The brand new Style Awards came back with a bang back in July with a range of hospitality and healthcare venues entering for a chance to win a prize in one of our 13 categories.
Following an incredibly tough judging process, the finalists were whittled down to a mere three in each category with the overall winners being decided by the judges earlier this week.
We’ve had everything from restaurants on dramatic cliff sides in Ibiza to Kosovo’s first and only boutique hotel, from a secret bar with a hidden entrance in Manchester to a B&B created from a former animal cave in the heart of the Andalucian mountains; this year we’ve seen it all and more in the search for our brand new winners and finally, the time has come to announce who’ll take away the coveted prizes and the crown for being ‘best in show’.
Judging the awards were a range of industry experts and commentators from across the travel industry including Robin Sheppard, CEO of Bespoke Hotels, Sharron Livingstone of The Travel Magazine, Angie Silver, Blogger at Silverspoon London, Richard McCready-Hughes, Creative Director at Goddard Littlefair, Andrew Linwood, Head of Hospitality Design at Areen, Laurie Thomas, Managing Director of Vision Support Services and Jacqui Hurst, Sales Director for UK Hospitality at Vision Support Services.
Dreamiest Bedroom
Soho House Barcelona
A 57-room hotel in Barcelona, Soho House is a members’ club and hotel located in the heart of the city’s Gothic Quarter.
The judges said: “Soho House offers decadent, luxuriously lived-in stately English style chic topped and tailed by a gorgeous river view rooftop pool replete with herbal Mediterranean aromas and an extensive spa.
This lovely property also has a good location far enough from the madding crowd to be peaceful yet close enough to walk to La Rambla and the city’s gorgeous cathedral.”
Europe’s Best Dressed Bed
Soho House Barcelona
Intimate yet cosy, Soho House Barcelona offers a range of rooms featuring king-size beds and luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets.
Another win for Soho House Barcelona, the judges said: “It just drips with effortless cool, teasing, charming, flirting – all in one easy swoop.”
Most Beautiful Bathroom
Vivood Landscape Hotel
An ultra-modern building surrounding by peaceful Spanish countryside, Vivood Landscape Hotel is the ultimate luxury getaway. A concept hotel, the rooms and suites offer stunning views as well as pools, whirlpool tubs or panoramic shower views.
The judges said: “The scenic rugged landscape offers fantastic views across the valley making this one of the most beautiful hotel bathrooms I’ve seen. Plus, the contemporary styling and sustainable architecture makes this type of resort one to watch for the future.”
Most Intimate Bar
No Entry
A hallucinating cocktail bar designed by Martin Brudnizki, No Entry is a speakeasy hidden in the basement of an Italian restaurant in Paris; halfway between a crazy herbal shop and cosy boudoir lined with pink velvet chairs and hundreds of decorative bottles infused with 3000 litres of alcohol.
The judges said: “What’s more intimate than a bar hidden in the basement of a restaurant? The setting, as well as the curious decor, is bound to provide an unforgettable experience.”
Most Romantic Restaurant
Pink Mamma
An Italian trattoria designed by Martin Brudnizki, situated in the heart of the Pigalle neighbourhood in Paris. Pink Mamma consists of four storeys, the topmost of which is built entirely under a glass skylight. Each floor of Pink Mamma is designed with its own spirit and decor from the retro floor with vintage tapestry to another where antique plates hang on the wall and diners get a plunging view of the open kitchen and grill.
The judges said: “The rooftop restaurant on the top floor, decorated in a sumptuous green shade and adorned with sprawling ivy very much makes Pink Mamma a one-of-a-kind establishment – sure to provide diners with something new each and every time they visit. Effortlessly cool, epitomising Parisian chic.”
Hottest Hotel
Nolinski Paris
A new luxury hotel, moments away from the Comédie Française and the Palais Royal gardens, enclosed between layers of history and Haussmann elegance, lies a temple to art and life à la française: the Nolinski Paris.
Opulent and decadent featuring marble surfaces, blue and green hues and oozing Parisian sophistication, the space was designed by coveted architect Jean-Louis Denoit. Grand yet glamorous, the Nolinski combines beautifully the age-old sophistication of Paris with a modern ‘boutique-type’ edge.
The judges said: “To camouflage the underside of your staircase is pretty bonkers but, boy, does this “hot newbie” stimulate the eye! Fab!”
Picture-Perfect B&B or Guesthouse
Annie’s Cabin
Annie’s Cabin is a Finnish-style log cabin, constructed from large Douglas fir logs. In the heart of the Shropshire countryside, it’s crafted from organic, sustainable materials; sawn timbers of the windows and doors contrasted against the hand-scribed lines of joints between the logs.
An ideal stay when you’re looking to get away from it all, this impressive eco-lodge is brimming with personality – charming and peaceful yet completely unassuming.
The judges said: “Nestled in a glorious meadow, a trip to Annie’s Cabin is the ultimate postcard-perfect holiday break. The result of the Finnish-inspired design is a cosy yet adorable venue that also benefits from LED lighting, wood pellet stove and solar water-heating. Staying here would almost be reminiscent of being in a fairytale!”
Most Sumptuous Spa
Cowshed Spa
Cowshed Spa was opened last October; Soho House’s first spa in Spain. Located on the lower lobby of Soho House Barcelona, the spa has a unique design aesthetic determined by its location; taking inspiration from a traditional Spanish pharmacy.
The judges said: “I absolutely love the mismatched upholstered furniture which gives a real eclectic and unique feel to the spa. We’re used to seeing very clinical spaces in spa design but the classic white tiles combined with retro fittings and furniture is something Soho House pulls off faultlessly and adds to the authenticity of the experience.”
Most Innovative New Venue
At Six
A five star design hotel situated in the centre of Stockholm city centre, At Six is a brand new, contemporary venue with a twist. With interiors imagined by Universal Design Studio and art curated by Sune Nordgren, At Six is a place where art meets design, drinks meet food and people meet each other.
A wine bar with complex flavours, a cocktail bar breaking new ground and a kitchen where every dish is prepared, cooked and cared for with craftsmanship and devotion.
The judges said: “Truly breathtaking, At Six provides a stylish, contemporary urban escape. The statement art pieces complement the metal and stone finishes giving it a real sense of minimalism but the clean lines offer an unmistakeable element of Scandinavian design.”
Eco-Champion of the Year
3 Glens
A luxury eco-home situated near the village of Moniaive in the south-west of Scotland, 3 Glens combines luxury design with sustainability. The house is made up from recycled and reused materials whilst all of the insulation used on the property is made from 2,000 sheep fleeces from the local farm.
The floor has been crafted from recycled railway sleepers and the stone throughout the head is from the fallen-down walls on the farm. In addition, the house is 100% self efficient for energy, made up of a ground source heat pump, solar thermal and a wind turbine.
The judges said: “It’s absolutely magnificent to see how sustainability and design have been combined at 3 Glens. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of the nature the owners are clearly so proud of whilst the house itself offers gorgeous reclaimed fittings and stunning decor – the result is a getaway in perfect sync with its surroundings.”
Inspired Retirement Living Award
Lime Tree Village
Lime Tree Village in Dunchurch, Warwickshire offers a range of independent retirement living options set in the magnificent grounds of an old Edwardian mansion – Cawston House, which is the heartbeat of village life.
The mansion was lovingly and sympathetically restored by Retirement Villages and the design detailing reflects its proud history and offers a comforting and peaceful backdrop for residents. The aim was to create a real ‘home from home’ experience. Detailing is designed to create an upmarket nostalgic feeling throughout; highlighting the rural nature of the location.
Great care was taken by the interior design team to source original artwork and furniture to adorn the Edwardian interior and retain that strong sense of history.
The stunning building houses a residents’ restaurant, stylish bar, conservatory, meeting room, library, and snooker room. It is a popular meeting place for village residents to enjoy a morning coffee – or simply an early evening drink in the bar or on the sun terrace.
Residents live independently in purpose-built one and two bedroom apartments or cottages in the landscaped grounds surrounded by mature woodland but have exclusive use of the communal facilities in Cawston House.
Greatest Night’s Sleep
La Villa de Mazamet
Sue Withers said: “We faced the picture-perfect looking La Villa de Mazamet, a two storey French home, after our very first day in Europe by ourselves after leaving friends in Barcelona. We had been anxious, tired and confused, but were met by welcoming smiles from our hosts Mark and Peter, given a cup of tea and a G&T which calmed nerves and shown into our beautiful rooms.
The quality of everything in this B&B is beyond impressive. The monogrammed linen and sweet smelling room soon cocooned us for a reinvigorating nap before a tour of the house and grounds and a delicious meal. La Villa de Mazamet is outstanding and certainly provided our Greatest Night’s Sleep ever.”
Vision’s Style Winner of the Year
Soho House Barcelona
For more information on Vision as well as our products and services, please visit our online store at https://www.visionsupportservices.com/shop/