During a glamorous affair at the grand CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla, Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa and sister property Shambala Private Game Reserve accepted the venerated honour of being named the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel and World’s Leading Private Game Reserve respectively by World Travel Awards.

In addition to these accolades, the Saxon’s website, was named as the World’s Leading Hotel Website.

To date, both properties have scooped a total of 55 World Travel awards.

Managing director, George Cohen, was humbled at the honour.

He said: “I dedicate these awards to the teams at both properties, as they are the ones whose continued passion and commitment for what they do has brought us to this juncture.”

He added that while luxury is providing something truly unique and exclusive, it is also becoming more about the experience.

“Today, luxury hotels strive for ultra-luxury, and to do this, service and staff are fundamental.

“The concept of luxury includes being exclusive, sophisticated, and indulging your guests in signature experiences and it is crucial that the design and service follow these concepts,” added Cohen.

Speaking at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Anguilla, World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke, said Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa remains an icon of South African tourism.

He continued “It is a pleasure to see voters here at the World Travel Awards have once again recognised the property as the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel.

“On a record run, this is the 15th consecutive year the hotel has taken the title and I wish managing director George Cohen and his team many more years of success. 

“Shambala Private Game Reserve, too, remains a world-beater, defending its title as the World’s Leading Private Game Reserve for a second year.

“Congratulations to both winners and I hope to see you back at World Travel Awards in 2015.”

The World Travel Awards is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global travel and tourism industry.

In this the 21st year, the awards are acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those companies, organisations and brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service. 

World Travel Awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, and this accolade recognises the commitment to excellence which your organisation has demonstrated in the last twelve months.

Expressing his excitement for Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa winning the Leading Hotel Website award, Cohen added: “To thrive in this new age of hospitality, a brand needs to go beyond the data and immerse itself in the culture to develop relevant marketing.

“Our marketing and sales team found ways not only to understand the needs of our guests in the digital space, but also the way in which they have come to know the Saxon.

“In terms of language usage, we have created engaging and personalised content to further enhance the guest experience by speaking to the heart of our guests, as it is about their experience and finding a way to create a unique journey for them.”

“Overall a trend was revealed for the high level of customer’s appreciation for the Saxon’s traditions, history and heritage and the team saw a great desire for our digital channels to reflect that tradition, while also demonstrating that we are speaking to the audience in a way that is culturally relevant.”