Each entry, some from as far as afield as Mauritius and Kenya, went through a rigorous judging process in their entered category of choice. A panel of well-established and respected judges from tourism, food and design backgrounds were inspired by the level of entrants at extensive judging sessions in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

"The aim of these Awards is to promote growth, excellence and innovation in the African travel and tourism industry," says Etienne Bruwer, Amarula Activation Manager, "and the exceptional calibre of entries we received firmly entrenches the fact that Africa has much to offer the luxury traveller. We congratulate the winners in each category on their well deserved accolade, and commend each and every single entrant for their positive contribution to the tourism industry in Africa."

The winner of the flagship Award for 'Best Retreat in Africa' is The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille in Kenya, a collection of four private and fully-serviced villas in the heart of 12 000 acres of grassy hills and deep valleys with stunning views of Mount Kenya. This retreat is a groundbreaking partnership between private investors, conservation tourism organisations and the Maasai community, balancing luxury travel and economic development with ambitious conservation and community development programmes.

"We are overwhelmed by the response from every retreat that entered, and their passion and commitment to tourism in Africa, and look forward to continuing to develop these awards into a regular event on the travel and tourism calendar for many years to come," said Bruwer. "Amarula intends to continue to champion African retreats to encourage tourism and economic development."

The winner of the iafrica.com Consumer Choice award was also unveiled at the event. Thousands of voters cast their ballot on iafrica.com to vote Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa in Knysna as their Best Retreat on the continent.

Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa offers breathtaking mountain and ocean views above the glittering Knysna lagoon and overlooking a lush nature reserve. The resort is nestled in its own golf estate on an exclusive cliff-top retreat, surrounded by fynbos and wild flowers. Here is a list of all the winners:

• The Best Retreat in Africa — presented by Amarula: The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Nairobi, Kenya
• Most Innovative Retreat in Africa: Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa, Kenya
• The Best Designer Retreat in Africa: Royal Malewane, Hoedspruit, South Africa
• The Heritage and Culture Award – presented by Explore SA Magazine: Fordoun Boutique Hotel, Nottingham Road, South Africa
• The Ultimate in African Cuisine: Woodall Country House & Spa, Addo, South Africa
• The Leading Eco Retreat in Africa: Camp Jabulani, Hoedspruit, South Africa Service Excellence Award Teremok Marine, Umhlunga Rocks, South Africa
• The Leading Wellness Retreat in Africa: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, South Africa
• The Consumer’s Choice — presented by iafrica.com: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, South Africa
• The Heart of Africa Award: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gansbaai, South Africa