MR & MRS SMITH AWARDS 2014
Last week our friends over at Mr & Mrs Smith hosted the second annual Smith Hotel Awards at a swish riverside venue in London. Sadly I couldn’t attend (I was actually sampling one of their hotels in NYC – but more on that soon), but with Sue Perkins and Anna Richardson presenting I can guarantee it was as fun-filled as it was stylish! The Mr & Mrs Smith team are known for finding the most luxurious boutique hotels around the world, perfect for honeymoon hideaways to romantic city breaks, family fun to adventurous far-flung destinations. As guests sipped SipSmith G&T’s the winners of this year’s awards were announced, and we’ve got the full list right here. My suggestion? Grab a G&T of your own, and prepare to do some serious swooning!
Best-Dressed Hotel
WINNER El Fenn, Morocco
‘As discreet as it is decadent’ – Jodie Harrison, Mr Porter style maven
Runners-up Portrait Firenze, Florence | Saffire, Australia
Sexiest Bedroom in the World
WINNER Water Villa 5 at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
‘Private pool, sunset cruise, rustic chic, no doors, ladder into the sea, paradise found!’ – Immodesty Blaize, burlesque performer
Runners-up Suite 58 at Viceroy New York | The Roccia Suite at Bellevue Syrene, Italy
Hottest Hotel Bar
WINNER The NoMad Hotel, New York
‘Serious atmosphere and custom-designed cocktail carts let guests mix their own drinks tableside – what’s not to love?’ – James Lohan, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up Ohla Hotel, Spain | Shoreditch Rooms, UK
Best Hotel Restaurant
WINNER Hartnett, Holder & Co at Lime Wood, UK
‘Lime Wood showcases England at its best, delivering refined quality on every level.’– Marcus Wareing
Runners-up Lake House, Australia | La Bastide de Moustiers, France
Best Spa Hotel
WINNER House Spa at Dormy House, Cotswolds
‘A relaxing, rejuvenating all round luxurious spa experience set against a beautiful Cotswolds backdrop’ – Lisa Stokes, The Spa Spy
Runners-up Como Shambhala Estate, Bali | Fusion Maia Resort, Vietnam
The Eco Award
WINNER Sal Salis, Australia
‘100% solar power is pretty special. It does mean no internet, but that makes this the perfect retreat for anyone after a digital detox’ – Juliet Kinsman, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Italy | Cuixmala, Mexico
Best for Families
WINNER Emirates Wolgan Valley, Australia
‘I love the bushcraft and survival skills – it’s ultimate luxury but very back-to-nature’ – James Lohan, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji | Castiglion del Bosco, Italy
Best Budget Hotel
WINNER 1888 Hotel, Sydney Australia
‘A new-meets-old aesthetic and properly good value’ – Wayne Hemingway, designer
Runners-up Brody House, Hungary | Ekies All Senses Resort, Greece
Best Hotel Pool
WINNER Monastero Santa Rosa, Italy
‘Monastero’s infinity pool has it all – peace, beauty, excitement and intrigue.’ – Adam Brown, Orlebar Brown
Runners-up Eagles Nest, New Zealand | Cap Estel, France
Above & Beyond
WINNER Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
‘They’ve mastered the art of “relaxed yet nothing is too much trouble”’ – Juliet Kinsman, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up No 131, UK | One&Only The Palm, UAE
Best Newcomer
WINNER Ham Yard Hotel, London
‘For its rooftop garden, basement bowling and fun attitude that attracts everyone, not just guests.’ – Henrietta Thompson, Wallpaper*
Runners-up The Pig – on the Beach, UK | Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, US
Best Smith Hotel 2014
WINNER Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa, Bahia, Brazil
‘What could be more blissful than a beautiful beach hotel with stand-out personality, fantastic food, a come-to-me spa and a proper sense of place?’ – Sophie Lam, The Independent
Runners-up Qualia, Australia | Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
