Last month, I enjoyed a terrific holiday on the Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Ios (Cyclades). You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Lufthansa A320neo Business Class from Frankfurt to Mykonos
• Review: Aeonic Suites & Spa, Mykonos
• Review: Myconian Imperial, Mykonos (today)
• Review: Calilo, Ios (PHENOMENAL hotel)
• Review: Cavo Tagoo Santorini
• Review: Andronis Arcadia, Santorini

Today: Review of Myconian Imperial Resort (Mykonos, Greece)

• Location: Google maps
• Hotel website: Myconian Imperial 

A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Myconian Imperial is an exclusive address on Mykonos, poised immediately above the island’s longest beach in Elia. Its majestic white profile rises up from rustic stone walls that anchor it into the foot of a gentle slope, one foot in the water and with views that extend to the horizon. The property features 118 nicely sized guest rooms and suites, a luxury spa, two gourmet restaurants, and a large deck with two saltwater pools, Jacuzzi and swim-up bar. Pairing barefoot luxuries with high-end service, the Myconian Imperial is a long-standing favorite with island-hopping families and couples who seek a laid-back holiday in a beautiful setting that is a short ride from the island’s exciting nightlife by complimentary shuttle.

Have you ever stayed at Myconian Imperial? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Myconian Imperial has established itself among the island’s best 5-star resorts thanks to its excellent location above Elia Beach, Mykonos’ largest beach and also one of its most beautiful stretches of sand. Myconian Imperial and its adjoining sibling Myconian Royal Resort, both members of the Myconian Collection hotels, have been built on a steep hill just a stone’s throw from the beach. Mykonos Town is 10 km (6 mi) away by complimentary hotel shuttle, which departs from a centralized location and operates at regular intervals until 1:00 am. The resort also offers complimentary arrival and departure transfers to and from the Mykonos seaport or airport in an air-conditioned shuttle bus (shared with other guests).

• Built in 2002, and renovated in 2017, Myconian Imperial is comprised of several buildings, which all face the Aegean Sea to maximize the spectacular views. Antonis Kalogridis – who was the head of the design team – visualised a metropolitan loft above the sea, combining classical Greek and modern Mykonian architecture. The result is a minimalist decor, which allows a beautiful contrast between the deep blue of the surrounding sea & sky and the luxurious all-white interiors. The design works particularly well in the hotel’s enormous light-flooded lobby, which features kitsch all-white statues of elephants & hippos, sculpted flying books, comfy chairs adorned with ‘I Love Mykonos’ cushions, walls of brightly colored glasses, and expansive stone terraces.

• Myconian Imperial features 118 charming rooms, including 28 suites. The rooms are simply decorated in all-white materials, furniture and accessories that enhances textures, light and structure. Most rooms have balconies while some rooms come with a private pool or Jaccuzi. During my holiday, I stayed in a Premium Room, which featured an open plan layout: the elegant bedroom with kingsize bed and oversized lounger lead to a small balcony with view of a grassy patio and the sea beyond. Separated from the bedroom by a white curtain was a semi-open bathroom which featured one sink, a toilet and a bath that doubled as a shower. Standard amenities were complemented by a flat-screen television and staples of luxury toiletries.

• One of Myconian Imperial’s best selling points is its huge outdoor pool deck, which features panoramic views of the sea, evoking the feeling of being on a luxurious ocean liner. Filled with salt water, the beautiful lagoon-style pool is split into two, with one section featuring a feet-in-the-water cocktail bar. Next to the main pool is also a small toddler pool for the hotel’s little VIP guests as well as a large Jacuzzi directly overlooking the beach (although the latter is filled with lukewarm water). The pools are lined by two rows of luxurious and very comfortable loungers, with the sunbeds in the inner row facing the pool while the sunbeds in the outher row look out over the Aegan Sea.  Pool service is offered all day long.

• Myconian Imperial is part of the Myconian group, a family-owned group of ten leading luxury hotels on Mykonos, including three Relais & Châteaux, two Leading Hotels of the World, two Design Hotels, two Preferred Hotels & Resorts and a Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Founded in 1979 by George and Elefteria Daktylides, the hotels are run today by their four sons Panos, Markos, Vangelis and Marios. Renowned for their contemporary elegance, innovative design and irresistible allure, all ten outstanding properties deliver the highest of hospitality standards while maintaining their own original personality and style. The group’s most exclusive property is Myconian Villa Collection, which was unfortunately not available during my travel dates.

• The Myconian group manages six hotels on the hill above Elia Beach: Myconian Villa Collection, Myconian Imperial, Myconian Royal, Myconian Avaton, Myconian Utopia, and Panoptis Escape. Awarded the Blue Flag for its pristine beauty, Elias Beach brings together a cosmopolitan crowd of families, celebrities, jet-setting island hoppers, honeymooners, and LBGT travelers. Here, the water of the Aegean Sea is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming. For the more energetic, a wide array of watersports is available, including kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. The Myconian Group has a private concession on the beach (right below Myconian Imperial), with free sunbeds & umbrellas for hotel guests.

• Myconian Imperial features a small spa facility, which is located directly behind the pool deck. The spa describes itself as a “place of serenity and renaissance weaved with graceful luxury and an enrapturing atmosphere where time seems to have stopped in a cocoon of wellness.” Spa treatments are provided by experienced therapists and include a signature Elemis Biotec facial, a sun tanning body care treatment, as well as a 4-hand Hawaiian wave massage for the ultimate indulgence. The spa floor also features a heated indoor pool, a play room for children, and a fully-equipped gym with eight state-of-the-art machines and weight bar (open from 9 am to 9 pm). Private trainers and Pilates or Yoga tuition are available on demand.

• Myconian Imperial has four restaurants on site (although guests can also make use of the other restaurants within the Myconian Collection’s portfolio of hotels & restaurants).
  • Named after the warm Etesian wind, Meltemi is the property’s breakfast restaurant (open until 10:30 am each day). It offers a spectacular all-you-can-eat Champagne breakfast, which includes a selection of freshly baked breads, fruit platters, cured meats, yoghurts, cheeses, Mediterranean delicacies, and an assortment of cereals.
  • Led by executive Chef Thomas Kontouris, Celebrities Seafood Restaurant is Myconian Imperial’s à la carte restaurant. Signature dishes include sea bass with black risotto, calf fillet with wild mushrooms, and the Aegean lobster caught by local fishermen between Mykonos and Tinos. Naturally, there are also delicious vegetarian options.
  • Located on the pool deck is Sishu Sushi Bar, and open-air dining venue with breathtaking views across the bay. Each night, Sishu Sushi Bar serves Japanese dishes created with flair by chef Meiwang Ke Steven, prepared from the freshest catch hauled in at first light.
  • During the day (until 8 pm), Imperial Myconian also opens a 4th restaurant, located next to the pool. Called Nostos Pool Bar, this venue serves light snacks, such as salads, burgers and pizzas (although these meals can also be served at your sunbed).

• Myconian Imperial is counted among the portfolio of the Leading Hotels of the World. The latter is an exclusive collection of more than 400 luxury hotels and resorts in over 80 countries. LHW does not own hotels; it rather offers a reservation service for independent hotels and supports sales and marketing, advertising and public relations, financial services, quality control, and hotel inspections for its member properties. LHW has many iconic properties in its portfolio, such as such as the 12 Apostles Hotel in Cape Town, The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia, Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Le Sirenuse in Positano (Italy), Il Sereno Lake Como (Italy), Laucala Island in Fiji, the Setai Miami Beach, and The Ritz in Paris.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

• With 118 rooms, Myconian Imperial is one of the larger resorts on Mykonos. The property also attracts a lot of families due to its child-friendly facilities, which might take away from the relaxed atmosphere that couples are looking for (especially on the pool deck). If you are looking for an intimate, small-scale boutique hotel and/or an adults only experience, you might prefer to stay at one of the Myconian Collection’s other hotels (like adults only Myconian Naia).

• When the resort is operating at full capacity during the summer months of July and August, the breakfast buffet area tends to get busy and crowded after 9:30 am. In times of social distancing, this made me feel a bit uncomfortable, especially since not all guests were wearing a face mask. It also made me wonder why the hotel did not choose to avoid this situation by either offering an a la carte menu instead of buffet, by introducing a reservation system for breakfast, or by enforcing a mask and glove policy. It’s important to mention that the restaurant manager assured me that all safety protocols were followed (and that my feedback was taken seriously and followed-up with). Also, according to government reports, the hotel has had zero reported COVID cases, so maybe it’s just me being overanxious.

• An undeniable part of the appeal of Myconian Imperial is its beachside location on a quieter part of the island. However, for some guests, the setting might feel a bit isolated and far away from Mykonos’ legendary party scene and nightlife. If you want to get to the action in Mykonos, you will either have to rent a car during your holiday or make use of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to Mykonos town (which runs until after midnight).

• While elegant and charming, some of the guest rooms are a bit on the small side. Also, most rooms feature an open-plan design, which might be uncomfortable if you are sharing the room with a friend (and not your partner). If you want more space and luxury, I recommend to either book a suite or to check out the resort’s sister property, Myconian Royal, which is located next door. Myconian Royal, also a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is similar in layout and design to Myconian Imperial, but features a larger inventory of suites. Of course, you could also choose to stay at Myconian Villa Collection, the most exclusive (and expensive) resort in the Myconian Collection. Located directly above Myconian Imperial, Myconian Villa Collection offers 59 private villas and in-house guest rooms & suites overlooking Elia Bay.

• The advantage of staying at Myconian Imperial is that it’s the closest hotel in the Myconian Collection to Elia Beach. The beach is reachable via a short stroll (5 min) down the hill, although it might be inconvenient for those having difficulties with walking because of the steep incline.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 8/10
• Design: 8/10
• Pool: 9/10
• Rooms: 7/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 8/10
• Service: 8/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: very good 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Myconian Imperial (and/or receive many free perks).

• Save money: Myconian Imperial participates in The Leading Hotels of the World’s loyalty program Leaders Club. By joining Leaders Club (which you do here), members receive complimentary benefits across the group’s impressive portfolio of luxury hotels (including Myconian Imperial). This includes room upgrade opportunities, the chance to earn free nights (by collecting points), members-only savings and offers, and on-property benefits. For clarity, bookings must be made via The Leading Hotels of the World website to receive these benefits (bookings made directly with the hotel do not count). Read my review of Leaders Club here.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October: the weather is still great, the tourist crowds have left, the sea temperature is at its warmest, and the hotel rates are within reasonable range. The spring months of April and May, before the summer rush comes, are also a great time to visit, although the sea is cold and you may encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a very popular holiday destination for Europeans in June, July and August: expect hordes of tourists, nonstop parties and soaring hotel rates at this time of year. Summers also see a lot of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for long periods, especially in the afternoons (sometimes gale force like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Myconian Imperial is a 30 min car ride from the ferry harbour and the aiport (complimentary transfers are provided). Click here for a constantly updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mykonos.

PHOTOS

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Today: The Leading Hotels of the World’s loyalty program is now free

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)’s loyalty program Leaders Club is now free, as LHW has (finally) decided to ditch the $175 USD annual membership fee. By joining Leaders Club (which you do here), members receive complimentary benefits across the group’s impressive portfolio of luxury hotels. This includes room upgrade opportunities, the chance to earn free nights, members-only savings and offers, on-property benefits, exclusive access to new hotels, and more.

Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. I have previously stayed at the following excellent LHW properties:

• 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, South Africa (read my review here)
• Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa (read my review here)
• The Lodhi, New Delhi, India (read my review here)
• The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia (read my review here)
• The Reverie Saigon, Vietnam (read my review here)
• The Chedi Muscat, Oman (read my review here)
• Villa Dubrovnik, Croatia (read my review here)
• Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Crete, Greece (read my review here)
• J.K. Place Capri, Italy (read my review here)
• Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, Ischia, Italy (read my review here)
• Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Sicily (read my review here)
• Il Sereno, Lake Como, Italy (read my review here)
• The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland (read my review here)
• The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland (read my review here)
• The Fontenay Hamburg, Germany (read my review here)

“As signs of recovery emerge for the travel industry, we wanted to create a more seamless membership process, while continuing to deliver the benefits members have come to enjoy and expect from Leaders Club. By making the program complimentary more of our community is recognized and rewarded for their loyalty,” said Phil Koserowski, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at The Leading Hotels of the World. “Our loyalty program provides a club for curious travelers who value staying at independent luxury properties and connects them with like-minded individuals and hoteliers. It celebrates individuality and rewards guests for choosing the uncommon path. We look forward to welcoming more curious travelers to the club as travel demand returns.”

Leader Club’s new enhancements include the following benefits:

• Leaders Club is now complimentary: Say hello to more travel, and goodbye to Leaders Club fees. The USD 175 annual program cost has been eliminated. New and current members can take advantage of the program’s members-only benefits that have not been changed.

• Membership Doesn’t Expire: As long as a member keeps traveling with Leading Hotels their membership will not expire, and neither will the points they accrued. Annual membership renewals have also been removed to simplify the process for members.

I have previously published a review (with pros & cons) of Leaders Club, which you read here. With the removal of the annual membership fee, the Leader Club program has become a lot more attractive as anyone can now join the program for free and cash in on the benefits. However, the program still lacks some incentive as you can usually get better benefits via other booking channels. For example, most LHW properties belong to the Virtuoso portfolio and/or are member of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. When you book via Virtuoso, not only will you get the same benefits as a Leaders Club member, but you’ll also get an additional benefit, usual $100 USD of food and beverage credit per stay, which you don’t get via Leaders Club.

Some key points of the Leaders Club program are:

• Earn towards free nights: Members accrue 1 Leaders Club point per 1 USD spent, on up to three rooms per reservation. Free nights start at around 4,000 points and there are numerous Leaders Club points promotional offerings throughout the year that members can take advantage of.

• Greater loyalty brings richer benefits: After a member spends USD 5,000 on qualifying stays, they are automatically upgraded to Leaders Club Sterling level. This unlocks 5 pre-arrival upgrades annually, as well as a one-time five percent annual points bonus on their qualifying annual spend in the previous membership year. Opportunities for further recognition and richer rewards will be available for Leaders Club’s most loyal members.

• Upgrade your stay: Guests can arrive at a Leading Hotel of the World knowing an upgraded room awaits. Club members will continue to receive one confirmed pre-arrival upgrade annually after a completed first paid stay and Sterling members will receive five confirmed pre-arrival upgrades annually.

• On-property perks: On-property benefits start from day one of membership and include daily continental breakfast for two, upgrade priority upon arrival, early check-in and late check-out considerations, and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi.

• Members only savings: Members have exclusive access to seasonal sales and the lowest available rates, along with special opportunities to preview Leading Hotels of the World’s newest properties. Save up to 20 percent on the best available room rates by booking the “Leaders Club Exclusive Offer” that also includes a Flexible Cancellation policy with a 72-hour cancelation window prior to arrival with no penalty.

Are you a member of Leaders Club? If so, what is your experience with the program? Leave a comment.

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Today (January 21, 2019): Top 10 Leading Hotels of the World.

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is an exclusive collection of more than 400 luxury hotels and resorts in over 80 countries. LHW does not own hotels; it rather offers a reservation service for independent hotels and supports sales and marketing, advertising and public relations, financial services, quality control, and hotel inspections for its member properties. LHW has several iconic properties in its portfolio, some of them ranking among the best hotels in the world. Here’s a list of my 10 favorite LWH properties in the world.

Which one is your favorite Leading Hotel of the World? Leave a comment.

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10. FASANO RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Located on Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Ipanema Beach, star designer Philippe Starck’s first hotel in Brazil pays homage to the golden age of bossa nova. Channeling the heyday of Jobim and Gilberto, the staff wears Ocimar Versolato–inspired uniforms. Distinctly Brazilian materials like Îpe flooring and the enormous piquiá tree stump used for the reception desk are mixed with Grecian marble, 19th-century Argentinean brick and Chinese onyx. The guest rooms have Sergio Rodrigues furnishings and Starckian ear-shaped mirrors and come with private balconies affording sweeping views. Overseeing the Al Mare restaurant is a chef from Florence’s Michelin-starred Enoteca Pinchiorri, while the Renata de Abreu Spa offers La Prairie treatments.

• Hotel website: Fasano Rio De Janeiro
• Other accolades: Fasano Rio De Janeiro also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most beautiful rooftop pools, the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops, the best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, and swimming pools with the world’s most spectacular views.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

9. THE CHEDI MUSCAT, OMAN

Occupying a prime beachfront location, this exclusive 21-acre beach resort is located 20 minutes north of old Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, at Al Ghubra. The Chedi Muscat is ideally located for business and leisure travelers alike as the main tourist attractions, the financial center, three golf courses, and Muscat International Airport are only a 15-minute drive away. The Chedi Muscat, Oman’s first contemporary hotel, opened its doors in 2003. The resort offers understated elegance and a perfect blend of Omani architecture and Asian zen style. The clean white lines of the low-rise buildings are accentuated by gardens of symmetrical simplicity, with lines of manicured hedges and orderly water ponds, creating a sense of calm. All nonsmoking rooms have breathtaking views across the gardens and ponds toward the Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman.

• Hotel website: The Chedi Muscat
• Other accolades: The Chedi Muscat features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels in Oman and the world’s best urban resorts.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, free breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD resort credit, and a 60-minute massage for two for guests staying in a suite).
• Review: read my review of The Chedi Muscat here.

8. THE LANESBOROUGH LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

At the only hotel in London to offer round-the-clock, dedicated butler service in each room and suite, guests are assured their every need is well served – with thought, surprise and charm. Perfectly located between Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Mayfair, this iconic landmark is at the heart of the capital’s beloved boutiques and fashionable neighborhoods. Celebrated as much as a destination for food and drink as a hotel, The Lanesborough is home to the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, an award-winning afternoon tea service, a seriously seductive Library Bar and one of London’s best cigar and cognac lounges in the city. The finishing touch in the hotel’s exceptional renovation, The Lanesborough Club & Spa is one of London’s most exclusive private member fitness and health clubs, offering hotel guests and club members access to internationally recognized experts in the fields of fitness, beauty and wellness.

• Hotel website: The Lanesborough
• Other accolades: The Lanesborough also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in London.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g.room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: read my review of The Lanesborough London here.

7. FAENA HOTEL MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA

Faena Hotel Miami Beach evokes Miami’s golden age of glamour with stunning Art Deco appeal and old-world grandeur. The oceanfront hotel features exquisitely designed spaces that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, with restaurants from award-winning chefs including an open Fire Kitchen from Argentine chef Francis Mallmann and modern Asian cuisine from chef Paul Qui, a 150-seat cabaret-style theater with nightly live performances, and an expansive Tierra Santa Healing House spa for relaxation. The hotel’s signature Faena Butlers, available to every guestroom, are responsible for ensuring that a guest’s needs are not only met but exceeded.

• Hotel website: Faena Hotel Miami
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

6. LE SIRENUSE, AMALFI COAST, ITALY

The Sersale family, owners of Le Sirenuse, the legendary Amalfi Coast hotel, has had many illustrious members: an ambassador in the mid-18th century; a cardinal and archbishop of Naples; even a mayor of Positano, the fishing village-turned-glam resort, in the 1940’s. The palazzo that now houses the property was the Sersale’s seaside retreat, and anyone who stays cannot help but be swept up in the passion and good taste of this family. The majolica tiled rooms are filled with museum-worthy antiques, hand-picked mostly by patriarch Franco Sersale. Today, the charming Antonio Sersale continues the tradition that has transformed his family’s home into one of the world’s most personal properties. As locals will tell you, ‘Positano is Le Sirenuse’.

• Hotel website: Le Sirenuse
• Other accolades: Le Sirenuse also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD wellness credit, early check-in, and late check-out).

5. THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Nestled in the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest, The Datai Langkawi is a captivating destination resort that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, lush tropical rainforest infiltrates the resort’s rooms, suites, and villas, through private verandas offering breathtaking views in every direction. The resort’s serene surroundings provide the perfect escape for guests looking to reconnect with nature, and to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. But if that’s not enough, Datai Bay is rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic and, along with the resort’s surrounding jungle, is host to a wide array of wildlife, like Dusky langurs, Tokay geckos, and Sunda Colugos, just a few of the area’s endemic species.

• Hotel website: The Datai Langkawi
• Other accolades: The Datai Langkawi also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most luxurious rainforest lodges and the world’s best family hotels.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 60-minute massage, foot bath, and tea for two, once per stay).
• Review: read my review of the Datai Langkawi here.

4. LA MAMOUNIA, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

For more than 90 years, La Mamounia has been a beloved destination for discerning international travelers. Located in the heart of the enchanting imperial city, this luxury hotel has recreated the intoxicating mood of an Oriental palace. The sprawling gardens are ripe with citrus trees, fragrant rose blossoms, ancient olive groves and a vegetable garden where one might see La Mamounia’s chefs foraging for ingredients to be prepared that evening at the hotel’s three signature restaurants. Completing the regal experience, La Mamounia’s service epitomizes Moroccan hospitality with attentive and friendly staff, always with a warm smile.

• Hotel website: La Mamounia
• Other accolades: La Mamounia also features in my top 10 list of the world’s best hotel breakfasts.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP benefits when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

3. THE RITZ PARIS, FRANCE

The iconic Paris grande dame has been restored to its former Belle Époque glory after a resplendent interior renovation by acclaimed architect, Thierry W. Despont. The hotel’s historic suites are named after the hotel’s most illustrious former guests (Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust), featuring signature 19th century flourishes amid opulent contemporary comforts. The property includes three restaurants, three bars, including the famed Bar Hemingway, and gorgeous gardens and terraces with retractable roofs and heated floors, designed to be enjoyed all year-long. After long days spent exploring the city, you can keep up with your exercise regimen in the indoor pool or modern fitness center, or indulge in a Chanel skin care treatment inside a private room at Chanel au Ritz Paris, the signature Spa. And speaking of privacy, a discreet underground tunnel provides unseen arrivals and departures from the hotel for guests who value the utmost in discretion.

• Hotel website: The Ritz Paris
• Other accolades: The Ritz Paris also features in my lists of the top 10 best hotels in Paris and the best new luxury hotels of 2016.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP benefits when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. guaranteed upgrade at time of booking, daily breakfast, and two-way private airport transfer with VIP meet & greet at the airport on arrival).

2. MAIA LUXURY RESORT & SPA, SEYCHELLES

Guests will experience every aspect of luxury at the Maia Luxury Resort & Spa. Set on the secluded Anse Louis overlooking the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the private twelve-acre property is lushly landscaped with hibiscus, lemongrass and cinnamon. With just ten ocean-front villas and 20 panoramic villas, all with private pools, and a staff of 230, the resort insures an exceptional level of service. Pampering and wellness are also the focus at the Balinese-style spa, which offers instruction in Hatha yoga and Qigong, as well as restorative treatments performed in open-air pavilions. If guests can motivate to move beyond the resort’s beautiful grounds, the variety of water-based activities available include snorkeling and canoeing, with diving and fishing at a fee.

• Hotel website: Maia Luxury Resort & Spa
• Other accolades: Maia Luxury Resort & Spa also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in the Seychelles.
• Review: read my review of Maia Luxury Resort & Spa here.

1. LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI

Set upon 3,500 exclusive acres Laucala private island resort is set amidst coconut plantations, sandy beaches, rich green mountains and breathtaking natural beauty. True luxury is appreciated in the privacy of the resort’s villas widely spread on the northern tip of the island. Seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living creates an inspiringly relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. Laucala shows its most ethereal side in an iridescent kaleidoscope of sporting and cultural activities. Diving in a unique underwater world, rain forest tours, horseback riding, surfing, golfing on the 18-hole championship course, or meeting native artists. Whether you choose to dine in your villa or to visit one of Laucala’s five restaurants and bars, you enjoy dishes based on the freshest produce.

• Hotel website: Laucala Island
• Other accolades: Laucala Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best beach resorts in the South Pacific, the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s most over-the-top hotel experiences, the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, and luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks at  when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one 60 minute spa treatment per person per stay).

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Today (December 9, 2016): Travel Series: The Leading Hotels of the World’s loyalty program ‘Leaders Club’ explained.

Being a member of a hotel loyalty program is one of the easiest ways to get free nights, score upgrades, and receive free VIP experiences at luxury hotels. I previously published the details, with pros & cons, of the loyalty programs of the world’s most famous hotel brands, and how to take advantage of them:

• Starwood Hotel Group: Starwood preferred guest
• Hyatt Hotel Groups: Hyatt Gold Passport
• Hilton Hotel Group: Hilton Honors
• Marriott Hotel Group: Marriott Rewards
• InterContinental Hotel Group: IHG Rewards Club
• Jumeirah Hotel Group: Jumeirah Sirius
• Fairmont Hotel Group: Fairmont President’s Club
• Global Hotel Alliance: Discovery

Today, I have a look at Leaders Club, the loyalty program of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), one of the largest luxury hotel collections in the world.  In this overview, I explain the Leaders Club loyalty program:

• Membership tiers & benefits
• Pros & things I like about Leaders Club
• Cons & things I don’t like about Leaders Club
• My reviews of luxury hotels covered by Leaders Club
• Key points
• Poll: what’s the best hotel loyalty program?

LEADERS CLUB : MEMBERSHIP TIERS & BENEFITS

There are no qualification requirements for Leaders Club, as membership is outright purchased, after which it remains in effect for one year. These are the two tiers within the program:

• Leaders Club membership is the base level, and comes with an annual fee of $120 USD. This will get you the following benefits:
  • One complimentary night at a LHW hotel for every five completed stays
  • Complimentary continental breakfast for two each day
  • One category room upgrade, subject to availability
  • Complimentary internet access
  • Early check-in and late check-out considerations
  • Welcome gift at each LHW hotel
  • Exclusive members-only offers and rates

• Unlimited membership is the program’s premium tier. A $1200 USD annual fee will get you the following benefits :
  • Complimentary one-way airport to hotel transfers in 30 cities
  • Complimentary internet access
  • Early check-in when available
  • Guaranteed late check-out (4 pm)
  • Daily continental breakfast for two
  • Priority status for a one-category room upgrade
  • A free night after four qualifying stays
  • Three complimentary gifted Leaders Club memberships for your family
  • A PriorityPass card which provides access to over 700 airport VIP lounges worldwide
  • Welcome gift at each LHW hotel
  • Exclusive members-only offers and rates

PROS & THINGS I LIKE ABOUT LEADERS CLUB

• As a Leaders Club member, you can enjoy benefits across some of the most iconic and luxurious hotels of the word, such as Maia Luxury Resort in the Seychelles, the 12 Apostles Hotel in Cape Town, The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia, The Langham London, Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, Le Sirenuse in Positano (Italy), Laucala Island in Fiji, The Setai Miami Beach, and The Ritz in Paris. You can access the full list of LHW hotels here. So when you consider several stays at one or multiple of the 375 remarkably uncommon properties, it’s worth paying and signing up for the program.

• The LHW collection mainly consists of independent high-end hotels that work together under the LHW umbrella to increase their sales, marketing, and revenue. Remarkably, the LHS portfolio does include some luxury hotel chains, such as a few Kempsinki, Constance, Raffles, Langham, and One&Only hotels.

• Leaders Club members have access to special rates and offers at LHW hotels across the globe, with up to 20% off the best available rate with every booking. These rates are available exclusively for Leaders Club members and are not available anywhere else. Simply search hotels and rates, then sign-in as a Leaders Club member to view the discounted rates.

• Leaders Club members get one free night with every 5 stay credits – the fastest earn rate of any hotel loyalty program. Unlimited members even get a free night after four qualifying stays. There is no limit to the number of nights you can earn during your membership year. LHW has tons of really expensive properties, with room rates above 1000 USD per night, so the trick is to book a few paid stays at cheaper, affordable properties and then redeem your free award night at an ultra-expensive property.

• Leaders Club Unlimited Members enjoy free one-way airport transfers in the following 30 cities: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Montreal, Moscow, Munich, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Toronto, Vienna, Washington D.C., and Zurich. Complimentary one-way airport transfer must be reserved by phone at least 48 hours in advance, and members must have a reservation with a LHW hotel listed within city limits or 30km/20mi of the 30 destinations.

• Leaders Club is one of the very few programs that rewards loyalty for stays at luxury hotels. Hotels using the program make efforts to reward their most loyal guests. In comparison, hotel chains such as Four Seasons, Rosewood, Aman, Banyan Tree, and Mandarin Oriental do not offer a loyalty program.

• The program is uncomplicated and thus very easy to understand. You don’t collect points (as compared to the other, better known hotel loyalty programs) but you are rewarded with benefits based on your loyalty status.

• Leaders Club Unlimited Members get a PriorityPass card which provides access to over 700 VIP airport lounges in over 100 countries (regardless of what airline you fly).

• Leaders Club members enjoy the exclusive advantages of the Sixt Platinum Card which include up to 15% discount and an upgrade on all offline and internet private customer rates of car rental copany Sixt, valid at time and place of rent.

• Leaders Club members can take advantage of Luggage Free door-to-door service to over 130 countries worldwide. Send your luggage ahead to nearly any destination, worldwide, to avoid the inconvenience of carrying, checking and claiming bags — even going through customs.

• Leaders Club members can enjoy benefits when traveling by rail in Italy on Italo trains to and from Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples, Roma, Venice, Verona and other destinations. You will have the opportunity to experience the top Club Executive level at rates up to 25% off, with the added comfort of fine leather seats and free Wi-F.

• When staying for the first time at a LHW property, you may be offered one year complimentary Leaders Club level membership to make you familiar with the program. Not all LHW hotels offer this gift (you’re most likely to get it at the very high-end and expensive properties).

CONS & THINGS I DON’T LIKE ABOUT LEADERS CLUB

• Contrary to most hotel loyalty programs, Leaders Club members do not earn hotel points for their expenses at LHW hotels, and as such cannot save credits towards a free hotel night.

• Benefits can only be enjoyed as long as you make your bookings via the official LHW website or through one of LHW’s worldwide reservations and service centers. Making your booking directly on the official hotel website will not get you any benefit.

• There are some restrictions for redeeming free nights through the Leaders Club program: only one free night certificate can be redeemed per stay for Leaders Club members, while Leaders Club Unlimited members may redeem up to three free night certificates in one reservation. There are also a limited number of black-out dates which will vary by hotel.

• To earn a free night, you must have stayed with at least two different LHW hotels.

• Leaders Club is one of the few hotel loyalty schemes that does not earn you frequent flyer miles.

• Leaders Club lacks a best rate guarantee program.

• Leaders Club is one of the few programs where you exclusively earn status by purchasing it. Contrary to most other hotel loyalty programs, there’s no other way to earn elite status with LHW, no matter how often you stay with them.

• Many LHW properties belong to Virtuoso portfolio. As such, you will receive many of the same benefits when booking via Virtusos as you would get as a Leaders Club member (and you don’t have to pay membership fee for that). So the program definitely isn’t the only way to get VIP perks at the hotels that are part of the LHW portfolio.

MY REVIEWS OF LUXURY HOTELS COVERED BY LEADERS CLUB

• Hotel review: the Datai Langkawi (Malaysia)
• Review: The Langham London Hotel (United Kingdom)
• Review: San Clemente Palace Venice (Italy)
• Review of The Lanesborough London
• Review: Oman’s most stylish resort, The Chedi Muscat
• Review: The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
• Review: Mezzatorre Resort & Spa (Ischia Island, Italy)
• Review: The Fontenay Hotel Hamburg (Germany)
• Review of Maia Luxury Resort & Spa (Seychelles)
• Review of The Dolder Grand Hotel (Zürich, Switzerland) 
• Review: The Chedi Andermatt Hotel (Switzerland) 
• Review: The Lodhi New Delhi (India)
• The Leading Hotels of the World’s loyalty program is now free
• Review: Gstaad Palace Hotel (Switzerland)

KEY POINTS

• LHW’s loyalty program, Leaders Club, can only accessed by paying a fee.

• Although the Unlimited membership tier comes at a significant price ($1200 USD annual membership fee), the value can add up quickly if you are a frequent traveler making at least a couple dozen stays in a year within the LHW portfolio, since it includes free airport transfers, breakfast, and access to special discounts.

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