Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, has acquired seven new member properties to its collection.
Vidago Palace Hotel, Portugal
A belle époque masterpiece dating from 1910, Vidago Palace Hotel's illustrious history is evident throughout. Built as a spa hotel for European aristocrats to take the famed Vidago waters, the hotel was recently renovated and modernised, yet still keeps an element of old-fashioned glamour and elegance alongside the modern updates. Surrounded by parkland and mountains, this palace has 70 spacious and grand rooms – all individually decorated. The spa offers hydrotherapy and thermal treatments, and there is a gym, golf course, tennis court and swimming pools. Four restaurants and four bars will keep guests entertained, and chauffeur-driven limousines can be hired to explore the local area.
Hotel Auditorium, Spain
Boasting a conference centre with 59 meeting rooms (total capacity for 2,200 people), 869 guest rooms, and parking for 1000 cars, the glamorous Hotel Auditorium in Madrid is an excellent choice for events. Leisure guests are not overlooked however – there is a gym, sauna and swimming pool, two restaurants and four bars. Located just a short drive from Madrid Barajas Airport, and offering free transfers (as well as free wireless internet throughout), it's easily accessible too. Madrid's unbeatable attractions, including the Prado Museum, Bernabeu Stadium and Museum Reina Sofia, are all a short drive away.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, United Arab Emirates – Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection
Landscaped gardens, luxurious accommodation and twelve dining and drinking options, the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa promises unforgettable holidays in the sun. Facilities include a world-class spa offering a wealth of treatments and packages, three pools (one for children), gym, tennis courts and of course a private sandy beach where you can spend your days drinking delicious cocktails while waited on by attentive staff. Guest rooms are spacious and furnished in an elegant neutral palette. Dine around the world in one of the twelve restaurants – choose from Lebanese specialities to Thai dishes; Cuban favourites to fresh sushi – and everything in between.
Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik, Croatia – Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection
Meetings and events of all sizes can be accommodated at the Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik, a fully equipped resort and conference centre overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Just 26km from Dubrovnik International Airport, the Rixos Libertas sits at the sea's edge, giving breathtaking views over the water to the islands beyond. Indoor and outdoor pools, fully equipped gym, spa treatments and more provide ample opportunities for relaxation. There is a choice of restaurants and bars, and a casino – perfect for events and incentives.
Hotel Suite Villa Maria, Spain
Tenerife's Hotel Suite Villa Maria is a sublime resort on this famous island. Accommodation is housed in standalone villas (with between one to three bedrooms, living areas and more) throughout the complex, connected by winding paths and surrounded by pretty gardens. The hotel has a golf course, as well as green fee reservation and transfers to all courses on the island, and there are tennis, squash and padel courts. Two adult pools, one children's pool and a gym give you ample opportunities to relax. La Torre restaurant serves an extensive breakfast buffet and local specialities for lunch and dinner, and there are two bars for cocktails, snacks and ice creams.
Vidamar Resort Algarve, Portugal – Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection
Salgados Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand on the Algarve coast, and is home to the Vidamar Resort Algarve. This beautiful modern resort offers contemporary rooms and multiple facilities, including a spa, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi and gym – if the gorgeous sandy beach doesn't take your fancy. There are loads of restaurants – you can choose from grilled delicacies including fresh fish and seafood, classic Italian fare, international favourites and sushi. There are numerous bars set throughout the resort, each offering a different ambiance.
Vidamar Resort Madeira, Portugal – Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection
Overlooking the Bay of Funchal on the picturesque island of Madeira, the Vidamar Resort is blessed with a stunning location and a huge choice of facilities. The MAR Spa uses thalassotherapy and other disciplines in its pampering and rejuvenating menu, while the Vida Health Club has a gym, classes, fitness trainers, tennis and squash courts and a pool. There are five restaurants to choose from, two bars, and over 2000sqm of meeting space, making this an inspiring choice for both business and leisure guests.
