The winners of the annual
World Luxury Hotel Awards
were announced on 12 October
2019 at a glitzy affair at Arctic
TreeHouse Hotel and SantaPark
in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.
This was the thirteenth event of its kind and more than 300
guests flew in from around the world to celebrate their awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognize establishments
for world-class service excellence. Awards are presented on
a country, regional, continent and global basis. Winners are
selected by public vote online, providing true recognition that
reflects the hard work and dedication exhibited by staff.
“The most coveted award is the overall Global Hotel of the Year
award,” says Tanique Echardt, Executive Manager of the World
Luxury Awards, “Many factors play a part in determining the
winner; brand, location, design, and overall guest satisfaction
as fed back via online reviews as well as what reflects in the
property’s votes during the annual four week voting period.
This year the focus was on unique design, classy elegance and
outstanding service excellence.”
This year’s Global Hotel of the Year award went to Mandarin
Oriental Bodrum in Turkey and the Chairman’s Choice Award
was presented to W Verbier in Switzerland. Both winners are
highly deserving of these prestigious awards, epitomizing as
they do the ethos of luxury and fine service.
Master of Ceremony Maija Ilmoniemi skilfully guided
proceedings and entertained guests, who also enjoyed a taste
of quintessential Finnish hospitality. SantaPark is the home
cavern of Santa Clause descending 50 meters below the Arctic
Circle. The menu was planned according to the sustainable
values of Arctic TreeHouse Hotel; the gala experience included
locally produced culinary delights such as reindeer and pike
perch and guests also had the privilege of enjoying true
Lappish entertainment throughout the evening. Tuuletar, an
accapella band performed mystic singing stories which allowed
guests to experience diverse elements of the Lappish culture.
Rakas restaurant at Arctic Treehouse Hotel provided the ideal
ambience for the after party to end the evening, resulting in an
experience of a lifetime.
In his speech to welcome guests, Executive Director of Business
Finland and Head of Visit Finland, Paavo Virkkunen said “Luxury
travel is moving in the direction of genuine, high-quality
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