A number of Isle of Wight businesses had been recognised for their excellence in tourism.

The Beautiful South Awards ceremony took place on Tuesday evening (09 Dec) at The Grand in Brighton, hosted by Toby Anstis.

Organised by Tourism South East, the Beautiful South Awards, celebrate the best of the best in our region.

Shanklin’s Luccombe Manor brought home the Gold for Dog Friendly Accommodation of the Year, and Luccombe Hall was awarded Bronze for Small Hotel of the Year.

Steve Wells and Clare Farrelly, Directors of Luccombe Hotels said:

“We are absolutely over the moon to have been awarded Bronze for Small Hotel of the year for Luccombe Hall and Gold for Dog Friendly Business of the year for Luccombe Manor in the Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards.  

“To be successful against such amazing competition stretching across South East England confirms how committed the entire Luccombe Hotels team is to ensuring our guests enjoy first class experiences with us whether they have 2 legs or 4!

“We are also thrilled to see other island businesses and attractions so well represented and recognised for their industry leading success which helps raise the profile of our island as the destination of choice.”

East Afton Farmhouse was awarded Silver in the Wedding Venue of the Year category.

Chloe Baker, Accommodation & Venue Manager, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded Silver for Wedding Venue of the Year for East Afton Farmhouse at the Beautiful South Awards. A huge thank you to all our wonderful couples for choosing East Afton Farmhouse to host such an important moment in their lives, and to their guests for joining them here to celebrate.

“This recognition reflects the passion and hard work of our dedicated team, who pour so much care into creating unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories for everyone who walks through our doors.

“Thank you to the Beautiful South Awards for another fantastic evening celebrating the best of our industry. We’re honoured to be part of it and excited for what 2026 will bring.”

Placing in the top 3 for the fourth consecutive year, The Royal Hotel in Ventnor has taken the Bronze award for Restaurant of the Year.

Mohamed Bathich, owner of The Royal said:

“We are proud to have won in The Beautiful South’s Restaurant of the Year category for a fourth year in a row. The dedication and skill of The Royal’s kitchen team, led by Head Chef Jacob Gough, as well as our restaurant service team, continue to create highly memorable dining experiences daily for all of our guests. We are delighted that The Royal Hotel continues to represent the Isle of Wight as a destination for food lovers at such prestigious awards.”

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary was recognised in two categories, bringing home the Bronze for Regenerative Tourism and placing Highly Commended in the Café of the Year award.

Lawrence Bates, CEO at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary said:

“We are so pleased to win an award for regenerative tourism! It is a testimony to the hard work of all the team here to create an amazing and sustainable day out for all our visitors.

“And it is even better to share the evening with so many other inspirational Isle of Wight businesses, who continue to set the bar high for tourism in the UK. 

“Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, all are deserved winners.”

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight said:

“The Isle of Wight should be rightly proud of these businesses who go above-and-beyond day in and day out to ensure that their customers are getting the best and to be placed as a Top 3 Tourism/Visitor Economy business in the South of England is to be applauded.

“I congratulate each and every business that put themselves forward for nomination – to be placed in the Beautiful South Awards is worthy recognition of their hard work. I urge Island businesses to put themselves for accolades such as the Beautiful South Awards, not just as recognition for their fantastic efforts, but the prestige of winning which is a benefit when attracting customers.”