The Island Province and the Makati Hotel each appeared on two separate Best Lists of the 84-year-old title.
New York-based publication Travel + Leisure recently released its annual World’s Best Lists online, and two Philippine stops made it—Palawan and The Peninsula Manila.
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The results of the World’s Best Awards is based off on a months-long survey among Travel + Leisure’s readers. The lists are ranked based on the average score given by the respondents.
With a score of 88.63, Palawan was 19th in the World’s Best Islands List and 5th in Asia’s Best Islands. Meanwhile, Milos, Greece scored 99.5 to be deemed as the World’s Best Island, 4.03 ahead of second-placer, Folegandros, Greece. The Andaman Islands in India took the top spot in Asia with a score of 91.24.
After noting a dip from Palawan’s place last year, article writer Rebecca Ascher-Walsh explains the virtues that make the island a consistent top-placer.
“When they arrive, guests find mountains as well as white sand beaches washed by the Sula and South China seas. Resorts range from eco-chic stays to the spectacular Amanpulo resort, accessible only by private plane,” she writes. “Its 58 casitas and villas are nestled in the lush hillside and along the beach; each villa has its own chef and butler.”
Grande dame
The Pen, on the other hand, scored 98.40 and was tied for 25th in the World’s Best Hotels category, alongside the Four Seasons in Istanbul. The scores were generally close together on the list, with top-placer Mahali Mzuri in Masai Mara, Kenya being only 1.33 away from the Makati hotel.
World’s Best Hotel’s writer Devora Lev-Tov described The Pen as a “grande dame in the center of Manila’s business district,” recalling one of its nicknames in the industry here.
“This opulent hotel has 497 rooms and suites, eight restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center, and an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens,” she writes about the hotel, which just celebrated its 45th birthday. “The staff are always at the ready, whether it’s helping with sightseeing or room service.”
“Everyone in the hotel is so delighted that we have received this prestigious accolade, especially when we are celebrating our 45th anniversary this September amidst these challenging times for our industry,” Peninsula Manila general manager Masahisa Oba says.
While Kenya took the top spot for the first time, India had the most number of entries on the Best Hotels List with 12. The rankings were also filled with properties from the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa.
For the full lists, visit Travel + Leisure.
