanctum Soho (London, UK)

Best New Boutique Hotel in the World

Best Overall Boutique Hotel in the World

WINNER - Entre Cielos (Mendoza, Argentina)

RUNNER-UP - The Ampersand (London, UK)

WINNER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Borgo Santo Pietro (Tuscany, Italy)

Overall Winner

Best Overall Boutique Hotel in the World

Borgo Santo Pietro Tuscany http://www.borgosantopietro.com/en/

The story: Scandanavian owners Claus and Jeanette Thottrup have meticulously restored and converted their 13thcentury Tuscan stone manor house into a 15-room work-of-art that weaves historic charm with modern luxury.

The experience: Tucked away in the corner of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, guests are met by a cypress treelined driveway and panoramic views of the Serena Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gentle tumbling hills. Inside, the exquisitely restored stone villa with its luxurious rooms, deep fireplaces and winding stone staircase is decorated with a handpicked collection of antiques, murals, and oil paintings. Guests are invited to explore the surrounding 12-acre gardens,

enjoying rose and jasmine-scented walks, grass tennis courts, and a vegetable and herbal garden. The garden produce is used in the hotel’s gourmet organic kitchen, offering seasonal dishes made with extra care by their star chef Stefano Santo. When the weather is warm, guests can relax in the turquoise pool. When the weather is cooler, the one room spa offers massages by the fire. It’s very rare to find a hotel that excels in just about every way. One that immerses you in the beauty of its location, whilst showing you a new way to see it. One with staff that know how to strike the fine balance between attentiveness and discretion. One where each and every inch seems to be crafted with mosaic precision. We’re therefore incredibly proud to present The Borgo Santo Pietro with our highest honour: Best Overall Boutique Hotel in the World. 9

Category Winners

Best Beach Boutique Hotel in the World

Hansar Samui Koh Samui, Thailand http://www.hansarsamui.com/

The story: This is the beach-side child of two twin hotels in the Hansar family. And family is just the right word. All the staff support each other, even the manager might be found helping out the chefs when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really busy. This culture also extends to the community. The organic herb and vegetable garden has been cultivated for over a year now, and the staff work on this in their own time and sell the surplus produce, using the proceeds to donate to the local orphanage. The design seamlessly weaves natural materials to capture the spirit of the local surroundings.

The experience: Stunning panoramic beach views flood through the windows of the room each morning. As if the sea could be any closer, Hansar have a sublime 35 m salt water pool. If the sun gets too much simply retreat to the blissful spa which is one of the best in the region, which is saying quite a lot. We were told on arrival that the word ‘Hansar’ means happiness and joy and it’s safe to say that Hansar Samui lives up to its name.

Best Classic Boutique Hotel in the World

Poseidonion Grand Hotel (Spetses, Greece) http://www.poseidonion.com/

The story: Like all the finest hotels in the world, it is a small collection of dedicated people that make this hotel quite so spectacular. Led by the engineer and owner, Antonis Vordonis, the Poseidonion has seen meticulous architectural restoration. From the rewrought metal fence matching the style that encircled wealthy Athenians 100 years ago, to the ancient-looking guestbooks in the lounge that they used to write in, the Poseidonion is truly dedicated to the memory of what came before. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the nostalgia fool you. The Poseidonion doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just have its finger on the pulse of Spetses island life; it is the beating heart itself. It has single-handedly created the first-of-its-kind classic yacht race, along with its very own marathon. It regularly pitches in organising open-air concerts on balmy summer nights and its breakfast jams are made by the local women of Spetses. Life on the island is wholly intertwined with the life at the Poseidonion.

The experience: Before you arrive, before you even pack your bags at home, one night of your trip is already decided: dinner at the hotel’s historic On The Verandah restaurant. It boasts imaginative reworks of Greek cuisine that, aside from being exquisitely prepared and delicious, can be enjoyed alongside a truly breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. The island is perfect for careless excursions by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, which by law is the preferred mode of transport. Back at the hotel pouring over the century-old guestbook after enjoying expertly made cocktails at the Poseidonion’s Library Bar or at its country’s first spa, you might start to feel yourself slipping between the pages as you become a 1920s man or woman of leisure. 15

Best City Boutique Hotel in the World

The Toren Amsterdam, Netherlands http://www.thetoren.nl/

The story: Every inch of The Toren has been crafted by the passionate team of Eric and Petra Toren. They believe strongly that the personality of their handpicked staff will make a guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve even invented ingenious methods of training that calibrated the minds of the staff to the emotional experience of their guests.

The experience: The Torenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertly decorated rooms will have you swimming through a panoply of moods in a matter of minutes. They play with light in ways you could scarcely imagine, creating dreamy moods that can even change with the rising and setting of the sun. The staff are armed with an impressive collection of city secrets, leading you to all those places that a normal traveller would never have the luxury of finding.

Best Design Boutique Hotel in the World

Casa Colombo (Colombo, Sri Lanka) http://www.casacolombo.com/

The story: A 200 year-old mansion doesn’t sound like a likely home for an chic design hotel, and the surprises don’t stop once you arrive. Fusing old world elegance with cutting edge modern is very easy to get wrong. And yet each inch of the hotel oozes style as if it were springing up from the house’s foundations. The owner and designer Lalin Jinasena should be immensely proud of his achievement.

The experience: In the Casa Colomo traditional and contemporary work hand in hand to create a bold, individual and very engaging design experience. From the levity of the pink pool to the gravity of the beautiful long twin-blade fans rotating in the dining room and library, there is flair and style in every corner, set off by more than a touch of wit. Sri Lankan themes and influences feature in the design and ambience, with photo portraits of individual men, women and children on the walls, a light fragrance of cinnamon as you enter your room and local touches throughout the cuisine.

Best Dining Boutique Hotel in the World

The Samling Hotel Lake Windermere Lake District http://www.thesamlinghotel.co.uk/

The story: Previously a von Essen Hotel, The Samling has been under new private owners since 2011 who have continued its great tradition as a place of fine dining and intimate luxury in the stunning setting of Lake Windermere, Lake District.

The experience: Guests can choose from one of their eleven individually designed bedrooms, nestled in a beautiful 67-acre estate. But no stay is complete without a meal (or several) at their in-house restaurant, where talented head chef Ian Swainson and his team delivered perfectly executed flavour combinations, prepared and presented with theatrical flair. With spectacular picture-postcard views of Lake Windermere, The Samling hotel is a true fine dining boutique hotel, and a worthy winner of our Best Dining award.

Best New Boutique Hotel in the World

Entre Cielos (Mendoza, Argentina) http://www.entrecielos.com/

The story: Entre Cielos is the passion project of a small group of Swiss wine enthusiasts and investors, who first visited Mendoza in 2009, before quickly deciding that it was the perfect place to bring their vision of design, hospitality and service with a Swiss touch to the Mendoza region in the foothills of the Andes, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;land of sunshine and fine wineâ&#x20AC;?.

The experience: Located in the stunning region of Mendoza, the bold architecture of the 16-room hotel exuded personality, creativity and style. The Hamam and Spa, the first of its kind in Latin America, invigorates the body and relaxes the mind. The Katharina and Beef Club restaurants serve creative and exciting dishes, using local produce, and always accompanied by a Mendozan wine from their own vineyard. Entre Cielos is a place of unapologetically indulgent relaxation, a fantastic addition to the region, and a place to really enjoy lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasures.

Best Honeymoon Boutique Hotel in the World

Taveuni Palms Resort Fijian Islands http://www.taveunipalms.com/

The story: When Kelly and Tony Acland realised their ideal honeymoon destination didn’t exist, they decided to build it themselves. Using Tony’s understanding of the private yacht industry, and Kelly’s knowledge of the Fijian Islands, they set about creating the ultimate boutique honeymoon resort.

The experience: Exclusivity and privacy underpin the experience at Taveuni Palms. With no suggestion or sight of other guests the concept of a resort fades away leaving only the impression of a personal paradise. Your personal paradise of breath-taking panoramic views and white sandy beaches is shared only with the exceptional staff. Appearing, genii-like (thanks to a hidden intercom throughout the gardens) with genuine smiles, beautiful Island blooms, and a gentle Fijian welcome they were on hand to satisfy guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; every whim. Their perfectly pitched approach makes guests feel like both Royalty and Family, a feat that exemplifies Taveuni Palms' quality, and its status as a world-class boutique honeymoon destination.

Runners-up

Runner-up Beach Boutique Hotel in the World

Layana Resort Koh Lanta, Thailand http://www.layanaresort.com/

Runner-up Classic Boutique Hotel in the World 2013 Awards Our award categories were feeling a little out-of-date. They were sure that a makeover would let them express their true personalities a little better. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re therefore thrilled to announce the new list of the 2013 World Boutique Hotel Award categories as follows: Blissful Beach Paradise City Explorer Classic Elegance Daring Design Delicious Dining Greenest Eco Retreat Honeymoon Hidaway Marketing Innovation New Innovative Build Heavenly Spa Awards information IMPORTANT DATES - Closing date for nominations: 1 July 2013 - Closing date for participation: 30th August 2013 - Finalists announced: 30th September 2013 - Winners announced: 31st October 2013

NOMINATIONS PROCESS - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013. - Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. - Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. - Nominations are conducted online. Click here to go to theIstanbul, Nominations page. Turkey

Hotel Les Ottomans http://www.lesottomans.com/

PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEE Each nominated hotel will be researched by our Awards Judges with the help of various industry contacts. 29

Tailored interviews shall then be conducted with a member of the hotel’s managerial staff. Interviews shall be conducted by an Award Judge in person or by telephone. The interview will assess whether the nominated hotel is suitable to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview. - Hotels successful in interview will be invited to participate in an agreed category. Participating hotels are required to pay a fee of £460 for full participation in the Awards process. Payment must be made upon submission of the administration form. - Participating hotels may choose to be considered for just one award category only with each participation. - Each participating hotel is automatically considered for the Best Overall Hotel Award in addition to their chosen category. Entry into future World Boutique Hotel Awards is granted to all hotels that reach the participation stage. 2013 Awards Our award categories were feeling a little out-of-date. They were sure that a makeover would let them express their true personalities a little better. We’re therefore thrilled to announce the new list of the 2013 World Boutique Hotel Award categories as follows: EVALUATION AND AWARDS PROCESS - All participating hotels are evaluated by our Awards Committee and shortlists of prospective winners are chosen in each category. Blissful Beach Paradise - Shortlisted are then individually reviewed by one or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges. City hotels Explorer - Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. Winner status is either confirmed Classic Elegance or rejected at this stage by the awards committee. Daring Design - The fullDelicious list of winning Dininghotels will be announced on 30th September 2013. - AmongGreenest the category winners, one hotel will be selected for our highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of the World, which will be announced at the annual awards Eco Retreat ceremony on 31st October 2013. Honeymoon Hidaway Marketing Innovation How weNew judge Innovative Build To help distil Heavenly the most Spa crucial information from our judges, we draw on the following principle: emotion leads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. The winners of our awards are those that move people to want to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhaps bank balances suggest otherwise. Awards information We believe ourDATES winners should be simply irresistible, leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have to return. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base our evaluation on IMPORTANT eachdate hotelfor makes our judges feel. 2013 -how Closing nominations: 1 July - Closing date for participation: 30th August 2013 final decision lies in theSeptember hands of our esteemed panellists who descend from all four corners of the world of unique luxury. -The Finalists announced: 30th 2013 - Winners announced: 31st October 2013

Runner-up City Boutique Hotel in the World

NOMINATIONS PROCESS - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013. - Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. - Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. Stockholm, Sweden - Nominations are conducted online. Click here to go to the Nominations page.

Lydmar Hotel

http://www.lydmar.com/ PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEE 30

Runner-up Design Boutique Hotel in the World OUR TEAM The members 2013 Awards of our dedicated team come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each bringing the experience, skills and enthusiasm necessary to select, promote and showcase Our our participating award categories hotels were on an feeling international a little out-of-date. stage. They were sure that a makeover would let them express their true personalities a little better. We’re therefore thrilled to announce the new list of the 2013 World Boutique Hotel Award categories as follows: RICHARD HYTNER – Panelist Blissful Beach Paradise Richard City has been Worldwide Deputy Chairman Of Saatchi & Saatchi since 2007. He was appointed an Executive Fellow at London Business School in 2007 and made an Adjunct Explorer Associate Professor in 2011. He teaches MBAs, Executive MBAs and Executives on the School’s Open Enrolment and Custom Programmes courses. Richard is also chairman of Classic Elegance PlantingDaring Promise, a sustainable educational enterprise in Sierra Leone; a trustee of the Business Bridge Initiative; and Trustee of the British Heart Foundation where he chairs its Design £50 million Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. As a global traveller he has strong views about hotels and hospitality, and brings significant industry experience to the Boutique Delicious Dining Hotel Awards Panel. Greenest Eco Retreat Honeymoon Hidaway CHANTELLE NICHOLSON Marketing Innovation– Panelist New Innovative Build From 2004, Chantelle Heavenly Spatrained under the two Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing at The Savoy Grill and the Pétrus. As Sous chef at Pétrus she ran the Pastry department, coauthored two cookery books, and was quickly promoted to Senior Sous Chef. In 2008 Chantelle took on the additional role of Operations Manager at the Berkley, voted London’s top restaurant in The Sunday Times Food List 2010. In 2011 Chantelle opened The Gilbert Scott, St Pancras, where she has written and developed its menus and where she Awards information currently works as General Manager. IMPORTANT DATES - Closing date for nominations: 1 July 2013 PHILLIPS – Director 30th August 2013 -JOSHUA Closing date for participation: - Finalists announced: 30th September 2013 Joshua joined the Boutique Hotel Awards at its inception in 2010, working within its marketing and public relations team. He is the Marketing Director, working closely with the - Winners announced: 31st October 2013 Awards’ media partners and collaborators to gain exposure and publicity. Before joining the Awards, Joshua worked as an associate for the leading business strategy and marketing firm in London, L E K Consulting, where he advised a range of corporate clients in the hospitality, travel and leisure sectors. NOMINATIONS PROCESS - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013. - Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. Stephen Albert – Panelist - Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. London, UK - Nominations online. Click hereHawaii, to go to athe Nominations page. Stephen Albertare is conducted Vice President with WATG hospitality design firm that has designed more hotels worldwide than any other design practice. Stephen has been

Sanctum Soho

instrumental in setting up the boutique division of WATG and the group themselves have won numerous design awards, including the Radical Innovation in Hospitality http://www.sanctumsoho.com/ award, the Sustainable Suite design winner and the Hotel of Tomorrow winner on which Stephen lead the design team. PARTICIPATION AND FEEwith the making of animated cartoon movies. His films won accolades and were broadcast on the BBC by the age of 16. His love of the Stephen’s creativePROCESS flair started early 31

creative process led to awill career in architecture that has taken himwith around the world numerous times. Stephen has designed hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Each nominated hotel be researched by our Awards Judges the help of various industry contacts. Africa, Asia and the Pacific … from nearby Knightsbridge Fiji. Tailored interviews shall then be conducted with a membertooffar-flung the hotel’s managerial staff. Interviews shall be conducted by an Award Judge in person or by telephone. The interview will assess whether the nominated hotel is suitable to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview. EDWARD GABBAI Director will be invited to participate in an agreed category. Participating hotels are required to pay a fee of £460 for full participation in the Awards - Hotels successful in–interview process. Payment must be made upon submission of the administration form. An entrepreneur based in London, enteredfor thejust Awards at their inception in with 2010,each working on its brand development and public relations. Edward is a Director at the - Participating hotels may choose toEdward be considered one award category only participation. company, working within it participant selection team to build upon its fine collection of hotels. Edward graduated from theEntry University of Cambridge with a Master’s degree - Each participating hotel is automatically considered for the Best Overall Hotel Award in addition to their chosen category. into future World Boutique Hotel Awards is in nanoscience. He has travelled widely, with a particular interest in South America and the Middle East. granted to all hotels that reach the participation stage. 2013 Awards

Runner-up Dining Boutique Hotel in the World

Our award categories were feeling a little out-of-date. They were sure that a makeover would let them express their true personalities a little better. We’re therefore thrilled to Hilary Lancaster announce the newPanelist list of the 2013 World Boutique Hotel Award categories as follows: Hilary Lancaster has over 20 years of design expertise, after graduating in Sydney in 1992 and starting her career in Singapore. In the UK as Head of Design for Dexter EVALUATION BlissfulAND BeachAWARDS Paradise PROCESS Moren she designed hotels for IHG in Dubai, then established Fusion Interiors Group (FIG) in 2007 working with the 5 Star Somerset Ascott brand in Shanghai. She - All participating hotels are evaluated by our Awards Committee and shortlists of prospective winners are chosen in each category. City Explorer continues to work with Ascott on boutique lobbies and guestroom concepts for their Citadines Prestige brand in France, and Barcelona. Hilary and her team have also - Shortlisted hotels are then individually reviewed by one or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges. Classic Elegance designed a 5 Star private jet lounge in the UK and a luxury spa resort in Qatar. With offices in Jeddah, Doha and Sydney Hilary is expanding hospitality projects globally as - Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. Winner status is either confirmed Daring Design well as launching her own range of hotel furniture and carpets. or rejected at this stage by the awards committee. Delicious Dining - The fullGreenest list of winning hotels will be announced on 30th September 2013. Eco Retreat - AmongHoneymoon the categoryHidaway winners, one hotel will be selected for our highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of the World, which will be announced at the annual awards NATHAN BROOKER – Panelist & Review Editor ceremony on 31st October 2013. Marketing Innovation New Innovative Build Nathan is a freelance journalist based in the UK. He has written extensively for the Financial Times in London, and Art Basel Magazine in Miami, Florida. Nathan has covered How weHeavenly judge Spa topics including the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan and the state of the property market in New York City for the House and Home section of FT Weekend. Before To help distil the most crucial information from our judges, we draw on the following principle: emotion leads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. The winners of our becoming a freelance journalist, Nathan travelled widely, spending time teaching English in Hong Kong and Guangdong, China. awards those that move people to want to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhaps bank balances suggest otherwise. Awards are information IMPORTANT DATES We believe ourfor winners should be simply -TIM Closing date nominations: 1 July 2013irresistible, leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have to return. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base our evaluation on JOHANSON - Awards Producer how eachdate hotelfor makes our judges feel.August 2013 - Closing participation: 30th - Finalists 30th 2013 Hotel Awards ceremony, Tim works as a Producer for the Olivier Awards - Britain’s leading theatre awards - since its highly In additionannounced: to producing theSeptember annual Boutique The final decision lies in the hands of our esteemed panellists whoexperience descend from all four corners of the world of unique luxury. -successful Winners announced: 31st October 2013 re-launch in 2011. He brings top-level award ceremony to producing and directing the annual Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony. Having previously spent time living in South Africa and Nepal, Tim travels widely. NOMINATIONS PROCESS - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. CALLY SQUIRES – Panelist - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013. Having reported Theto Times, Telegraph or and the Financial Times, Cally now aworks The Quintessentially Group’sHotel editorial magazine, where she reviews the best - Nominations arefor open any individual organisation that wishes to enter hotel for Insider, consideration in the World Boutique Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. restaurants, hotels and spasofthat has to offer. AMdina, graduate Jesus College, Cambridge, Cally initially worked in corporate law before making the switch to - Hotels can luxury be nominated for one tenLondon World Boutique Hotel Awards. of Malta journalism in 2010. - Nominations are conducted online. Click here to go to the Nominations page.

Xara Palace

http://www.xarapalace.com.mt/ In the Press PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEE Pictures of all current partners logos (in ‘gdrive>steve new website>partner logo folder) plus these logos: 32

Each nominated hotel will be researched by our Awards Judges with the help of various industry contacts. Tailored interviews shall then be conducted with a member of the hotel’s managerial staff. Interviews shall be conducted by an Award Judge in person or by telephone. The interview will assess whether the nominated hotel is suitable to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview. - Hotels successful in interview will be invited to participate in an agreed category. Participating hotels are required to pay a fee of £460 for full participation in the Awards process. Payment must be made upon submission of the administration form. - Participating hotels may choose to be considered for just one award category only with each participation. - Each participating hotel is automatically considered for the Best Overall Hotel Award in addition to their chosen category. Entry into future World Boutique Hotel Awards is granted to all hotels that reach the participation stage. 2013 Awards Our award categories were feeling a little out-of-date. They were sure that a makeover would let them express their true personalities a little better. We’re therefore thrilled to announce the new list of the 2013 World Boutique Hotel Award categories as follows:

Runner-up Honeymoon Boutique Hotel in the World

CONTACT EVALUATION BlissfulAND BeachAWARDS Paradise PROCESS World Boutique Hotel Awards - All participating hotels are evaluated by our Awards Committee and shortlists of prospective winners are chosen in each category. City Explorer 2- Shortlisted Bailey Classic House hotels are then individually reviewed by one or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges. Elegance Coleridge Gardens - Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. Winner status is either confirmed Daring Design 552 Kings Road or rejected at this stage by the awards committee. Delicious Dining Chelsea SW10 0RG - The fullGreenest list of winning hotels will be announced on 30th September 2013. Eco Retreat - AmongHoneymoon the categoryHidaway winners, one hotel will be selected for our highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of the World, which will be announced at the annual awards 0044 20 3151 ceremony on1688 31st October 2013. Marketing Innovation info@ BoutiqueHotelAwards.com New Innovative Build How weHeavenly judge Spa To help distil the most crucial information from our judges, we draw on the following principle: emotion leads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. The winners of our awards those that move people to want to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhaps bank balances suggest otherwise. Awards are information IMPORTANT DATES believe ourfor winners should be simply -We Closing date nominations: 1 July 2013irresistible, leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have to return. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base our evaluation on how eachdate hotelfor makes our judges feel.August 2013 - Closing participation: 30th - Finalists announced: 30th September 2013 The final decision lies in theOctober hands of our esteemed panellists who descend from all four corners of the world of unique luxury. - Winners announced: 31st 2013

NOMINATIONS PROCESS - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013. - Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. - Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. Phuket, Thailand - Nominations are conducted online. Click here to go to the Nominations page.

The Pavilions Phuket

http://www.thepavilionsresorts.com/phuket-home/ PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEE 33

Runner-up New Boutique Hotel in the World

EVALUATION BlissfulAND BeachAWARDS Paradise PROCESS - All participating hotels are evaluated by our Awards Committee and shortlists of prospective winners are chosen in each category. City Explorer - Shortlisted hotels are then individually reviewed by one or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges. Classic Elegance - Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. Winner status is either confirmed Daring Design or rejected at this stage by the awards committee. Delicious Dining - The fullGreenest list of winning hotels will be announced on 30th September 2013. Eco Retreat - AmongHoneymoon the categoryHidaway winners, one hotel will be selected for our highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of the World, which will be announced at the annual awards ceremony on 31st October 2013. Marketing Innovation New Innovative Build How weHeavenly judge Spa To help distil the most crucial information from our judges, we draw on the following principle: emotion leads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. The winners of our awards those that move people to want to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhaps bank balances suggest otherwise. Awards are information IMPORTANT DATES believe ourfor winners should be simply -We Closing date nominations: 1 July 2013irresistible, leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have to return. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base our evaluation on how eachdate hotelfor makes our judges feel.August 2013 - Closing participation: 30th - Finalists announced: 30th September 2013 The final decision lies in theOctober hands of our esteemed panellists who descend from all four corners of the world of unique luxury. - Winners announced: 31st 2013

NOMINATIONS PROCESS - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013. - Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. - Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. London, UK - Nominations are conducted online. Click here to go to the Nominations page.

The Ampersand

http://www.ampersandhotel.com/ PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEE 34

Evaluation and Awards Process

2013 Awards We are delighted to anounce the new and improved list of World Boutique Hotel Awards catergories as: • • • • • • • • •

Blissful Beach City Explorer Classic Elegance Culinary Excellence Inspired Design Newcomer Romantic Retreat Sensuous Spa Sustainability

Awards Information Important Dates - Closing date for nominations: 2nd August 2013 - Closing date for participation: 30th August 2013 - Finalists announced: 30th September 2013 - Winners announced: 28th October 2013

Nominations Process - Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination. - Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 2nd August 2013. - Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted. - Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. - Nominations are conducted online. Click below to go to the Nominations page. http://www.boutiquehotelawards.com/nominate.php 36

Participation Process and Fee - Each nominated hotel will be researched by our Awards Judges with the help of various industry contacts. - Tailored interviews shall then be conducted with a member of the hotel's managerial staff. Interviews shall be conducted by an Award Judge in person or by telephone. The interview will assess whether the nominated hotel is suitable to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview. - Hotels successful in interview will be invited to participate in an agreed category. Participating hotels are required to pay a fee of £460 for full participation in the Awards process. Payment must be made upon submission of the administration form. - Participating hotels may choose to be considered for just one award category only with each participation. - Each participating hotel is automatically considered for the Best Overall Hotel Award in addition to their chosen category. Entry into future World Boutique Hotel Awards is granted to all hotels that reach the participation stage without further interview.

- All participating hotels are evaluated by our Awards Committee and shortlists of prospective winners are chosen in each category. - Shortlisted hotels are then individually reviewed by one or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges. - Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. Winner status is either confirmed or rejected at this stage by the awards committee. - The full list of winning hotels will be announced on 28th October 2013. - Among the category winners, one regional winner shall be selected for the following: Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Regional winners shall be announced at the annual awards ceremony on 28th November 2013. - Among all entrants, one hotel will also be selected for our highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of the World, which will be announced at the annual awards ceremony on 28th November 2013.

How we judge To help distil the most crucial information from our judges, we draw on the following principle: emotion leads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. The winners of our awards are those that move people to want to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhaps bank balances suggest otherwise. We believe our winners should be simply irresistible, leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have to return. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base our evaluation on how each hotel makes our judges feel. The final decision lies in the hands of our esteemed panellists who descend from all four corners of the world of unique luxury.

OUR TEAM The members of our dedicated team come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each bringing the experience, skills and enthusiasm necessary to select, promote and showcase our participating hotels on an international stage.

Richard Hytner – Panelist

Chantelle Nicolson – Panelist

Joshua Philips – Director

Stephen Albert – Panelist

Edward Gabbai – Director

Richard has been Worldwide Deputy Chairman Of Saatchi & Saatchi since 2007. He was appointed an Executive Fellow at London Business School in 2007 and made an Adjunct Associate Professor in 2011. He teaches MBAs, Executive MBAs and Executives on the School's Open Enrolment and Custom Programmes courses. Richard is also chairman of Planting Promise, a sustainable educational enterprise in Sierra Leone; a trustee of the Business Bridge Initiative; and Trustee of the British Heart Foundation where he chairs its £50 million Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. As a global traveller he has strong views about hotels and hospitality, and brings significant industry experience to the Boutique Hotel Awards Panel.

From 2004, Chantelle trained under the two Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing at The Savoy Grill and the Pétrus. As Sous chef at Pétrus she ran the Pastry department, co-authored two cookery books, and was quickly promoted to Senior Sous Chef. In 2008 Chantelle took on the additional role of Operations Manager at the Berkley, voted London's top restaurant in The Sunday Times Food List 2010. In 2011 Chantelle opened The Gilbert Scott, St Pancras, where she has written and developed its menus and where she currently works as General Manager.

Joshua joined the Boutique Hotel Awards at its inception in 2010, working within its marketing and public relations team. He is the Marketing Director, working closely with the Awards' media partners and collaborators to gain exposure and publicity. Before joining the Awards, Joshua completed a Master’s at the University of Cambridge before working as an associate for the leading business strategy and marketing firm in London, L E K Consulting, where he advised a range of corporate clients in the hospitality, travel and leisure sectors.

Stephen Albert is Vice President with WATG Hawaii, a hospitality design firm that has designed more hotels worldwide than any other design practice. Stephen has been instrumental in setting up the boutique division of WATG and the group themselves have won numerous design awards, including the Radical Innovation in Hospitality award, the Sustainable Suite design winner and the Hotel of Tomorrow winner on which Stephen lead the design team. Stephen's creative flair started early with the making of animated cartoon movies. His films won accolades and were broadcast on the BBC by the age of 16. His love of the creative process led to a career in architecture that has taken him around the world numerous times. Stephen has designed hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific … from nearby Knightsbridge to farflung Fiji.

An entrepreneur based in London, Edward entered the Awards at their inception in 2010, working on its brand development and public relations. Edward is a Director at the company, working within its participant selection team to build upon its fine collection of hotels. Edward graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Master's degree in Nanoscience. He has travelled widely, with a particular interest in South America and the Middle East.

Hilary Lancaster – Panelist Hilary Lancaster has over 20 years of design expertise, after graduating in Sydney in 1992 and starting her career in Singapore. In the UK as Head of Design for Dexter Moren she designed hotels for IHG in Dubai, then established Fusion Interiors Group (FIG) in 2007 working with the 5 Star Somerset Ascott brand in Shanghai. She continues to work with Ascott on boutique lobbies and guestroom concepts for their Citadines Prestige brand in France, and Barcelona. Hilary and her team have also designed a 5 Star private jet lounge in the UK and a luxury spa resort in Qatar. With offices in Jeddah, Doha and Sydney Hilary is expanding hospitality projects globally as well as launching her own range of hotel furniture and carpets.

Nathan Brooker – Panelist & Review Editor Nathan is a freelance journalist based in the UK. He has written extensively for the Financial Times in London, and Art Basel Magazine in Miami, Florida. Nathan has covered topics including the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan and the state of the property market in New York City for the House and Home section of FT Weekend. Before becoming a freelance journalist, Nathan travelled widely, spending time teaching English in Hong Kong and Guangdong, China.

Steven Penney – Panelist

Cally Squires – Panelist

Steven has spent a career, and many years before, immersed in design. Previously the Creative Director for a leading marketing firm, Steven now uses his extensive experience working on the Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony production and in its website design. Steven is also a interior designer and assists with the judging of the Best Daring Design Hotel Award category.

Having reported for The Times, Telegraph and the Financial Times, Cally now works for Insider, The Quintessentially Group's editorial magazine, where she reviews the best restaurants, luxury hotels and spas that London has to offer. A graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge, Cally initially worked in corporate law before making the switch to journalism in 2010.

Our Partners We would like to thank our global media partners for their support in publicising the 2012 Awards, helping our award-winning hotels reach out to the worldwide audience that they so dearly deserve.

All sponsorship and media enquiries can be made directly through our head office:

E L AWA R D

HOTEL AWARDS

Recognising Unique Excellence

World Boutique Hotel Awards Office 2 Bailey House Coleridge Gardens 552 Kings Road Chelsea SW10 0RG Telephone: +00 44 203 151 1688