Ballyfin Hotel in County Laois has achieved the esteemed title of “Best Resort Hotel in Ireland and the UK” for 2024, as awarded by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.Ballyfin Hotel in County Laois has achieved the esteemed title of “Best Resort Hotel in Ireland and the UK” for 2024, as awarded by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Based on surveys, over 700,000 votes from 186,000 Travel + Leisure readers determined the top destinations around the globe. Ballyfin’s historic grandeur, exclusive ambiance, and personalized service have garnered significant praise, including comments like “This was truly the most exceptional stay of my life.” Once the residence of aristocratic families and a Catholic school, Ballyfin was later acquired and meticulously restored by an American billionaire and his Irish wife. The lavish restoration included the addition of modern amenities while maintaining its original charm. Nestled amidst 614 acres of stunning grounds, Ballyfin boasts just 20 bedrooms and a private cottage, ensuring utmost privacy for guests. Its exceptional amenities include fine dining, an indoor pool and spa, and an array of outdoor activities like fishing, horse riding, and falconry. The hotel’s recognition as one of the world’s top resorts is further enhanced by its membership in Relais & Chateaux. Ballyfin’s commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction has attracted notable guests such as George and Amal Clooney, as well as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
Ballyfin in Co Laois has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Resort Hotel in Ireland and the UK by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024.
Each year, Travel + Leisure asks its readers for their opinions on their travel experiences around the world for the World’s Best Awards survey. They want to share their thoughts on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines and more.
More than 186,000 readers completed the 2024 survey and over 700,000 votes were cast on over 8,700 properties.
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Topping the list of readers’ favourite top five UK and Ireland resorts for 2024 was the historic five-star Ballyfin Hotel in Laois, considered one of the country’s most exclusive hotels.
The Georgian mansion in Ireland’s Slieve Bloom Mountains came second in the magazine’s last two surveys, but only came out on top in 2024.
Spread across 614 acres of immaculately maintained grounds and comprising just 20 bedrooms and a private one-bedroom cottage, the hotel offers privacy and a highly personalised service.
Readers were full of praise for the resort, with one satisfied guest noting: “This was truly the most exceptional stay of my life – this takes 5 stars to the next level.”
Commenting on the award, Managing Director Peter White said: “Ballyfin has been welcoming guests since 2011 and the recognition from Travel and Leisure readers since then has been exceptional.
“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.”
Once the residence of numerous aristocratic families, Ballyfin’s owner, the 13th Baronet Coote, sold the property to a Catholic order of teachers, who established a boys’ school there.
Unable to afford the sky-high maintenance costs, the brothers sold Ballyfin to an American billionaire in the early 2000s. Together with his Irish wife, he bought the estate and invested millions in its restoration to return it to its original state.
No expense was spared, including the introduction of amenities such as air conditioning and an indoor pool, which were previously absent. The five-star country hotel reopened in 2011 after a nine-year restoration project.
Now considered one of the world’s top resorts, the 21-room hotel has previously welcomed George and Amal Clooney, as well as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West during their honeymoon in Ireland in 2014.
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.
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