Three new accolades were introduced to the SLH Awards 2018 including Dreamiest Design Hotel which was won by Liostasi Hotel & Suites^[3]in Greece, Most Independently Minded Experience which was awarded to Orania.Berlin^[4] and Best Family-Friendly Hotel which was discerned to Gaya Island Resort^[5]in Malaysia.

Many of the categories were voted for exclusively by members of SLH's loyalty programme, INVITED, and luxury travel agents. These included The Sukhothai Shanghai (City Hotel of the Year),Blanket Bayin New Zealand (Country House Hotel of the Year) and Canaves Oia Suites (Resort Hotel of the Year), which was then put forward for the ultimate recognition by SLH's panel of experts -- Hotel of the Year. ^[6][7][8]

Meanwhile, Cap Rocat in Mallorca, The Tokyo Station Hotel in Japan and Porto Zante Villas & Spa in Greecewere all deemed by SLH guests and agents to have the best spa, restaurant and suites respectively, and Casa Angelina Lifestyle on the Amalfi Coast was voted Most Romantic Retreat.^{[9][10][11][12]}

Member hotels were also invited to submit entries to applaud their own innovation and high levels of service, judged by SLH's panel of experts:

• Ka'ana Resort^[13]in Belize received the Caring Luxury Award based on its outstanding green credentials, its use of local amenities and its contribution to the local community through the creation of scholarship funds, bathroom rehabilitation projects and an environmental program
• Alvaro Herrera Gomez, Front Office Manager at Hacidenda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa^[14]in Spain was awarded the Hotel Hero Award, for demonstrating bravery and dedication to guests during difficult times
• Olive Boutique Hotel^[15]in Puerto Rico received the Most Instagrammable award based on its beautiful Instagram (@theoliveexperience^[16]) shots featuring accentuating blue hues and neutral colours that perfectly communicate the luxury feel of the hotel
• Canaves Oia Hotel^[17]in Greecewas awarded Best Hotel Video for "Canaves Oia --Where Time Stops^[18]" showcasing a unique cinematic style and engaging narrative that depicts the hotel as a timeless holiday retreat.

SLH's Mystery Inspectors also had their say based on their experiences whilst staying at each and every one of SLH hotels over the last twelve months, with Hotel Villa Carlotta in Sicily coming out top based on a combination of guest reviews, inspection scores and overall quality rating. ^[19]

The annual award to recognize a significant newcomer to the SLH family this year was designated to Domaine Misincuin Corsica. Since opening in July 2017, the hotel has received an unprecedented level of interest, press coverage and reservations.^[20]

Jean-Francois Ferret, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ said: "As curators of the most individual, intimate and intense hotel experiences around the world, we are delighted to celebrate these exceptional hotels that showcase our independently minded ethos in such distinct, diverse and delightful ways."

The full list of winners and shortlisted finalists is as follows:

For more information or to make a booking visit www.slh.com^[21].

Click here^[22] for images of the winning hotels.

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands -- all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Reservations for any SLH hotel can be made online via www.slh.com^[23], SLH's mobile app, contacting a travel agent or calling^[24] our reservations office.

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} Canaves Oia Suites (www.slh.com)
3. ^{^} Liostasi Hotel & Suites (www.slh.com)
4. ^{^} Orania.Berlin (www.slh.com)
5. ^{^} Gaya Island Resort (www.slh.com)
6. ^{^} The Sukhothai Shanghai (www.slh.com)
7. ^{^} Blanket Bay (www.slh.com)
8. ^{^} Canaves Oia Suites (www.slh.com)
9. ^{^} Cap Rocat (www.slh.com)
10. ^{^} The Tokyo Station Hotel (www.slh.com)
11. ^{^} Porto Zante Villas & Spa (www.slh.com)
12. ^{^} Casa Angelina Lifestyle (www.slh.com)
13. ^{^} Ka'ana Resort (www.slh.com)
14. ^{^} Hacidenda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa (www.slh.com)
15. ^{^} Olive Boutique Hotel (www.slh.com)
16. ^{^} @theoliveexperience (www.instagram.com)
17. ^{^} Canaves Oia Hotel (www.slh.com)
18. ^{^} Canaves Oia --Where Time Stops (www.youtube.com)
19. ^{^} Hotel Villa Carlotta (www.slh.com)
20. ^{^} Domaine Misincu (www.media-outreach.com)
21. ^{^} www.slh.com (www.slh.com)
22. ^{^} here (cloud.slh.com)
23. ^{^} www.slh.com (www.slh.com)
24. ^{^} calling (www.slh.com)