What do thick, encompassing black velvet curtains, leaf-covered huts and a townhouse in the centre of Lisbon share? They all have been deemed the very best of the very best at this year’s Mr & Mrs Smith awards, of course.  Formed in 2003, Mr & Mrs Smith is the brainchild of couple James Lohan and Tamara Heber. Born out of the frustration that they felt with the quality of hotels, their service and experiences on offer the pair have built an empire that spans the globe. Originally a  glossy guidebook to the new style of boutique hotels that were starting to open in the UK at the time, Mr & Mrs Smith has become more than a travel website. It is a lifestyle. 

Endorsing more than 1,000 hotels in 81 countries, all reviewed anonymously - some by celebrities, such as Cate Blanchett and Stella McCartney - the company is synonymous with offering the very best hotels, spas and travel experiences. 

The meticulously high standards and secrecy around how to be featured by the company has led to countless travellers around the world experiencing some of the most unique hotels around the world, all through the endorsements of the trusted brand. Combining expert interior design, fabulous food, unforgettable experiences and magical locations the awards truly represent the very best in travel. 

Creative Awards London were tasked with designing a piece for the annual Mr & Mrs Smith awards that would channel the luxurious, discerning and tasteful nature of the brand and its selected hotels. Our design team took inspiration from one of the oft overlooked parts of travel that all hotels, big and small, have in common: The Do Not Disturb sign.

The simple concept was elevated to the standard befitting of the breathtaking locations, experiences and hotels recommended by the company. Thick, aircraft-grade aluminium was machined to create the custom made body, which was anodised to add a rich, silky matte finish.  To finish the award, the pieces were laser engraved, with gold leaf detail. 

The beautiful awards were carefully packaged before being whisked to all four corners of the globe to adorn the worthy winners’ hallways, coves and front desks. Just who were the finest establishment who received the notoriously difficult to win awards? Behold, the places you must see, taste, drink in, lay your head own to rest in and experience:

• Best Hotel: Winner: Casa Fortunato, Lisbon
• Best Family Hotel: Winner: The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
• Best Budget Boutique: Winner: Sands Hotel & Spa, Greater Palm Springs
• World’s Sexiest Bedroom: Winner: Joali, Maldives
• Best-Dressed Hotel: Winner: Palazzo Daniele, Puglia
• Best Gourmet Getaway: Winner: The Pig at Bridge Place, Kent
• Best First Date Bar: Winner: Maison de la Luz, New Orleans

For more information on contact our teams via sales@creativeawardslondon.co.uk or call 020 8159 2748.