Forbes Magazine Highlights Virtuoso Lodging Leaders
by Richard D'AmbrosioThe Borgo Egnazia. Photo: Facebook
Noted travel author Jim Dobson recently shone the spotlight on some of the Virtuoso network’s Best of the Best lodging award winners, with his own personal commentary on some of the top hotels.
In its 10th year, the Virtuoso Best of the Best is based on input from more than 390 network travel agencies and 11,000 elite travel advisors across a range of categories, from most innovative experience to best achievement in design.
Hotel of the year
Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri Di Fasano, Italy
“Amazing ambiance, warm and friendly people, incredible food and a spiritual spa,” said Annette Sordoni of Virtuoso agency Protravel International.
Dobson’s favorite is Amanpulo at Pamalican Island. Nothing truly beats the location and rooms, he said.
Best achievement in design
Dobson’s personal favorite of the nominees was The Langham, Sydney.
Best culinary experience
The Farmhouse Restaurant – Farmhouse Inn, California, U.S. “Don’t skip breakfast here! Hearty, seasonal, and farm-fresh,” said Ken Neibaur of Cardoza Bungey Travel.
Dobson’s favorite was Les Prés d’Eugénie-Michel Guérard, Landes, France
Best bar
Gold Bar – The New York EDITION, New York, U.S. Don’t miss the Espresso Martini, said Reece Farmilo, Out and About Travel.
Dobson chose the J.K. Lounge in Florence, which he called “stunning.”
Best family program
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji, Dobson said, is “super fun.”
Best spa
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
“Elaborate and well-designed.”
Most innovative guest experience
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Dobson’s personal favorite is Estancia La Bamba de Areco in Argentina
Sustainable tourism leadership
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
This was the one Virtuoso hotel choice Dobson agreed with.
One to watch
Hotel Eden Rome, Dorchester Collection, Rome, Italy
“I instantly fell in love with the location and the historic charm.” – Jessica Ourisman, Brownell, a Virtuoso agency
Dobson said the Il Sereno in Lake Como is “stunning and very exclusive.”
Hotelier of the year
José Silva – Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Paris, France
Dobson agreed.
