Tag: luxury

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Houghton Spa

Tranquility and Luxury: A Revitalizing Escape at The Houghton Spa

Nestled in the upscale surroundings of The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, The Houghton Spa is an oasis of relaxation and luxury, combining exceptional wellness treatments with the tranquil backdrop of a premier golf course.

The spa’s ambiance is serene, instantly creating a feeling of escape from the outside world. From the soothing background music to the aroma of essential oils, each element of the spa environment has been carefully chosen to enhance relaxation.

The treatment menu at The Houghton Spa is extensive, offering a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments. I opted for the aromatherapy massage, a relaxing medium-pressure massage with the aroma of lemon verbena. The therapist was skilled, attentive, and customized the pressure to my preference.

Each treatment room is equipped with the latest amenities, including heated beds and ambient lighting, to create a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

In addition to the treatments, the spa boasts excellent facilities. The sauna and steam room are great for unwinding before or after a treatment, and their lush outdoor garden and zen pool is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea after your treatment. The spa also has a heated indoor pool with soft lounger chairs.

One of the highlights is the relaxation lounge, where guests can enjoy refreshments and healthy snacks. I had the wild berry tea which was delightful.

From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by friendly receptionists who guided me through the facilities. My therapist was professional, taking the time to understand my needs and ensuring my comfort throughout the session.

The Houghton Spa at The Houghton Hotel is a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation. Whether you’re visiting for a quick treatment or a full day of wellness, the spa provides a sophisticated and serene experience that leaves you feeling renewed.

For anyone looking to escape the bustle of Johannesburg, The Houghton Spa is a highly recommended retreat. From the beautiful surroundings to the high quality treatments, every detail contributes to a memorable spa experience.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your spa day, visit their website: houghtonspa.com

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2023 World Luxury Spa Awards Winners Announced

The World Luxury Awards celebrated its 17th year of awarding some of the top hotels, spas, restaurants and travel establishments on 28 October 2023. It was a night to remember.

This luxurious affair was hosted by Grand Hyatt Athens in Greece and saw almost 300 establishments from around the world awarded for their dedication and commitment to the luxury hospitality and travel industries.

“We are very proud of all of our winners, and being able to celebrate with them on an occasion like this is very special. The ceremony was incredible. The interactive entertainment, The Greek Priestesses and The Famous Zorba, were highlights of the evening and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. We wish to congratulate all our winners, also to those who were not able to be with us. A special congratulations to our overall winners: the Global Hotel of the Year – Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Global Spa of the Year – Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa, the Global Restaurant of the Year – Le Pavillon and the Global Travel Establishment of the Year – Australia Zoo.” says Jana Stoman, the Executive Manager for the World Luxury Awards.

A brilliant and tantalizing 6-course menu was prepared for all to enjoy throughout the night. We wish to recognize and give thanks to Alpha Wine Estate for providing the Greek wine pairing that complemented each course.

Prior to the Gala Ceremony, on Friday evening, the guests who opted in were treated to a spectacular walking tour of Athens by the Greek Gourmet Tours. After viewing multiple ancient and historical sites and a stunning walk around the Acropolis, the tour culminated in a sumptuous dinner at a delightful and modern, Greek tapas-style restaurant. One can truly say, dining in Greece can be an adventure on its own! Thank you to Anastasia and her team at Greek Gourmet Tours for providing this wonderful experience.

“Travelers today increasingly value experiences over possessions and are willing to invest in unique, authentic, and immersive travel experiences. It is with the unwavering commitment of dedicated staff that guests can enjoy this. We congratulate the 2023 winners, who have worked hard and tirelessly to be successful in a very competitive industry.” says Jana Stoman.

The after party on the Rooftop was blessed with a full moon, a blood moon in fact, rising overhead, and the Acropolis blazing in its glory in the distance. Many guests enjoyed socializing with new and old friends while the DJ enticed them onto the dance floor. It ended a momentous occasion, perfectly.

“The World Luxury Awards would like to recognize and thank France 24, our official partner sponsor for 12 years, for being with us tonight and remaining a part of our family in the hospitality industry.” says Brandon Lourens, Chief Executive Officer of the World Luxury Awards.

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2020 World Luxury Spa Awards Winners Announced

11 November 2020

To celebrate the 10th year of the World Luxury Spa Awards the winners of these prestigious awards have been announced representing more than 75 countries and 480 spas.

The World Luxury Spa Awards recognizes establishments for world-class service excellence. Awards are presented on a country, regional, continent and global basis. Winners are selected by public vote online, providing true recognition that reflects the hard work and dedication exhibited by staff.  

We started the 2020 award year with great excitement, planning two very special and unique events in Indonesia and Mauritius. We adapted to the ever-changing circumstances, and to make up for being unable to host an event, we decided to do our utmost to provide all participants with a special winner package, including individual personal video clips, a video message from management and a set of winner images announcing their win.

The 2020 Global Spa of the Year Award went to Stobo Castle Health Spa in Scotland, congratulations to Elliot Winyard and his team on receiving this prestigious awards. Winners are highly deserving of this prestigious award, epitomizing as they do the ethos of luxury and fine service. Many factors play a part in determining the global spa of the year winner, such as brand, location and overall guest satisfaction as per feedback via online reviews, among others. This year the focus was on those that showed true determination during a year never experienced in our industry before.

“We congratulate this year’s winners. It speak volumes to your dedication and commitment to our industry in this challenging year. True luxury is not easily attained. It takes highly efficient and dedicated staff, who are willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that every guest feels cared for and no challenge goes unresolved. This is the definition of luxury, it is what makes the winners shine.” says World Luxury Awards Marketing Director, Michael Hunter-Smith.

As the year draws to an end both FRANCE 24, our official sponsor, and ourselves are confidently optimistic that 2021 will see the international travel and tourism industry start its growth and recovery. We look forward to sharing this journey with you all.