Charmingly offbeat bolthole The Pig – on the Beach, which overlooks Studland Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic coast, has been named Best Smith Hotel 2015. The picturesque manor house – with its enchanting mix of jumbled turrets, gabled windows and chic interiors – scooped the award at Mr & Mrs Smith’s third annual Smith Hotel Awards party, held at Bankside Vaults in London.
The Pig – on the Beach was up against a strong set of competitors, just edging runners-up Halcyon House – a bright, bold and brilliant surf-motel makeover on Australia’s east coast – and Soneva Fushi, a laid-back eco-chic playground of desert-island indulgence in the Maldives.
James Lohan Co-founder, Mr & Mrs Smith commented:
‘The boutique hotel industry is at the cutting edge of hospitality. That’s what we want to celebrate with the Smith Hotel Awards – the places that do things differently, where you come back with stories of chefs creating impromptu dishes tailored just for you, or where the general manager personally drives you the scenic route to the airport.
‘From fledgling new arrivals like the Battery San Francisco (this year’s Best Newcomer) to established beauties that remain at the top of their game (such as Bellevue Syrene on the Amalfi Coast, home to the Sexiest Hotel Bedroom) there’s a host of incredible places out there. We hope this year’s hotlist of 12 winners inspires people to make 2016 the year they go out and find them.’
UK winners and runners-up included:
- Ham Yard Hotel, London
- The Zetter Townhouse, London
- Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, UK
- Corinthia Hotel London, UK
- Dormy House, UK
More than 1,000 hotels in the Smith collection battled for a place in the 12 specially selected categories, including Best Pool, Best Hotel Restaurant and Hottest Hotel Bar. More than 22,000 hotel-loving members of the public had their say, casting their votes in September, after which shortlists were put to panels of expert judges. The judging panel this year included restaurant impresario Jeremy King, chef Sophie Michell, fashion consultant Yasmin Sewell, presenter and Instagram phenomenon Courtney Adamo and singer Jessie Ware.
2015 SMITH HOTEL AWARD WINNERS
Best-Dressed Hotel (in partnership with Discover & Deliver)
WINNER Ett Hem, Sweden
‘Ilse Crawford’s bespoke interior is sublime – timeless and contemporary in equal measure. The design references the traditional Swedish Gustavian colour palette, brilliantly and luxuriously updated with modern and vintage furnishings. It’s an architectural jewel, too.’ – Neale Whitaker Editor-in-chief, Vogue Living Australia
Runners-up The Battery San Francisco | Ham Yard Hotel, London
Sexiest Bedroom in the World (in partnership with Kiki de Montparnasse)
WINNER Roccia Suite at Bellevue Syrene, Italy
‘In-room massage pool and canopied four-poster in an Italian grotto: Hellooooo hat trick.’ – Immodesty Blaize Burlesque star
Runners-up Sansovino Suite at Aman Canal Grande Venice, Italy | Water Villa 5 at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Hottest Hotel Bar (in partnership with Chase Distillery)
WINNER The Zetter Townhouse, London, UK
‘It’s a masterpiece by Tony Conigliaro that continues to rack up awards and turn out superb bar talent.’ – Paul Gabie Founder of 28 Hong Kong Street and CEO of Proof & Company
Runners-up The Elephant Bar at the NoMad, USA | Cafe Gray Deluxe at the Upper House, Hong Kong
Best Hotel Restaurant (in partnership with Cassandra Goad)
WINNER Oreade at Monteverdi, Italy
‘This is one very special place, a farm to table homage to the surrounding Tuscan bounty and where chef Giancarla Bodoni serves up delectable Italian dishes from a killer menu, with daily specials thrown in so you can dine with indulgence every night of your stay’ – Tamara Heber-Percy Co-founder, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, UK | NoMad at The NoMad, USA
Best Spa Hotel (in partnership with Music Concierge)
WINNER The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
‘A beautiful part of Vietnam and a stunning resort. The spa is set in pavilions: the ultimate in privacy and luxury’ – Peony Lim Fashion and lifestyle blogger
Runners-up Corinthia Hotel London, UK | Dormy House, UK
The Eco Award (in partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation)
WINNER Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
‘I’m amazed at how much they are doing with the environment and the local community’ – Livia Firth Founder, Eco Age
Runners-up Soneva Fushi, Maldives | El Silencio, Costa Rica
Best for Families (in partnership with The Lakes by Yoo)
WINNER Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
‘This looks like such a dreamy place, both for kids and grown-ups. My sea-creature-obsessed kids would absolutely LOVE to visit here.’ – Courtney Adamo Co-founder, Babyccino Kids and Instamum
Runners-up Marbella Club, Spain | Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Australia
Best Budget Boutique Hotel (in partnership with Ruark Audio)
WINNER Masseria Cervarolo, Italy
‘After recently visiting the region I feel like a traditional Puglian farmhouse is the perfect way to explore the gorgeous surrounding areas’ – Henry Holland Fashion designer
Runners-up Brody House, Hungary | Claska, Japan
Best Hotel Pool (in partnership with Orlebar Brown)
WINNER Amangiri, USA
‘You can’t beat it: the light, the rocks, the pool snaking around this wondrous gleaming edifice that changes colour as the day wears on. The best mixture of natural and sophisticated.’ – Melinda Stevens Editor in chief, Condé Nast Traveller
Runners-up Rayavadee, Thailand | Cap Estel, France
Above and Beyond (in partnership with Heathrow)
WINNER Huka Lodge, New Zealand
‘The guest comments on the personalised service of this property are amazing – the general manager personally driving guests to the airport, and the front-desk attendant jumping off her bus as she passed by when she spotted guests they were going the wrong way. They really do go above and beyond the call of duty, and that made this hotel stand out for me.’ – Amanda Shadforth Founder, Oracle Fox blog
Runners-up Aenaon Villas, Greece | Southern Ocean Lodge
Best Newcomer (in partnership with Pacific Direct)
WINNER The Battery San Francisco, USA
‘For all its hipness, San Francisco sorely lacks the type of hotel you get giddy at the thought of staying at. Or at least it did. The Battery practically aches cool. So much so that you want to check in, and stay in… regardless of what’s going on outside.’ – Susan Riley Deputy editor, Stylist magazine
Runners-up Hotel Urso, Spain | Halcyon House, Australia
Best Smith Hotel 2015 (in partnership with Auto Vivendi)
WINNER The Pig – on the Beach, UK
‘The Pig has come of age, transplanting its winning code to the natural playground of the Dorset coastline. Timeless interiors, top-notch food and spot-on service all help it continue to flourish.’ – Sophie Lam Head of travel at The Independent
Runners-up Soneva Fushi, Maldives | Halcyon House, Australia
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