With the best destinations picked out, it’s time to honour the best hotels across the world who continue to offer luxury draped in safety. Whether it is relying on technology to ensure added precautions, or offering the best of amenities and comforts, these hospitality brands put in their all to put us, travellers, at ease for every vacation. And thus, you—our readers—have helped them emerge victorious at the reader’s choice Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s India’s Best Awards 2020. Take a look at which international hotels grabbed the most votes!
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BEST NEW HOTEL
VARU by Atmosphere, Maldives
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Situated on the north-western edge of the Malé Atoll, VARU by Atmosphere Maldives appears like pearls of a necklace, stretching along the jetty into the lagoon. Just a year old, the property features 108 overwater and beach villas and serves authentic Maldivian cuisine. The word ‘varu’ in Dhivehi translates to a life in abundance, strength, resilience, and above all authenticity—and that beautifully comes across in every experience here.
Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
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Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers opened its doors on December 8, 2019, making it the second hotel from the Taj brand in the Middle East. With centuries–old legacy seamlessly interspersed with contemporary sensibilities and Indian heritage, it is a refreshing addition to the City of Gold. The hotel also introduced the JLT neighbourhood to two firsts—a large ballroom; and Paros, the highest rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant. The hotel’s 200 accommodation options offer unparalleled views of the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Marina, and the Arabian Gulf.
BEST DESTINATION SPA HOTEL
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
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Located in the heart of the world-renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort sets itself apart in ways more than one. Featuring 70 villas built in distinct eco-friendly Italian design, the resort offers exceptional dining experiences and a transformative wellness offering. The brand’s signature Heavenly Spa by Westin™ is loved for its therapies inspired by natural remedies, tropical herbs and oils, and ancient Asian practices. Couples particularly enjoy its spacious treatment suite that comes with a jacuzzi and panoramic ocean views.
Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Dubai’s most sought-after island oasis, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai is home to Qua Spa, the destination spa centred around five elements that channelise your ‘Qi’ or energy. Featuring eight treatment rooms including two rooms for couples, relaxation lounges, separate male and female facilities with rock saunas, aroma steam rooms, experience showers and ice fountains, it is the ultimate wellness sanctuary. The icing on the cake is its range of skincare products; the ladies collection includes Carol Joy London products with 24-carat gold that encourages cell regeneration, while Gentlemen’s Tonic from Mayfair, London is part of the dedicated men’s collection.
BEST BUSINESS HOTEL
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Built in 1928, The Fullerton building is a grand neoclassical landmark and was once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, the Exchange Room, and the prestigious Singapore Club. Today, it has transformed into a stunning 400-room heritage hotel—The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Located at the crossroads of the financial and art districts, it blends heritage with contemporary style and personalised services. The exquisite spreads at its three restaurants and the indulgent treatments at The Fullerton Spa are just a few of the reasons why it consistently wins accolades.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
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Escape to the world of Middle-Eastern opulence, replete with a private beach, eight restaurants, and five-star accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Located within 10 Venetian-inspired buildings that form a crescent around one of the city’s largest outdoor pools, the resort attracts discerning business travellers looking for a slice of the emirate’s luxe life. Add to that views of a sunrise over Al Maqta Creek and sunset that illuminates Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and you have a clear winner.
BEST DESTINATION WEDDING HOTEL
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On par with the glamour of Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the go-to destination for those seeking a memorable wedding. Whether you want a beautiful garden by the sea, a spectacular terrace overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab, a majestic ballroom, or a beachside gala under the stars—the hotel plays host to weddings of all sizes and budgetary requirements. Such weddings are brought to life by signature culinary expertise, service, and utmost levels of safety, thanks to the hotel’s Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label.
InterContinental Fujairah Resort, United Arab Emirates
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Being the only emirate along the coast of the Indian Ocean lends a unique character to Fujairah, and makes it apt for destination weddings. InterContinental Fujairah Resort, situated along the shoreline of Al Aqah Beach, is the cherry on top. Expect blue waves and the majestic Hajjar Mountains to be the backdrop of your fairy-tale nuptials. Be it a private ceremony or a full resort buyout, the property, away from the din of the city, comes with the tranquillity that your romance deserves.
BEST INTEGRATED RESORT
Resorts World™ Sentosa Singapore
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Picture this. Waking up in a luxurious tree-top loft surrounded by lush forest. Enjoying delectable Asian cuisine as giant mantas and sharks swim by gracefully. Screaming in excitement as you ride the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters. There’s no telling what your next experience will be in Asia Pacific’s Best Integrated Resort. Best of all, you can enjoy it all in peace, thanks to their SG Clean certification from the Singapore Government. Make Resorts World™ Sentosa your next holiday destination. See what’s in store for you at rwsentosa.com/IN
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Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and dotted with some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is home to one-of-a-kind experiences that are bound to invigorate all the senses and create memories that will last a lifetime. From family–friendly theme parks to a thrilling F1 race track, an award-winning golf course to world-class shopping and unparalleled hospitality, this unique holiday destination makes for a complete and unforgettable experience.
BEST LUXURY HOTEL CHAIN
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One of the world’s top hospitality companies, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is backed by a 60-year-old legacy of being committed to its guests. The brand has a presence in over 67 countries across six continents. In India, it offers over 32 hotels and resorts across eight distinctive brands. Discover the impeccable service of the Park Hyatt brand, the natural settings of Alila hotels, the grandiose hospitality of the Grand Hyatt brand, and many more hotels and resorts preferred by travellers from across the world.
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With its tradition of product and service innovations, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world. With more than 575 hotels and resorts across six continents, the brand has made its mark in some of the most sought-after destinations, from Hawaii to Iceland. In the wake of the pandemic, the brand introduced Hilton CleanStay, an industry-leading cleanliness standard developed in consultation with RB (the makers of Lysol) and Mayo Clinic.
BEST HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAMME
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From local getaways to adventurous road trips to necessary business travel, World of Hyatt is ready to welcome travellers when they are ready. You can earn points with each stay and redeem for complimentary nights and rewards. In addition to enjoying newly adjusted flexible cancellation policies, extended loyalty benefits, and enhanced cleaning and safety protocols through Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment, World of Hyatt members can book and stay with confidence while accelerating point earnings and achieving the rewards they value most.
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The loyalty programme by Marriott International is valid across 7,400 properties under 30 brands in 135 countries. The perks begin with a free membership, followed by a base reward of 10 points per US dollar spent on qualifying charges at most brands under its umbrella. The accumulated points can be redeemed against free nights and other rewards including free Wi-Fi at properties, special members rates, mobile check-ins and key, late check-outs, room upgrades, as well as an option to make future hotel bookings via cash and points combine.
BEST LUXURY RESORT
LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas, Maldives
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Whether it’s a peaceful hideaway you seek or an active adventure, LUX* South Ari Atoll is where your dreams come true. Blending playfulness with chic contemporary design, the 16-hectare resort offers a world of its own. The 193 private villas located along 1.8 kilometres of powder-fine beaches and perched on stilts above crystal-clear lagoons offer an unrivalled panoramic view of the Maldives. Top it all with intuitive service and a sustainable ethos that is reflected in everything from dining concepts to spa retreats and even their expert-led workshops.
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
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Launched on Thailand’s fourth-largest island Koh Kood in 2009, Soneva Kiri is a class apart in the world of luxury resorts. Interspersed with lush greenery and surrounded by pristine beaches, the resort combines creature comforts with an eco-friendly design. The lavish stay here comes complete with a range of local experiences. Paddleboard through the mangroves, take a Thai cooking class, watch a film under the stars at Cinema Paradiso, and take in astounding views of the galaxy at the resort’s Observatory.
BEST WELLNESS RETREAT
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
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A holistic approach to wellness combined with a modern and scientific take on Ayurveda has created a unique and sustainable lifestyle experience that lasts long after guests leave the Santani Wellness Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka. From the gastronomical experience to architecture to the activities that guests engage in, every detail is taken care of while delivering an immersive wellness experience. Delivered by world-class doctors, instructors, and chefs, the resort’s programmes are known to yield visible benefits in as little as five days.
REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort, Bali
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A sustainable wellness hotel nestled amidst the breezy hills of Nusa Dua in southern Bali, REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort offers fully immersive wellness programmes that are curated and led by a team of experts. Inspired by local ancient healing traditions, all retreats are designed to help each guest in attaining mental, emotional, and physical transformation. From nutritious meals and utmost comfort in Balinese-style luxury suites and villas to ample active options to boost your immunity, every offering is part of a comprehensive, holistic approach.
Related: #IBA2020: These Domestic Destinations Have Emerged As India’s ‘Best’!
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.