Move over, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Aman and Banyan Tree. You've been outdone. A new level of travel award, launched today, has declared a new level of recognition. The Seven Star Alliance is awarding hotels a new level of recognition to ultra-luxury hotels.

"Today's luxury traveler is seeking a higher level of service and customized experience than is typically found in today's five-star hotels and resorts," says Branson Smythson Winters IV, chairman of Seven Star Alliance. "We seek to cater to the traveler who, when tired of their private island in the Maldives, says 'I want to go somewhere really special.'"

All of Seven Star Alliance's properties must meet the following criterion:

• Private landing strip on property available for private aircraft of an size, dockage for 100'+ yachts if waterfront
• Personal concierge service at a 1-1 minimum staff-to-guest ratio
• All-suite facility, maximum 50 rooms
• Michelin four star or James Beard award-winning chef(s)
• Championship golf, tennis, equestrian, skiing or yachting facilities on-site
• Luxury spa with 75+ treatment option menu

The guide has thus far recognized that no hotels have yet to meet their criteria, but several are slated to open within the next year in Asia.

[Flickr via ThisIsDuffy]

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