NEW YORK — Vietnam’s spa culture made a resounding statement last week when the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and The Nam Hai in Hoi An were ranked among the top five hotel spas in the world by Travel + Leisure readers.
The honor was part of the 2013 World’s Best Awards, the 18th annual survey by the world’s highest circulating magazine of the finest “hotels, destinations and companies that define the very best in travel.”
Inclusion in the World’s Best Awards is regarded by many as one of the two most prized distinctions by hotels and resorts. The other cherished accolade is the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.
The Metropole punctuated its achievement by making the grade in two other categories — Top 100 Hotels (No. 52) and Best City Hotels – Asia (No. 5 – up from No.8 last year).
The Metropole has been named one of T+L’s World’s Best Hotels every year since 2007, though this is the first year the hotel has been included among the Top 100.
“Fantastic,” said Kai Speth, general manager of the Metropole. “Magnificent. It’s hard to find the right words when you win an award like this. We like all the big adjectives!”
The Nam Hai was called out more than once, as well.
In addition to finishing fourth in the Top 10 Hotel Spas category, the GHM-managed, Central Coast hideout took 12th in the Best Resorts – Asia division.
This is the first time The Nam Hai has won a World’s Best Award of any kind.
“To be recognized twice in a survey of this stature is truly a remarkable feat,” said Anthony Gill, The Nam Hai’s general manager. “It speaks to the level of dedication our staff has for creating a singular guest experience.”
Park Hyatt Saigon was the only other hotel in Vietnam to measure up, earning the 17th position in the Best City Hotels – Asia category.
While just three hotels in all of Vietnam were World’s Best Award winners, five hotels from Siem Reap (including Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort) in neighboring Cambodia, curried favor with T+L readers.
Spa rankings are based on readers’ ratings for ambience, treatments, service, facilities and value.
Hotel rankings are based on ratings for rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value.
The results of the World’s Best Awards survey is the cover story of the August issue, on newsstands in North America July 19.
https://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1555-sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi/index.shtml
