Virtuoso® & VIRTUOSO LIFE Magazine Reveal Recipients of the 2010 'Best of the Best' Hotel Awards

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 19 /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 2010 Travel Mart conference. This marks the fourth year Virtuoso has reviewed its collection of more than 800 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, 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 15–20, 2010.

"Those named 'Best of the Best' deserve this honor in every respect," said Herrera. "Characterized by the service and standards they set, these recipients are emblematic of the exceptional properties and individuals within our network. They were chosen by our travel advisors, the most knowledgeable travel professionals in the industry who also possess the most exacting standards for their clientele.  These hoteliers and world-renowned properties continually deliver in their respective categories, raising the bar and guest expectations year after year. It gives us great pleasure to recognize them."

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. Winners represent the best in their category, demonstrating innovation, dedication, social conscience and even courage.

"Each year we review an exceptional list of properties and hoteliers; the most difficult task is choosing which of these wonderful hotels and individuals to nominate," said Elaine Srnka, editorial director of VIRTUOSO LIFE. "We honor the stand-out properties that leave lasting memories with their guests, whether it's an overall experience or a component of the hotel, and the individuals who make an impression within the travel and tourism industry."  

Travel Mart brings together more than 1,500 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 2010 issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine (www.virtuosolife.com), reaching 250,000 upscale, world travelers.

Award categories and recipients follow:

Best Achievement in Design: Armani Hotel Dubai

Best Hotel Dining: Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, Dorchester Hotel, London

Best Bar: Sir Elly's, The Peninsula Shanghai

Best Family Program: Rocco Forte Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily

Best Spa: The Spa at Grand Velas All-Suites & SPA Resort, Riviera Maya

Most Innovative Guest Experience: Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China

Most Socially Responsible: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

One to Watch: Alan Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts

Hotelier of the Year: Claudio Ceccherelli, General Manager Park Hyatt Milano

Hotel of the Year: The Goring, London

About Virtuoso

As the industry's leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso® comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel advisors in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the world's best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network's member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making it the most powerful group in luxury travel.  Virtuoso is also the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs.  For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

SOURCE Virtuoso