[O]n 31 May 2017 National Geographic Traveller (UK) revealed the winners of the internationally acclaimed magazine’s inaugural Big Sleep Awards.
These new awards celebrate the taste-makers and game-changers of the hotel world. During the process the magazine’s readers and a panel of judges, selected the cream of the accommodation crop across 20 categories ranging from ultra-luxury suites and spas to value for-money boutique properties and readers’ favourites.
Grasmere’s, Forest Side, was narrowly pipped to the number one spot in the Gourmet Getaway category by Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands, South Africa.
Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller, said, “Hotels can be a window into a world, a place to escape and relax, and a decadent, hedonistic treat, often all rolled into one. We’re celebrating the hotels that we and our readers think particularly stand out.
“Huge congratulations to all the winners and runners-up, it’s been a very tough process and we’re very excited to reward our favourite hotels and places to stay in what will be the first of many Big Sleep Awards.”
Andrew Wildsmith, hotelier and owner of Forest Side, Grasmere, said: ‘’We are immensely proud that we have been listed alongside some seriously illustrious international company in the inaugural National Geographic Traveller Big Sleep Awards… That said we never rest on our laurels and constantly keep pushing… you never know where it might lead… The team at Forest Side are a dedicated bunch who do what they do day in day out because they are passionate about the food they create combine that with some of the best produce available anywhere and you won’t go far wrong.’’
