The World Luxury Hotel Awards this year celebrated its 10th anniversary in awarding the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service delivery. Hosted on this auspicious occasion by the exquisite St. Regis Doha in Qatar, the evening saw over 350 guests from the world’s leading hotels and resorts gather to be recognized on stage for their outstanding efforts.

Jet-lag was of no consequence with the regal Remède Spa onsite, providing guests with the ultimate experience in relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa, which boasts 22 treatment rooms, an Olympic-size swimming pool with views of the Arabian Gulf, a private beach and nine exclusive cabanas with Jacuzzis and water sports activities, was awarded Best Luxury Urban Escape in Qatar earlier this year by the World Luxury Spa Awards. It was the perfect oasis for weary travelers.

The evening itself was one of true celebration. Participants from over 50 countries arrived to a grand red carpet welcome and were dazzled with champagne from Varichon & Clerc. Dining was to the perfection of Executive Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet; a chicly decadent 6-course meal was prepared to order and each course was elegantly plated and paired with a fine wine. Guests savoured their meals while being entertained with live, toe-tapping jazz music, performed throughout the evening with Gregory Generet as vocals, Richard D Johnson on piano, Nori Naraoka on bass, Darrian Douglass on drums and Philip Dizack on the trumpet.

A glittering aerial performance by Valeria Baigacheva, who specialises in an extensive range of circus art forms, entertained guests as an aerial chandelier ring was utilised in her unique act. It was a beautiful and elegant display.

Awards were presented to luxury hotels and resorts in over 60 categories on a country, regional, continent and global basis. Special congratulations on the evening went to the immaculate Armani Hotel Dubai, who was honoured as the prestigious 2016 Global Hotel of the Year. The hotel is situated within the iconic Burj Khalifa and reflects the pure elegance, simplicity and sophisticated comfort that defines Giorgio Armani’s signature style. The hotel is the realisation of the designer’s long-held dream to bring his impeccable style to life with the exceptional Stay with Armani experience which is defined by the highest standards of service excellence, true to the World Luxury Hotel Awards overall winner criteria. Mark Kirby, General Manager for the Armani Hotel Dubai proudly collected the award on stage.

Further exclusive awards on the night were bestowed on Selman Marrakech in Morocco who received the Luxury Elegance Award; Mihir Garh in India received the Extraordinary Luxury Award; SnowHotel in Kemi, Finland received the Bespoke Luxury Experience Award; and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in The Maldives received the Grand Excellence Award. The highly coveted Chairman’s Choice Award was presented to St. Regis Hotels and Resorts worldwide for their inspiring service excellence, defining luxury and overall hospitality on a global level.

In celebration of the decade anniversary, the World Luxury Hotel Awards designed a limited edition trophy for its winners, plated in 24 karat gold and beautifully and meticulously crafted to symbolize elegance, grandeur, majesty and luxury. Winners held their trophy with pride as they were given an opportunity for one-on-one personalize video interviews to speak about their achievement with media.

“We wish to congratulate all our winners for the 2016 award year, who through their tireless efforts and unbounded passion to satisfy their guests needs, have received this honour tonight. True luxury is no small feat, it takes a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered. This is the definition of luxury, this is what defines a World Luxury Hotel Awards winner.” says Anton Perold, Managing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards.”

The evening was MC’d by the captivating businessman Khalifa Al Haroon, Arabian Business Magazine’s’ “Young Achiever of the Year 2014” and CEO and founder of Haroon United Group (HUG) which counts among its stable of companies, ILoveQatar.net, a website portal that aims to bridge the gap between Qatar and its large expatriate population. Closing off the ceremony he invited guests to enjoy the rest of the evening at The Rooftop, the modern and classy open-air club/lounge at the St. Regis Doha. Cocktails and fine champagne were enjoyed, coupled with upbeat music from DJ Sherif Terio, well into the night. It was an evening of magic, surprise and energy, and one not to soon be forgotten!

“We look forward to welcoming our participants at the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz on 2 December 2017 for yet another fantastic night of celebration as we crown our 2017 winners in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.” says Perold.