AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report has named Awasi resort, Chile, as the 2013 Hideaway of the Year. This is the first time a property in South America has received this prestigious award.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130109/CG39963 )

Editor-in-Chief Andrew Harper notes, "A Hideaway of the Year has to tick all the boxes, for comfort, design, food, amenities, service, location. The service at Awasi was outstanding and the range of activities, with private vehicles, quite exceptional.

Given the remoteness of the location, it is a remarkable place. It is also a classic hideaway, with just eight rooms."

The complete list of 2013 Grand Award Winners, as well as a number of Special Recognition Awards  (Best Spa, Best Pool, Best Bar, etc.) is featured in our complimentary January Hideaway Report at www.andrewharper.com/GrandAwards.

This was an exceptional year for Chile, as Tierra Patagonia and Lapostolle Residence also received Grand Awards.  Nicaragua and Uruguay both made first appearances with Jicaro Island Ecolodge and Playa Vik, respectively. The Grand Award for Best Cruise went to Sea Cloud II, while Botswana made a notable impression with three outstanding safari camps, Abu Camp, Zarafa Camp and Jack's Camp. The Hotel Manager of the Year was Jason Friedman of The Siam in Bangkok, Thailand. 

To be considered for the annual awards, properties must be relatively small in size, possess strong individual personalities, offer relaxing atmospheres and demonstrate a consistent devotion to personal service. Mr. Harper uses his three decades of experience to distinguish the truly enchanting from the merely excellent.

2013 ANDREW HARPER GRAND AWARDS

HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR

Awasi, Chile  

USA & CANADA

Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, Maine          

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Arizona

Bardessono, Yountville, California    

CARIBBEAN & CENTRAL AMERICA

The Meridian Club, Turks and Caicos           

Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Nicaragua     

SOUTH AMERICA

Tierra Patagonia, Chile         

Lapostolle Residence, Chile   

Algodon Mansion, Buenos Aires       

Playa Vik, Uruguay    

EUROPE

Ballyfin, Ireland          

Ett Hem, Stockholm   

Palazzo Seneca, Italy 

Amanruya, Turkey    

AFRICA

Abu Camp, Botswana

Zarafa Camp, Botswana       

Jack's Camp, Botswana        

Mateya Safari Lodge, South Africa   

ASIA

Taj Falaknuma Palace, India

The Siam, Bangkok    

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam   

CHEF OF THE YEAR

John Besh; August, Domenica, The American Sector; New Orleans 

SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR

David Lynch, formerly of Quince, now of St. Vincent, San Francisco

HOTEL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Jason Friedman, The Siam, Bangkok

CONCIERGE OF THE YEAR

Frank Marandino, The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Kermit Lynch, wine importer, 40th anniversary, Berkeley, California         

BEST CRUISE

Sea Cloud II, Greek Isles       

RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR

UNITED STATES

Formal – Le Bernardin, New York

Informal – Boulevard, San Francisco

INTERNATIONAL

Formal – Restaurant Hertog Jan, Bruges

Informal – Gastrologik, Stockholm         

HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Ballyfin, Ireland       

Follow the 2013 Grand Award conversation on Twitter with @HarperTravel #GrandAwards.

For press inquiries, contact Emily Rosenthal at erosenthal@andrewharper.com or news@andrewharper.com.

Special Recognition Awards are given for the categories of Best Spa, Best Pool, Best Bar, Best Beach, Best Suite, Best Family Resort, Eco-Adventure of the Year, Wildlife Experience of the Year, Conservation Project of the Year, Most Charming Inn, Most Spectacular Hike, Most Memorable Wine Tasting, Most Glamorous Bath, and Hospitality, as well as Indelible Memories, Gastronomic Highlights and Wines of the Year. To view the winners, visit: www.andrewharper.com/GrandAwards.

About Andrew Harper

Free of hotel advertising since its inception in June 1979, Hideaway Report is a private monthly publication for sophisticated travelers. The selection of hotels, resorts and restaurants for inclusion in this publication is made on a completely independent basis, with Andrew Harper LLC paying full rate for all meals, lodging and related travel expenses. Andrew Harper and his editors travel incognito to write candid and unbiased travel reviews for a subscription service, which provides personalized travel-planning assistance, bespoke tours and valuable travel privileges to its subscribers. 

Media Contact: Emily Rosenthal, Andrew Harper Travel, 5129047323, erosenthal@andrewharper.com

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SOURCE Andrew Harper Travel