LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – (August 26, 2009) – Leading luxury travel network Virtuoso® has awarded PALAZZO SASSO a prestigious “Best of the Best” Award in the category of BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE.  The Best  of the Best Awards, presented solely to the cream of the crop among the world’s finest hotels, were revealed on August 19, 2009, by VIRTUOSO LIFE Publisher, Terrie Hansen, and Virtuoso Hotels, Destinations & Tours Vice President, Albert Herrera, during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Virtuoso’s 21st annual Travel Mart. More than 2,800 select travel advisors and preferred suppliers participated in the travel industry’s top networking event, held August 16–21, 2009 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, NV.

“The hotels, hotel company and individuals named as Best of the Best this year have earned this honor in every respect,” says Albert Herrera, Vice President of Hotels, Destinations & Tours for Virtuoso.  “Today, luxury is no longer defined by physical attributes, but rather the ability to transform travel into an experience that reshapes lives and brings people closer together.  This increased ‘Return on Life ™,’ as we termed the philosophy at Virtuoso, comes in many forms and we’ve selected the hotels and individuals that exemplify this concept with every guest and within their own communities.  We are proud to recognize PALAZZO SASSO for its excellence in “BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE.”

VIRTUOSO LIFE editors, in collaboration with Virtuoso’s member travel advisors, selected nominees representing the pinnacle of service, design, and luxury in the industry.  Palazzo Sasso was selected above other nominees as the very best in its category demonstrating innovation, dedication, a heightened social conscience and even courage. As a Best of the Best property, Palazzo Sasso is featured in the September/October 2009 issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine, reaching 250,000 upscale world travelers.

Best Culinary Experience:

Award description:  Recognizes the hotel restaurant that offers exemplary food, service, ambience, wine list and even views.

-      Rossellinis, Palazzo Sasso, Ravello, Italy

Nominees in this category:

-      Addison, The Grand del Mar, San Diego, USA

-      Restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic, Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland

-      Lake House Luxury Hotel-Restaurant-Spa, Daylesford, Australia

-      Le Bristol Restaurant, Hotel Le Bristol, Paris, France

About Palazzo Sasso

Palazzo Sasso is a stunning five star hotel on Italy’s famous Amalfi coat. It was built during the 12^th century as a palace for royalty.  It opened as a hotel following World War II but closed during the 1970s.  The hotel reopened in July 1997, following a $20 million refurbishment.   The hotel has 32 rooms and 11 suites and boasts a staff to guest ratio of 2 employees per room.  Palazzo Sasso is home to Rossellinis’, a two Michelin stars restaurant, and two other restaurants serving unique and delicious, unforgettable food.

In 2009 Palazzo Sasso added Sasso by the Sea - a private villa acquired by the hotel that sits mere steps away from the pristine waters.  Guests of Palazzo Sasso will have exclusive access to Sasso by the Sea daily during the season with a free private shuttle operating from the hotel to the seaside villa in the village of Marmorata, just a short drive away or an invigorating downhill walk. Sasso by the Sea’s amenities include a heavenly salt water pool, lush gardens with two cabanas, one men’s and one women’s changing room plus two “relaxation living” rooms.  No need to pack a lunch because on the peaceful terrace there will be a small restaurant serving local favorites including fabulous pizzas and seafood pulled directly from the waters surrounding the property as well as a full service bar.

Additionally Palazzo Sasso added an amenity choice program whereby anyone booking a King Sea View room or higher category directly through the hotel has the added benefit of choosing a bonus amenity on to their stay – at no additional charge.  Guests can choose from a spa treatment (massage, manicure or pedicure only) or a 20% discount on all lunch charges in house or parking in hotel garage for entire stay or mini bar usage for entire stay, or a guided walking tour of Ravello (approximately two hours) or one transfer to Amalfi and back from the hotel or internet access for entire stay or laundry service for entire stay (excluding dry cleaning) or in-room movies for entire stay or fresh flowers and fruit upon arrival.

For reservations and information: +39089818181 or info@palazzosasso.com

Website:  www.palazzosasso.com