Boutique Hotel Awards 2021 Announces Winners

Now in their 11th year, the Boutique Hotel Awards is the first and only international awards organization exclusively dedicated to recognizing unique excellence in boutique hotels. Director Shlomo Gabbai explains, “It is the only independent awards organization in hospitality where every property is personally visited by an experienced hotel judge who specializes in that category. Decisions on the winners depend on the true guest experience at the property.”

The winners were selected from over 250 nominees in 70 plus countries. Despite the constraints of the global pandemic, the organization managed to travel to each hotel and villa. The judges document all aspects of the guest experience covering dining, design, concept, facilities, location, services and “emotional impact”. These extensive handwritten evaluations are then studied by the Awards Panel which decides the Regional and World Best Award winners. The Boutique Hotel Awards 2021 winners are as below, including judges’ summaries:

1. World’s Best Beach or Coastal Hotel: Hyakuna Garan, Okinawa, Japan. “The hotel has brought the surroundings in: a huge open air courtyard with three banyans in the center; corridors look onto a most cave with a seven meter Buddha; and a huge tatami zen room opens onto an ocean view.”
2. World’s Best City Hotel: Corpo Santo Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal. “This hotel makes it very hard to leave; with a complementary welcome massage and fresh fruit platter, soundproof windows, and Portuguese design on every floor, it has set a trend for a flawless guest experience.”
3. World’s Best Chic Design Hotel: Hotel TwentySeven, Amsterdam, Netherlands. “It is infused with dark decadent glamour and has a genie-like butler serving each suite.”
4. World’s Best Classic Hotel: Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage, Bruges, Belgium. “In the heart of Bruges, Hotel Heritage really breathes an easy elegance. Large windows and high ceilings give a feeling of light and space.”
5. World’s Best Culinary Hotel: Velaa Private Island, Maldives. “Team members remember your breakfast order and recommend wine or dishes they think you will enjoy. Velaa is pretty much flawless.”
6. World’s Best Inspired Design Hotel: Ultima Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland. “Ultima is a haven of unapologetic excess. Its design is faithful to traditional Swiss chalet style updated with state-of-the-art technology and indulgent touches.”
7. World’s Best Honeymoon Hideaway: Alissachni Mykonos, Greece. “I felt that all I had to do was think of something I wanted and in two seconds a staff member was standing next to me asking I would like a cocktail, a water, an iced coffee…”
8. World’s Best Romantic Retreat: Ca Maria Adele, Venezia, Italy. “Not only does it have its own private water entrance but it’s directly opposite the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.”
9. World’s Best New Hotel: Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, St Barths. (pictured) “A haven of understated luxury, this hotel was designed to fit in with the unpretentious style of the island. As well as impeccable service, guests can expect incredible food from the Michelin starred Pierre Gagniere restaurant.”
10. World’s Best Wellness Spa: Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Leogang, Austria. “This hotel creates a feeling of calm and tranquility with a natural alpine aesthetic. There’s a beautiful natural swimming pool and daily list of activities including yoga and hikes.”
11. World’s Most Stunning Views: Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga, Gargnano, Italy. “The design and architecture is rich in history with lots of natural light and a chandeliered dining room with spectacular views over Lake Garda and the villages beyond.”
12. World’s Best Family Hotel: Green Spa Resort Stanglwirt, Kaiserweg, Austria. “I’ve never seen so many high quality facilities in the same place. There’s an eight course tasting menu that’s different every evening.”
13. World’s Best Private Villa: Over Yonder Cay, Bahamas. “A unique ecofriendly haven for those seeking sustainable and luxury living. You’ll have the attention of a team of therapists, water sports and diving instructors, and tennis and golf coaches.”
14. Europe’s Best Private Villa: Isla Sa Ferradura, Ibiza, Spain. “This private island has just six suites with 24 staff members dedicated to making your wishes come true. The staff can organize almost any activity including hot air, ballooning, yacht or even helicopter tours.”
15. Best Host of the Year: Relais Rossar Garda & Hills, Marciaga, Italy. “Run by sisters Marta and Camilla, Relais Rossar is a converted stable offering world class hospitality. The design is simple, homely and warm, with family antiques scattered around.”
16. Finest Homegrown Wine Pairing: Tentuta Montemagno Relais & Wines, Asti, Italy. “Walter Francesco and his wife served breakfast and dinner. Francesco introduced all our food and wines and had a lovely manner: calm and attentive. Wine was all locally produced and wine matching was excellent.”