Hospitality Awards 2025 Best Historical Slovenian Walking Tours Provider 2025 In September 1944, in what is now Slovenia, Australian Ralph Churches “The Crow” and Englishman Les Laws led the most successful breakout of Allied POWs of the war, guided to freedom by Slovenian Partisans. Their route — the Koridor svobode (Freedom Corridor) — carries the weight of history. Today, thanks to The Crow’s Flight, it becomes a luxury adventure: boutique hospitality, Slovenian cuisine, and encounters that bring story to life.
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: 01283 365204 Website: lux-life.digital Hospitality Awards 2025 No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. LUXlife is proud to present the Hospitality Awards 2025! Now in its tenth year, this prestigious award celebrates the businesses and individuals driving excellence, creativity, and resilience in the global hospitality industry. From luxury hotels and fine dining establishments to innovative travel services and wellness retreats, the Hospitality Awards 2025 shine a spotlight on the enterprises redefining guest experiences and setting new standards in service, quality, and innovation. The Hospitality Industry is a cornerstone of both economic prosperity and social enrichment. Worth trillions globally and employing hundreds of millions, it plays a vital role in connecting people, cultures, and communities. Whether through leisure, business travel, or culinary exploration, hospitality not only fuels local economies but also enhances global understanding and wellbeing. Over the past year, the industry has seen remarkable developments. Technology continues to revolutionise the guest experience, with AI-powered personalisation, contactless check-ins, and smart hotel systems becoming mainstream.
5. The Crow’s Flight: Best Historical Slovenian Walking Tours Provider 2025 6. Olives & Plates: Best Catering Company 2025 – Johannesburg & Client Satisfaction Excellence Award 2025 8. Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz: Best Business Hotel 2025 – Bavaria & LUXlife Hospitality Excellence Award 2025 10. The American Express: Best Airport Lounge & Restaurant Group 2025 – Sweden 11. House of Js Coffee: Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop 2025 – Denver 12. Bromeliad Homes: Best Short-Term Rental Properties 2025 – Wisconsin 13. Al Tahadi Travel and Tours: Best Corporate Travel Services Company 2025 – Jordan & LUXlife Client Service Excellence Award 2025 14. Deer View: Best Luxury Country Retreat 2025 – Devon 15. Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel: Beach Hotel of the Year 2025 – Mauritius 16. Crescent Beach Limited: Best Luxury Private Beachfront Accommodation 2025 – Cayman Islands 17. Sunny Sailing Greece: Best Sailing Holidays Company 2025 – Greece 18. Unearth Experience: Best Luxury Bespoke African Travel Company 2025 19. Camp Margaritaville Resort Auburndale: Best Luxury RV Camp 2025 – Florida 20. DALES STOCKTAKING SERVICES: Best Stock Auditing Specialists 2025 – Northern England 21. Round Pond Estate: 22. You&Co Coliving:Best Co-Living Spaces 2025 – Dubai & LUXlife Hospitality Excellence Award 2025 23. The Fitness Group: Best Cabernet Sauvignon Winery 2025 – Napa Valley & LUXlife Hospitality Excellence Award 2025 Best Fitness Education Provider 2025 – UK 24. The Marigolds: Best Sustainable Housekeeping & Property Management Service 2025 – Cornwall Contents
life M A G A Z I N E Get The Latest News & Embrace the luxury and subscribe to our magazine here! insights
Hospitality Awards 2025 | 5 receive maps and highlights. Each journey is curated with boutique accommodations, private transfers, and community-based experiences ensuring comfort and authenticity walk hand in hand. Travellers may choose a weekend walk, a four-day immersion, or a sixday exploration, each revealing a different chapter of the Koridor’s story. For those seeking the extraordinary, there is a 20-day odyssey — the full route from Maribor to the Croatian border, retracing the 1944 escape led by Ralph Churches “The Crow” with the support of his friend, Englishman Les Laws. Together, with the guidance of Slovenian Partisans, they engineered the largest successful POW escape of the war — a tale of courage and solidarity that still inspires. For most of the escapees, including Ralph himself, the Koridor was never seen in daylight. They moved under cover of night, evading patrols, focused on survival. Vineyards and forest paths — all this beauty was invisible to them. Today’s guests walk in daylight and comfort, free to savour scenery, cuisine, and hospitality. To walk here now, in peace and style, is both a privilege and a tribute. The Koridor svobode carried hundreds to safety: Allied prisoners of war, American airmen, and families displaced by conflict, all sheltered and guided by Partisan courage. The 1944 escape is remembered as a partnership of resolve. It was Les’s contact with the Partisans that opened the door for Ralph’s daring escape to succeed — showing how different strengths combined to bring so many men home. This story is personal. Neil is Ralph’s son, and his book The Greatest Escape introduced this history to an international audience. It has also reached screens worldwide, with features on Channel 4, Apple TV, and the History Channel, pairing Slovenia’s landscapes with the escape. Behind today’s journeys is a team of expert guides, hosts, winemakers, and logistics specialists. Many have ties to the Koridor, while all share a passion for creating authentic yet indulgent experiences. Their professionalism ensures The Crow’s Flight continues raising the bar for heritage travel in Slovenia. Looking ahead, 2026 will bring new premium hospitality partnerships and commemorative journeys tied to anniversaries of the escape. These reflect the company’s commitment to evolving with modern luxury travellers, while staying true to its essence: journeys defined by authenticity, elegance, and story. “Every guest is making history,” Neil reflects. A philosophy that ensures The Crow’s Flight offers not only travel, but distinction — indulgence, discovery, and the satisfaction of walking a path few know. Contact: Neil Churches Company: The Crow’s Flight Web Address: https://thecrowsflight.com/luxlife Email: [email protected] The Greatest Escape by Neil Churches (Macmillan, 2022) In September 1944, in what is now Slovenia, Australian Ralph Churches “The Crow” and Englishman Les Laws led the most successful breakout of Allied POWs of the war, guided to freedom by Slovenian Partisans. Their route — the Koridor svobode (Freedom Corridor) — carries the weight of history. Today, thanks to The Crow’s Flight, it becomes a luxury adventure: boutique hospitality, Slovenian cuisine, and encounters that bring story to life. Founded by Ralph’s son Neil, the company transforms remembrance into refinement — we caught up with him to learn more. Best Historical Slovenian Walking Tours Provider 2025 or the seasoned traveller, true luxury is measured not just in comfort but in discovery — in the thrill of going where others haven’t and experiencing what few even know exists. Slovenia, is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets: vineyards, forests, towns, and a story few outsiders know. At its centre lies the Koridor svobode (the Freedom Corridor), a passage that runs 180 miles through eastern Slovenia, from Maribor to the Croatian border. So little known that even many Europeans have never heard of it, this hidden route is the spine of The Crow’s Flight — a blend of refinement, culture, and history. Every journey follows a section of the Koridor, balancing pleasure with resonance. Recognised as the Best Historical Slovenian Walking Tours Provider 2025, The Crow’s Flight is redefining what it means to create luxury experiences with depth and distinction. Guests travel in small, unhurried groups, moving through landscapes that invite reflection and delight. Days unfold with vineyard lunches, tastings, farmhouse dinners. Travellers meet descendants of Partisans, hearing local stories, and walk through villages where history lingers. “True luxury begins with human connection,” says founder Neil Churches. “Luxury travel is often about indulgence. Here, it is indulgence with meaning — a rare chance to walk in style while honouring a story of resilience that still inspires.” “True luxury begins with human connection.” “Luxury travel is often about indulgence. Here, it is indulgence with meaning — a rare chance to walk in style while honouring a story of resilience that still inspires.” From personalised airport welcomes to a first taste of Slovenian wine, every arrival is designed to set the tone. Guests are introduced to the Koridor and F AIS-Aug25342
6 | LUXlife Magazine he story of Olives & Plates began more than 25 years ago, founded by Mediterranean sisters Andria Neophytou and Litza Frangos. Olives & Plates has certainly grown over the decades, injecting the same level of love and care into everything it does. As time has passed, technology has made exposure to global cuisines and impeccable standards much more easily accessible and expected, especially by clients possessing a more discerning palate. Aiming to stay ahead of expectations, Olives & Plates has diversified its offerings to accommodate for a range of cultural and dietary preferences without ever compromising on taste or presentation – extending its skills far beyond its core Mediterranean offering whilst remaining true to the essence of Olives & Plates. Today, Olives & Plates stands as a thriving group, ran by Andria, her husband Dimitri, Litza, and her husband Apo. It boasts a dynamic composition of restaurants, eateries, and cafes, as well as its awardwinning catering division providing top-tier catering services to any function, event, wedding, or conference. Across the group’s establishments, its teams work tirelessly to maintain the same standards of quality and service that envelops guests into the Olives & Plates family. The group works with a wide assortment of people – ranging from top executives and management, professors, doctors, higher LMS groups, corporates, and individuals, to families, students, and anyone who can appreciate healthy, wholesome, and delicious food. Litza shared: “We aim to stay head of international and local expectations whilst ensuring every dish is crafted with superior quality, flavour and wholesomeness. We have diversified our offering, accommodating specific cultural or dietary preferences – vegan, halal, kosher etc. – without compromising on taste or presentation, hence extending our skills way beyond our core Mediterranean offering.” Its outstanding catering services can be tailored to both professional and personal occasions, from massive events to smaller celebrations, with no limit to the diversity to which Olives & Plates can accommodate. “Our catering team goes out of their way to prioritise the client’s needs and personal taste experience through customised menu creation, which is delivered as a feast for the eyes with the finesse of an artist and Best Catering Company 2025 – Johannesburg & Client Satisfaction Excellence Award 2025 Serving as more than a diet, Mediterranean cuisine is a vibrant celebration of life, flavour, and community. It is rooted in simplicity and generosity, a way of eating that nourishes both the body and soul. At Olives and Plates, this philosophy is plated daily in Johannesburg, where timeless recipes, hospitality, and catering meets modern style and service. We caught up with Litza Frangos, Co-Founder of Olives and Plates, as the dining brand is named in the Hospitality Awards 2025. T equally exceptional taste,” Litza told us. “As a family, we are constantly innovating new layers to the flavours of our roots to ensure that our guests savour an unforgettable dining experience. We are mindful of local and international food trends within the quality, healthy, and wholesome meals we create, maintaining our professionalism, presentation, and service while surpassing the standards to which we pride ourselves.” From the moment you begin to experience Olives & Plates catering services for any event, or function – big or small – you are presented with a complete sensory sensation said to fuel the soul. These unforgettable experiences are delivered by a team of motivated employees, each driven by the same passion for hospitality and culinary excellence that propelled Andria and Litza to success. There are more than 600 staff members within the Olives & Plates group, some of whom have been with the group for more than two decades. Many employees began with no experience and have since grown to serve as executive chefs, simply because they have demonstrated the unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence that the group strives to uphold – the same calibre that has earned the Client Satisfaction Excellence Award 2025. From buffet and harvest tables to artisan boxes, mezze to formal dining, canapés to desserts, and high tea and portable dining, Olives & Plates’ committed catering team promise an otherworldly experience. Covering every detail, so you can relax and enjoy your event, Olives & Plates’ catering services always provides fresh and high quality food with professional staff members making the occasion extra special. These catering services can be experienced at any venue, whether Olives & Plates’ or your own. This ensures that each person looking to book the best catering service available is perfectly met with the fine service they’re searching for. Olives & Plates’ team is happy to travel to its clients’ location to serve a varying number of people at any event. Litza enthused: “To work in service of others is either at your core or it is not, and if it is not then the customer will feel it. You can train as much as you want, but if this is not authentically engrained within a person, then it is not going to work.”
Hospitality Awards 2025 | 7 This approach has enabled Olives & Plates to shine within a crowded market, gaining recognition for the standards of quality and unique experiences it provides. Olives & Plates looks to 2026 and beyond with eyes brimming with ambition and dedication. Named Johannesburg’s Best Catering Company 2025, Olives & Plates continues to earn praise from guests and critics alike – its reputation built not only on excellence, but on the unforgettable experience its teams deliver time and time again. Contact: Andria Neophytou and Litza Frangos Company: Olives & Plates Web Address: www.olivesandplates.co.za
Jun22596 8 | LUXlife Magazine Established in 2019, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is a chic businesslifestyle hotel that blends industrial design with a unique philosophy of hedonistic and honest sustainability. Situated within the Fichtelgebirge on a rural business park at the city’s edge, the hotel has successfully created a self-contained green oasis with excellent access and infrastructure, offering refuge to guests who wish to unwind yet stay productive during their time away. Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz caters to a variety of clientele, primarily business travellers seeking efficient and design-forward accommodation with reliable connectivity and restful sleep; leisure guests who value nature, comfort, and a contemporary urban flair; and clients hosting events and meetings, who need flexible, sustainable venues in the Fichtelgebirge region. Regardless of the reason for their business, each guest of Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is provided with an exceptional experience that they will remember forever. From their first step into Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz, guests are met by an airy, industrial-chic lobby that feels at once both calm and connected. The hotel’s check-in process is kept swift and streamlined, ensuring that guests settle in with ease through the offering of electronic keys and a friendly orientation, often paired with a speciality coffee or a cool drink. The open-plan, multifunctional lobby also serves as a lounge, bar, and bistro, making it the ideal location for working, meeting, or unwinding. Each of Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz’s 51 rooms are bright and spacious, with high-standard furnishings and luxury beds made exclusively from natural materials for an exceptional sleep. Premium comfort is ensured through the use of COCO-MAT luxury beds and a pillow menu, with clear design cues and information to enable guests to make informed choices regarding their sleep quality and comfort levels throughout their stay at Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz. Whether enjoyed from a private room or one of the hotel’s three panoramic terraces, the views at Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz offer guests a moment of quiet connection with nature. Overlooking the surrounding greenery and distant Fichtelgebirge mountains, these open-air spaces invite guests to pause, reflect, and recharge. Whether dining alfresco, sipping a morning coffee, or simply taking in the fresh air, the terraces AIS-Aug25185 Best Business Hotel 2025 – Bavaria & LUXlife Hospitality Excellence Award 2025 Business travel is a fundamental aspect of modern corporate operations, though many employees have come to dread the experience. For many, these trips are demanding, uncomfortable, and a necessary evil, though that need not be the case. Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is a peaceful refuge designed for the discerning business traveller, providing a stay that is not only comfortable but genuinely enjoyable, productive, and memorable. The hotel has received recent recognition in the Hospitality Awards 2025, renowned for its ability to combine comfort with conscience, delivering sustainability with style. provide a tranquil backdrop that complements the hotel’s philosophy of restful simplicity and contemporary comfort. This sense of calm and connection carries into the hotel’s culinary spaces, where Mediterranean flavours, seasonal ingredients, and crafted coffee invites guests to linger and enjoy. Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz’s bistro and pizzeria serve freshly prepared Mediterranean favourites alongside seasonal vegetables and regional dishes, with rotating menus and weekly recommendations to keep choices fresh and relevant. Bestowed with the LUXlife Hospitality Excellence Award 2025, the hotel team strives to deliver the best possible services to each guest, across its amenities. “At Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz, our team’s mission is simple: anticipate needs, personalise every interaction, and deliver seamless comfort from arrival to farewell,” Alexander told us. “Our goal is that every guest feels recognised, cared for, and delighted, leaving with memories defined by thoughtful details, effortless service, and authentic Bavarian hospitality.” This begins with a tailored approach to comfort and experience. From the moment a booking is made, preferences are quickly noted – from pillow firmness and dietary requirements to room setup and local tips – allowing the team to prepare each stay with forward-thinking precision. These thoughtful touches extend beyond the room, with curated itineraries, nature tails, and dining partnerships designed to immerse guests in the character and rhythm of Marktredwitz. Technology is used with intention to enhance the guest journey without replacing human connection. Mobile check-in, smart room features, and instant messaging streamline transitions, while the front desk and hosts remain present and personable, offering genuine hospitality at every touchpoint. This balance of efficiency and warmth ensures that every interaction feels both seamless and sincere. Cleanliness and comfort are held to impeccable standards throughout the hotel. Rigorous housekeeping routines, allergen-aware amenities, and high quality bedding contribute to a consistently restful experience that guests can rely on from check-in to checkout. A feedback loop with subtle in-stay check-ins and post-visit surveys allows the team to adapt in real time, ensuring that service remains responsive, relevant, and refined.
Hospitality Awards 2025 | 9 These offerings are delivered by a team that reflects the hotel’s ethos in every interaction. At Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz, guests are met at eye level, with no bowing or scripts. Instead, the team prioritises Fair Play, delivering services with warmth, attention, and a lack of pretention. With a shared mindset of collaboration and growth, the team operates across flat hierarchies, enabling quick, guest-centric decisions and a seamless flow between the lobby, bistro, terraces, and meeting spaces. When expanding the team, the hotel does not only look for professionalism, but also empathy, clarity, and curiosity. Each member of the team undergoes training in sleep quality, coffee craft, and local knowledge to ensure that every detail of service is delivered with the utmost attention to care and consistency. Alongside this training, daily decisions are guided by the hotel’s transparent standards and ethos, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to delivering comfort with a conscience. Sustainability lies at the heart of Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz’s operations, recognised with Gold certification from Travelife and the Blue Swallow for sustainable travel. The hotel has upheld its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability from its very inception, meticulously considering every aspect of the hotel in relation to resource conservation and the environmental impact of its building materials. Partners for the hotel’s development were selected with great care through comprehensive and rigorous selection processes, ensuring that Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz was built with a shared commitment to eco-friendly practices. Far from ending with the hotel’s construction, this commitment has only grown stronger. Guests and travellers are increasingly aware of the ecological footprint that their journeys have on the planet and now seek environmentally friendly travel and accommodation options. Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is well positioned to meet these evolving expectations by implementing innovative environmentally friendly practices and sustainable solutions throughout its operations. Ranked in the top 5% of the world’s most sustainable hotels since its inception, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz believes that every small step towards sustainability can make a significant difference to the planet. From energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures to waste reduction programmes and sourcing local, organic products, the hotel strives to minimise its environmental impact whilst maintaining the highest standards of service for its guests. Through these endeavours, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz has certainly proven that comfort can indeed be delivered with a conscience. Those interested in learning more about the hotel’s comprehensive sustainability initiatives and ongoing efforts to promote environmental protection can explore further details here. From its very beginning, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz’s philosophy has been clear: to deliver hospitality at eye level, uphold hedonistic sustainability, and champion intelligent simplicity. Though guest expectations have evolved with time, the hotel’s ethos has only grown clearer with the passing years, grounded in delivering less effort for the guests and more meaning in every moment. Looking to the future, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is striving towards focused growth, whilst maintaining its renowned eye level, Fair Play philosophy. The next chapter includes a streamlined concept for transit and leisure travellers – offering fast, calm, smartly priced, and community-minded spaces – designed to meet evolving guest needs without compromising comfort or conscience. With additional hotels in the pipeline for 2026 and 2027, both owned and franchised, the Avaneo Hotel is expanding across leisure and business markets, guided by strong sustainability alignment and a fully homogeneous digital guest journey. To support this growth, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is assembling modular packages for hotel operators looking to future proof their businesses. These packages offer proven playbooks in digitalisation, sustainability, and food and beverage services – from seamless guest journeys and scalable tools to top-tier eco standards and efficient, guest-centric dining concepts. The goal of these packages is simple: to help partners modernise fast, reduce complexity, and unlock new revenue. As Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz evolves in alignment with guest expectations and changing industry regulations, its core mission remains unchanged; the hotel will continue to scale what works, deliver honest and hedonistic sustainability, and host at eye level. This is a mission that has propelled Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz to great heights since its inception, shaping the establishment into a hotel truly deserving of its recognition as Bavaria’s Best Business Hotel 2025. Contact: Alexander Herold Company: Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz Web Address: www.avaneohotels.com
10 | LUXlife Magazine Best Airport Lounge & Restaurant Group 2025 – Sweden Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, Sweden, is home to the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof, a relaxing, spacious environment available exclusively for Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Situated above the main concourse of terminal five, guests are greeted with spectacular views of both the runway and the surrounding forests, making this the perfect place to escape the bustle of a crowded airport. Mariela Hernandez, who is responsible for heading up this operation, caught up with us for more on the back of its recognition with this award. Regardless of the destination, the place to begin a trip is in the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof, a place where discerning travellers with the right credentials can enjoy an exquisite breakfast, lunch, or dinner – either in the Lounge or on the go – depending on the time of their departure. Guests are invited to ascend the stairs, leaving behind the airport chaos and entering an oasis of calm and luxury. They are greeted with a smile and a warm welcome, before being guided by a member of the team here. For those with Platinum cards, a variety of seating options are available. From couchtable combos and semi-private booths to workstations, there is something for every guest to enjoy – whether they seek a tasty meal, a quite place to work, or simply somewhere comfortable to relax before their flight. Should these guests arrive during breakfast, they are afforded access to a comprehensive buffet of sandwiches, fruits, yogurts, fresh juices, and more. For lunch and dinner, this buffet gives way to a streamlined a-la-carte menu. Across a handful of courses inspired by traditional Swedish dishes, all of which can be tastefully altered to suit dietary requirements, guests savour the rich flavour profiles created by Pontus Frithiof, the passionate chef and restaurant entrepreneur behind the Lounge. The menu is included in a guest’s Platinum membership, with optional extras available. Similarly, Centurion cardholders are offered a seat in a quieter, more spacious environment within a separate area of its Lounge, as well as an upgraded three-course menu which, again, is included in their membership. This is not all, with premium wines and champagnes also being offered at no additional charge, making this location ultra-premium for guests. Whichever card guests possess, they will see first-hand what sets the Lounge apart from its contemporaries: the blend of customer service excellence and top-quality meals and beverages. As Mariela explained: “Our guests need only to choose which of the tasty dishes they want to try first and do their best to go for seconds before boarding their flights. We update our menu every few weeks to give the frequent flyers a new culinary adventure and offer fresh-baked goodies to complete the dining experience.” More cardholders than ever mean there is an increased amount of people visiting the Lounge each year, and so as to not risk sacrificing the quality, generosity, flare, and world-class service the location has come to be known for, new staff are brought in where necessary, and routines are fine-tuned to drive efficiency and value for guests. “We are a diverse team of servers and chefs with varying backgrounds. Many of our staff have worked in the service industry for many years and followed our congenial spirits into the world of customer interactions. Those of us that have multiple years of experience in service help develop our new brethren.” Pontus himself also looks at new ways to both excite his guests and to meet the evolving needs of diners in Stockholm more broadly. He not only does this through his eponymous American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof, but also through the other locations he runs under the Pontus Frithiof Group, which we have also recognised with this dual award. Highlights of his portfolio include Le Bar, a luxurious rooftop bar with as mile-wide view of Stockholm, and Pontus Frithiof at Bro Hof, a golf/dining destination. Excitingly, the Pontus Fritiof Group is currently in the process of expanding, all whilst keeping its Swedish roots intact. This is seen through its latest project: Pontus Frithiof at Spotify New York. Having signed a five-year deal to operate an in-house restaurant at the Swedish music service provider’s offices on the 72nd floor of the 4 World Trade Center, this next chapter is seeing the Group go international with its operation. Whether looking at its collection of leading restaurants or the world-class American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof, the common theme across the Pontus Fritiof Group is exceptional quality. For this, it is more than deserving of a place in this programme. Contact: Mariela Hernandez Company: The American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof Web Address: https://www.pontusfrithiof.com/ AIM-Aug25397
Hospitality Awards 2025 | 11 The neighbourhood coffee shop has been a staple of American life for decades, and there is nothing better than sitting in a local establishment and enjoying a fresh cup of joe made using beans roasted close to home. Offering its patrons all of this and much more is House of Js Coffee, a Denver coffee shop located in the suburb of Arvada. On the back of its recognition as the Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop in Denver for 2025, we sat down with its owner, Chelsea Garner, for more on how it keeps the independent spirit of the coffee house alive. Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop 2025 – Denver bits and pieces about their lives to connect with them on a more personal level. We make it a priority to follow up next time they come in on events or happenings shared with us.” Not only does the team love the customer-facing aspects of their roles, they also adore being baristas, with a passion for all things related to coffee being a prerequisite of working here. Thus, whether they are learning how to properly steam milk or rehearsing their beautiful latte art to add that extra something to a customer’s experience, everything is done with a smile. Since this environment is fast paced, being a selfstarter is also key. “I look for people who enjoy learning and want to be the best they can as a barista,” added Chelsea. “I also look for personable people, people who enjoy talking and can carry on a conversation easily. Finally, I look for people who want to have fun while being at work and value both loving and caring for those around them.” A great sense of humour is another plus, given House of Js Coffee has established itself as somewhat of a jokester – both across the antics taking place behind the counter and on its social media. Despite the jokes and the fun had by the staff and customers alike, House of Js Coffee is serious about what it does, and prides itself on offering a clean, aesthetic environment that makes a great first impression and paves the way for its community. This is something that would have to be replicated should it open up a second location, and since Chelsea and co. have yet to find the perfect fit, they remain anchored to just the one. Luckily for those in Arvada, what is there already is perfect, a location raising the bar for Denver coffee shops and a spot more than fitting of being recognized with this title in our Hospitality Awards 2025. Contact: Chelsea Garner Company: House of Js Coffee Web Address: https://houseofjscoffee.com/ offee and friends. These are the cornerstones that House of Js Coffee, the best coffee shop in Arvada, is built on. Blending local, high-quality ingredients with a nurtured sense of community – the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else – this boutique coffee house welcomes all. Although its customers are diverse and special in their own way, what unites them is a passion for an exceptional coffee shop and supporting a local establishment over the chain coffee shops popping up on every street corner. Whereas these chains offer generic coffee and bought-in treats, House of Js Coffee excels by offering a truly unique Timberline blend made from beans sourced in Ethiopia and Guatemala, which are crafted with care into a distinctive flavour profile balancing rich dark chocolate with hazelnut. Complementing its java is a choice selection of the finest pastries for miles around, all of which are freshly baked there in Denver by a local artisan. This makes every sip and every bite delicious – from start to finish. Outside of its quality produce, it is the communal feel synonymous with the location that sets House of Js Coffee apart. As Chelsea told us: “Our mission is to have a space where anyone can experience being known, loved, seen, heard, and valued.” She continued: “We desire for our friends, neighbours, and customers to enjoy the best tasting coffee, all while feeling like they have entered their local neighborhood hangout.” “We are all family. We want people to come in and feel like they matter to our staff, so much so that they can’t imagine going anywhere else.” The ability House of Js Coffee has to preserve its cherished customer base is something that starts and ends with the team here – a group of fun, quirky, witty, and intelligent individuals aligned by their focus on community and nurturing strong relationships. Going a step further, Chelsea explained: “They learn the names of our customers and gather C AIS-Aug25379
12 | LUXlife Magazine romeliad Homes was founded in 2022 by Maira Gavioli, built upon the core values of remaining authentic, approachable, and welcoming across its operations. Before establishing Bromeliad Homes, Maira served as a lawyer and practiced across Brazil and the United States before realising that she craved a more meaningful career path. Driven by a passion for design, hospitality, and purpose, she pursued a career that combined real estate, design, and hospitality – and Bromeliad Homes was born. Today, Bromeliad Homes stands as a boutique collection of vacation rentals in Wisconsin and North Carolina, currently operating three properties across the region. Championing the motto, “Where every stay tells a story,” each of the company’s properties is thoughtfully designed to ensure that guests feel as though they have stepped into a home, and not an anonymous rental. “These homes aren’t just stocked with the basics,” Maira told us. “They include gourmet kitchens, thoughtful amenities, comfortable beds and linens, and curated décor. Our goal is to create a space that encourages relaxation, connection and play.” Based in the Asheville area of North Carolina, Boho House offers longrange mountain views and an assortment of amenities, including a hot tub, sauna, mini golf putting green, and outdoor movie nights. The Lamplighter House, also in the Asheville area, features a huge game room, home theatre, an in-ground fire pit, sauna, hot tub, and gourmet kitchen. Finally, the Belleview House, based in Milwaukee, is a renovated historic home with a fenced backyard, pet-friendly policy, and desirable walkability to Milwaukee’s restaurants, shops, and Bradford Beach. Offering a wide array of pet- and family-friendly amenities that appeal to children, teenagers, and adults alike, Bromeliad House caters to a diverse, multigenerational clientele. Guests of the properties typically range from families and groups of friends to bachelorette groups and festivalgoers, as well as the occasional business traveller who appreciates design, comfort, and hospitality. Regardless of their reason for visiting, each guest is treated with honesty, communication, and thoughtfulness. The team responds quickly to guest enquiries and requests, addresses any issues at the property as soon as they arise, and works closely with guests to accommodate any specific needs they might have. When a guest steps through the door, they are met with soft linens, soulful décor, and relaxing amenities. From Best Short-Term Rental Properties 2025 – Wisconsin The vacation rental industry is experiencing significant growth and evolution, driven by the rising demand for unique, personalised, and authentic travel experiences. Guests of today no longer wish to stay in standard accommodation with access to basic amenities; they seek spaces that feel as an extension of their own homes, complete with a variety of luxurious amenities to make their stays truly unforgettable. Bromeliad Homes is a company that understands this shift well, maintaining an exceptional portfolio of unique rental homes that have been expertly designed with the modern traveller in mind. Maira Gavioli, Founder and CEO of Bromeliad Homes, told us more below. scented hand soap to a well-stocked coffee station, every little detail is an intentional touch that welcomes guests from the moment they cross the threshold. Of course, guest expectations have certainly evolved over the years – shifting from basic accommodation to more experience-driven stays. “We launched our first property, the Belleview House, in the fall of 2022,” Maira recalled. “It wasn’t that long ago, but the short-term rental industry has gone through major shifts since; in the early days, many travellers were satisfied with clean beds and Wi-Fi. Today, people want spaces that feel at home yet offer amenities worthy of a boutique resort.” To date, Bromeliad Homes has responded to such advancements by adding dedicated workspaces and high-speed Wi-Fi to every property; upgrading its kitchens with emerging appliances, such as air fryers; and investing in entertainment amenities. As travel continues to evolve, the team intends to remain nimble and pay close attention to the feedback of its clientele. “We are working now on finalising a major design refresh for our Belleview House property in Milwaukee,” shared Maira. “We’ll be working on it this fall, and we will be adding a hot tub and building an outdoor oasis for our guests. We are working with a super talented designer to ensure that our space will become even more functional, beautiful and comfortable. Our target is to relaunch the property by Thanksgiving. For 2026, we are looking at launching a new property, so stay tuned!” Each of these marvellous properties can be found listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Hospitable, or directly through Bromeliad Homes’ official website for better value and a more personalised experience. B AIM-Aug25346 A
Hospitality Awards 2025 | 13 Best Corporate Travel Services Company 2025 – Jordan & LUXlife Client Service Excellence Award 2025 As travel demands grow more varied and complex, clients are turning to companies that can manage every aspect of the journey – from logistics and planning to support and service. Al Tahadi Travel and Tours responds with a full-service approach, offering tailored solutions for airlines, businesses, agents, and individual travellers across global markets. Following the company’s recent recognition in the Hospitality Awards 2025, we heard more from CEO, Iyad Ali Elqirem. Established in 2004, Al Tahadi Travel and Tours is one of Jordan’s leading travel and tourism companies. With branches strategically located around the world – including Nablus, Jeddah, Baghdad, Cairo, Berlin, Dubai, and Michigan – the company offers a comprehensive suite of integrated tourism services, each expertly tailored to meet the unique needs of its discerning clientele. Through dedication, innovation, and strong partnerships, Al Tahadi Travel and Tours continues to stand as a trusted partner in the travel industry, recognised by both international airlines and local clients. It serves a diverse clientele, including airlines seeking professional representation and sales development in the Jordanian market, corporate clients requiring reliable travel management services, travel agents and tour operators, and leisure travellers requiring personalised holiday packages and ticketing solutions. This wide array of services include airline representation for several international airlines; ticketing and reservations for both corporate and retail clients; overseeing air cargo operations on behalf of partner airlines; operating advanced booking platforms; clickto-book services designed for both B2B and B2C clients; corporate travel services that ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness; and tourism services, including organising inbound and outbound packages, group tours, and customised itineraries. For Al Tahadi Travel and Tours, hospitality is not only about travel and accommodation, but about creating experiences where every guest feels inspired by their journey. The company pays meticulous attention to detail across its services, placing a strong focus on each traveller’s individual expectations and providing ongoing support before, during, and after the stay. From welcome arrangements at the airport to smooth hotel check-ins and curated activities, every step of a journey with Al Tahadi Travel and Tours is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. “Our philosophy is built around one principle: every guest deserves a seamless, personalised, and memorable travel experience,” Iyad told us. “To achieve this, our team follows a servicefirst approach supported by industry expertise, innovative tools, and attention to detail. We don’t just arrange travel at Al Tahadi Travel and Tours; we create journeys that guests will remember for all the right reasons, defined by comfort, care, and unforgettable experiences.” Each member of Al Tahadi Travel and Tours’ team is carefully trained to understand client needs, anticipate challenges, and provide solutions promptly. Travel does not follow typical office hours and so the team remains accessible around the clock to support guests at every stage of their travels. From pre-trip planning to post-travel follow ups, the team focuses on warmth and efficiency to create an immediate sense of comfort and confidence, ensuring that every guest feels excited for the journey ahead. This careful craftsmanship has been expertly honed over years of operation, shaped by evolving guest expectations and industry advancement. Since Al Tahadi Travel and Aug25074 Tours’ establishment in 2004, the expectations of travellers have evolved significantly, influenced by technology, globalisation, and changing lifestyles. Guests today demand more personalised experiences, convenience, digital accessibility, and high quality service throughout their travels. In response to these evolving expectations, Al Tahadi Travel and Tours has focused on continually updating its knowledge and skills to better anticipate and meet emerging shifts in consumer behaviour. The company also expanded and enhanced its offerings, launching B2B and B2C booking platforms and broadening its reach to serve corporate clients, special-needs travellers, and leisure guests, delivering specialised services that did not exist at the time of the company’s inception. By evolving alongside its clients’ expectations, Al Tahadi Travel and Tours continues to provide travel experiences that are innovative, reliable, and unforgettable, maintaining its reputation as one of Jordan’s leading travel companies. Moving forward, the company will be expanding its reach through a series of forward-thinking initiatives, which will include accessible tourism programmes for European travellers with mobility impairments, upgrades to its Click2Book and ClickToBook platforms, and strengthened partnerships across airlines, hotels, and corporate sectors. “We are committed to continuous growth, innovation, and excellence in the travel and hospitality industry,” Iyad shared. “Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding our services, enhancing digital solutions, and offering even more tailored experiences to our clients. Our vision is to remain a trusted leader in the Jordanian travel market, providing innovative, accessible, and unforgettable experiences to every traveller we serve.” Contact: Iyad Ali Elqirem Company: Al Tahadi Travel and Tours Web Address: www.altahaditours.com Al Tahadi Travel and Tours
14 | LUXlife Magazine any properties aim to combine luxury and nature, but few pull it off quite as well as Deer View, which is the perfect place for a country retreat to one of England’s most desirable locations. Starting with the house itself, Deer View blends a rustic charm with modern living across a two-bedroom layout complete with an openplan living/dining area that backs directly onto its secure and spacious garden, which is perfect for guests looking to bring their furry friends along for the ride. The cottage also has a modern, fully-equipped kitchen – including an air fryer – making it ideal for those who either want to cook a feast to enjoy around the dining table or quickly stick something in for tea before retiring to the outside patio to watch the sunset or the grand corner sofa for a night in front of the Freeview Smart TV. A top-of-the-range coffee machine and encompassing views of the countryside from the window make getting out of the comfy beds the next morning a breeze. Aside from the above, there are many other thoughtfully designed amenities sprinkled throughout Deer View, all of which are there to allow guests to enjoy every moment. They include a spacious walk-in shower complete with a heated towel rail, a utility room with a washing machine and a dryer that guests are welcome to use, free Wi-Fi – which is essential for the kids and any remote workers – as well as convenient private parking. However, when it comes to pinpointing what makes Deer View so special, the property itself is really only just the beginning. What truly sets it apart is its location at the heart of the serene Devonshire countryside, which offers an abundance of things to do for travellers from far and wide. Be it a visit to the quaint town of Ottery St Mary nearby or a trip to one of the Best Luxury Country Retreat 2025 – Devon Deer View is a self-catering countryside retreat located in East Devon, with this modern accommodation blending peaceful surroundings with luxury amenities to offer people a much-need break from the inherent businesses of daily life. Be it for a romantic weekend award or a family retreat, Deer View is the perfect location, thanks to its private hot tub, enclosed garden, and the stunning views it offers of the working deer farm on the doorstep, which gives this award-winning property its name. many unique shops or outstanding restaurants the county boasts, there is something for every guest to revel in across the area. 103 square miles of this region also comprise the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), including a significant part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and Deer View is located right at the centre of it. There are countless opportunities to walk, sightsee, and experience nature within this perimeter, which was designated more than 60 years ago and as such is home to an abundance of wildlife and biodiversity. This is not to gloss over the fact that a lot of this beauty can be seen from Deer View itself, with the aforementioned working deer farm that the property overlooks affording guests a front-row seat to not only deer, but also goats, calves, and other animals as they go about their day. It is these little touches that have resulted in Deer View securing a fivestar rating on both Google and Airbnb. Across the latter, all of the criteria a property is reviewed on – such as cleanliness, check-in, and location – Deer View has perfect marks for, positioning it as a ‘guest favourite’ and placing it within the top one percent of eligible listings on the site. These reviews speak for themselves, and a link to them can be found here. Perfect for a luxury countryside retreat all year round, Deer View’s blend of personable hospitality, modern amenities, and a breathtaking location have solidified its status as one of the best places for a Devon getaway. With a number of packages available for winter, with these catering for couples, friends, and families alike, there has never been a better time to book a relaxing and indulgent break, as well as to take the time to reconnect with nature and savour the luxury touches that make Deer View such a memorable spot. Contact: Debbie Selley Company: Deer View Web Address: deerviewselfcatering.co.uk M Aug25064
Hospitality Awards 2025 | 15 offer. From the waterslides at the far end of one of its two spacious pools to its three-tier climbing wall and range of indoor and outdoor activities held down by the river and the beach, there is something for everyone to get stuck in with during their stay here in paradise. Since there is no play without work, Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel also offers event spaces, with its picturesque backdrop and world-class service making it the ideal place for everything from a board meeting to a corporate retreat, training session, team-building workshop, or holiday party. The highlight of its portfolio here is the Cube, the main conference room and a flexible space that even boasts a technical cabin for equipment. A former film studio, this setting can hold up to 300 people and host almost any event. Rounding out Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel’s facilities is Shanti Wellness, a spa and wellness centre offering guests the chance to recharge, rejuvenate, and revitalise – three things they should certainly be doing as they unwind on the holiday of a lifetime. Providing a range of spa treatments, Shanti Wellness also houses gym facilities, a sauna, a hammam (Turkish bath), and runs both Pilates and aerobics for its more active guests. Of course, the guest experience does not end with these amenities, and there is a whole world to explore outside of Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel, on an island that is much more than just the sea and the sand. From hiking up Le Morne Brabant to ziplining, swimming with dolphins, or learning more about the unique culture of this great country – which is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ as a result of its diverse culture inspired by African, European, and Asian influences – everyone is where they are meant to be in Mauritius. Recognised as the Beach Hotel of the Year 2025 – Mauritius, Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel is nothing short of the perfect place to be based for a holiday to this fantastic spot, with its wonderful location and top-class facilities making it second to none. Guests can even book directly on its website – linked below – making the whole process simple. And this is just a taste of the superior experience that awaits them on this island jewel. Contact: Emma Tong Sam Mui Company: Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel Web Address: https://oceanscreekmauritius.com/ Beach Hotel of the Year 2025 – Mauritius With Mauritius being one of the most beautiful island countries in the world, famed for its white-sand beaches, crystal-blue waters, and miles of green forest, getting a hotel to match the splendour of its surroundings is no easy task. However, Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel, nestled on the northwest coast of its main island, near the village of Balaclava, ticks all the boxes. Strategically positioned to help guests immerse themselves in all of the culture and nature Mauritius has to offer, this location delivers a vibrant experience for 365 days of the year. Looking over both the Tombeau River and Le Goulet Beach, Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel Mauritius prides itself on bleeding quality services with luxurious facilities, resulting in a memorable getaway for guests ranging from couples and families to friendship groups. 136 stunning rooms are available, from traditional hotel rooms through to family rooms, suites, and even studios complete with kitchenettes. All of these spaces come complete with a private balcony, offering views of the pool, river, or forest. The rooms are just the beginning of this exquisite four-star hotel, which also boasts two restaurants and two bars. Le Jardein, its main restaurant, specialises in the all-day dining experience, delivering an expansive buffet spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Otherwise, Monday to Saturday, guests are welcome to dine in the Rum Shed, where they will enjoy the best steak and grills that the north of island has to offer, as they are taken on a journey through local flavours complete with authentic music. Once dinner is over, Tam Tam Bar is the place to be, with its combination of local and international mixology able to be found at the heart of Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel. Sip bold, refreshing cocktails whilst looking out at the stunning pool and courtyard, and make new memories in these elegant and stylish surroundings. For those after something more casual, the Pool Bar is open daily and serves a choice selection of drinks and snacks, which can be enjoyed either at the water’s edge or under a guest’s own cabana. When they are not sampling the exceptional food and drink available across Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel, guests are often found engrossing themselves in all of the leisure activities this one-of-a-kind location has to AIM-Aug25237
lux-life.digitalRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3