Middle East and Africa Awards For Hospitality Experience and Design

Middle East and Africa Awards For Hospitality Experience and Design, Winner Announced. The inaugural Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design for the Middle East and Africa took place in a magnificent ceremony at W Al Habtoor City, Dubai on 15 November. Celebrating the best that the region has to offer, over 300 of the industry’s leading names gathered for an evening of aerial artists, a Middle Eastern-inspired feast and dazzling awards ceremony. Opening the ceremony, AHEAD Director Matt Turner spoke of the significance of Dubai as a host city, stating: “Increasingly, Dubai is becoming the region’s design capital. It has been thrilling to witness the rapid development of the design scene here – when we visited for Dubai Design Week last year and saw how D3 was developing, it sealed our decision to host these awards here at this time.” 

For this region, an additional classification was introduced to acknowledge the area’s burgeoning lodges and tented camps offering. The properties are typically located in a conservation area or region of natural beauty, and promote guest experience beyond the hotel. The new category marks a trend in the market: the diversification of what a hotel is, or can be, and the increased desire for luxury, experiential hotel design.

In addition to winning the Urban Hotel category, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre scooped the AHEAD MEA Hotel of the Year accolade. The project features just 106 luxury accommodations and has positioned itself as a smart, social destination complete with four restaurants, bars and lounges. According to the esteemed panel of judges, the winning hotel was the most coherent and consistent illustration of the collaborative nature of design, delivering an incredible guest experience. Turner concludes: “This is not just a celebration of design for design’s sake. We were overwhelmed with the quality of entries for our inaugural AHEAD MEA awards. The judges had a tough job on their hands selecting winners as the standard was exceptionally high across the board.”

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE 

CUBANO LITO AT IBIS ONE CENTRAL HOTEL, DUBAI 

A new concept at Ibis One Central Hotel by Bishop Design, Cubano Lito was commended for its use of authentic textures, furniture and lighting to create a contemporary take on the traditional Havana townhouse. From concrete flooring to the chessboard inlaid table surfaces to dominating red and blue colours, a staple of Havana, the space celebrates everything that is Cuban. In addition to creativity via material use such as reclaimed palettes, and eclectic furniture sourced from architectural salvage, a locally commissioned artist rounds off the concept with striking artwork and intriguing use of text.

GUESTROOMS 

JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM, DUBAI 

Jumeirah Al Naseem marks a new generation of urban resorts from Jumierah. Making the most of the tropical desert climate, emphasis is placed on flexible indoor/outdoor spaces, with each guestroom featuring an enclosed balcony that functions as a lounge and is fully air conditioned. The design concept, by Dsgn Design, marks a bold move for Jumierah, with focus on style, luxury and glamour in a restrained manner. Calming hues and textures create a relaxed experience, while furniture evokes a curated collection, reminiscent of home.

EVENT SPACES 

ROVE DOWNTOWN, DUBAI 

The first of a new brand from Emaar Hospitality Group, Rove Downtown was admired by the judges as a new concept for the Dubai market, with designers Stride Treglown International taking a fresh approach to the property’s communal and customisable event spaces. Meeting spaces break the conventional mould with functional, yet beautiful steel structures, sliding doors and retro style lockers. Championing innovation, the spaces promise stress-free and creative event planning within a comfortable yet functional flexi-space, with the brand’s website offering an interactive booking service. Open 24-hours a day, the spaces are flexible, and total 354m2 in floor space. The aim of the Rove brand is to create a home-grown, affordable Dubai brand that is contemporary, yet inspired by the urban culture, geography and heritage of the neighbourhood to which it belongs. Judges applauded the project, hailing it a new touch and concept to the Dubai market that is low-key but ergonomic and communal.

HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION 

KEMPINSKI SUMMERLAND HOTEL & RESORT, BEIRUT 

The reopening of Beirut’s iconic Summerland Hotel sees an infusion of Kempinski’s values and refined European design by HBA. Beige flooring features a Rub el Hizb pattern, derived from the traditional Muslim symbol, while a water wall captures the essence of flowing mountain streams. A nod to Lebanese history, intricate arabesque motifs are etched into wood planks adorning the walls, while an original art collection sourced from Lebanese artists adds a contemporary edge.

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES 

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN BEACH RESORT & SPA, DUBAI 

A spacious, light-filled space, the LW-designed lobby at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa sets the tone for the entire property. The focal point of the space is Airwave, an art piece by commissioned British artist David Begbie. In terms of colour palette, beach-inspired tones accompany grey timber and grey stone, while soft greens and yellows accent. Judges commended the contemporary, seaside chic feel created, hailing it a beautiful transformation of an old Dubai icon.

LANDSCAPE & OUTDOOR SPACES 

SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON, SEYCHELLES 

Set on Félicité in the heart of the Seychelles archipalego, Six Senses Zil Pasyon rests within a 652-acre tropical expanse. The architectural vision by the in-house team and Studio RHE is bold and environmentally conscious: majestic rock formations promote natural energy for spa therapies, while the island promotes habitat restoration. Threatened ecosysytems are supported by ridding the island of invasive species and propagation of rare, local plants.

LODGES & TENTED CAMPS 

BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LODGE, OKAVANGO DELTA 

A name synonymous with extraordinary experiences, the redesign of Belmond Eagle Island Lodge has created the ultimate safari lodge that is both artisanal and experiential. Muza Lab created 12 tented guestrooms, each with a large terrace and plunge pool; a dining pavilion; a two-level lounge pavilion; and camp fire area. Meanwhile, the inspiring surroundings have been translated into a journey of discovery, with each area revealing interpretations of the natural world through features, materials and patinas.

RESORT HOTEL 

JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM, DUBAI 

The second win for this urban resort, Jumeirah Al Naseem has positioned itself as an authentic offering for both international resort and Middle Eastern business travellers. Interiors create a sophisticated, contemporary environment that resonates with luxury guests’ aspirations, while the attention to detail and infusion of local essence has created a tranquil beach resort with the energy of an urban city hotel. Judges applauded the “gorgeous resort, which is an ode to understated luxury and art of fine detailing”. They also commended the project’s forwardthinking focus that evolves the Jumeirah brand.

SPA & WELLNESS 

ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR RESORT, NIZWA 

Anantara Jabal Akhdar is perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon in Jabal Al Akhdar, Arabic for The Green Mountain. The luxury resort features traditional Omani architecture and interiors alongside unique design elements, including the heart of the spa. Within the space, a mysterious rough stone cube shields the hammam, perpetuating the philosophy contrast used by the designer, Atelier Pod. The project was commended for taking advantage of the clifftop location to create a sublime and sensational spa.

RESTAURANT 

RÜYA AT GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL DUBAI 

An enticing new F&B concept, Rüya – meaning dream in Turkish – explores the rich history of Anatolian food led by Executive Chef Colin Clague. The space, designed by Conran and Partners, presents a vibrant restaurant, lounge and bar featuring traditional Turkish design reinterpreted alongside modern details. The meeting of eastern and western cultures, from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires to present day, are reflected through an eclectic palette of materials, patterns, textures and colours. Candle-lit corners accompany faded Arabic rugs and chic modern furniture, resulting in a casual, romantic atmosphere. The expansive open kitchen encourages sociability and acts as a focal point, while the outdoor terrace backs on to Dubai’s marina. The brainchild of the people behind Coya, La Petite Maison, and Zuma, Rüya aims to turn ageold ideas upside down, resulting in passion- and personality-filled culinary creations. Judges commented: “Rüya presents a holistic design solution with carefully curated FF&E, complete with a subtle nod to Turkish cuisine. It is the overall package, with the terraced area acting as the stand out feature.”

SUITE 

VILLA SUITES AT SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON, SEYCHELLES 

Returning to the stage for the second time, Six Senses Zil Pasyon scooped the award for its sustainable luxury suites, designed by Studio RHE. Each suite features vaulted ceilings and walk-in closet, while bow windows expand to offer an immersion in raw nature. Outside, each suite offers a private sundeck, an infinity pool and tropical vegetation to ensure privacy. Located near the water, the Oceanfront Pool Villas allow guests to listen to the ocean waves and feel the Indian Ocean breeze.

VISUAL IDENTITY OF THE YEAR 

ROOM MATE EMIR, ISTANBUL, TURKEY 

Designed by Barcelona-based interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violan, Room Mate Emir was recognised for its clear and consistent visual identity. The judges felt that each of the hotel spaces enriched the narrative that defines the hotel, and added texture to the guest experience in a tactile way. Further, the project is emblematic as it has restored the splendour of two historic buildings in the Beyoğlu neighbourhood that were previously in ruins.

URBAN HOTEL 

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DIFC 

Located in the city’s prestigious business community, Four Seasons Dubai International Financial Centre is evocative of a private members club. Featuring just 106 guestrooms, including 28 suites, the interiors by Tihany Design are intimate, art-filled and calm. With four F&B outlets, emphasis is placed upon a juxtaposition of exclusivity and increasing social interaction. Located within a pedestrian enclave of the city, the hotel’s neighbourhood-feel makes it an ideal destination for urbanites.

NEW CONCEPT OF THE YEAR 

ROVE HOTELS 

A new mid-scale brand from Emaar Hospitality Group, Rove Hotels is designed for the next generation traveller who appreciates value, connectivity and culturally-inspired surroundings. The brand has positioned itself as a homegrown lifestyle brand that is contemporary, yet inspired by the urban culture and heritage of the neighbourhood to which it belongs. Judges praised the concept for its refreshing approach and the lifestyle-inspired guest experience its offers.

sources: Sleeper, 01-02, 2018

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