ABU DHABI: After a yearlong competition and extensive scrutiny by the International Hotel Awards' judging panel to earn the international five-star status, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in UAE won numerous awards at the gala presentation held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square on Sunday (November 4th 2012). Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, single handedly took home three awards in the Best Resort Category namely "Best Resort Hotel in Abu Dhabi", “Best Resort Hotel in Arabia", and “Best International Resort Hotel" in the world. Situated in one of the most astonishing landscapes, the Liwa Desert in the Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab has 206 magnificent rooms, suites and villas with desert views, with interiors of warm, earthy hues, which are accented by locally hand crafted furnishings immersed in the splendid heritage of an ancient fortress. The resort is born out of the vision of Abu Dhabi leaders to celebrate the traditions and roots of the emirate, with the holistic experience truly manifested in Arabian culture; the destination reflects rich history and heritage in a luxurious and inspiring setting. The recently opened Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara was ‘Highly Commended' for the Best New Hotel Construction & Design in Abu Dhabi award. Open since June 2012, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa has 222 stately rooms and suites with the distinctive luxury and tranquil mangrove lagoon and city views, is situated on the 1.2 km stretch of Abu Dhabi's protected mangroves reserves, has been designed in the keeping with its indigenous surroundings by environmentally aware Northpoint Architects from South Africa and interior designers AK Design in Dubai. The hotel's architectural style is modern, drawing inspirations from Arabic design reflected in arches, mushrabiyas and timber trellises with views of the stunning surroundings utilized through thoughtfully placed windows. David Garner, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in UAE, comments, “Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is rapidly expanding in the Middle East Region and with the increasing competition in the UAE, winning these awards confirms the appreciation of our guests and affirms our international five-star luxury status." Stuart Shield, president of the International Hotel Awards, says, “The hospitality industry is notoriously competitive and so the levels of expertise and quality required to gain one of these highly prestigious awards signifying international five-star excellence is extremely high. My sincere congratulations to all winners at country level and particularly to those companies that went on to achieve World's Best accolades."
