THE 2019 WORLD LUXURY SPA AND RESTAURANT AWARDS: 4^th GALA CEREMONY

6 July 2019

The winners of the annual World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards were announced last night at a glitzy affair at The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia. This was the fourth event of its kind and more than 200 guests flew in from around the world, representing more than 90 countries, 450 spas and 270 restaurants.

This year’s Spa of the Year award went to Bio-Spa Victoria Gran Lujo in Spain, and the Restaurant of the Year award went to Gåte at Quoin Rock in South Africa’s famous winelands. Both winners are highly deserving of these prestigious awards, epitomizing as they do the ethos of luxury and fine service.

The World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards recognize establishments for world-class service excellence. Awards are presented on a country, regional, continental 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 awards are the Global category of awards,” says World Luxury Awards Brand and Events Manager, Michelle Creus. “Many factors play a part in determining the winners – brand, location and overall guest satisfaction as fed back via online reviews, among others. This year the focus was on unique design with a touch of classy elegance.”

Masters of Ceremony Anastasia Razzorenove and Timofey Zudin skilfully guided proceedings and entertained guests, who also enjoyed a taste of quintessential Russian culture by way of music by Chopin, Tchaikovsky and others, performed by Marinsky orchestra, while ballet soloists from the Marinsky Theatre performed excerpts from Rimski-Korakov’s Sheherezade, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and more.

“We congratulate this year’s winners. True luxury is not easily attained. It takes highly efficient and dedicated staff, who are willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that every guest feels cared for and no challenge goes unresolved. This is the definition of luxury. It is what makes the winners shine,” says World Luxury Awards Group Marketing Director Michael Hunter-Smith.

In his speech to welcome guests, St Petersburg Tourism and Development Committee Chairman Evegeny Pankevich said the luxury hospitality, wellness and restaurant industries are the most promising areas of the tourism sector in the city.

“St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has been recognized by various international organizations as a top tourist destination in Europe. I hope tonight’s participants will truly experience our city’s unique atmosphere,” he said.

Guests enjoyed a Russian Imperial-inspired six-course dining experience, paired with the finest of wines, while the Rooftop Bar and Restaurant provided the ideal ambience for the after-party.

Next year’s award ceremony will take place in Bali in July. The event will be hosted by Conrad Bali Hotel. Applications to host the event in 2021 are now open.

The event was sponsored by France 24, Copenhagen Traveller, Caviar Spoon, Destination Golf, Santé Magazine, Singapore Brides, Spa and Wellness International and Healing Earth. The World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards would like to thank them for their continued support over the years. We also thank the St. Petersburg Convention Bureau, The State Hermitage Museum, Hermitage Media and DWFI for their support.