Bha brochure2013

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The 2012 World Boutique Hotel Awards Review

HOTEL AWARDSTM

Recognising Unique ExcellenceHOTEL AWARDS

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The 2012 World Boutique Hotel Awards Review showcasesthe finest and most unique boutique hotels in the world.

We have searched high and low to find hotels that offer authentic and enriching experiences. Each of our finalists demonstrate unsurpassed excellence in their category. However, more importantly they are capable of transporting their guests into a novel world through the history of the location, its culture and its own stylistic flair.

A Boutique Hotel Award winner's service will be intuitive, their environment intimate and the experience priceless. To find such hotels,we use an evaluation process which is unique in its ability to aid the difficult comparison between hotels that are, by definition, different.

The 2013 Awards will take place in London on the evening of the 5 December. Further details can be found on page 36.

To nominate a hotel, participate in the awards, or make a booking visit www.BoutiqueHotelAwards.com

Welcome

World Boutique HotelThe glittering annual Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony was held at the iconic Hempel Hotel, London. The Awards dinner brought together boutiquehoteliers, press, and industry insiders from all over the world - Argentina, Colombia, China, Fiji, Greece, Holland, Italy, Indonesia, Malta, Sweden,Scotland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the UK – who attended the event. Guest presenters included Mr. Stephen Albert, Vice President of theWATG, acclaimed chef Chantelle Nicholson, now manager of the Gilbert Scott, St Pancras and Maya Olesen, Miss World Denmark 2011.

Musical performances were given on the night by Cantabile(Operatic Quartet – [email protected]) and belowJazz Pianist George Stevenson, ([email protected])

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World Boutique Hotel

Best Beach Boutique Hotel in the WorldWINNER - Hansar Samui (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Best Beach Boutique Hotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP - Layana Resort (Koh Lanta, Thailand)

Best Classic BoutiqueHotel in the WorldWINNER - Poseidonion Grand Hotel (Spetses, Greece)

Best Classic BoutiqueHotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP – Hotel Les Ottomans (Istanbul, Turkey)

Best Dining Boutique Hotel in the WorldWINNER - The Samling Hotel (Windermere, UK)

Best Dining Boutique Hotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP - Xara Palace (Mdina, Malta)

Best Honeymoon BoutiqueHotel in the World WINNER - Taveuni Palms Resort (Taveuni, Fiji)

Best Honeymoon Boutique Hotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP - The Pavilions Phuket (Phuket, Thailand)

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Best City Boutique Hotel in the WorldWINNER - The Toren (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Best City Boutique Hotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP - Lydmar Hotel (Stockholm, Sweden)

Best Design Boutique Hotel in the WorldWINNER - Casa Colombo (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Best Design Boutique Hotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP - Sanctum Soho (London, UK)

Best New Boutique Hotel in the WorldWINNER - Entre Cielos (Mendoza, Argentina)

Best New Boutique Hotel in the WorldRUNNER-UP - The Ampersand (London, UK)

Best Overall Boutique Hotel in the WorldWINNER – Borgo Santo Pietro (Tuscany, Italy)

HOTEL AWARDSTM


All sponsorship and media enquiries can be madedirectly through our head office:

World Boutique Hotel Awards Office2 Bailey House

Coleridge Gardens 552 Kings Road

Chelsea SW10 0RG Telephone: +00 44 203 151 1688

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Overall Winner

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The story: Scandanavian owners Claus and Jeanette Thottrup have meticulously restored and converted their 13th-century Tuscan stone manor house into a 15-room work-of-art that weaves historic charm with modern luxury.

The experience: Tucked away in the corner of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, guests are met by a cypress tree-lined driveway and panoramic views of the Serena Valley’s gentle tumbling hills. Inside, the exquisitely restoredstone villa with its luxurious rooms, deep fireplaces and winding stone staircase is decorated with a handpickedcollection of antiques, murals, and oil paintings. Guests are invited to explore the surrounding 12-acre gardens,

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Best Overall Boutique Hotel in the World

Borgo Santo PietroTuscany

http://www.borgosantopietro.com/en/

enjoying rose and jasmine-scented walks, grass tennis courts, and a vegetable and herbal garden. The garden produce is used in the hotel’sgourmet organic kitchen, offering seasonal dishes made with extra care by their star chef Stefano Santo. When the weather is warm, guests canrelax in the turquoise pool. When the weather is cooler, the one room spa offers massages by the fire.

It’s very rare to find a hotel that excels in just about every way. One that immerses you in the beauty of its location, whilst showing you a newway to see it. One with staff that know how to strike the fine balance between attentiveness and discretion. One where each and every inch seemsto be crafted with mosaic precision. We’re therefore incredibly proud to present The Borgo Santo Pietro with our highest honour: Best OverallBoutique Hotel in the World.

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Category Winners

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The story: This is the beach-side child of two twin hotels in the Hansar family. And family is just the right word. All the staffsupport each other, even the manager might be found helping out the chefs when it’s really busy. This culture also extends tothe community. The organic herb and vegetable garden has been cultivated for over a year now, and the staff work on this intheir own time and sell the surplus produce, using the proceeds to donate to the local orphanage. The design seamlessly weavesnatural materials to capture the spirit of the local surroundings.

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Best Beach Boutique Hotel in the World

Hansar SamuiKoh Samui, Thailand

http://www.hansarsamui.com/

The experience: Stunning panoramic beach views flood through the windows of the room each morning. As if thesea could be any closer, Hansar have a sublime 35 m salt water pool. If the sun gets too much simply retreat to theblissful spa which is one of the best in the region, which is saying quite a lot. We were told on arrival that the word‘Hansar’ means happiness and joy and it’s safe to say that Hansar Samui lives up to its name.

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The story: Like all the finest hotels in the world, it is a small collection of dedicated people that make this hotel quite so spectacular.Led by the engineer and owner, Antonis Vordonis, the Poseidonion has seen meticulous architectural restoration. From the re-wrought metal fence matching the style that encircled wealthy Athenians 100 years ago, to the ancient-looking guestbooks inthe lounge that they used to write in, the Poseidonion is truly dedicated to the memory of what came before.

But don’t let the nostalgia fool you. The Poseidonion doesn’t just have its finger on the pulse of Spetses island life; it is the beatingheart itself. It has single-handedly created the first-of-its-kind classic yacht race, along with its very own marathon. It regularlypitches in organising open-air concerts on balmy summer nights and its breakfast jams are made by the local women of Spetses.Life on the island is wholly intertwined with the life at the Poseidonion. 14

Best Classic Boutique Hotel in the World

Poseidonion GrandHotel

(Spetses, Greece)

http://www.poseidonion.com/

The experience: Before you arrive, before you even pack your bags at home, one night of your trip is already decided: dinnerat the hotel’s historic On The Verandah restaurant. It boasts imaginative reworks of Greek cuisine that, aside from beingexquisitely prepared and delicious, can be enjoyed alongside a truly breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.

The island is perfect for careless excursions by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, which by law is the preferred mode oftransport. Back at the hotel pouring over the century-old guestbook after enjoying expertly made cocktails at thePoseidonion’s Library Bar or at its country’s first spa, you might start to feel yourself slipping between the pages as youbecome a 1920s man or woman of leisure.

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The story: Every inch of The Toren has been crafted by the passionate team of Eric and Petra Toren.They believe strongly that the personality of their handpicked staff will make a guest’s trip. They’veeven invented ingenious methods of training that calibrated the minds of the staff to the emotionalexperience of their guests.

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Best City Boutique Hotel in the World

The TorenAmsterdam, Netherlands

http://www.thetoren.nl/

The experience: The Toren’s expertly decorated rooms will have you swimming through a panoply of moods in a matterof minutes. They play with light in ways you could scarcely imagine, creating dreamy moods that can even change withthe rising and setting of the sun. The staff are armed with an impressive collection of city secrets, leading you to all thoseplaces that a normal traveller would never have the luxury of finding.

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Best Design Boutique Hotel in the World

The story: A 200 year-old mansion doesn’t sound like a likely home for an chic design hotel, and the surprisesdon’t stop once you arrive. Fusing old world elegance with cutting edge modern is very easy to get wrong.And yet each inch of the hotel oozes style as if it were springing up from the house’s foundations. The ownerand designer Lalin Jinasena should be immensely proud of his achievement.

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Casa Colombo(Colombo, Sri Lanka)

http://www.casacolombo.com/

The experience: In the Casa Colomo traditional and contemporary work hand in hand to create a bold, individual andvery engaging design experience. From the levity of the pink pool to the gravity of the beautiful long twin-blade fansrotating in the dining room and library, there is flair and style in every corner, set off by more than a touch of wit. SriLankan themes and influences feature in the design and ambience, with photo portraits of individual men, women andchildren on the walls, a light fragrance of cinnamon as you enter your room and local touches throughout the cuisine.

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Best Dining Boutique Hotel in the World

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The Samling HotelLake Windermere Lake District

http://www.thesamlinghotel.co.uk/

The experience: Guests can choose from one of their eleven individually designed bedrooms, nestled in a beautiful 67-acreestate. But no stay is complete without a meal (or several) at their in-house restaurant, where talented head chef Ian Swainsonand his team delivered perfectly executed flavour combinations, prepared and presented with theatrical flair. Withspectacular picture-postcard views of Lake Windermere, The Samling hotel is a true fine dining boutique hotel, and a worthywinner of our Best Dining award.

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The story: Previously a von Essen Hotel, TheSamling has been under new private owners since2011 who have continued its great tradition as aplace of fine dining and intimate luxury in thestunning setting of Lake Windermere, Lake District.

Best New Boutique Hotel in the World

The story: Entre Cielos is the passion project of a small group of Swiss wine enthusiasts and investors, whofirst visited Mendoza in 2009, before quickly deciding that it was the perfect place to bring their vision ofdesign, hospitality and service with a Swiss touch to the Mendoza region in the foothills of the Andes, the“land of sunshine and fine wine”.

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Entre Cielos (Mendoza, Argentina)

http://www.entrecielos.com/

The experience: Located in the stunning region of Mendoza, the bold architecture of the 16-room hotel exuded personality, creativity and style.The Hamam and Spa, the first of its kind in Latin America, invigorates the body and relaxes the mind. The Katharina and Beef Club restaurantsserve creative and exciting dishes, using local produce, and always accompanied by a Mendozan wine from their own vineyard. Entre Cielos is aplace of unapologetically indulgent relaxation, a fantastic addition to the region, and a place to really enjoy life’s pleasures.

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The story: When Kelly and Tony Acland realised their ideal honeymoon destination didn’t exist, they decidedto build it themselves. Using Tony’s understanding of the private yacht industry, and Kelly’s knowledge ofthe Fijian Islands, they set about creating the ultimate boutique honeymoon resort.

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Best Honeymoon Boutique Hotel in the World

Taveuni Palms ResortFijian Islands

http://www.taveunipalms.com/

The experience: Exclusivity and privacy underpin the experience at Taveuni Palms. With no suggestion or sight of other guests the concept of a resortfades away leaving only the impression of a personal paradise. Your personal paradise of breath-taking panoramic views and white sandy beachesis shared only with the exceptional staff. Appearing, genii-like (thanks to a hidden intercom throughout the gardens) with genuine smiles, beautifulIsland blooms, and a gentle Fijian welcome they were on hand to satisfy guests’ every whim. Their perfectly pitched approach makes guests feel likeboth Royalty and Family, a feat that exemplifies Taveuni Palms' quality, and its status as a world-class boutique honeymoon destination.

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Runners-up

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Layana Resort Koh Lanta, Thailand

http://www.layanaresort.com/

Runner-up Beach Boutique Hotel in the World

2013 AwardsOur award categories were feeling a little out-of-date. They were sure that a makeover would let them express their true personalities a little better. We’re therefore thrilled toannounce the new list of the 2013 World Boutique Hotel Award categories as follows:

Blissful Beach Paradise City Explorer Classic EleganceDaring DesignDelicious DiningGreenest Eco RetreatHoneymoon HidawayMarketing Innovation New Innovative Build Heavenly Spa

Awards informationIMPORTANT DATES- Closing date for nominations: 1 July 2013- Closing date for participation: 30th August 2013- Finalists announced: 30th September 2013- Winners announced: 31st October 2013

NOMINATIONS PROCESS- Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination.- Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards are open until 1 July 2013.- Nominations are open to any individual or organisation that wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted.- Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World Boutique Hotel Awards. - Nominations are conducted online. Click here to go to the Nominations page.

PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEEEach nominated hotel will be researched by our Awards Judges with the help of various industry contacts.

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Hotel Les OttomansIstanbul, Turkey

http://www.lesottomans.com/

Runner-up Classic Boutique Hotel in the World

Tailored interviews shall then be conducted with a member of the hotel’s managerial staff. Interviews shall be conducted by an Award Judge in person or by telephone. Theinterview will assess whether the nominated hotel is suitable to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview.

- Hotels successful in interview will be invited to participate in an agreed category. Participating hotels are required to pay a fee of £460 for full participation in the Awardsprocess. Payment must be made upon submission of the administration form. - Participating hotels may choose to be considered for just one award category only with each participation.- Each participating hotel is automatically considered for the Best Overall Hotel Award in addition to their chosen category. Entry into future World Boutique Hotel Awards isgranted to all hotels that reach the participation stage.

EVALUATION AND AWARDS PROCESS- All participating hotels are evaluated by our Awards Committee and shortlists of prospective winners are chosen in each category. - Shortlisted hotels are then individually reviewed by one or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges.- Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. Winner status is either confirmedor rejected at this stage by the awards committee.- The full list of winning hotels will be announced on 30th September 2013.- Among the category winners, one hotel will be selected for our highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of the World, which will be announced at the annual awardsceremony on 31st October 2013.

How we judgeTo help distil the most crucial information from our judges, we draw on the following principle: emotion leads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. The winners of ourawards are those that move people to want to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhaps bank balances suggest otherwise.

We believe our winners should be simply irresistible, leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have to return. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base our evaluation onhow each hotel makes our judges feel.

The final decision lies in the hands of our esteemed panellists who descend from all four corners of the world of unique luxury.

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PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND FEE

Lydmar HotelStockholm, Sweden

http://www.lydmar.com/

Runner-up City Boutique Hotel in the World

OUR TEAMThe members of our dedicated team come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each bringing the experience, skills and enthusiasm necessary to select, promote and showcaseour participating hotels on an international stage.

RICHARD HYTNER – Panelist

Richard has been Worldwide Deputy Chairman Of Saatchi & Saatchi since 2007. He was appointed an Executive Fellow at London Business School in 2007 and made an AdjunctAssociate Professor in 2011. He teaches MBAs, Executive MBAs and Executives on the School’s Open Enrolment and Custom Programmes courses. Richard is also chairman ofPlanting Promise, a sustainable educational enterprise in Sierra Leone; a trustee of the Business Bridge Initiative; and Trustee of the British Heart Foundation where he chairs its£50 million Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. As a global traveller he has strong views about hotels and hospitality, and brings significant industry experience to the BoutiqueHotel Awards Panel.

CHANTELLE NICHOLSON – Panelist

From 2004, Chantelle trained under the two Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing at The Savoy Grill and the Pétrus. As Sous chef at Pétrus she ran the Pastry department, co-authored two cookery books, and was quickly promoted to Senior Sous Chef. In 2008 Chantelle took on the additional role of Operations Manager at the Berkley, voted London’stop restaurant in The Sunday Times Food List 2010. In 2011 Chantelle opened The Gilbert Scott, St Pancras, where she has written and developed its menus and where shecurrently works as General Manager.

JOSHUA PHILLIPS – Director

Joshua joined the Boutique Hotel Awards at its inception in 2010, working within its marketing and public relations team. He is the Marketing Director, working closely with theAwards’ media partners and collaborators to gain exposure and publicity. Before joining the Awards, Joshua worked as an associate for the leading business strategy andmarketing firm in London, L E K Consulting, where he advised a range of corporate clients in the hospitality, travel and leisure sectors.

Stephen Albert – Panelist

Stephen Albert is Vice President with WATG Hawaii, a hospitality design firm that has designed more hotels worldwide than any other design practice. Stephen has beeninstrumental in setting up the boutique division of WATG and the group themselves have won numerous design awards, including the Radical Innovation in Hospitalityaward, the Sustainable Suite design winner and the Hotel of Tomorrow winner on which Stephen lead the design team.

Stephen’s creative flair started early with the making of animated cartoon movies. His films won accolades and were broadcast on the BBC by the age of 16. His love of the31






Sanctum SohoLondon, UK

http://www.sanctumsoho.com/

Runner-up Design Boutique Hotel in the World

creative process led to a career in architecture that has taken him around the world numerous times. Stephen has designed hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East,Africa, Asia and the Pacific … from nearby Knightsbridge to far-flung Fiji.

EDWARD GABBAI – Director

An entrepreneur based in London, Edward entered the Awards at their inception in 2010, working on its brand development and public relations. Edward is a Director at thecompany, working within it participant selection team to build upon its fine collection of hotels. Edward graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Master’s degree innanoscience. He has travelled widely, with a particular interest in South America and the Middle East.

Hilary Lancaster Panelist

Hilary Lancaster has over 20 years of design expertise, after graduating in Sydney in 1992 and starting her career in Singapore. In the UK as Head of Design for DexterMoren she designed hotels for IHG in Dubai, then established Fusion Interiors Group (FIG) in 2007 working with the 5 Star Somerset Ascott brand in Shanghai. Shecontinues to work with Ascott on boutique lobbies and guestroom concepts for their Citadines Prestige brand in France, and Barcelona. Hilary and her team have alsodesigned a 5 Star private jet lounge in the UK and a luxury spa resort in Qatar. With offices in Jeddah, Doha and Sydney Hilary is expanding hospitality projects globally aswell as launching her own range of hotel furniture and carpets.

NATHAN BROOKER – Panelist & Review Editor

Nathan is a freelance journalist based in the UK. He has written extensively for the Financial Times in London, and Art Basel Magazine in Miami, Florida. Nathan has coveredtopics including the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan and the state of the property market in New York City for the House and Home section of FT Weekend. Beforebecoming a freelance journalist, Nathan travelled widely, spending time teaching English in Hong Kong and Guangdong, China.

TIM JOHANSON - Awards Producer

In addition to producing the annual Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony, Tim works as a Producer for the Olivier Awards - Britain’s leading theatre awards - since its highlysuccessful re-launch in 2011. He brings top-level award ceremony experience to producing and directing the annual Boutique Hotel Awards

ceremony. Having previously spent time living in South Africa and Nepal, Tim travels widely.

CALLY SQUIRES – Panelist

Having reported for The Times, Telegraph and the Financial Times, Cally now works for Insider, The Quintessentially Group’s editorial magazine, where she reviews the bestrestaurants, luxury hotels and spas that London has to offer. A graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge, Cally initially worked in corporate law before making the switch tojournalism in 2010.

In the Press Pictures of all current partners logos (in ‘gdrive>steve new website>partner logo folder) plus these logos:

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Each nominated hotel will be researched by our Awards Judges with the help of various industry contacts. Tailored interviews shall then be conducted with a member of the hotel’s managerial staff. Interviews shall be conducted by an Award Judge in person or by telephone. Theinterview will assess whether the nominated hotel is suitable to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview.











Xara PalaceMdina, Malta

http://www.xarapalace.com.mt/

Runner-up Dining Boutique Hotel in the World

CONTACTWorld Boutique Hotel Awards 2 Bailey House Coleridge Gardens 552 Kings Road Chelsea SW10 0RG

0044 20 3151 1688info@ BoutiqueHotelAwards.com

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The Pavilions PhuketPhuket, Thailand

http://www.thepavilionsresorts.com/phuket-home/

Runner-up Honeymoon Boutique Hotel in the World

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The AmpersandLondon, UK

http://www.ampersandhotel.com/

Runner-up New Boutique Hotel in the World

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2013 AwardsWe are delighted to anounce the new and improved listof World Boutique Hotel Awards catergories as:

• Blissful Beach • City Explorer • Classic Elegance • Culinary Excellence• Inspired Design • Newcomer• Romantic Retreat• Sensuous Spa • Sustainability

Awards InformationImportant Dates- Closing date for nominations: 2nd August 2013- Closing date for participation: 30th September 2013- Finalists announced: 28th October 2013- Winners announced: 28th November 2013

Nominations Process- Any luxury boutique hotel is eligible for nomination.- Nominations for the World Boutique Hotel Awards areopen until 2nd August 2013.- Nominations are open to any individual or organisationthat wishes to enter a hotel for consideration in the WorldBoutique Hotel Awards. Self-nominations are accepted.- Hotels can be nominated for one of ten World BoutiqueHotel Awards. - Nominations are conducted online. Click below to go to the Nominations page.http://www.boutiquehotelawards.com/nominate.php

Participation Process and Fee- Each nominated hotelwill be researched by ourAwards Judges with thehelp of various industrycontacts. - Tailored interviewsshall then be conductedwith a member of thehotel's managerial staff.Interviews shall be con-ducted by an AwardJudge in person or bytelephone. The interviewwill assess whether thenominated hotel is suit-able to contend in the World Boutique Hotel Awards.Questions shall not be disclosed prior to interview.- Hotels successful in interview will be invited to participate in an agreed category. Participating hotels arerequired to pay a fee of £460 for full participation in theAwards process. Payment must be made upon submis-sion of the administration form. - Participating hotels may choose to be considered foran Award in either one category or in two categories.Each Award category is considered separately, and there-fore requires a separate entrance fee. If a hotel is enteringtwo award categories, they are required to pay 2 x entrance fee (i.e. 2 x £460).- Each participating hotel is automatically consideredfor the Best Overall Hotel Award in addition to their chosen category or chosen categories. Entry into futureWorld Boutique Hotel Awards is granted to all hotels thatreach the participation stage without further interview.

Evaluation and Awards Process- All participating hotels are evaluated by our AwardsCommittee and shortlists of prospective winners are cho-

sen in each category. - Shortlisted hotels are then individually reviewed byone or more World Boutique Hotel Awards judges.- Elements of design and concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service will be included in this personal evaluation review. This re-viewer report, together with an internal interview report,will be submitted to the Awards committee and will formthe basis for their consideration to confirm or reject theWinner status of the hotel.- The full list of finalist hotels will be announced on the28th October 2013.- Among the category winners, one regional winnershall be selected for the following: Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.Regional winners shall also be announced at the annualawards ceremony on 28th November 2013.- Among all entrants, one hotel will also be selected forour highest honour of the Best Boutique Hotel of theWorld, which will be announced at the annual awardsceremony on 28th November 2013.

How we judgeTo help distil the most crucial information from ourjudges, we draw on the following principle: emotionleads to action, whilst reason leads to conclusions. Thewinners of our awards are those that move people towant to go there, even if reason, logistics and perhapsbank balances suggest otherwise.

We believe our winners should be simply irresistible,leaving their guests with a feeling that they just have toreturn. With all this in mind, we’ve chosen to base ourevaluation on how each hotel makes our judges feel.The final decision lies in the hands of our esteemed committee who descend from all four corners of theworld of unique luxury.

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Richard Hytner – PanelistRichard has been Worldwide DeputyChairman Of Saatchi & Saatchi since2007. He was appointed an ExecutiveFellow at London Business School in2007 and made an Adjunct AssociateProfessor in 2011. He teaches MBAs,Executive MBAs and Executives onthe School's Open Enrolment andCustom Programmes courses.Richard is also chairman of PlantingPromise, a sustainable educationalenterprise in Sierra Leone; a trustee ofthe Business Bridge Initiative; andTrustee of the British Heart Foundation where he chairs its £50million Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. As a global traveller he hasstrong views about hotels and hospitality, and brings significant industry experience to the BoutiqueHotel Awards Panel.

Chantelle Nicolson – PanelistFrom 2004, Chantelle trained underthe two Michelin-starred chef MarcusWareing at The Savoy Grill and thePétrus. As Sous chef at Pétrus she ranthe Pastry department, co-authoredtwo cookery books, and was quicklypromoted to Senior Sous Chef. In2008 Chantelle took on the additionalrole of Operations Manager at theBerkley, voted London's top restaurant in The Sunday Times FoodList 2010. In 2011 Chantelle openedThe Gilbert Scott, St Pancras, whereshe has written and developed itsmenus and where she currentlyworks as General Manager.

Joshua Philips – DirectorJoshua joined the Boutique HotelAwards at its inception in 2010, working within its marketing andpublic relations team. He is the Marketing Director, working closelywith the Awards' media partners andcollaborators to gain exposure andpublicity. Before joining the Awards,Joshua completed a Master’s at theUniversity of Cambridge beforeworking as an associate for the leading business strategy and marketing firm in London, L E K Consulting, where he advised a rangeof corporate clients in the hospitality,travel and leisure sectors.

Stephen Albert – PanelistStephen Albert is Vice President withWATG Hawaii, a hospitality designfirm that has designed more hotelsworldwide than any other designpractice. Stephen has been instrumen-tal in setting up the boutique divisionof WATG and the group themselveshave won numerous design awards,including the Radical Innovation inHospitality award, the SustainableSuite design winner and the Hotel ofTomorrow winner on which Stephenlead the design team.Stephen's creative flair started earlywith the making of animated cartoonmovies. His films won accolades andwere broadcast on the BBC by the ageof 16. His love of the creative processled to a career in architecture that hastaken him around the world numer-ous times. Stephen has designed ho-tels and resorts in Europe, the MiddleEast, Africa, Asia and the Pacific …from nearby Knightsbridge to far-flung Fiji.

Edward Gabbai – DirectorAn entrepreneur based in London,Edward entered the Awards at theirinception in 2010, working on itsbrand development and public relations. Edward is a Director at thecompany, working within its participant selection team to buildupon its fine collection of hotels. Edward graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Master's degree in Nanoscience. Hehas travelled widely, with a particular interest in South America and theMiddle East.

OUR TEAMThe members of our dedicated team come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each bringing the experience, skills and enthusiasmnecessary to select, promote and showcase our participating hotels on an international stage.

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Hilary Lancaster – PanelistHilary Lancaster has over 20 years ofdesign expertise, after graduating inSydney in 1992 and starting her career in Singapore. In the UK asHead of Design for Dexter Moren shedesigned hotels for IHG in Dubai,then established Fusion InteriorsGroup (FIG) in 2007 working with the5 Star Somerset Ascott brand inShanghai. She continues to work withAscott on boutique lobbies and guestroom concepts for theirCitadines Prestige brand in France,and Barcelona. Hilary and her teamhave also designed a 5 Star private jetlounge in the UK and a luxury spa resort in Qatar. With offices in Jeddah,Doha and Sydney Hilary is expand-ing hospitality projects globally aswell as launching her own range ofhotel furniture and carpets.

Nathan Brooker – Panelist & Review EditorNathan is a freelance journalist basedin the UK. He has written extensivelyfor the Financial Times in London,and Art Basel Magazine in Miami,Florida. Nathan has covered topics including the Salone Internazionaledel Mobile in Milan and the state ofthe property market in New York Cityfor the House and Home section of FTWeekend. Before becoming a freelance journalist, Nathan travelledwidely, spending time teaching English in Hong Kong and Guang-dong, China.

Steven Penney – PanelistSteven has spent a career, and manyyears before, immersed in design.Previously the Creative Director for aleading marketing firm, Steven nowuses his extensive experience working on the Boutique HotelAwards ceremony production and inits website design. Steven is also aninterior designer and assists with thejudging of the Inspired Design awardcategory.

Cally Squires – PanelistHaving reported for The Times, Telegraph and the Financial Times,Cally now works for Insider, TheQuintessentially Group's editorialmagazine, where she reviews the bestrestaurants, luxury hotels and spasthat London has to offer. A graduateof Jesus College, Cambridge, Callyinitially worked in corporate law before making the switch to journalism in 2010.

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Our PartnersWe would like to thank our global media partners for their support in publicising the 2012 Awards, helping our award-winninghotels reach out to the worldwide audience that they so dearly deserve.

HOTEL AWARDSTM


All sponsorship and media enquiries can be madedirectly through our head office:

World Boutique Hotel Awards Office2 Bailey House Coleridge Gardens 552 Kings Road Chelsea SW10 0RG Telephone: +00 44 203 151 1688

Documents

Bha brochure2013