All the winners of the Hotelier Middle East Awards. All the winners of the Hotelier Middle East Awards.

The prestigious and hotly-debated Hotelier Middle East Awards 2009 took place last night celebrating the best of Middle East hospitality.

Held at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, around 600 of the great and good of the Middle East hospitality industry joined together to support their colleagues' achievements.

Due to the sheer amount of talent in the running, this year's event was the first time two Highly Commended prizes were handed out in each category.

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The evening kicked off with the spa and recreation departments.

Spa Person of the Year award, supported by Esadore International saw Michael Monsod from The Palace - The Old Town and James Rodriguez from Madinat Jumeirah highly commended.

But it was won by Chantelle Mason from Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi.

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Recognised for a series of achievements over the past year, which resulted in two promotions in 12 months, she was also praised for her hands-on spa management skills, enthusiastic attitude and all-round talent.

“It's wonderful for the spa and the whole team,” she said.

 

Babu Mohan Das from InterContinental Muscat and Asela Jayaweera from InterContinental Doha were both Highly Commended in the Fitness & Recreation Person of the Year, supported by Technogym.

However, Luminita Stoican's ability to bring about significant and even life-changing improvements in guests’ and members’ health and wellbeing.

Stoican said, “This is the second year I've been nominated, which I saw as an achievement, but I feel so proud to have won and be recognised as in the top five in the Middle East".