The 2018 Awards were launched back in May with brand new categories, judges and venues; all hoping to recognise the effort, style and flair from across the globe with seven categories; open to any hospitality establishment from around the world.
The design competition, which began as the Hilden Style Awards back in 2013 originally aimed at independent bed and breakfasts around the UK, has seen over 100 entries this year featuring locations as far and wide as Rwanda, Tanzania, Bali and New Zealand.
Submissions were judged by a panel of hospitality and travel experts and the final three in each category were then whittled down to one overall winner in each category.
The winners were:
The Nautilus, Maldives
Located on its very own private resort in the UNESCO biosphere or Baa Atoll, The Nautilus won the Hottest Independent Hotel category and the judges said: “This makes it look so easy to be there – a sense of peace of mind added by the symmetry of the bedroom and lounge.”
The Temple House, China
A premium 100-room hotel based in Chengdu, The Temple House won the Hottest Hotel in a Group category and the judges commented: “The Temple House really draws me in; I love the cultural aspects and the interiors. It looks truly amazing!”
The Chapel, UK
A Grade II listed chapel conversion in Harrogate; The Chapel won the award for ‘Picture-Perfect B&B’ for 2018. The judges noted: “The Chapel is so unique. Outstanding thought and careful curation have gone into this. I love it!”
Bottega Ristorante, Indonesia
A European concept restaurant in Jakarta, Bottega Ristorante won the 2018 ‘Most Beautiful Bar or Restaurant’ category. The judges said: “The cool and soothing tones of Bottega Ristorante are perfectly in harmony with one another.”
Fivelements, Indonesia
Taking away the prize for ‘Eco Champion of the Year’, Fivelements in Bali is a wellness retreat located on the Ayung River. The judges stated: “Fivelements is deeply respectful of its location and environment. The reflection in the water and the compelling sustainability leaves you spellbound.”
Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Comprising of just six forest villas, Bisate Lodge, situated next to Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park, the 27-hectare Bisate Lodge won the award for ‘Innovative New Venue’ and judges commented: “Original, exciting and a positive step towards protecting the landscape. Simply stunning.”
Fontsanta Thermal Spa and Wellness, Mallorca
A five-star hotel located in Campos in the south of Mallorca, Fontsanta offers the only natural thermal waters in the Balearic Islands. The judges described Fontsanta as “a stunning example of a venue dedicated to health and wellness. The surroundings and the beautifully integrated design and composition offer a unique experience of serenity and comfort.” The hotel won the award for ‘Most Sumptuous Spa’.
Fraser Donaldson, Group Hospitality Sales & Marketing Director for Vision, said: “The Awards are in their sixth year now – and it’s astounding to see how much they grow year-on-year. Last year, we opened our search up to include Europe and this year, for the first time, we opened our search up to include worldwide entries.
“The entries we’ve seen this year have reached far and wide and it’s fantastic to see that the winners, and finalists, span almost every continent. These awards are testament to the skill, hard work and determination of hoteliers and owners and we’re very proud to be able to reward each and every one of them.”
The winners of each of the seven categories will each receive a glass trophy and certificate, choice of champagne or hamper and cash voucher. They will also receive a double-page spread in Vision’s annual look-book and guide to hospitality interiors, The Vision Style Guide, due to be published in early 2019.
More information on the Awards and the winners can be found here.
