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Reprint Plaque

Utilizing the highly stylized Forbes Reprint design, we commemorate your recognition in two distinct plaque styles: Mahogany finish with Gold Trim, or Black finish with Silver Trim.

Delivered ready to hang.

Product Use Terms: Wall mounted displays and Desktop Awards are for display only and may not be posted online or digitally reproduced in lieu of the appropriate digital license to promote your appearance on a Forbes ranking.

Approx. Dimensions: 11.75" 14.25”  

Weight: Approx. 4 lbs

Material: Wood Finish

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Forbes Travel Guide is the global authority on genuine Five-Star service. We provide world-class professional development resources to any organization that makes exceptional service a pillar of its business. 

Learn how we can help your team meet the highest standards. 

Training Services Quality Assessments Custom Standards Corporate Retreat Star Rating & Partnership

Training Services

Forbes Travel Guide offers world-class training in a variety of customizable formats that enhance service skills and inspire staff to elevate the guest experience.

We offer VIRTUAL and ON-LOCATION training to help teams build their skills and adapt to new service practices. Our certified trainers are highly experienced hospitality professionals with a global perspective on best practices and trends. We adapt training to the needs of your team, from front-line to leadership.

Elevate your team’s service skills through The Academy, an engaging and powerful learning platform built upon Forbes Travel Guide's 60 years of expertise in hospitality. The Academy offers on-demand flexibility for any size team, interactive activities, customizable learning paths and more. 

Inspire your team every day with Service Energizers—a collection of Forbes Travel Guide activities and conversation starters for managers to use in daily pre-shift meetings or briefings. Delivered digitally every day, each exercise takes just a few minutes and brings to life the principles of service excellence. 

Quality Assessments

Our certified, anonymous inspectors can visit your location any time to evaluate service and facility based on Forbes Travel Guide’s standards—or your brand's own standards.

Select the timing and frequency of our visits and receive timely inspection reports with detailed observations and photos to help you understand your organization's strengths and opportunities for improvement.

We also offer phone-based checks for reservation and customer service centers.

Custom Standards

Your business has a unique personality, and you have a vision for the service culture you want to cultivate. We have 60 years' experience in service standards development and assessment.

Through a two-day, on-site consultation, we listen to your goals and then craft customized standards to help you meet them.

Forbes Travel Guide can also conduct incognito inspections to assess adherence to the standards.

Our highly experienced Executive Trainers are available to meet the full potential of your customized brand standards through engaging on-site training in full or multi-day increments.

Our Corporate Retreat

OUR CORPORATE RETREAT CENTER

FTG's Center for Excellence in southwest France offers a one-of-a-kind corporate retreat experience. Located at Le Logis, a medieval estate surrounded by some of Cognac’s most prestigious vineyards and distilleries, the Center brings hospitality to life through meaningful learning sessions and purposeful team activities.

Star Rating & Partnership

We rate nearly 2,000 hotels, restaurants and spas every year on the world’s most exacting service and facility standards. No one can buy a Star Rating and no fees are required; ratings can only be earned through our independent inspection process.

For properties that we elect to Star Rate, we offer the option of joining our Partnership program, which provides transparency into the Star Rating process and access to our exclusive Partner community. Partners receive valuable benefits including a complete list of FTG standards, a full report of their annual Rating inspection results, and policy privileges such as cycle selection and remedy periods.

Partners enjoy many other benefits, such as promotion through Forbes.com , forbestravelguide.com and our social media channels, including Instagram , where @forbestravelguide is the #1 independent luxury hospitality account.

Contact us to learn more about Partnership opportunities and Star Rating.

Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Celebrating 2024’s Hospitality Stars By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Spencer Whaley

March 5, 2024

Personalized, attentive and gracious service distinguishes the luxury hotel experience. It requires genuinely passionate staff willing to go above and beyond the expectations of their roles to service guests. To recognize these efforts, Forbes Travel Guide presents its fifth annual Employee of the Year honors in conjunction with its 2024 Star Awards.

Hundreds of properties in FTG’s worldwide collection submitted nominations for these hospitality industry distinctions. An executive committee then narrowed down the finalists and selected the winners below, who received their plaques at FTG’s Summit at Resorts World Las Vegas on February 28 and 29.

Hotel Employee of the Year sponsored by Frette: Mary Ellen Nichologianis, cocktail server , Boston Harbor Hotel

For the past 18 years, Mary Ellen Nichologianis’ warm smile has greeted the guests at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Boston Harbor Hotel’s Rowes Wharf Bar. Nichologianis has the rare gift that separates good service from great — a genuine interest in the lives of all patrons who have the pleasure of crossing her path.

Nichologianis’ guests leave with the sense of having made a true friend. One incognito inspector shared that Nichologianis recognized him as a returning guest from over a year ago, even recalling that his friend had a broken arm during his last visit. On another occasion, the two ran into one another on the street, and Nichologianis greeted the person by name with her signature warmth. Her natural ability to make each person feel special has allowed her to accomplish a remarkable feat: turning a hotel bar into a place that feels like home.

Finalists : Kerson Francois, engineer, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach ; Regina Jung, front desk agent, Signiel Seoul ; Jadder Torralvo, front desk agent, Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort , Cartagena, Colombia

Hospitality Hero: Yang Deng, senior culturist, Capella Bangkok

Many hospitality professionals will go beyond the call of duty for their guests, but it takes a true hero, such as this year’s winner, Yang Deng, to do so in a crisis. In October, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Bangkok ’s Siam Paragon mall, and two Capella Bangkok guests found themselves stranded. The hotel was the only phone number they knew to call, and thankfully, Deng answered.

Over the phone, Deng guided the two people to safety through a parking lot exit and immediately arranged a limousine to meet them. When gridlocked traffic from a heavy rainstorm delayed the vehicle, Deng jumped out of the limo and ran for 30 minutes in the downpour to find them. Deng’s sense of duty did not end once the guests were physically safe back at the property; he continued to check on their emotional well-being during their stay. 

Responsible Hospitality sponsored by Nespresso: Amilla Maldives

Four-Star Amilla Maldives is in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and values the natural wonders of the Baa Atoll. The resort acts as a protector of the land, implementing measures to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the island. Some of the impressive initiatives taken by the resort include desalinating the drinking water to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles, providing guests with reusable silicone water bottles at the airport, getting 14 percent of its overall energy from solar panels (which is merely the first phase of a bigger solar energy plan), harvesting ingredients for the kitchen and spa from the island’s natural resources, and offering a nesting sanctuary for the white-tailed tropic bird. The resort was the first in the Maldives to study the bird’s nesting behavior, which is a crucial component in protecting the species.

The property shines in other ways as well: the team has been trained on hidden disabilities, such as autism, hearing loss, ADHD and dyslexia, and how certain experiences may be uncomfortable for people with these conditions. The staff ensures that every guest is welcomed and accommodated.

Finalists : The Bodrum EDITION , Turkey; Conrad Koh Samui, Thailand; Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California   

Travel Professional of the Year: Sam Lieberman

Sam Lieberman’s passion for travel, impeccable attention to detail, personalized service and genuine relationships with his clients helped him become the second recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Travel Professional of the Year title.

Lieberman launched his luxury travel agency, We Know Hotels , only one year ago, and its success speaks to his commitment to sharing his enthusiasm for seeing the world by delivering tailor-made, stress-free travel experiences to his clients.

Young Concierge of the Year: Magali Brandariz, chief concierge, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Magali Brandariz earned the title of Les Clefs d’Or’s Young Concierge of the Year because of her achievements as chief concierge of the Four-Star Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires and as the vice president of Les Clefs d’Or Argentina. The prestigious concierge organization also bestowed Brandariz with its Denis O’Brien Award, an honor given to the best young concierge in the world. The recognition is a testimony to Brandariz’s passion for sharing the best that her home city of Buenos Aires has to offer to hotel guests. 

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Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

San Ysidro Ranch

• Relish the art of doing nothing surrounded by hundreds of acres of natural beauty. Meander and explore the spectacular grounds accentuated by lovely water features, inviting sitting areas and dramatic views.
• Partake of world-class cuisine and wine in legendary settings. Casual or more formal, fireside or alfresco, the atmosphere is congenial and relaxed.
• Choose from 17 miles of hiking trails, the pool, the spa or nearby golf and beaches as well as the many other attractions in Santa Barbara, including historic downtown, the Urban Wine Trail, Montecito Village and the Funk Zone.
• Stonehouse is the only recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award in California’s Central Coast, earning that honor since 2014. It boasts an impressive wine cellar of 2,100 labels and 12,000 bottles — it holds the only complete vertical collection of Chateau Petrus in the U.S., 120 bottles and 70 vintages for every year produced dating back to the famed 1945.
• Be spoiled and pampered with an outstanding selection of amenities and personal attention in the comfort of your secluded bungalow sanctuary.
• In the charming spa with its whimsical trompe l’oeil birds on sky blue walls, select from an extensive menu of tempting services like Intraceuticals oxygen therapy facials, massages and aromatherapy using essential oils infused with lavender, rosemary and citrus grown in the onsite gardens. 
• Pampered pets are welcome in all cottages. They even have their own guest book and bed, a bone with their name in peanut butter, and can get a pet massage.
• There’s a two-night minimum on weekend stays, which have to include Saturday.
• Parking is complimentary and adjacent to each cottage. The spaces are equipped with complimentary electric vehicle charging stations.
• A full breakfast, one-course lunch and two-course dinner are all complimentary with your stay. Alcohol, tax and gratuities are not included.
• Pick from 38 upscale private bungalow-style cottages that feature vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds and fireplaces. Each cottage is individually furnished with handsome antiques and decorated with artworks collected from around the world.
• Complimentary parking is conveniently located adjacent to the private entrance of your cottage. A nice personal touch is having your name displayed on a plaque welcoming you to your bungalow.
• Your furnished private patio, deck or verandah is surrounded by lush landscaping with ocean or canyon views. Enjoy the outdoor rain shower or soaking in the sunken hot tub.
• Luxury amenities include Rivolta Italian linen bedding, Bamford toiletries, complimentary gourmet snacks, twice-daily housekeeping and turndown service.
• Special occasion options include in-cottage meals served on your patio, a romantic rose petal and/or candlelight turndown (with truffles, of course).
• The farm-to-table menu at Stonehouse is influenced by what is seasonal and can be sourced from local farmer’s markets, local fresh seafood and the chef’s organic herb and vegetable garden. The delicious bacon and fresh breads and pastas are also all made onsite. During lunch, try the grilled angus burger or the yellowtail fish tacos. At dinner, you can’t go wrong with the classic steak Diane, pan-seared Santa Barbara abalone, homemade fettuccine with speck ham or miso-glazed Channel Island black cod. But save room for dessert: Both the Meyer lemon tart with infused lavender and orange blossom honey cream, and the chocolate mint ice cream made from fresh mint are a must.
• Head to Plow & Angel, a cozy, informal pub, for the tortilla soup, mac and cheese, and the braised beef short ribs.
• The warm and convivial character of both the historical landmark 1825 Old Adobe Cottage as well as the wine cellar make them ideal options for more private, intimate dinners and special occasions.
• When you want a bite while lounging near the heated pool, pop over to the Plunge Pool Bar, which overlooks the mini golf and bocce ball lawn game area.

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More From Forbes

Ice cube’s vacation hot spots.

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Ice Cube is ready for Big3’s new season.

Rap careers, much like in any other musical genre, are fleeting. You can have a viral hit today and be the subject of a “What ever happened to…” podcast tomorrow. All of which makes what L.A. native O’Shea Jackson Sr. (that’s Ice Cube to me and you) has accomplished over his career so amazing. A member of the seminal gangsta rap group N.W.A in the ’80s and an influential solo artist in the ’90s, Cube had a wall of platinum plaques up by the time Drake was in kindergarten. N.W.A was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. He’s still selling out arenas today.

“It’s where artists want to be,” the 54-year-old Cube says. “Some people want to be feared and all that goofy stuff, but to me, love is stronger. I appreciate it. I try to give people quality no matter what I do. People will reward you if you give them quality.”

After conquering music, Cube moved on to movies ( Boyz n the Hood, the Friday series, All About the Benjamins ) and other businesses. One of his most fruitful ventures has revolved around sports. A die-hard Lakers fan, Cube co-created a three-on-three basketball league back in 2017 where retired NBA players who still had some bounce in their knees could keep playing. Big3 has been a rousing success, filling venues around the country and broadcasting on national television.

The Big3’s next season tips off with new players and new cities on June 15. Cube’s also touring Canada (through May 10) and hitting a few U.S. festivals over the coming months. The antithesis of “fleeting,” the entertainment icon sat down with us to talk about touring, taking his league to new heights and vacationing with his family whenever time permits.

The league will crown its new champ in August.

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What can fans look forward to this Big3 season?

What’s great about the Big3 is, over these seven years, we’ve calibrated the league and we’ve done a lot of things to make the game fun to play and fun to watch. We don’t have to tinker with the rules. We can just concentrate on the style of play, which I think everybody really appreciates. Now, if you look at how people are looking at the NBA and the style of play, people are really disappointed in the defense.

In the Big3, you can’t help but play right. I think we’ve done a lot of things that are aesthetically pleasing to the sports fans, especially the basketball fan. We let guys be themselves. We let personality shine through without being over-restrictive and policing the competitiveness of the guys. If they want to trash talk, if they want to stare somebody down after a dunk, let them do it without a technical. We’ve taken the game and let the players determine the outcome.

How do you decide which cities will host games?

Well, a lot of things come into play. One is venue availability. We go for 10 weeks in the summer. A lot of venues are renovating and a lot of venues, especially in the summertime, are having a lot of concerts. We gotta kind of navigate ourselves around. CBS plays our games. They give us the schedule. When they’re at 1 p.m. Eastern, we got to play on the East Coast because you’re not getting nobody in the building at 10 a.m. on the West Coast.

We want to introduce new cities to the game and not just hit the same old ones. I’m glad that we’re going to places like Baltimore , Anaheim, Portland , Cincinnati , San Antonio and Nashville . These are places we haven’t been before. And it’s great because we get to introduce them to the Big3. It’s a little different than the NBA experience. To me, it’s a lot more fan-friendly.

Mid-markets like Cincinnati and Nashville are hungry for that kind of stuff.

We gotta break new ground every year. The business model says we play once a week, so our games have stakes. By playing once a week, we get to go anywhere in the world pretty much and we still give our guys enough time, enough rest to be able to play the game. It’s a great model. It’s like a mini all-star game from town to town.

Speaking of going from town to town, you’re in the midst of a Canadian music tour. What has that country been like?

I toured Canada with Snoop years ago. And I’ve been wanting to do that [again] ever since. We had the first leg of the tour [back in February and March], we hit coast to coast and it was cool. It was fun. But it was like the middle of winter. This is in the spring, so I think we’re going to have even more fun. We don’t have to deal with the cold. We get a chance to really see what these cities are all about. It’s just cool to be able to have so much success with the first one that they wanted to do it again.

Phoenix is a city Cube always circles on the tour schedule.

You’re going from British Columbia to Edmonton to Montreal . How do you keep your body sharp with so much moving around?

Try to block out the noise, you know? Kinda focus on what I’m there for. Put it all in perspective and get your rest. If I let everybody know [I’m in town], everybody will want to pull me here and everywhere, and by show time, you’re pretty spent and you can’t really give it 110%. So, I’m just the opposite. I don’t check in. I hit the town and I’m ready for the show. I’m like [Kobe Bryant’s] “Mamba Mentality” when it comes to the show. Everything is geared and focused for the time that I’m going to be on stage. I do everything it takes to be ready for that. That’s the most important thing to me. I think having that singular focus prioritizing what really matters. You get your rest.

What are a few things that you always travel with?

Probably my hat box. I got a thousand hats. I gotta have that with me for sure. And some of the things that I need to continue to do business, like my computer. My glasses. I got to have a couple of different sets of shades. I’m not complicated. You know what I’m saying? All I need is some black T-shirts and I can make it work right.

Do you wear your fitted cap real low and have on dark shades to move through the airport undetected?

You knowwhat? The only thing about COVID that was cool is that people don’t think you’re a weirdo if you’ve got a mask on. Usually, I mask up, take off the hat and put on some glasses. People don’t even look twice. It’s kind of cool to get through. That’s usually my go-to. But sometimes, I still have people walking up to me saying, “Cube, is that you?” It works most of the time, but sometimes it don’t even work. No matter how hard I try.

What are some cities you like stopping at on tour?

I love to hit Phoenix . I love to hit Denver . I just know the crowds are going to be epic anywhere on the West Coast. It’s going to be pretty crazy. I love to go to Chicago , too. Who don’t like to go to Miami ? What’s cool is this year, with the Big3, we’re going to Tampa , which is a cool town. Those are a few cities that I look forward to hitting because I just know the reception is going to be next-level love. New Mexico is cool. I’m starting to get a lot of love in Texas , too. Oklahoma’s great. New York [is good]. Everywhere. You know, I get a lot of love everywhere. There’s nowhere I go where I’m not welcome.

The rap legend loves making family memories in Maui.

We know you love music, acting and sports. Where does traveling rank among your passions?

I always look forward to getting away with my family. We just came back from the Bahamas . I take full advantage of it when I’m there. I still get a little work in. But for the most part, I kick back, reflect and enjoy myself.

I love going to Maui . It’s a shame they have to deal with those fires. I used to be on Front Street [in Lahaina]. I’ve been going to Front Street for 20 years. I’m looking forward to going back to Maui. Those are my two favorite places. I’ve been to a lot of different places, but those are my favorite. I’m always looking forward to going back.

Are there any bucket-list spots you’re still trying to get to?

I want to see places like Costa Rica , and I do want to go to Egypt . I would love to go back to South Africa . That was great. I would love to hit new spots like Kenya and places in Asia like the Philippines and Thailand . When I slow down, I’ll hit some of my favorite places.

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