Despite high hopes for the Algarve at the grand final of the 19th World Travel Awards (WTA) in India last week, only two of the five nominees from the region came out victorious; voted by travel agents worldwide, Vila Joya in Albufeira won World’s Leading Boutique Resort 2012 and the brand new Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago won World’s Leading New Resort 2012.
The WTA ceremony took place last week at The Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, India, and along with the two resorts in the Algarve, Portugal had another winner in TAP airlines, which won the award for Word’s Leading Airline to South America 2012.
The Algarve had previously won the award for Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2012, in a ceremony hosted at the Conrad Algarve in October (see Algarve Resident edition of October 12), and was nominated for the World’s Leading Beach Destination representing Europe.
World’s Leading Boutique Resort 2012, Vila Joya, located in Galé close to Albufeira, has won the award for the seventh consecutive year (their first award in this category was in 2006). The resort’s restaurant had also been awarded two Michelin stars earlier this year (see Algarve Resident edition of November 30), for the exquisite cuisine of the Austrian resident Chef Dieter Koschina.
The concept of boutique resort is a term popularised in Anglophone countries to describe hotels containing luxury facilities of varying size in unique or intimate settings, with full service accommodation.
The World’s Leading New Resort 2012, Conrad Algarve is the first ever winner of the award for Portugal, following winners from Dubai, Italy and China.
The Conrad Algarve is considered one of the most modern five star hotels in the Algarve – uniquely styled with contemporary design and technology flowing through the luxurious accommodation, in harmony with beautiful natural surroundings – set in the exclusive yet naturally beautiful Quinta do Lago, next to the Atlantic Ocean and the golden, unspoilt Algarve beaches.
At Europe’s WTA Ceremony, hosted at the Conrad Algarve last October, General-Manager Joachim Hartl said: “By focussing on the individual, Conrad Algarve offers guests style and exceptional service in the alluring Algarve region of Portugal, which is a must-visit destination for those seeking a sophisticated, modern retreat.”
The yearly World Travel Awards began in 1993, and cap a year-long search for the most popular travel and tourism brands in the world, being considered the most comprehensive, strongest and most prestigious awards programme in the travel industry.
The voting is made online by travel agencies and tourism professional from over 162 countries.
For full list of WTA winners, visit:
