It’s one of a kind, utterly seductive and positively aphrodisiacal – it’s Water Villa 5 at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam. The ocean-perched thatched hideaway was named ‘Sexiest Bedroom in the World’ at boutique hotel specialist Mr & Mrs Smith’s second annual Snith Hotel Awards vent, held on 6 November.
Comedian and broadcaster Sue Perkins, BBC Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney, Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, writer and presenter Anna Richardson, chef Sophie Michell, and fashion and lifestyle bloggers Sasha Wilkins (Liberty London Girl) and Ella Catliff (La Petite Anglaise) joined Smith co-founders James and Tamara Lohan, hundreds of hoteliers and a whole host of hotel lovers for the big reveal. DJ Norman Jay provided the soundtrack while guests supped SipSmith’s G&Ts from cocktail carts and played selfie scandal in a bed-turned-photobooth installation provided by Designers Guild (believed to be a world first).
Arriving at the ultimate hotlist
Intended to celebrate the most remarkable boutique hotels across the world, the Smith Hotel Awards 2014 pitted more than 950 hotels in the Smith collection head to head in 12 specially selected categories, including Hottest Hotel Bar, Best Hotel Pool, Best Hotel Restaurant and, of course, the coveted title of Best Smith Hotel 2014 (Brazil’s Uxua Casa).
More than 20,000 members of the hotel-loving public voted for their favourite stays throughout September, after which shortlists were put to a panel of three specialist judges in each category, including writer and presenter Mariella Frostrup, chef Marcus Wareing, burlesque star Immodesty Blaize, presenter and writer Anna Richardson, and singer-songwriter Jessie Ware.
James Lohan, Co-founder, Mr & Mrs Smith: “When we started Smith in 2003, we set out to find the very best boutique hotels in the UK. Over the last 11 years, we’ve taken that mission all over the world, so this list of 2014 award-winners really does represent the best of the best on the global hotel scene. Choosing from such incredible hotels is a tough job, of course, which is why we asked the public to help, and thanks to them and our panel of specialist judges, we think we’ve arrived at the ultimate hotlist.‘
Smith Hotel Awards 2014 – the Winners
Best-Dressed Hotel (in partnership with Designers Guild)
Winner El Fenn, Morocco
‘As discreet as it is decadent’ – Jodie Harrison, Mr Porter style maven
Runners-up: Portrait Firenze, Florence | Saffire, Australia
Sexiest Bedroom in the World (in partnership with Kiki de Montparnasse)
Winner Water Villa 5 at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
‘Private pool, sunset cruise, rustic chic, no doors, ladder into the sea, paradise found!’ – Immodesty Blaize, burlesque performer
Runners-up: Suite 58 at Viceroy New York | The Roccia Suite at Bellevue Syrene, Italy
Hottest Hotel Bar (in partnership with SipSmith)
Winner The NoMad Hotel, US
‘Serious atmosphere and custom-designed cocktail carts let guests mix their own drinks tableside – what’s not to love?’ – James Lohan, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up: Ohla Hotel, Spain | Shoreditch Rooms, UK
Best Hotel Restaurant (in partnership with Fentimans)
Winner Hartnett, Holder & Co at Lime Wood, UK
‘Lime Wood showcases England at its best, delivering refined quality on every level.’– Marcus Wareing
Runners-up: Lake House, Australia | La Bastide de Moustiers, France
Best Spa Hotel (in partnership with Malin + Goetz)
Winner House Spa at Dormy House, Cotswolds
‘A relaxing, rejuvenating all round luxurious spa experience set against a beautiful Cotswolds backdrop’ – Lisa Stokes, The Spa Spy
Runners-up: Como Shambhala Estate, Bali | Fusion Maia Resort, Vietnam
The Eco Award (in partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation)
Winner Sal Salis, Australia
‘100% solar power is pretty special. It does mean no internet, but that makes this the perfect retreat for anyone after a digital detox’ – Juliet Kinsman, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up: Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Italy | Cuixmala, Mexico
Best for Families (in partnership with Trunki)
Winner Emirates Wolgan Valley, Australia
‘I love the bushcraft and survival skills – it’s ultimate luxury but very back-to-nature’ – James Lohan, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji | Castiglion del Bosco, Italy
Best Budget Hotel (in partnership with Graham & Green)
Winner 1888 Hotel, Sydney Australia
‘A new-meets-old aesthetic and properly good value’ – Wayne Hemingway, designer
Runners-up: Brody House, Hungary | Ekies All Senses Resort, Greece
Best Hotel Pool (in partnership with Heidi Klein)
Winner Monastero Santa Rosa, Italy
‘Monastero’s infinity pool has it all – peace, beauty, excitement and intrigue.’ – Adam Brown, Orlebar Brown
Runners-up: Eagles Nest, New Zealand | Cap Estel, France
Above & Beyond (in partnership with Avis)
Winner Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
‘They’ve mastered the art of “relaxed yet nothing is too much trouble”’ – Juliet Kinsman, Mr & Mrs Smith
Runners-up: No 131, UK | One&Only The Palm, UAE
Best Newcomer (in partnership with Music Concierge)
Winner Ham Yard Hotel, London
‘For its rooftop garden, basement bowling and fun attitude that attracts everyone, not just guests.’ – Henrietta Thompson, Wallpaper*
Runners-up: The Pig – on the Beach, UK | Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, US
Best Smith Hotel 2014
Winner Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa, Bahia, Brazil
‘What could be more blissful than a beautiful beach hotel with stand-out personality, fantastic food, a come-to-me spa and a proper sense of place?’ – Sophie Lam, The Independent
Runners-up: Qualia, Australia | Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
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