Virtuoso® & VIRTUOSO LIFE Magazine Reveal Recipients of the 2011 "Best of the Best" Hotel Awards

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, along with its award-winning magazine VIRTUOSO LIFE, announced this year's winners of the prestigious "Best of the Best" hotel awards last night at Virtuoso's 2011 Travel Mart conference. This marks the fifth year Virtuoso has reviewed its collection of more than 900 world-class properties and recognized hotels that set new standards in luxury travel and hospitality professionals who elevate the industry through their efforts. Virtuoso CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch, VIRTUOSO LIFE publisher and vice president of marketing, Terrie Hansen, and Virtuoso vice president of hotels, destinations & tours, Albert Herrera, revealed the award winners during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Travel Mart, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from August 14–18, 2011.

"This year's 'Best of the Best' award recipients have truly earned the title," said Herrera. "In a world where 'luxury' has become one of the most overused words, the individuals who took home awards raise the bar for everyone in the hospitality industry by focusing on delivering the best and most personal experience, one guest at a time. We rely on the extensive knowledge of our travel advisors when deciding on which property and individual should receive a 'Best of the Best' accolade, and winning this award really does applaud the properties that are, put very simply, in a league of their own."

Editors of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine, the Virtuoso network's award-winning publication, collaborated with the organization's elite travel advisors to select hotel nominees in ten categories that ranged from best architectural design to top hotel and hotelier of the year. The network's more than 6,000 advisors weighed in on the nominees to determine this year's award recipients.

"These awards honor properties that create unique experiences and display genuine commitment to the treatment of their guests, as well as their own communities," said Elaine Srnka, editorial director of VIRTUOSO LIFE. "By recognizing what's exceptional with each of these properties and the talented individuals who make such an impact within the luxury travel industry, we have a list of outstanding winners."

Travel Mart brings together nearly 1,700 of Virtuoso's member travel advisors – considered the top producers in the industry – and over 1,600 of the world's best travel providers to participate in the industry's preeminent networking event. The "Best of the Best" award winners will be featured in the September/October 2011 issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine (www.virtuosolife.com), reaching 200,000 upscale, world travelers.

Award categories and recipients follow:

Best Achievement in Design: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Occupying floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has the distinction of being the highest hotel in the world, offering magnificent views of the bustling city and Victoria Harbour.

Best Culinary Experience: Le 114 Faubourg at Hotel Le Bristol, Paris

Executive Chef Eric Desbordes delights guests with delicious fresh fare in this modern brasserie with an open kitchen where patrons can watch as the innovative menu comes to life.

Best Bar: American Bar at The Savoy, London

The timeless elegance of the American Bar recalls the golden age of the Roaring Twenties. Patrons lounge with classic yet imaginative cocktails while listening to the sounds of classic American Jazz from the live pianist.

Best Family Program: Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah

With a range of fun indoor and active outdoor activities offered from family yoga to guided nature hikes and fly-casting lessons, Montage Deer Valley makes the perfect destination for a family vacation.

Best Spa: Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach, Florida

At 70,000 square feet, Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach is the largest spa in Florida and offers healthy living choices and explorations of wellness guided by world-class experts.

Most Innovative Guest Experience: Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana

A mountain retreat that features world-class accommodations, Triple Creek Ranch offers a romantic setting where adult travelers have the opportunity to explore nature while enjoying the finest service.

Most Socially Responsible: Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Built within the jungles of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Rosewood Mayakoba embraces its surroundings through its efforts to promote the sustainable use of resources and recently won the 'Sustainable Standard-Setter Award' by the Rainforest Alliance.

One to Watch: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Tibet

Standing on the "Roof of the World," The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is 12,000 feet above sea level. The tailored service of the renowned St. Regis lifestyle combined with the exotic setting provides an original twist on these timeless traditions.

Hotelier of the Year: Offer Nissenbaum, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, California

Acting as Managing Director, Offer Nissenbaum strives for perfection in service. He believes teamwork and innovation is the key to truly exceptional treatment of the guests. The success of his hotel proves that unparalleled service and seamless execution are priorities for this hotelier.

Hotel of the Year: Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin, Venice

Offering magnificent views of all of Venice, the enchanting Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin also feature luxurious accommodations and the finest service, providing guests with an experience that is truly superior.

SOURCE Virtuoso