Hinterland stars shine bright in Tripadvisor Best of the Best Awards

NewsCommunityBusiness Directory

25 May

Written By Sunshine Valley Gazette

Tripadvisor L-R Ali Xochi & Razli Khan.jpg

Tripadvisor announced its annual global Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Hotels on May 12 with hinterland businesses recognized as the very best in Australia and internationally.

Every year, Tripadvisor combs through millions of reviews from its global community of travellers to find the hotels that people raved about most. Despite significant disruption in 2020, hotels around the world found new ways to dazzle guests and deliver top-of-the-line service.

“2020 was definitely the year of weekend getaways and domestic staycations. Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best awards celebrate the best hotels around the world, inviting travellers to get inspired and start planning their return to travel,” said Tripadvisor spokesperson, Jane Lim.

The most outstanding recognition for Australia this year went to Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, winning No1 Most Romantic Hotel in Australia and the World, No2 in the Top 25 Small Hotels in Australia, and No12 in the Top 25 Small Hotels in the world.

“We had absolutely no idea this was coming,” said Narrows Escape owner, Ali Khan. “We love what we do, and our commitment to this beautiful location and the first class level of service it demands is what drives us. The award is the cherry on the cake.

“I believe people are tired of the concrete jungle and they want to spend time back in nature, slowing down and soaking up the peace and calm that only nature can deliver.

“It is an honour for us to take care of our guests to the highest standard possible, in this magnificent place.”

The Falls Montville was also singled out for a bundle of awards, being recognised as the No1 Small Hotel in Australia, No3 of the Top 25 Small Hotels in the World, and No3 of the Top 25 Romantic Hotels in Australia.

“The Sunshine Coast has excelled this year. These awards recognised a high standard of amenities, service, warmth and friendliness,” said The Falls owner, Alan Dryden.

“In our area we have a good concentration of up market performers. What is wonderful is that, as a tourism business community, we are supportive of each other.

“It is remarkable that, as a region, the Sunshine Coast cleaned up these awards, with Element on Coolum Beach and Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat also starring. There are four categories: Hotels, Small Hotels, Romantic Hotels and B&B’s. Sunny Coast businesses won every single one of these categories in the Australia section! That’s outstanding,”

Maleny’s Blue Summit Cottages picked up the award for No1 B&B in Australia and ranked No15 of B&B’s worldwide!

“To be honest, while we are absolutely delighted and thrilled, we were completely shocked by the award,” said Blue Summit Cottages owners, Margie and Pete Melick. “There are so many stunning places in Australia.

“We want to congratulate all of the businesses who have been recognised by Tripadvisor and as far as our local award winners go, their success is no surprise.

“We would also like to thank most sincerely our lovely guests who not only go to the effort of writing amazing reviews but also recommend us to their friends and family. It is the highest compliment we can get. It is very special to us that they choose us, thank you so much.”