FOUR GLOBAL WORLD LUXURY AWARDS 2026 FOR VAN OYS MAASTRICHT RETREAT

Photo credits: Studio marketing deluxe

Established in 2006, the World Luxury Awards recognise hotels, restaurants, spas and tourism experiences for their quality and achievements within the international luxury industry. Winners are determined through a public voting process involving guests, travellers and industry representatives. Awards are presented at global, continental, regional and national levels.

Managing Director Marc Alofs accepted the awards in Bucharest on behalf of the owners and the entire team. “International recognition at this level is not simply handed to you. It has to be earned. The nine awards received by Van Oys Maastricht Retreat are a testament to the dedication and achievements of our entire team. At the same time, they provide the perfect motivation to continue giving our very best every single day, ensuring that our guests enjoy a truly exceptional luxury experience.”

In his keynote address at the World Luxury Awards 2026, Panos Almyrantis, President of the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA), emphasised that in a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation, it is people who will make the decisive difference. “True excellence in luxury hospitality comes from personal attention, genuine hospitality and an eye for detail – qualities that even the most advanced technologies cannot replace.”

Opened in 2025, Van Oys Maastricht Retreat is situated on a historic estate along the River Meuse in Eijsden-Margraten, approximately six kilometres from Maastricht. The five-star superior hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and has been awarded a MICHELIN Key. The property features 81 rooms and suites, the restaurants Create by Guido Braeken and Maes, Cuisine du Terroir, Wine Bar César, Oysana Spa & Sports and extensive landscaped parkland. The retreat’s philosophy is inspired by the Cittaslow movement. The owners are Michel and Leon Maes, and the Managing Director is Marc Alofs.

The World Luxury Awards were founded in South Africa in 2006 on the initiative of hotelier Brandon Lourens. Today, the programme recognises hotels, spas, restaurants and businesses within the tourism industry. In addition to infrastructure and facilities, the awards consider the individual concept, the quality of its execution and service excellence. According to the organisers, the evaluation criteria continue to evolve in line with changing guest and industry expectations.

Originally focused on hotels, the awards expanded to include the Spa Awards in 2010, the Restaurant Awards in 2015 and the Travel Awards in 2020. Entries are submitted in categories that reflect the individual characteristics of participating properties. Official guest feedback forms part of the nomination process. Winners are subsequently determined through a public vote involving international guests, travellers and industry representatives.