Ballyfin Recognized as Best Resort Hotel in Ireland and the UK by Travel + LeisureBallyfin Recognized as Best Resort Hotel in Ireland and the UK by Travel + Leisure Nestled in the heart of Co Laois, the luxurious Ballyfin Regency mansion has been bestowed with the prestigious title of Best Resort Hotel in Ireland and the UK by the 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. This annual survey, conducted by discerning travelers, showcases the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. Ballyfin’s triumph is a testament to its unwavering commitment to exceptional service, breathtaking scenery, and an unforgettable guest experience. Set amidst a sprawling 600-acre estate at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the secluded hideaway boasts an exclusive collection of just 21 bedrooms. Its allure has captivated celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West and George and Amal Clooney. The hotel’s recent success can be attributed in part to the leadership of three key staff members hailing from the renowned Lucknam Park Hotel in the UK: General Manager Peter White, Deputy General Manager Claire Randall, and Executive Head Chef Richard Picard-Edwards. Picard-Edwards nourishes Michelin-star aspirations within the confines of Ballyfin’s kitchen, where fresh produce cultivated in the three-acre walled kitchen garden graces daily-changing menus. “Receiving this award is a testament to the dedication of our team,” remarks White. “Our guests’ appreciation for the exceptional experience we provide is deeply gratifying.” Beyond its sumptuous accommodations, Ballyfin offers a symphony of amenities, including fine dining, an indoor pool, a rejuvenating spa, and a myriad of outdoor adventures such as fishing, horse riding, and falconry. The 29th annual World’s Best Awards culminate in a coveted list of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, destinations, and airlines. Ballyfin’s accolade is a testament to its unwavering dedication to delivering an unparalleled luxury experience.
Ballyfin, the luxury Regency mansion near Mountrath, Co Laois, has been named the best resort hotel in Ireland and the UK in the 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The annual survey recognises excellence in the travel industry and showcases the world’s best hotels, resorts, destinations and airlines, as ranked by travellers.
The five-star country house hotel, which opened in 2011 after an extensive nine-year restoration project, was recognised for its “dedication to delivering exceptional service, breathtaking surroundings and an unparalleled guest experience”. Set on a picturesque 600-acre estate at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains with just 21 bedrooms in a secluded setting, Ballyfin has attracted A-list guests including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West who honeymooned there, and George and Imal Clooney.
The hotel has recently been run by three key staff members who previously worked together at Lucknam Park Hotel, a five-star country house hotel near Bath in the UK. They include general manager Peter White, deputy general manager Claire Randall and executive head chef Richard Picard-Edwards. It is no secret that Picard-Edwards has Michelin-star ambitions that he hopes to fulfil in the kitchen at Ballyfin. The hotel has three acres of walled kitchen gardens, where produce goes straight into the restaurant kitchen for seasonal and daily-changing menus.
White said of the Travel + Leisure award: “Receiving this fantastic award is testament to the dedicated team at Ballyfin. I would like to thank them for their hard work and our wonderful guests for sharing their appreciation of the experience we provide.”
A member of Relais & Chateaux, Ballyfin offers fine dining, an indoor pool and spa, and outdoor activities including fishing, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry.
The 2024 World’s Best Awards are now in their 29th year. The overall winner of the World’s Best Hotel award was The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, India. Other category winners were Florence, Italy, named Best City in Europe, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, named Best City in the World.
