Friday 27 July 2012

A-Z INDEX OF AIRLINE AWARD WINNERS OF 2012



AEGEAN AIRLINES win the award for the Best Regional Airline in 
Europe continuing their dominance winning this award for the 3rd time
 in 4 years

AIR ASTANA had double cause to celebrate winning the award for 
Best Airline in Central Asia & India and receiving their 4-Star Airline 
Certification

AIR CANADA continues winning streak being named as the 
Best International Airline in North America

AIR TRANSAT triumphs in winning the award for the 
World's Best Leisure Airline

AIRASIA wins the award as the World's Best Low-Cost Airline 
for the 4th consecutive year
ANA ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS receives the top award as the 
Best Airline Transpacific

ASIANA AIRLINES win the top prize as Best Airline in Asia
and won the award for the Best Economy Class Seat

AZUL AIRLINES triumphs by winning the award as the 
Best Low-Cost Airline in South America

BRITISH AIRWAYS triumphs by winning the top award as 
the Best Airline Transatlantic

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS triumph by winning the award for
 the World's Best Business Class

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES received the award for the  
World's Most Improved Airline

EASYJET maintain repeat win by collecting the award as the 
Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe

EMIRATES retains their world title for the Best Airline Inflight 
Entertainment


EVA AIR wins the major Award for the Best Airline Staff Service
in Asia

FINNAIR is a repeat winner of the Best Airline in Northern Europe Award

GARUDA INDONESIA receives top award as the World's Best Regional 
Airline and the Best Regional Airline in Asia

HAINAN AIRLINES win awards for the Best Airline in China and 
the Best Airline Staff Service in China

INDIGO enjoys double success winning the awards for the 
Best Low-Cost Airline in C Asia & India and the Best Staff Service 
in Central Asia and India

JETSTAR AIRWAYS wins award for the Best Low-Cost Airline 
in the Australia and Pacific region

KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES celebrate by winning the 
Best Airline Staff Service in Europe award

LUFTHANSA leads the way by winning the Best Airline in 
Western Europe award

MALAYSIA AIRLINES win top awards as the 
World's Best Cabin Staff and also for the Best Airline Signature Dish

OMAN AIR wins award for the World's Best Business Class Seat 
for second year running

QANTAS AIRWAYS triple win for Best First Class Lounge
the Best Premium Economy Class and Best Premium Economy Catering


SHENZHEN AIRLINES win the award for the Best Regional Airline 
in China

SINGAPORE AIRLINES take award for the World's Best Economy Class 
and World's Best Economy Class Airline Catering

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS achieve 10th consecutive win as 
the Best Airline in Africa and win Best Airline Staff Service in Africa award

STAR ALLIANCE on a repeat win being named winner as the 
World's Best Airline Alliance

SWISS INT'L AIR LINES collect award for the world's 
Best Business Class Catering


TAM Airlines double success by winning the Best Airline in South America,   
and the Best Staff Airline Service in South America

THAI AIRWAYS is named winner for the World's Best Airport Services 
award

TRANSAERO AIRLINES win the award for the Best Airline in 
Eastern Europe

TRIP LINHAS AEREAS wins the Award for the 
Best Regional Airline in South America for the second consecutive year

TURKISH AIRLINES is named Europe’s Best Airline and 
also receives award for the Best Airline in Southern Europe


Top 15 Expensive Hotels in the World


15. The Presidential Suite, InterContinental, Hong Kong

US$13,715 per night
Intercontinental Presidential SuiteGreat limo service, but why would you ever leave?
Renowned for being Asia's finest Presidental Suite, the room offers an “IMAX” experience of HongKong. Experience a wrap-around harbour view terrace (2500 sq. feet) with a rooftop infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.
The dining room, master bedroom and bathroom and private gym also have panoramic harbour views. The suite also has a private study and kitchenette.
Guests also get a choice of riding in a Phantom VI Rolls Royce, Bentley or Mercedes limousine. 

14. The Sultan’s Suite, Çirağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul

US$15,332 per night
Sultan’s SuitePrince Charles, Liz Hurley and Uma Thurman have all slept in the same bed.
Originally built of wood in the 16th century, and eventually the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, this palace was rebuilt in marble for Sultan Abdülaziz in 1857.
Now a lavish five-star hotel with a guest list that includes Prince Charles, Liz Hurley, Uma Thurman and Giorgio Armani, it has all the trimmings: a gorgeous pool, boat and helicopter service and an amazing breakfast buffet.
The Sultan’s Suite overlooking the Bosphorus comes with private butler service, opulent chandeliers, period furniture and fine art. What more could the average oligarch need?
 +90 212 326 4646; www.kempinski.com

13. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

US$18,000 per night
Ritz Carlton MoscowIf you think Moscow be cold in winter, wait till your next meeting with your bank manager.
The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Ritz-Carlton Suite frame an unparalleled view of the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Christ the Savior Cathedral.
With classic Russian Imperial furnishings, the 232-square-meter suite comes with a spacious living room, dining area, library, office, grand piano and heated flooring, perfect for bone-chilling Moscow winters.
+7 495 225 8888; www.ritzcarlton.com

12. Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

US$18,716 per night
Burj Al Arab Royal SuiteWhat you'd get if Ali G was your interior decorator.

There are luxury hotels, and then there’s the Burj Al Arab. Since its 1999 opening, the iconic, sail-shaped Dubai resort has been a benchmark of no-holds-barred extravagance that others have tried and failed to emulate.
All of the suites -- the word "room" does not exist here -- are arranged over two floors and have whirlpool baths, living and dining areas and dedicated butlers. 
+971 4 301 7777; www.jumeirah.com

11. Royal Suite, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

US$24,550 per night
George VAt this price you should not only get to take the towels with you, but the artwork, too.
There are a pair of Royal Suites at Hotel George V. Both have private terraces overlooking the historic art deco fountain of the Three Graces.
Stuffed with magnificent French antiques, these vast suites are adorned with 18th- and 19th-century fine art. Crystal chandeliers glitter and huge vases of pale pink roses perfume the air.
The master bedrooms have spacious marble bathrooms with steam rooms, sauna and a walk-in dressing rooms.
+33 149 52 7000; www.fourseasons.com

10. Royal Towers Bridge Suite, Atlantis, Bahamas

US$25,000 per night
Bridge Suite AtlantisHopefully you don't have a gold allergy.
This 10-room suite with gold sofas, cushions, gilt mirrors and chandeliers is enough to make minimalists break out in hives. This is shameless glamour.
The grand foyer dazzles the eye with an elaborate floor made of four kinds of marble. The 15-meter-long living room holds a baby grand piano. The vast entertainment center comes with a full-service bar.
Throw in the eye-popping balcony views, and a butler, and this is no ordinary pad.
+1 242 363 3000; www.atlantis.com

9. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

US$26,300 per night
Ritz-CarltonLofty -- like our dreams of ever staying here.
At 300 square meters, the Ritz-Carlton Suite has many of the usual big suite highlights -- Frettelinen sheets, an oversized marble bathroom, huge beds, flat-screen TVs and individual rain shower booths.
The clincher is the fact that it tops the tallest skyscrapers in Tokyo and has proposal-worthy views over the Imperial Palace, Roppongi Hills and Mount Fuji.
+81 3 3423 8000; www.ritzcarlton.com

8. Villa La Cupola Suite, Westin Excelsior, Rome

US$30,000 per night
Villa La Cupola SuiteWhen in Rome ... blow your budget?For the ultimate in La Dolce Vita, check into the stunning Villa La Cupola suite in Rome’s WestinExcelsior.
One of the largest in Europe, the suite is inspired by ancient Rome, with extensive use of marble, stained glass and frescoes. There’s a gorgeous wraparound terrace where you can soak up the sun, a private spa with sauna, whirlpool and steam bath, as well as private cinema.
+39 06 47081; www.westinrome.com 

7. Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy

US$32,736 per night
Starwood HotelsOne of the most exquisite, but not the most expensive. Bargain!
Perfect for sun-kissed networking, the Presidential Suite overlooks the sparkling brine of the CostaSmeralda. Billed as one of the most gorgeous suites in the world, this three-bedroom luxury pad stands above the rambling towers and pantile roofs of the luxury Porto Cervo resort.
An understated blend of Mediterranean style and sensational bay views, the suite also has its own pool on the private roof terrace, along with a wine cellar and outdoor gym.

6. The Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

US$34,356 per night
Grand Resort LagonissiTwo pools, a private chef and myriad reasons to enjoy every penny of your inheritance.
With a butler, private chef and pianist at your beck and call, there's little need to lift a finger -- except to sip martinis -- when you stay at this three-bedroomed villa.
When you're feeling more active you can also take advantage of an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool and gym, as well as a steam bath and massage room.
There's also a nearby private marina and beach.
+30 22910 76000; www.lagonissiresort.gr

5. Hugh Hefner Sky Villa Palms Resort, Las Vegas

US$35,487 per night
Hugh Hefner Palms HotelBunnies not included? Not worth it then.
The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, high in the Palms' Fantasy Tower, is fitted out with everything Playboy: racy artwork selected by Hef himself, a huge, rotating circular bed and an indoor pool, branded withthe Bunny logo, leading to a hair- -- and libido- -- raising cantilevered spa bath high above the Strip.
This 836-square-meter, two-bedroom pad also includes an orgy-sized bathtub, bar and poker table and an indoor waterfall.
The eye-watering price doesn't include breakfast -- or Bunnies.
+1 702 942 7777; www.palms.com

4. Penthouse Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France

US$37,500 per night
Hotel MartinezTwo bathrooms, hammam, sauna, spa bath and shower -- because you'll feel so dirty after spending this much on a room.
On the Croisette, Hotel Martinez has a Michelin-starred restaurant, piano bar and huge private beach.
Decked out in art deco style, you’ll have a sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with hammam, shower, spa bath, dressing room and sauna at your disposal, as well as a huge terrace overlooking the Bay of Cannes.
+33 4 92 98 73 00; www.hotel-martinez.com 

3. Ty Warner Penthouse Suite, Four Seasons Hotel, New York

US$41,836 per night
Ty Warner Penthouse SuiteSoak in the expansive tub and try not to think about the US$30 it's costing you each minute.
This 400-square-meter penthouse tops the entire top floor of this magnificent hotel, offering a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline.
The nine-room suite is the brainchild of designer Peter Marino, architect IM Pei and the hotel's owner Ty Warner (the billionaire creator of the Beanie Babies).
It sports fabrics woven with platinum and gold, an indoor-outdoor Zen garden, a stupendous chandelier, the services of a personal butler, personal trainer/therapist and private chauffeur.

2. The Presidential Suite, The Raj Palace Hotel, Jaipur, India

US$45,000 per night
Raj PalacePrivate museum. Need any other reason to blow 45 large?
This positively palatial suite was a former Maharaja’s residence. At nearly 1,500 square meters, the suite is one of the biggest in Asia, and comprises a four-floor apartment lavishly decorated in gold leaf, stucco, ivory and mirror work.
With a private roof terrace and swimming pool offering panoramic views of the pink city of Jaipur, and its own private museum, there seems little reason to leave.
+ 91 141 2634077; www.rajpalace.com 

1. Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

US$65,000 per night
Royal Penthouse SuiteWith 12 rooms, this suite is essentially a house, and costs about the same.
For the security-conscious, or the merely paranoid, there's nowhere better to stay than the Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson Hotel, which has panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
With bulletproof doors and windows, it’s the perfect safehouse for visiting heads of state, or privacy-conscious celebs.
Taking up the entire top floor of the hotel, the suite has its own private elevator to whisk guests to an apartment with 12 rooms, which hold a Steinway grand piano, billiard room, library and private fitness center.
+41 22 906 6666; www.hotelpwilson.com