2014 ANDREW HARPER GRAND AWARDS: Stephane Thuriot ist Sommelier des JAhres, Concierge of the Year wurde Dario Cortellessa vom Mandarin Oriental in München – Koch des Jahres ist Todd Gray, Equinox, Washington, D.C. – Bestes Hideaway in Deutschland: Schloss Elmau, weltweit: Aman Canal Grande in Venedig
Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report has named Aman Canal Grande, Venice, Italy, as the 2014 Hideaway of the Year. This is the second time in three years that an Italian hotel has received this prestigious award. Andrew Harper subscribers consistently rate Italy their favorite country in the world.
Editor-in-Chief Andrew Harper notes, „This is far from being a typical Aman property. The company first made its reputation in Asia, with new hotels designed in a signature minimalist style. In contrast, the 24-room Aman Canal Grande is housed within an ornate 16th-century palazzo and is located close to the Rialto Bridge. The interior is simply dazzling and has been brilliantly modernized by longstanding Amanresorts architect Jean-Michel Gathy. Frankly, I cannot think of a more beautiful place to stay anywhere in the world than the Alcova Tiepolo Suite. The Aman Canal Grande is not a museum, however. It is exceptionally comfortable and offers refined and sincere hospitality, thanks to an outstanding general manager, Olivia Richli.“
This was an exceptional year for South Africa, as Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve, and Babylonstoren also received Grand Awards. South Africa was given 11 awards in total, including best Formal International restaurant La Colombe, Best Bar, Best Wildlife Experience, Best Wine Tasting, an Indelible Memory and three Top 10 Wines & Spirits of the Year. France was a close second with eight awards. Europe earned 25 awards this year, with the Netherlands‘ Conservatorium, The Alpina in Switzerland and Germany’s Schloss Elmau all making the list.
To be considered for the annual awards, properties must be relatively small in size, possess strong individual personalities, offer relaxing atmospheres and demonstrate a consistent devotion to personal service. Andrew Harper uses more than three decades of experience to distinguish the truly enchanting from the merely excellent.
2014 ANDREW HARPER GRAND AWARDS
HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR
Aman Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
NORTH AMERICA
Rancho Valencia, Rancho Santa Fe, California
El Encanto, Santa Barbara, California
Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma County, California
Capella Washington, D.C.
Fisher Island, Miami, Florida
Kingsbrae Arms, New Brunswick, Canada
CENTRAL AMERICA
Mukul, Pacific Coast, Nicaragua
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
EUROPE
Conservatorium, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vigilius Mountain Resort, the Dolomites, Italy
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
Schloss Elmau, Bavaria, Germany
Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, France
AFRICA
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Garden Route, South Africa
Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve, near Port Alfred, South Africa
Babylonstoren, the Winelands, South Africa
AUSTRALIA
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania, Australia
Restaurant of the Year USA Formal, The Willows Inn, Lummi Island, Washington
Restaurant of the Year USA Informal, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Washington, D.C.
Restaurant of the Year International Formal, La Colombe, Constantia Uitsig, South Africa
Restaurant of the Year International Informal, Olivier Arlot, Montbazon, Loire Valley, France
Best Hotel Restaurant, L’Abeille, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, France
Chef of the Year, Todd Gray, Equinox, Washington, D.C.
Hotel Manager of the Year, Olivia Richli, Aman Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
Sommelier of the Year, Stéphane Thuriot, Restaurant Königshof, Munich, Germany
Concierge of the Year, Dario Cortellessa, Mandarin Oriental, Munich, Germany
Lifetime Achievement, Harry Chancey, Kingsbrae Arms, New Brunswick, Canada
Cruise of the Year, SeaDream I
Special Recognition Awards are given in the categories of Best Spa, Best Pool, Best Bar, Best Beach, Best Family Resort, Best Wildlife Experience, Eco-Adventure of the Year, Most Memorable Hike, Most Memorable Wine Tasting and Most Glamorous Bath, as well as Indelible Memories, Gastronomic Highlights and Wines & Spirits of the Year. To view the winners, visit: GrandAwards.AndrewHarper.com