SANDALS Resorts International, the Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart-led chain of hotels has for the 11th year in a row been voted the World’s Leading All-Inclusive.

The Jamaican-owned hotel group also captured the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel brand for the 13th year in a row at the 13th World Travel Awards held at Beaches Turks & Caicos Wednesday night.

The Sandals chain outshone global and local competitors, including Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt, Ritz- Carlton and SuperClubs to claim the coveted titles.

In addition to taking two of the World Travel Awards top prizes, Sandals and Beaches Resorts captured a record 12 other awards to emerge with the single largest haul of any hotel group worldwide.

More than 500 executives, policymakers, hoteliers and industry players from across the globe were in attendance at what is the most glamorous and eagerly anticipated annual event on the travel calendar.

For the ninth consecutive year, Beaches Resorts was named the World’s Leading Family All-Inclusive, while Sandals Antigua Resort and Spa received the World’s Most Romantic Resort Award for the 10th year running. Beaches Turks & Caicos also took the Caribbean’s Leading Family All-Inclusive Award.

Sandals and Beaches Resorts also received awards in the following categories:

. Caribbean’s Leading Spa Resort – Sandals Regency St Lucia Golf Resort & Spa at La Toc;

. Antigua & Barbuda’s Leading Spa Resort – Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa (3rd year);

. Bahamas’ Leading Resort – Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island (2nd year);

. St Lucia’s Leading Resort – Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort (2nd year);

. St Lucia’s Leading Hotel – Sandals Regency St Lucia Golf Resort & Spa at La Toc;

. Turks & Caicos’ Leading Resort – Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa (2nd year);

. Jamaica’s Leading Resort – Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios (2nd year);

. Caribbean’s Leading Resort – Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica;

. Cuba’s Leading Resort -Sandals Royal Hicacos Resort & Spa.

Sandals and Beaches Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart, in receiving the awards, said: “These awards are the result of hard work, continuous training, our commitment to constantly modernise and improve our product and our determination to settle for nothing less than number one. Additionally, these acknowledgments have come at a special time in Sandals history as this year marks our 25th anniversary. We look forward to remaining at the top of the travel and leisure industry for many years to come.”

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate exceptional achievements in all areas of the global travel industry. This is the world’s most comprehensive travel awards and over 165,000 travel agencies and professionals from over 200 countries worldwide voted to recognise excellence in hotels, travel destinations, airlines and companies worldwide.

Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing couples with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 12 Sandals properties located in Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua and The Bahamas.

Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; premium brand wine and spirits; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivalled watersports, including the Caribbean’s largest PADI certification programme; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons(tm) and Red Lane(tm) Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region. Coming in February 2007, the five-star, all suite Mediterranean Village will debut at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, offering couples in love the ultimate romantic getaway.