June 6, 2011 – The whole of Sankara, from lobby to top floor, was transformed into one big party as the hotel celebrated making it to the Conde Nast Hot List 2011.
In proper Hollywood fashion, there were red carpets everywhere, tuxedos, champagne toasting and even hotel Oscars to commend the team behind the fete.
Making it to the list means Sankara aced in service, relevance to their location, innovation in design, and appealing to the modern traveller, among other benchmarks that the Conde Nast judges used.
Conde Nast is a travel magazine that is looked at as an authority on where to go and where to get exemplary service in the industry, on a global scale.
“What Conde Nast does is have their correspondents around the world suggest hotels that they think are worth it. These are then narrowed down to just over a hundred before a team from the travel magazine does location visits to confirm if the hotels are what they are made out to be,” says Shreya Karia, a marketing consultant for Sankara.
“The team that was recently here specifically singled out the Executive Chef Gaetano and renowned painter Fistum as adding significantly to the aura and joy of the place, and the spa was also mentioned.”
Sankara was in the final list of 65 venues chosen, including Shangri-La in Paris, The Savoy in London, EAST in Hong Kong and Armani in Dubai.
In Kenya, Sankara was chosen alongside The Red Pepper House in Lamu and Solio Lodge in Laikipia.
Champagne from Moet and Chandon, food by Gaetano and music courtesy of Maia Von Lekouw was a celebration fit for a king.
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PHOTOBLOG: (Pictures by Paul Munene)
DJ Zelalem and artist Fitsum
Revellers Annabel Onyango, Marek Fuchs, and Chris Foot
Musician Maia Von Lekouw performing ballads at the food court
Some of the delicacies that guests feasted on
Delectable decor at Sarabi, Sankara