Ness Walk, on the banks of the River Ness opened in 2019 and has quickly established itself as a leader in luxury hospitality. This week, the team have added a further award to the mantlepiece as they take home Best Service Award at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
Condé Nast Senior Account Director Paul Motzheim named Ness Walk as the standout winner in the UK & Ireland in the category of Best Service at the awards ceremony which took place at the Kimpton Fitzroy in London. The event gathered prominent figures from across the luxury hospitality industry, recognising excellence across categories.
“I am utterly delighted both personally and on behalf of every single member of the Ness Walk team to receive this most prestigious award,” said Tony Story, CEO of Kingsmills Group. “It validates the many extra miles the team have gone in their dedication to the very best of customer care and is the icing on the cake of what has been the most amazing journey through the development and opening of the hotel in 2019.”
Tony Story continued, “I am triply pleased that this is the third such award we have received from Condé Nast Johansens – and this one for ‘Best Service,’ which is truly in our DNA. We are massively honoured and more than grateful to all of our team members and clients who have brought this about.”
Ness Walk, originally a provost’s house – was transformed by Tony Story’s vision into an elegant, multimillion-pound, five-star destination. It centres around a picturesque garden courtyard, features 47 bedrooms including two suites, the acclaimed Torrish Restaurant (home to Inverness’s only tasting menu experience) and the Riverbank Room – a stunning events and wedding venue.
The announcement coincides with the unveiling of the 2026 Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels Guide – a refreshed and reimagined edition featuring 180 luxury hotels across 40 destinations worldwide. Publishing Director Simon Leadsford, who oversees Condé Nast Johansens, Tatler, Vanity Fair & Condé Nast Traveller amongst other titles, praised the newly relaunched Luxury Hotels Guide 2026 on the night; a testament to the continued pursuit of excellence from the team.