Asia's most beautiful and exciting hotels celebrated at AHEAD design awards
Asia’s best designed hotels have been celebrated at an awards ceremony held in Singapore.
Winning design practices at the inaugural AHEAD Asia awards include Blu Water Studio, LTW Designworks and Tony Chi.
Entries were assessed on aesthetics, guest experience and commercial viability by a panel of industry and design leaders.
AHEAD – which stands for The Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design – is a new platform that has consolidated the European Hotel Design Awards and the Asia Hotel Design Awards to create a competition with a more global outlook.
Ceremonies celebrating excellent hospitality design in the Americas and the Middle East & Africa will also take place in 2017 and 2018. All the regional winners will then compete head-to-head to in each category during a Global Biennale in 2019.
The most successful hotel was Hoshinoya in Tokyo, which was designed by Azuma Architects. The new 17-storey property, which offers a modern take on the classic Japanese ryokan, won in the categories for urban hotel, new concept, and design of the year.
Bar, Club or Lounge
The Akademi lobby bar, Katamama Hotel, Bali, designed by in Bali by Andra Matin and Takenouchi Webb.
The judges applauded Akademi for reinventing the traditional lobby bar as a place for learning and meeting, as well as drinking.
Guestrooms
Akyra Manor Hotel, Chiang Mai, designed by Hyphen Architects and Varit Charoenveingvechki.
Akya Manor Hotel was praised for its “clean lines, urban feel and interesting use of FF&E to deliver a unique indoor/outdoor guest experience.”
Hotel Renovation and Restoration
The Edison George Town, Penang, designed by Blu Water Studio.
‘Charming’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘authentic’ were just a few of the words the judges used to described the way Edison’s designers have respected a classic and original building, while injecting a new personality into it.
Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
Keemala hotel, Phuket, with landscapes designed by Stone Design.
The judges commented that the landscaping of Keemala has created truly memorable experiences for everyone who stays there. The natural way it integrates into its environment, with guestrooms nestled into the jungle surroundings, was considered respectful and restrained.
Lobby and Public Spaces
The Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul, designed by LTW Designworks.
This project was singled out for its sense of sanctuary, and the way it welcomes in its guests – a clever use of space with a strong sense of place. The judges commended Four Seasons Hotel for creating “A wonderful celebration of the heritage of Korea – modern and balanced”
Resort Hotel
Alila Anji, Huzhou, designed by Beijing CCI Architectural Design and HG-Design Studio.
The judges praised the calm, quiet sensitivity of the design, marking ‘a radical departure for resort design in China’. ‘Timeless, modern and classic all at once’ was one judge’s summary.
Restaurant
Colony at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore, designed by Tony Chi and DP Architects.
‘Outstanding Execution – Tony Chi at his very best’ was one of the reactions to this popular Singapore restaurant. Several judges highlighted the way the design breaks down a challenging space to create a variety of dining experiences for its guests – “a different experience each time you visit”
Spa and Wellness
Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul, designed by Heerim Architects
The judges were impressed by the sheer scope of the spa and wellness facilities at the Four Seasons Seoul, from gym and pool through to the treatment areas, praising its design team for creating a “Tranquil and rejuvenating” environment for locals and international travellers alike.
Suite
The Ambassador Suite, Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong, designed by BAR Studio.
‘Comfortable, warm, detailed and disciplined’ were just a few of judges’ comments on this luxurious suite at the Grand Hyatt, whose aspirational design offers a ‘definitive feeling of an upgrade’.
Urban Hotel
Hoshinoya, Tokyo, designed by Azuma Architects
Hoshinoya was a clear winner in its category. The judges praised its “Amazing concept and aesthetics”, combining architecture, landscape and interiors to create modern interpretation of the traditional Ryokan.
Visual Identity of the Year
COO Singapore
COO Singapore was selected for the way its branding spoke clearly to its target audience of millennial travellers. The judges felt its clever use of graphics, artwork and signage has been combined with its innovative online presence ‘COO Connect’ allowing guests to link up with like-minded guests.
Outstanding Contribution Award
Hotel designer Kerry Hill
With a career in hotel design spanning some 40 years, Kerry Hill has been a pioneer of resort design across Asia and beyond. The judges of AHEAD Asia were delighted to honour his outstanding contribution to the industry, from early works such as the The Datai in Langkawi, and the Chedi Bandung, through to recent projects such as Aman Tokyo and COMO The Treasury Hotel in Perth, Australia.
The New Concept of the Year award
Hoshinoya, Tokyo, designed by Azuma Architects.
Asia Hotel Design of the Year
Hoshinoya, Tokyo, designed by Azuma Architects.
"The standard was exceptionally high across the board. The winners were selected for their exceptional design and its contribution to the guest experience in these outstanding hotel properties," said AHEAD Director Matt Turner.
The next AHEAD Awards ceremonies will be held on the following dates:
• AHEAD Americas – 28 June 2017, PAMM (Pérez Art Museum Miami)
• AHEAD MEA – 15 November 2017, W Hotel Al Habtoor City Dubai
• AHEAD Europe – 20 November 2017, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
hotel design AHEAD Asia hospitality architecture Singapore![Hoshinoya, Tokyo, designed by Azuma Architects / AHEAD Hoshinoya, Tokyo, designed by Azuma Architects / AHEAD](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB17864_771440.jpg)
![<i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox <i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353474_302327_308310.jpg)
Vogue launches first Global Spa Guide – picks 100 of the world’s best spas
![Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353441_374127_63861.jpg)
Japan's first Blue Zones longevity retreat to launch at Halekulani Okinawa
![Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353401_651305_938584.jpg)
Total Fitness to launch purpose-built Women’s Gym
![Ameyalli is set to become a Ameyalli is set to become a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353383_853999_207904.jpg)
Deepak Chopra-backed wellness resort Ameyalli to open among historic Utah hot springs
![Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353320_853183_276818.jpg)
Life Time Group Holdings does US$40 million sale and leaseback deal to fund growth
![The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353273_404980_331768.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton Reserve to land in South America with tropical retreat in Rio de Janeiro
![The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353319_508894_607269.jpg)
Banyan Tree to debut in Caribbean with Oppenheim-designed island retreat
![The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353312_250269_555179.jpg)
Mandarin Oriental’s new London hotel and urban spa retreat opening 3 June
![Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888 Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353303_579850_639654.jpg)
GWI unveils latest edition of Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards to elevate industry practices
![With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353291_520886_805831.jpg)
Merlin unveils record-breaking Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park
![Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353272_852222_343038.jpg)
Connection, creativity and nature inspire Arizona’s upcoming desert wellness sanctuary Align
![Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353237_656636_774240.jpg)
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
![The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353087_217202_51713.jpg)
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
![Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353000_63020_184996.jpg)
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
![The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352978_189491_463426.jpg)
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
![GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352968_235299_235120.jpg)
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
![Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352928_173701_285534.jpg)
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
![Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352879_963687_24541.jpg)
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
![Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352828_439021_221899.jpg)
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
![A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352818_952381_796315.jpg)
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
![The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352790_952033_494258.jpg)
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
![Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352675_858615_747220.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
![The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352640_564217_450366.png)
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
![Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352645_476299_726112.jpg)
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
![The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352639_655076_803947.jpg)
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
![The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352633_265705_625231.jpg)
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
![Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352629_690884_979904.jpg)
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
![The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352623_421727_382626.jpg)
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
![Wake The Tiger is launching a major new expansion / Wake The Tiger Wake The Tiger is launching a major new expansion / Wake The Tiger](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352539_24036_814552.jpg)
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
![All Othership studios feature a performance sauna, multiple ice baths and communal spaces / Othership All Othership studios feature a performance sauna, multiple ice baths and communal spaces / Othership](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352587_113413_906070.jpg)