LANGKAWI’S TRIUMPH AT THE HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS
By Kamila Delart
Considered one of the most prestigious events in the hospitality industry, the price giving ceremony of the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) took place on 9th January at One World Hotel in Selangor, with the walls of the Imperial Ballroom echoing roaring applause earned by multiple Langkawi resorts!
As in the past 12 years, the nominees were chosen based on a first-hand experience of mystery guests and the winners selected by a panel of professional judges with in-depth expertise of the hospitality industry.
Wondering which Langkawi resorts impressed the jury the most?
♦ THE ANDAMAN
♦ THE DATAI LANGKAWI
♦ THE WESTIN LANGKAWI RESORT & SPA
were among the Best 10 in two key categories:
RESORT OF THE YEAR – BEST DISCOVERY
5* RESORT – EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
It doesn’t come as a surprise that these resorts scored high also in other areas:
The Andaman brought home awards for service excellence beyond expectations and accolades for exceptional performance of Front Office, Concierge and Housekeeping while the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa was selected as a favorite among resorts providing delightful experience to families & guests in quest of recreation, and praised for the impeccable service of Front Office & Concierge.
Eager to experience exceptional hospitality first-hand?! Even if staying at another property, you can get a taste of excellence by visiting one of the award-winning resort restaurants or Spas.
The destination restaurant Jala at The Andaman was celebrated for its unique concept. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa impressed the jury with the most innovative dining experience aboard Freedom, the resort’s 70-foot luxury yacht, while the property’s Executive Chef, Chandran Narayanan, was among the celebrated culinary personalities in the category King of Kitchens – Ambassador of Cuisine. Praised as Master of Authenticity – Chef Rihazul Othman enchants with Asian culinary creations at The Gulai House, a rainforest dining venue of The Datai. And if you fancy Chic & Casual Dining, head to the finalist Pahn Thai Restaurant at Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
General Manager Michael Schlueter, Syahir Ismail (Sous Chef) & Chandran Narayanan (Executive Chef) from The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
In a mood for a ‘Tempting Experience’ at one of the ‘Most Indulging Spas of the Year’?
The Heavenly Spa at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa lures with tranquil moments on a Thai massage bed that ‘floats’ on the turquoise surface of a pool, while The Datai Spa with open-air villas set along a winding rainforest stream enchants with indigenous healing rituals incorporating sacred jungle plants.
Curious about the MOVERS & SHAKERS working their magic behind the scenes?
The main price for Public Relations Excellence – Best Media Relations went to Seri Chenang Resort & Spa, Langkawi’s new luxury boutique resort.
The title of General Manager of The Year – The Ambassador of Hospitality, was bestowed to ANTHONY SEBASTIAN, the General Manager of The Datai Langkawi and Senior Vice President of Hotel Management for Destinations Resorts and Hotels. With a career that spans 25 years, Anthony is a member of the elite group of hospitality professionals who earned the globally recognized qualification ‘Certified Hotel Administrator’ (CHA®) that is considered the most prestigious certification available to a hospitality executive. Currently involved in developing The Datai brand that will include a luxury resort, The Datai Desaru, and Anak Datai, a family themed resort on Desaru Coast, Anthony’s visionary approach and commitment to excellence are sure to shape the future of the hospitality industry across Malaysia.
Langkawi Gazette congratulates all winners, proudly recommending all celebrated properties, restaurants and Spas to our readers!
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