Crystalbrook Collection has been recognised for its approach to sustainability and Responsible Luxury at the 2020 Hotel Management Awards. The hotel group also took home first place for Best Regional Property for Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort and Best Upper-Upscale Hotel for Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, affirming Crystalbrook Collection as one of Australia's leading sustainable hospitality companies.

“We pride ourselves on being an integral part of the Australian tourism industry, and we are honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious award in travel,” says Geoff York, CEO and Group Director, Hotels at Crystalbrook Collection. “These accolades only serve to drive us further forward as we look to offer sustainable travel options throughout the country.”

Best Environmental Program – Crystalbrook Collection (Highly Commended)

Crystalbrook Collection embraces a sustainable approach to hospitality and business, enhancing, not compromising, the quality of the guest experience. The Group sets itself apart by sourcing local and organic produce, cutting down on waste, swapping plastics for recycled materials, paper for technology and supporting environmental conservation efforts.

Responsible Luxury is central to Crystalbrook's philosophy and operations. Its sustainable and environmentally passionate initiatives include; no plastic straws, water bottles or guest-room key cards, use of technology to reduce paper, providing large-pump amenities bottles (saving more than 250,000 plastic bottles each year) and partnering with St. Agni for sustainable uniforms, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, TerraCycle, OzHarvest and Containers for Change.

Best Regional Property – Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort (Winner)

Best Resort – Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort (Highly Commended)

The first award win for the property in ten years, the accolade follows Crystalbrook Collection's acquisition of Byron at Byron in 2019. The Resort recently completed a $6 million refresh to ensure sustainable integration with the surrounding environment and ongoing investment in the future of the community, tourism, and jobs in regional Australia.

Best Upper-Upscale Hotel – Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort (Winner)

The property maintains its reputation amongst the Sunshine State's best, having previously been celebrated as the Best Marketed Hotel (2019) and for Best Environmental Practice (2019) by the Queensland Hotel Association.

The Group was also recognised as finalists in 11 other categories:

• Marketing Campaign - #AtHomeWithCrystalbrook
• Best Boutique Hotel – Little Albion, a Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
• Best New Hotel – Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel and Residence
• Best Regional Hotel – Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort and Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel and Residence
• Best Day Spa - Eléme Day Spa
• Best Hotel Bar – Rocco at Riley
• Best Hotel Restaurant – CC's Bar and Grill at Bailey and Paper Crane at Riley

For more information please visit: crystalbrookcollection.com

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About Hotel Management Awards

The HM Awards for hotel and accommodation excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic, and now in the 18th year, are the leading industry awards in the region and celebrate the best properties, departments, people, chains and brands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

About Crystalbrook Collection

Crystalbrook Collection is one of Australia's leading sustainable and innovative independent hospitality companies. Each hotel in the portfolio carries an authentic expression of its location, a passion for responsible luxury, considered design and a twinkle of fun for a uniquely enriching experience.

Crystalbrook Collection is an Australian tourism and hospitality group. Its portfolio includes:

• Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Cairns, Queensland
• Little Albion, a Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel, Sydney, New South Wales
• Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Byron Bay, New South Wales
• Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel and Residence, Cairns, Queensland
• Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Cairns, Queensland
• Kingsley, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Newcastle, New South Wales – opening Q2 2021
• The Fantauzzo, Brisbane, Queensland – joining 2021

The Group also owns and operates Crystalbrook Station and its subsidiary pastoral businesses.

Mindfully Safe

Mindfully Safe was launched by Crystalbrook Collection in response to Covid-19. The programme focuses on reducing travel anxiety by providing mindfulness and meditation tools developed in partnership with mental-wellbeing group The Indigo Project. Crystalbrook will also donate $5 to mental support service Beyond Blue for every stay booked directly until the end of 2020. Mindfully Safe also incorporates cash free transactions and heightened deep-cleaning hygiene measures.

Learn more: crystalbrookcollection.com/mindfully-safe

Crystalbrook Collection and Ghassan Aboud Group

Crystalbrook Collection is owned by accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist Ghassan Aboud. Ghassan Aboud Group is a multi-business conglomerate engaged in automobiles, real estate, retail, bespoke catering, media and logistics. In business for more than two decades, the group operates from its global headquarters in the United Arab Emirates with offices in Australia, Belgium, China, Jordan and Turkey.