Virtuoso's 2019 Best of the Best Winners

The 12th Annual Best of the Best Hotel Awards by Virtuoso Travel 

Hotel of the Year

Adare Manor - Limerick Ireland

A cherished heritage of Irish hospitality has been distilled into the spirit of welcome you feel within Adare Manor's walls. Adare Manor was a labor of love from the very start, created to delight, astonish and impress. That legacy is vividly alive in the manor house itself: sumptuously restored, brimming with gothic splendor, and perfectly appointed in every detail. It is reflected by a world-class staff whose personalised, intimate service centres you in the heart of the home.

“The entire team at Adare Manor are absolutely delighted and very honoured to be voted ‘Hotel of the Year 2018’ by the most prestigious group of agents from around the world in the Virtuoso ‘Best of the Best Awards’.  It is with great pride that we bring this worldwide award back to Ireland and Limerick."

Best Dining Experience

The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley - California

The Restaurant at Meadowood is a Michelin Guide 3-Star restaurant in Napa Valley, CA which specializes in local, sustainable California cuisine. Just as a chef is inspired by their natural surroundings, resources and people, so too is the sommelier. Blessed with such proximity to America's most celebrated vintners and growers, The Restuarant's wine team strives to embrace the values inherent in their community including a commitment to experimentation, excellence, entrepreneurialism and collaboration.

Best Achievement in Design

The Silo Hotel - Cape Town, South Africa

The Silo Hotel sets a new standard for luxury Cape Town accommodation. A magical hotel towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City.

The Silo Hotel has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art.

The exterior of the building was designed by Heatherwick Studio. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of the ingenious glass windows inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors. These multi-faceted structures glisten like diamonds during the day while at night the building transforms into a glowing beacon in the Table Bay harbour.

Sustainable Tourism Leadership

Six Senses Douro Valley - Portugal

Six Senses Douro Valley presents a superbly renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill overlooking the vine covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the river below. A spa, a selection of rooms, suites and villas, restaurants, wine library, swimming pools and organic garden are but a few of the many features offered.

The Douro ecosystem comprises roughly 3,500 different botanical species and being classified as an UNESCO World heritage site means all of the stakeholders in the region have a strict obligation to the environment. Six Senses Douro Valley has protected a four-hectare woodland on the property with old growth trees so it has a commitment to being part of this sustainable environment. 

Best Bar

The Donovan Bar - London

Residing in one of London’s most iconic hotels, the Donovan Bar has long been known as one of the most intimate and sophisticated drinking dens in the city playing host to gatherings of the most glamorous faces of Mayfair’s elite fashion and art scene.

Taking inspiration from the bar’s namesake and close friend of the Forte family, the iconic 1960’s photographer Sir Terence Donovan, Salvatore has created a list of 16 original cocktails divided into four sections: bright and refreshing High Exposure; dark and mellow Low Exposure; strong and bold High Contrast; and soft and delicate Low Contrast. The bar will also play host to live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings showcasing an eclectic mix of artists and creating a vibrant, speakeasy vibe. 

Best Virtuoso Newcomer

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel - Paris

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel offers a delicate balance between conservation and transformation—a celebration of the spirit of Paris and French art de vivre. 

As a proud Rosewood Elite member, we are able to offer exclusive benefits such as:

• Daily breakfast for two during the stay in any properties
• $100 Resort credit
• Free upgrade upon arrival based on availability
• Personalized welcoming upon arrival.
• Welcome note and amenity
• Pre-registration prior to arrival
• No relocation policy for Elite clients
• Other additional property-specific Elite enhanced amenities

Best Family Program

The Ranch at Rock Creek - Montana

Nestled in one of Montana’s most pristine valleys, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers year-round unique vacations on an authentic 19th century homestead. We balance Western adventure with lavish all-inclusive amenities. Start the day with inspired Ranch cuisine, then learn to fly fish on a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Experience awe-inspiring views from The Top of the World on horseback and drift off in a bespoke glamping tent under the Big Sky.

Best Wellness Program

BodyHoliday - Saint Lucia 

BodyHoliday is recognised as one of the world’s finest destination spas, the Wellness Centre is a true sanctuary, where every soothing treatment is designed to help you unwind, recharge and rediscover a sense of well-being. From time-honoured massages and therapies for ultimate relaxation to state-of-the-art programmes for restoring optimal health, there is an endless list of luxuries to indulge in.

Every day of your stay at BodyHoliday is a day of pampering. Complimentary daily spa treatments are part of the experience. Before you arrive, their team can help you plan a personalised schedule of spa activities–from a complimentary range of treatments as well as their special therapies–to ensure a vacation made for wellness is also tailor-made for you.