VIRTUOSO® REVEALS ITS 2011 GUIDE TO THE
WORLD’S BEST HOTEL EXPERIENCES

NEW YORK (January 11, 2011) – Leading luxury network Virtuoso® unveils its much anticipated hotel compendium, Best of the Best: 2011 Guide to the World’s Best Hotel Experiences, making it now available to consumers who value the exceptional quality and superlative service that are hallmarks of a Virtuoso preferred property. The ever-popular guide highlights the hotels and resorts of Virtuoso’s elite worldwide network, featuring incredible properties around the globe, with extraordinary services and top-drawer amenities. Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts, considered the most exclusive hotel program in the industry, currently includes 888 renowned properties worldwide.

The book dedicates its first pages to explaining the unique benefits and amenities that only come from reserving a stay through a knowledgeable Virtuoso travel advisor. Room upgrades, breakfast for two daily, early check-in and late check-out, preferred rates and availability, and enhanced amenities provide an additional value from $250, exclusively to every Virtuoso guest. Additionally, consumers can take comfort in knowing each hotel, resort, spa, lodge and private villa has been thoroughly vetted for quality that keeps with Virtuoso’s standards. Each listing also features an “In the Know” tip provided by one of Virtuoso’s expert travel advisors who has experienced the property firsthand.

Albert Herrera, vice president of Virtuoso’s Hotels, Destinations & Tours, explains what makes the program and its directory special. “Of our 888-hotel portfolio, the properties featured in our Best of the Best guide represent the high caliber and integrity that travelers expect of Virtuoso and our member travel advisors. Based on the recommendation of the members that make up the Hotels & Resorts Committee, we personally review and invite each property found in our program. They are re-evaluated each year to ensure we maintain the highest standards in service, room quality and overall experience, making this collection of world-renowned properties truly the Best of the Best.”

A breathtaking photograph of the Shisha Bar at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru graces the cover of the 2011 guide. Representative of the luxe surroundings and incomparable service of all Virtuoso preferred properties, this resort offers 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness flanked by one of the largest natural lagoons in the islands.

Guide highlights include:

• Annual Best of the Best Award Winners (Page 4) – Singled out by Virtuoso travel advisors as extraordinary
• Virtuoso Preview (Page 5) – An exclusive collection of hotels opened in 2010
• Virtuoso Lifestyle: Villas & Private Retreats (Page 6) – Travel dreams come true at these exclusive hideaways
• Africa & Middle East (Page 16) – Explore wildlife-filled savannahs, ancient wonders and timeless cultures
• Asia & Pacific (Page 46) – Venture to a land of gilded cities, glistening reefs, great walls and other architectural masterpieces
• Caribbean & Bermuda (Page 104) – Stroll miles of soft-sand beaches rimmed by turquoise waters
• Canada & United States (Page 128) – Escape to coastal resorts, cosmopolitan hotels and romantic mountain lodges
• Europe (Page 244) – Enjoy enchanting stays in medieval castles, opulent estates and glamorous metropolitan retreats
• Mexico, Central & South America (Page 360) – Wander colorful markets, wonder at ancient Mayan cities and hike through rainforests
• Introducing the Newest Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts (Page 417) – Meet the most recent hotels to be named among Virtuoso's Best of the Best

View the digital version of Virtuoso Best of the Best.

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About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

To see Virtuoso’s latest video content, visit http://www.youtube.com/VirtuosoTraveler.

Media Contact:
Misty Ewing, CTA
Virtuoso – Director, Public Relations
Office: (212) 588-8242 / Mobile: (206) 484-8022
E-mail: mewing@virtuoso.com