The World’s 50 Best recently announced its 2024 list of the World’s 50 Best Hotels, recognising the best hotels around the globe for the second year in a row. While Capella Bangkok has claimed the top spot on the list, the awards ceremony in London also revealed a collection of special honours. These individual awards highlight the diverse ways in which hotels are enhancing the guest experience and pushing the boundaries of hospitality. With that in mind, we take a closer look at the list’s individual awards winners and the extraordinary experiences they offer.
American Express Travel One To Watch Award:
The Peninsula Istanbul
In a little over a year, The Peninsula Istanbul has captured the world’s attention. This contemporary Turkish hotel has claimed the American Express Travel One To Watch Award 2024, signalling that the hotel is on its way to becoming one of the world’s best.
The Peninsula Istanbul comprises of four beautifully restored buildings, including a former cruise ship terminal, which sit along the Bosphorus with beautiful views of the old city. This terminal, dating back to 1937, is now a symbol of modern luxury that still pays respect to its rich history.
The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Gallada, is the only two-Michelin-star restaurant in Türkiye. Its kitchen is helmed by Chef Fatih Tutah, who creates delicious Turk-Asian dishes in a lively atmosphere. With its strategic location, beautiful design, and warm Turkish hospitality, The Peninsula Istanbul is a rising star to watch in its region.
Karaköy, Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mahallesi, Kemankeş Caddesi No:34, 34425 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye
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No.3 Gin Art of Hospitality Award 2024:
Royal Mansour Marrackech
Born from a king’s vision to showcase Morocco’s grandeur, Royal Mansour Marrakech isn’t just a hotel; it’s a royal experience. The hotel is made up of 53 gorgeous private riads, each with its own courtyard and pool.
But it’s the service that really sets this place apart. The hotel features a secret network of tunnels so the staff can move around without guests even noticing, making sure every need is met before it is even asked.
It’s the little things that make a big difference here. Whether it’s a special gift from your butler, who’s learned all about your favourite things, or a ride to the airport in one of its fancy Bentleys, Royal Mansour Marrakech goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like royalty.
Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti، 40000, Morocco
Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award 2024:
Passalacqua
Nestled on the shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua is an 18th-century villa, once a residence for popes and composers. Now a boutique hotel exuding Italian craftsmanship, it is named the 2024 winner of the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award, which recognises exceptional small, design-focused hotels.
With just 24 individually designed rooms spread across three buildings, Passalacqua feels more like an intimate private home than a hotel. Inside, you’ll find beautiful old frescoes and fancy mirrors fused with modern design cues.
Chef Viviana Varese’s open kitchen invites guests to savour simple yet exquisite dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. Guests are welcome to enjoy their meal on the terrace, where breathtaking lake views complement every bite.
Via Besana, 59, 22010 Moltrasio CO, Italy
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Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2024:
Soneva Fushi
Accessible only by seaplane, Soneva Fushi is a secluded island paradise in the Maldives where the motto ‘no news, no shoes’ perfectly captures the experience. Upon arrival, your shoes are whisked away, signalling the start of a barefoot luxury escape.
Hidden among the trees are 63 private villas, each with a dedicated butler called a Barefoot Guardian, who’s available 24/7 to take care of your every need. You’ll get your own bike to explore the island, and there’s a spa, pool, tennis courts, library, and gym.
Soneva Fushi pioneered the outdoor bathroom concept, where showers cascade from rocks and bathtubs are built into stone, offering a liberating connection to nature. The villas themselves continue this theme, with retractable roofs and expansive doors that blur the lines between indoors and out.
Nestled just steps away from powder-white sand, it’s no surprise that Soneva Fushi has won the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award two years in a row, which recognises the top-ranked beach hotel in the world.
Kunfunadhoo Island, Eydhafushi, Maldives
Nikka Best New Hotel Award 2024:
Bulgari Tokyo
This 98-room hotel, opened in 2023, is the eighth in the Bulgari collection, each offering a blend of Italian design and local inspiration. The transition from Tokyo’s vibrant energy to Bulgari’s world of luxury begins with ground-floor walkways of black granite, marble, and vibrant flowers.
Upon entering your room, blinds automatically rise to showcase breathtaking Tokyo views. The interior is equally mesmerising, featuring elm wood, matte gold ceilings, and saffron-toned textile headboards.
Japanese-style baths, sauna, steam rooms, and nine treatment rooms offering expert massages and facials complete the pampering experience. With its painstaking attention to style and glamour, Bulgari Tokyo is a deserving candidate for the Best New Hotel Award, given to the highest-ranked property opened within the voting period.
2 Chome-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0028, Japan
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Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award 2024:
Maroma
Reopening a luxury hotel like Maroma demands more than just a facelift; it calls for a profound commitment to sustainability, which is at the very heart of this award-winning property. Its recent rebuild went beyond aesthetics, prioritising the reuse of existing elements and sourcing sustainable local materials wherever possible.
This dedication to responsible practices extends to the guest experience. In-room amenities come in reusable containers, locally crafted items celebrate the region’s artisans, the bar operates with zero waste, and the restaurant proudly serves fully traceable seafood.
Even food waste is thoughtfully repurposed, contributing to community meals, enriching the gardens, or nourishing livestock at a nearby farm. Beyond its eco-conscious operations, Maroma celebrates the vibrant Mayan culture that surrounds it.
Every detail, from the design and cuisine to traditional Mayan ceremonies, celebrates the vibrant local culture and the pristine environment. This commitment to both heritage and the future makes Maroma a deserving recipient of the Eco Hotel Award, recognising its exceptional environmental and social responsibility.
Carr. Cancún – Tulum Km 51, 77710 Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico
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Lavazza Highest New Entry Award 2024:
Raffles London at The OWO
This prestigious accolade recognises the top-ranked hotel making its debut on the list. Housed in the iconic Old War Office building on Whitehall, the hotel’s eight-year renovation has preserved original features, including the very floors and staircase where Churchill once stood, allowing guests to walk in the footsteps of legends.
With nine restaurants on site, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. Renowned chef Mauro Colagreco presents three establishments, including an eponymous fine-dining experience, a chef’s table, and the all-day Mediterranean Saison. On the roof, Kioku by Endo serves exquisite Japanese cuisine, while Paper Moon offers Milanese classics and traditional Italian cocktails.
Beyond the grandeur of its restaurants, Raffles London harbours a truly secret experience: a hidden bar tucked away in the former interrogation rooms once used by MI6 and MI5 agents. This space is a must-visit for Vesper connoisseurs, as James Bond’s favoured cocktail takes centre stage, even available in a vintage version crafted with spirits dating back to the 1960s.
57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
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Highest Climber Award 2024:
Atlantis The Royal
With 795 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants and bars, 17 boutiques, 90 pools and a massive wellness centre, this is the place to be if you’re seeking an all-out, over-the-top Dubai experience. In contrast to the hotel’s exterior, guest rooms are surprisingly understated. Spacious and filled with light, they feature sleek, minimalist furnishings in neutral tones that highlight the stunning sea views.
The spa is a space of indulgence, complete with a salt cave, hydrotherapy pool, hammam, chromotherapy, and charcoal sauna. The extensive treatment menu features locally inspired options using ingredients like oud, dates, desert sand, and Gulf Sea salt.
Atlantis The Royal’s combination of luxury design and exceptional guest offerings make it a standout, earning the Highest Climber Award which celebrates the hotel that’s made the most impressive jump in The World’s 50 Best Hotels rankings.
The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Photos courtesy of the respective official websites.
