The royal villa at the Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort in Bahrain has been chosen as one of the best 101 top luxury suites around the world.

In its sixth annual pure decadence issue, global travel and luxury lifestyle magazine Elite Traveller selected the royal villa, which is part of Al Areen Development project, as one of the best.

"This success stands as a testimony to the dedication, enthusiasm and sheer professionalism that our entire team show towards their work and the hospitality industry in this region," Al Areen Holding Company chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa said.

"Naturally we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised and it certainly gives us added momentum for the coming months and years in terms of our planned new projects in line."

"It is truly an honour to be voted as 'The Best' by travel professionals worldwide," Al Areen Holding Company general manager Walid Saffy said.

"We are thrilled that one of the components of Al Areen Development Project has been recognised and honoured with such a prestigious status.

"This is a great achievement and a truly valuable distinction. We are extremely pleased that the resort team has gained this international recognition," Saffy said.

The 101 featured suites were selected by Elite Traveller's editors together with a panel of globe-trotting celebrities and athletes.

Beyond the criteria of luxurious details, the suites are judged upon privacy, individuality, location and one-of-a-kind designs.

Elite Traveller's Top 101 Suites of 2007 are known to be over-the-top in every way, and range from the private beachfront bungalow, to the fit-for-a-queen royal penthouse, and super luxury private villas. -TradeArabia News Service