When it comes to luxury travel, brand’s fame and influence isn’t enough – besides impeccable service delivery, great management and uniqueness are required. The United Arab Emirates was one of the leaders at the 2014 World Luxury Hotel Awards with a number of winning hotels, including the Burj Al Arab, which was named Luxury Hotel of the Year.
The sixth edition of the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards was held in South Africa on December 6, recognizing the best performers in the worldwide luxury hotel industry. The awards are considered the most prestigious acknowledgement in the high –end hospitality sector, with the winners selected through voting by international tour operators, travel agents and hotel guests. The nominated entries are judged on service delivery and effective management and divided into more than 50 categories, including luxury city hotels, private island resorts, casino hotels and lodges. This year’s awards were announced at a Gala Ceremony, hosted by the Bay Hotel’s majestic Rotunda in Camps Bay, Cape Town.
Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab was selected from more than 1,000 hotels in 145 countries as The Best Luxury Hotel of The Year. The hotel, which stands on its own artificial island, connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge, is known for its world class facilities, excellent guest service, unique design and exclusiveness. But Burj Al Arab isn’t the only winning hotel in Dubai and the UAE. Atlantis The Palm was voted Luxury Family Hotel of 2014, while Fairmont The Palm was named Luxury Hotel with the best Scenic Environment.
Conrad Dubai won the award for Middle East’s Luxury New Hotel, Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Dubai was ranked the Best Airport Hotel for the Middle East, and the Best Luxury City Hotel in the region is Al Murooj Rotana Dubai. Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is the Best Luxury Water Villa Resort in the Middle East. Other regional winners include Bnyan Tree Al Wadi (Luxury Villa Resort), Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach (Luxury Beach Resort), Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi (Luxury Restaurant Hotel), Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre (Luxury Design Hotel), Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas (Best Luxury Honeymoon Hotel), Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek (Best Luxury Historical Hotel). The Best Luxury Spa Hotel in the Middle East is Sofitel The Palm Dubai, while The Address Downtown Dubai is the region’s Best Luxury Suite Hotel. And the winner of the Romantic Hotel is The Palace Downtown Dubai.
