Virtuoso Announces Best of the Best Hotel Winners

Hotel of the Year: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

The tallest structure in Hong Kong when it first opened, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong still towers above the competition. Located in the heart of the city overlooking Victoria Harbour, the hotel offers more than just luxurious accommodations and outstanding service in each of the 501 rooms, 10 restaurants, and two-story Chinese medicine spa. The enduring combination of modern luxury and ancient Eastern influ¬ences continue to make Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s most popular hotel.

Hotelier of the Year: François Delahaye, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection – Paris, France

Once one of the youngest general managers of a five-star Par¬is hotel, François Delahaye, has brought a remarkable and unforgettable ethos to the industry for more than 20 years. He has a sensitivity to his staff and is committed to the guest experience from start to finish.

Best Achievement in Design: Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Dorado, Puerto Rico

Taking advantage of the stunning location and natural elements of the white sand beaches, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a sleek 115-room retreat with an open and modern design. Once the plantation of the original developer, Laurance Rockefeller, the hideaway features beachfront accommodations just steps away from the Caribbean Sea.

Best Culinary Experience: La Scène, Prince de Galles, A Luxury Collection Hotel – Paris, France

The newly reopened 159-room Prince de Galles houses La Scène, led by executive chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, whose artistry in the kitchen has earned her a place among today’s French culinary stars. La Scène offers authentic gourmet French cuisine in an elegant setting. The dining room is sure to impress with an open kitchen set beneath a curtain of crystals.

Best Bar: The Armani/Bamboo Bar, Armani Hotel Milano – Milan, Italy

Set high above the skyline of Milan is the Armani/Bamboo Bar – a hip lounge with outstanding service and the perfect place to meet friends, socialize with locals, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Embodying the chic style of the Armani brand, the double volume ceiling, louvered window wall, and backlit onyx features creates a sleek, modern feel.

Best Family Program: The Gleneagles Hotel – Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland

The renowned 232-room resort in the Scottish Highlands is well known for its three championship golf courses, but other leisure activities fit for the whole family are not to be missed. Activities range from croquet and cycling to fly-fishing and falconry. Families can take lessons at the gundog school, the equestrian center, or the off-road driv¬ing program, in which kids can take control of mini Land Rovers.

Best Spa: Spa Mukul, Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa – Tola, Nicaragua

Perched on a hill with unmatched views of the Nicaraguan coast-line, Spa Mukul’s six casitas harness different ancient keeling traditions and therapies. Each casita is home to a different sequence of experiences and evoke a unique and soothing sense of place. Designed by renowned spa consultant Angel Vezina Stewart, the spa includes private steam showers, an outdoor pool, relaxation spaces, and a private garden entry.

Most Innovative Guest Experience: Banjaar Tola by Taj Safaris – Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

Banjaar Tola, Taj Safaris’ third jungle safari lodge, is a memorable experience for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in nature. The 18 secluded tents are set on a bank above the Ban¬jaar River, which acts as a corridor for animals traveling between the park and buffer forest. The sounds of the forest can be heard throughout the jungle, as kingfishers, flycatchers, orioles, and magpie robins come to life at dawn.

Sustainable Tourism Leadership - Hotel: The Savoy – London, England

The 268-room hotel recently underwent renovations that protected cultural heritage, such as eliminating plastic and Styrofoam use, recycling all food waste into renewable energy, and sourcing food and beverages locally and responsi¬bly. There’s even a ‘green butler’ on hand to show guests how to sightsee in London in an environmentally friendly way.

One to Watch: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – Abu Dhabi, united Arab Emirates

Adding to the St. Regis portfolio, the brand extended its legacy to the capital city of Abu Dhabi, which is booming with rich heritage and cultural attractions. Located 10 minutes from bustling downtown and located on the beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the 377-room resort is set to become one of the hottest destinations in the area.