The Coco Collection, a portfolio of Maldives island resorts, has emerged as the big winner at this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony, bringing not one but three trophies home.
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island – Courtesy of Vladi Private Islands
With a guest list that reads like a who’s who of high-end hoteliers, the World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony forms one of the global hospitality industry’s most prestigious events. This year, the ceremony took place in Bangkok, where the red carpet was rolled out to greet the top talent of the tourism branch.
Spirits were high and competition was fierce with the likes of Hilton, Kempinski and Mövenpick all going head to head, each hoping to better the other and emerge as best in show. As well as all the usual suspects, however, there was space for a select group of boutique hotels and – of course – a whole host of prestige private island resorts.
Representing the private island segment, an honourable mention must go to Sofitel, whose fabulous Private Island Bora Bora was recognized as both a luxury private island resort and a luxury wedding destination. It was the Coco Collection who was the night’s real big winner, however, sweeping the board across three separate categories before going on to be crowned as the 2013 Overall Winner.
Private Island Bora Bora – Courtesy of Vladi Private Islands
Coco Collection Chairman Mr Ahmed Shabeer certainly had a busy night, with the five-star Coco Bodu Hithi (Maldives) picking up distinction in the Best Luxury Villa category, and Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island (also Maldives) winning Best Luxury Private Island Resort. Before the night was over, Shabeer was back on stage once more though, this time crowned as the 2013 World Luxury Hotel Awards’ overall winner, again, for Coco Privé.
Lisa Brightwell, VP of Sales and Marketing at the Coco Collection, was quick to comment on the team’s success: “It is an honour to collect three respected awards and to be recognised by our peers in the travel industry. We accept these awards on behalf of the Coco Collection team members who work tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of excellence for our valued guests.”
Established in 2006, The World Luxury Hotel Awards form one of the world’s most prestigious awards ceremonies. Exclusive to the luxury hotel industry, the WLHAs recognise the best facilities and service excellence the industry has to offer. Winners are purely judged on service delivery and effective management voted for by International tour operators, travel agents and even guests.
