4 September 2007
Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards 2007
One&Only Reethi Rah wins 3 awards:
'Number One in the World'
'Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands'
'Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa'
Last night at the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Travel Awards, One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives was named as THE number one in the world.
In addition, One&Only Reethi Rah was announced the winner in two other categories: Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean; and Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa, Worldwide.
The winner was chosen by readers of Condé Nast Traveller from among several categories including hotels, destinations, tour operators, airlines and cruise lines.
Just over two years after opening, One&Only Reethi Rah has earned recognition among a stylish and sophisticated clientele, with this latest achievement cementing its position on the luxury hotel scene. A high percentage of repeat guests re-affirms the resort’s popularity.
Michael R. Payne, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah, said “It is a great honour to be awarded these prizes, knowing who we are being compared against in the world. I am truly proud of everyone involved in the running of the resort. And of course. I would personally like to thank all our loyal guests for voting for us and we look forward to welcoming them again soon.”
Paul Jones, President of One&Only Resorts, said: “I would like to congratulate Michael Payne and Micheal Luible, Regional Director for the Indian Ocean, as well as the entire One&Only Reethi Rah team for continuing to deliver the highest standards of excellence in terms of food, service and above all, genuine hospitality.”
Sol Kerzner, Chairman of Kerzner International said: “I was truly overwhelmed when Paul Jones, President of One&Only Resorts, rang me last night to give me this amazing news. I continue to say One&Only Reethi Rah, from all the resorts built over the years, is the one that takes the cake. I am particularly pleased with the service of Micheal Payne and his team. Every aspect of what they offer our guests matches with what I think is beautiful spot in the Maldives with stunning architecture by Jean-Michel Gathy.”
This 109-acre island in the North Malé Atoll comprises 130 exquisite beach, over-water, and duplex villas (37 of which have a private pool), designed by world famous architect Jean Michel Gathy. Every villa has a specially designated twenty-four-hour villa host, who is on call throughout, while 650 staff members are in situ to pamper and indulge. Surrounded by the wonders of the crystal blue ocean, One&Only Reethi Rah offers an unrivalled level of style, choice, and personalised exploration.
An eclectic and imaginative menu caters to every taste and occasion in three restaurants, including the Japanese specialist Tapasake and the Middle-Eastern influenced beach restaurant and bar, Fanditha. Meanwhile the extensive wine cellar, stocked with more than 700 premium labels and 18,000 bottles on the island, is available for wine tastings and dinner parties. Beach barbecues, Champagne parties and gourmet dinners can also be organised.
Guests also have numerous activities to choose from, either at the Peter Burwash Tennis Academy, water sports and scuba diving in the magnificent Maldivian waters, excursions in the resort’s sleekly designed yachts, or simply relaxing on one of the 12 white-sand beaches. For extra pampering, the One&Only Spa by ESPA offers eight stand-alone treatment villas, two private spa suites, vitality pools, crystal steam rooms and saunas and a range of specially devised ESPA holistic treatments.
One&Only Reethi Rah offers the ultimate holiday experience to those seeking the pinnacle of tropical luxury. Nowhere else in the Maldives is there a resort with this much space and exclusivity.
For further information please contact Zoe Lewis at The Communications Store on 020-7938-1010 / zoe@tcs-uk.net.
Notes to Editors: About One&Only Resorts
Created exclusively for the luxury resort market, One&Only Resorts are conceived as hallmarks of excellence. Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unrivalled. These properties include the spectacular One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives; One&Only Kanuhura also in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas and One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. A further two One&Only Resorts are in the planning stages in Cape Town, South Africa and Cacique, Costa Rica. More information on One&Only is available at oneandonlyresorts.com.
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