International luxury travel network Virtuoso announced the winners of its annual Best of the Best awards celebrating the year’s top 11 hotels and hoteliers.
To determine the award-winning hotels, Virtuoso received input from its 800-plus travel agency partners and more than 16,000 professional travel advisors on everything from dining experiences to wellness programs.
“This year’s Best of the Best winners are truly renowned properties. They constantly redefine modern luxury by proactively reimagining the guest experience and inspiring others within our own industry to think bigger. In that sense, they mirror Virtuoso’s own philosophy regarding innovation and we proudly recognize these great partners,” said Albert Herrera, senior vice president of global product partnerships, Virtuoso.
Named Virtuoso’s Hotel of the Year, the Palazzo Seneca in Norcia, Italy, is not only renowned for being an all-around lovely hotel, but the owners are known for being community-oriented and regularly giving back to those less fortunate.
Six Senses Douro Valley in Lamego, Portugal, was named Best Achievement in Design for the charm and beauty of the country manor, set among rolling hills and vineyards.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples © Don Riddle
“There’s a prevailing sense of quiet, calm and relaxation as soon as you enter,” said Linda Zelisko of Travel Expert, a Virtuoso Agency.
Best Dining Experience went to La Terrazza – Hotel Eden Rome for its innovative dishes; and Best Bar goes to Bar Hemingway – Ritz Paris for its authentic, old-time feel.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples in Florida was named Best Family Program for its immersive education experiences including guided visits to museums, bird sanctuaries and local artisans.
Best Wellness Program goes to Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Ariz., for its world-class spa and overall focus on physical, emotional, spiritual and medical wellness.
Special awards include Best Virtuoso Experience, which went to Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen; and Best Virtuoso Newcomer, which went to Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.
Areli Guzman of Viajes Terranova, a Virtuoso Agency, described Andaz Mayakoba, “From the moment you arrive in the Sanctuary Lounge and make a wish by throwing a little stone in the cenote, you know you are in a special place. Everything in the hotel is an experience so that makes it unique.”
Virtuoso recognized Cavallo Point – The Lodge at Golden Gate in Sausalito, Calif., as the best for Sustainable Tourism Leadership, and Hotelier of the Year went to Susanne Hatje of Mandarin Oriental, New York.
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