22 minute read
AHEAD
from Sleeper 99
From a vertical mansion in the sky overlooking Hong Kong’s harbour to a vintage museumstyle hotel set under the snow-capped mountains of Lijiang, this year’s AHEAD Asia winners represent the most outstanding designs and experiences the continent has to offer. International travel restrictions prevented the AHEAD community from gathering in Singapore for an in-person event as planned, however Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich hosted a virtual ceremony for which Global Headline Sponsor RH Contract held a viewing party to enable those based in the region to gather and celebrate.
Demonstrating the resilience of the hospitality industry in the face of the global pandemic, the AHEAD team received over 200 entries from 80 locations around the world. Each was discussed, debated and deliberated by a 20-strong panel of judges chaired by Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development for Galaxy Entertainment Group. “Because we hadn’t been travelling or been able to see or experience projects, I found judging the awards to be very therapeutic,” explains Greg Farrell from Radisson Hotel Group, reflecting on the judging experience. “It gave me a wonderful sense of escapism.”
Amongst the big winners of the night was a locally-inspired hotel in China’s Yunnan province, which scooped an impressive three awards including Hotel Newbuild, Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces and New Concept. The panel applauded its “deeply considered approach to seasonality” as well as “the manner in which it blurs the lines between natural and constructed environments.”
One of the most prestigious awards of the evening was for Outstanding Contribution. From Kerry Hill to Bill Bensley, previous recipients have included legends who defined a style and approach, or a genre of hotels and design in hospitality. This year’s honouree, Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotels Group, was recognised for the leadership, passion, dynamism and energy that she brings to the sector. “I extend my deepest congratulations to Sonia for all that she has made possible for our hospitality industry and the global traveller,” says Tony Chi, founder of tonychi studio and Cheng’s frequent collaborator. “She is a true ambassador of our industry today and for many generations to come, and I am grateful to be part of that journey.”
As AHEAD Asia draws to a close for another year and attentions turn to the Global edition, AHEAD host and Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich reflects on the calibre of projects opening across the region: “The quality of the delivery amongst the shortlisted properties was a given, with the front-runners being those with that little bit extra – elegant, quirky, harmonious or experiential. Of the winners, we saw a good balance between branded and independent properties. A few hotels hit the zeitgeist for the judges with multiple trophies and it was also great to see more maverick, independent hotels in the mix.” JUDGING PANEL Nicholas Clayton – Capella Dirk Dalichau – Eaton HK Greg Farrell – Radisson Hotel Group Michael Goodman – EDG Design William Harris – AvroKO Karen Hay – IN-dulge Troy Hickox – Galaxy Entertainment Rowena Hockin – BAR Studio Annalyn Hood – Design Hotels Billie Khoo – Hilton Worldwide Karen Kim – Marriott International Dharmali Kusumadi – Banyan Tree Soo Jeong Lee – Rosewood Sun Mi Moon – 8M Fabio Ongarato – Studio Ongarato Jinou Park – Normal Toby Smith – Swire Hotels Isabelle Vergnaud – Kerry Hill
Architects Tracey Wiles – Woods Bagot Maria Wong – WOW Architects
BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE
EVENT SPACES
TOO HIGH AT ROSEWOOD GUANGZHOU – CHINA New World Development / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates / Yabu Pushelberg
Kicking off the virtual awards ceremony was the Bar, Club or Lounge award, which went to Too High at Rosewood Guangzhou – the highest bar in all of Guangzhou, as the name suggests. Offering staggering views from the property’s 107th floor with unparalleled service to match, the judges praised the “exceptionally well-considered and detailed” whisky bar as “right on brand” for the hotel group, applauding Yabu Pushelberg on the venue’s “rich and handsome design” that reveals more and more with each viewing.
CAPELLA HOTEL BANGKOK - THAILAND Country Group Development / Capella Hotel Group / Hamiltons International / Bamo / Pia Interior Co / HBA Bangkok
Some hotels are fortunate enough to be entrusted with hosting their guests’ most important life events, meetings and special occasions. So, it’s no suprise that Capella Bangkok pulled out all the stops when bringing to life its event spaces, earning an AHEAD award in the process. Each of the urban resort’s venues enjoy river views, five-star planning services and unmatched catering options. According to one judge, “it feels like a blank canvas, which means that hosts can make the space their own”.
GUESTROOMS
ZANNIER HOTEL BÃI SAN HÔ PHU YEN, CENTRAL VIETNAM Zannier Hotels / Zannier Hotels Interiors / Sko (masterplan) / Beyond Design
Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô won over the judges with its 73 standalone villas, which take cues from the Vietnamese tradition of architecture as an art form. “Bãi San Hô offers something new to the Vietnam hospitality scene,” explained one judge. “The hotel demonstrates a true commitment to the locale in the rooms’ use of materials and finishes, as well as the different room typologies inspired by diverse vernacular styles.” Another judge simply stated: “You want to inhabit these spaces and feel the walls!”
HOTEL CONVERSION
HOTEL K5 TOKYO – JAPAN Ferment Inc / Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects
Originally erected in 1923 as the Dai-ichi Bank Building, the structure survived the WWII fire-bombing of Tokyo and was recently converted into the 20-key hotel, with Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects retaining original interior characteristics such as exposed concrete walls and restoring parquet flooring. While honouring its history, the former bank has been injected “with a new lease of life and purpose” that judges described as “quirky and fresh”, adding that it “oozes originality in a self-assured and self-contained package that embraces and truly celebrates the original building it inhabits.”
HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION / VISUAL IDENTITY
THE CHOW KIT, AN ORMOND HOTEL – KUALA KUMPUR, MALAYSIA Ormond Group / Post Company / Tropical Area
Before becoming a 113-key boutique hotel that is rich in character, The Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur underwent a top to toe renovation that involved gutting the entire building, a complete redesign of the M&E infrastructure, guestroom layout, interior design and façade architecture. “An amazing transformation with a consistent design language and a true sense of space,” and “a clever use of colours and materials to create a distinctive experience,” said the panel. Later in the evening, the property also took home the prize for Visual Identity, with judges praising its focus on simplified luxury.
LIJIANG HYLLA VINTAGE HOTEL –CHINA
Lijiang Jietuolin Tourism Development Co / Chengdu Wuyulan Cultural Tourism Development Co / Hylla X - Yang Fei / Yang Fei, Li Jun, Tian Shen, Cheng Yue / Hangzhou Guantang Interior Design Co / Z’Scape / Gad One of the big winners of the night was Lijiang Hylla Vintage Hotel, which took home an impressive three awards. Set under the snowcapped mountains of Lijiang, with a palette of locally sourced stone, rammed earth and timber, the property is grounded in the ancient Naxi Kingdom – home to the Naxi group, who have inhabited the foothills of the Himalayas since the 11th century. So, what made it stand out in the New Concept category? A combination of Hygge and Villa, Hylla describes itself as “a vintage museum collecting essence of time, bringing warmth and texture with classic masterpieces and timeless designs”. And it wasn’t just the concept that impressed the panel, with its landscaping and outdoor spaces also receiving an accolade. One judge commented: “Lijiang Hyla Vintage Hotel’s success rests on the manner in which it blurs the lines between the natural and constructed environments, is attuned to both the indigenous landscape and local land uses, and the way in which it takes a deeply considered approach to seasonality.” According to judge Toby Smith, Managing Director at Swire Hotels: “In a newbuild property, there is perfect opportunity to centre everything around the guest experience, to make it intuitive, welcoming and to create that emotional bond with the guest.” When it came to picking their Hotel Newbuild winner, the judges credited the project’s architecture and interior design with underscoring a sense of place. One judge made the bold statement that, “there is nothing like it in Mainland China”, which explains why several judges were left with a desire to be transported to the “magnetic” and “magical” resort immediately.
LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES / SPA & WELLNESS
RESTAURANT
SUITE
PARK HYATT NISEKO HANAZONO – HOKKAIDO, JAPAN PCPD Investments / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Nikken Sekkai / Bar Studio
Nikken Sekkai and Bar Studio were tasked with creating an international hotel that exudes the warmth and hospitality typically found in an intimate mountain lodge. The lobby, public spaces and spa facilities bring together architecture that both frames and references the natural surroundings with interiors that layer comfort, warmth, intimacy and detail. “The restrained and beautifully detailed design, as well as the limited use of natural materials, are very on brand as a Park Hyatt,” explained one judge. “It feels fresh and open yet warm and intimate, which is very tricky to achieve.”
THE CHINESE NATIONAL AT SWISSOTEL JAKARTA INDONESIA PT. Multi Artha Pratama / AccorHotels / PTI / EDG Design
Conceived by EDG Design, The Chinese National is a complex of four Chinese specialty venues in one, based on the four great inventions of China: Letterpress, Iron Needle, Black Powder Red and Paper Duck. One judge recognised the “clever use of space” and “bold design statement that combines different spaces whilst maintaining a consistent character”, whilst another described the venue as “a very well considered and creative concept, enabling transformability for the client, and triggering curiosity to return for the customer.”
HARBOUR HOUSE AT ROSEWOOD HONG KONG New World Development / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Kengo Kuma Associates / tonychi studio
The Asia Suite category included a host of strong contenders, but there could be only one winner. Billed as the ultimate expression of exclusive residential luxury, the 670m² Harbour House – designed by tonychi studio – is a private vertical mansion in the sky that is “bursting with personality and love of detail”. Located on the 57th floor of Rosewood Hong Kong overlooking Victoria Harbour, the suite facilities include two outdoor lap pools, a private gym, and wraparound landscaped gardens. The panel highlighted the studio’s “thoughtful attention to detail expressed through art and accessories”.
RESORT / HOTEL OF THE YEAR
AMAN KYOTO – JAPAN
Kyoto Resorts Co / Aman / Kerry Hill Architects / Toyo Architects & Engineers Office / Design and Management Inc One of several winning projects in Japan, Aman Kyoto scooped not one but two awards by the end of the ceremony, demonstrating that the Japanese aesthetic is winning over designers and operators across the Asia region. Located within an eight-acre secret garden surrounded by forest on the outskirts of Kyoto, the small luxury hotel blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Conceived as a contemporary version of the traditional Japanese ryokan, the design concept comprises four main pavilions, with simple architecture to allow nature and the landscape to dominate. From ski resorts to rural mountain escapes, this year’s Resort category was a tight contest. So, what set the hotel apart? Toby Smith reveals: “When I’m judging, I’m looking for a property that has fully integrated into its environment through landscaping and the use of materials. Aman Kyoto does just that.” Another judge explained that “with high sensitivity and respect for the environment, the elegant resort reflects the Aman brand and the style of the architect perfectly. The simplicity of the design fits harmoniously within this beautiful region.” In fact, the panel were so bowled over with Aman Kyoto that they bestowed it with the most prestigious award of the night – the AHEAD Asia Hotel of the Year. Following up on its success with Amanyangyun Shanghai as Hotel of the Year in 2019, Kerry Hill Architects triumphed once more with a long, well thought-out project that delivers true harmony in its location. “A beautifully curated and crafted series of spaces within a spectacular landscape,” surmised one judge. “An exceptional creation that has embraced and enhanced the existing forest garden where it is located.”
From a hedonistic bolthole in Miami’s Art Deco district to a tented camp in Utah’s Canyon Point, the winners of AHEAD Americas 2021 recognised conceptual, aesthetic and functional breakthroughs across the region.
Revealed as part of a virtual ceremony and also shown during a lunch at The Standard, High Line in New York City – hosted by Global Headline Sponsor RH Contract and featuring a live interview with Toronto and Tribeca-based design firm Yabu Pushelberg, who received this year’s Outstanding Contribution award – those triumphant on the night impressed the 14-strong panel of operators, developers, architects and designers with an inspiring mixture of style and substance.
One of those that resonated was a soulful sanctuary in Mexico City, which scooped two trophies for its “elegant and simple, yet warm and inviting” scheme that seeks to emphasise the building’s original character while channelling a sense of clean, minimal luxury. Its simple graphics and use of tactile materials like leather, which “invite without overwhelming”, were also met with applause.
Given the staff shortages currently being faced by operators across the globe, the New Concept accolade deservedly went to Saira Hospitality, with judges describing its work as “setting an example” on where brands should look to make the industry more valuable. Partnering with groups like The Standard, Rosewood and Four Seasons to create pop-up schools, the non-profit organisation provides communities with the knowledge and skills they need to build a career in hospitality, reducing staff turnover while delivering lifechanging employment opportunities for those who need it most. “The concept uses hospitality to do better for the world,” said one judge, who admitted that they wish they had thought of the initiative themselves.
The most coveted prize however, was given to an all-villa retreat in Mexico, which the judges were desperate to visit having admired its “architecturally commendable” and “beautifully executed” design during a day of virtual deliberation in September. Having pipped a number of strong contenders to the post in two entered categories, the property stole the show by “blurring the lines between interior and exterior” with aplomb, leaving guests feeling like “they’ve been transported to another place where they can be rejuvenated”.
Representing the very best of hospitality experience and design from the Americas, the winners – who took home bespoke trophies in hand-blown glass designed and manufactured by Lasvit – will now go on to compete against other regions, with worldwide champions crowned at the next AHEAD Global edition. JUDGING PANEL Mari Balestrazzi – Airbnb Gray Davis – Meyer Davis Gary Dollens – Hyatt Sara Duffy – Stonehill Taylor Interiors Leo Ezkenazi – Hilton Worldwide Alessia Genova – Tihany Design Ari Heckman – Ash NYC Verena Haller – Standard Hotels Aliya Khan – Marriott International Greg Keffer – Rockwell Group Little Wing Lee – Atelier Ace Eileen Madigan – Las Vegas
Sands Corporation Lisa Pasternack – Four Seasons Anne Wilkinson – Bamo
BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE
EVENT SPACES
CATBIRD AT THOMPSON DALLAS – TEXAS Todd Interests / Hyatt / Merriman Architects / SWA Group – Landscape Design / Cindy Zelazny Interiors / Todd Interiors
The opening award at AHEAD Americas was scooped by Catbird at Thompson Dallas, an Art Deco-style cocktail lounge that nods to the building’s history as a First National Bank. Judges applauded designers Caroline Todd and Cindy Zelazny for creating “moody yet vibrant interiors” filled with a unique collection of art and accessories, from a photograph of the real Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort, to a Russian nesting doll dressed in Coco Chanel. “The material choices and multitude of textures make this space a visual delight!” said one judge.
HUTTON BRICKYARDS – NEW YORK Karl Slovin / Salt Hotels / Kristina Dousharm Architecture
Hutton Brickyards impressed the judges with its mix of indoor and outdoor venues, each of which is surrounded by picturesque scenery on the banks of the Hudson River. The panel praised Salt Hotels for carefully repurposing what it labelled as a “one-of-a-kind site”, describing its event spaces – from Butler Pavilion with a 4,000-guest capacity to Hutton Hall, which can host up to 400 people standing and 160 in banquet seating, as well as two other pavilions – as being “well integrated into the landscape” with a “simple, elegant and casual” fit-out that is approachable while providing flexibility.
GUESTROOMS / VISUAL IDENTITY
HOTEL CONVERSION
HOTEL NEWBUILD
CÍRCULO MEXICANO – MEXICO Grupo Habita / Ambrosi Etchegaray
“Restrained beauty that allows the hotel to breathe and just be,” was how one judge summed up Círculo Mexicano, which took home this year’s Guestrooms trophy after being commended for its “elegant and simple, yet warm and inviting” sense of clean, minimal luxury. Occupying a 19th-century residential building at República de Guatemala 20, the address where celebrated Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo was born and shot a series of his most iconic work, the 25-key hotel also picked up the Visual Identity prize, winning over the panel with simple graphics and tactile elements, including leather room occupancy signs, that “invite without overwhelming”.
LYLE – WASHINGTON DC Lore Group / OTJ Architects / Jacu Strauss
For its second US property, Lore Group transformed an early 1940s Art Deco building in Washington DC’s Dupont Circle district into a world of calm, with Creative Director Jacu Strauss devising a space where guests could say goodbye to the noise of the outside world. “Less is more,” said the judges, who were particularly inspired by Strauss’ nods to craftsmanship and natural materials, including the Burl wood headboards, rattan seating and Berber carpets in each of the 196 guestrooms. The property also caught the eye with its restaurant and bar, Lyle’s, which features bespoke furniture, a pendant cluster by Herman Miller and an open kitchen.
THE GOODTIME HOTEL – MIAMI Imperial Companies / Groot Hospitality / Morris Adjmi / Raymond Jungles / Ken Fulk
As the name suggests, it’s all about generating a positive experience – or “spiritual Wi-Fi” – at The Goodtime Hotel in Miami, and that resonated with the AHEAD Americas panel, who handed it the award for Hotel Newbuild. Situated in the city’s Art Deco district, the Wes Anderson-esque bolthole was dreamt up by musical great Pharrell Williams, who partnered with nightclub magnate David Grutman, real estate developers Michael D. Fascitelli and Eric Birnbaum, and American designer Ken Fulk to concoct a hedonistic sanctuary that dances eloquently between haven and playground.
HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION
LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES
LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS
UNION CLUB HOTEL AT PURDUE – INDIANA White Lodging / HKS Architects / Simeone Deary Design Group
Originally constructed from 1929-53 on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus, becoming an extension of the Purdue Memorial Union, Union Club Hotel recently underwent a complete renovation that included the addition of a new restaurant, bar and coffee counter. Now, the property captures the spirit of Purdue’s innovations, pulling through historic architectural elements while celebrating alumni who have had an impact around the world. Judges also pointed to its “clever details and inventive storytelling”, which include patterns and palettes taken from the university’s classic colours and icons.
THE MAKER HUDSON – NEW YORK Fresh / Lev Glazman / Alina Roytberg / Damien Janowicz / Kipp Edick / Glazman
Having swapped the beauty industry for hospitality to transform a Georgian mansion, its carriage house and Greek Revival annexe into an 11-room boutique, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg – co-founders of the now LVMH-owned natural beauty brand Fresh – set out with the aim of celebrating the world of makers, drawing on the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods as well as Mid-Century Modern styles to create an eclectic lobby and public spaces – from a quaint conservatory to a scent library – that the judges hailed as “beautifully curated with a strong point of view design-wise”.
CAMP SARIKA BY AMANGIRI – UTAH Canyon Equity / Aman Resorts / Luxury Frontiers / Selldorf Architects
Despite a quartet of strong contenders in the Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category, Camp Sarika by Amangiri came out on top for what the judges described as a “beautiful integration of nature and design” that “appreciates the sustainable materials used”. Named after the Sanskrit word for open space and sky, the 10-tent cluster overlooks 55 hectares of flat-top mesas towards Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with each lodge boasting a private plunge pool and outdoor terrace. Another judge added that the project is “the ultimate way of camping that is true to the brand, experience and location.”
RESTAURANT
SPA & WELLNESS
SUITE
THE PEACOCK MEDITERRANEAN GRILL AT AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL – TEXAS The Kor Group / Proper Hospitality / Handel Architects / Kelly Wearstler
“A fresh and interesting interpretation of a Mediterranean grill that isn’t pastiche” were the words of one judge when praising the ground-floor restaurant and lobby bar at Austin Proper in Texas. Envisioned by LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler, the 180-cover venue serves an Israeli and Turkishinspired menu – developed by McGuire Moorman Hospitality – against a backdrop of hand-selected tiles and textured wall tapestries sourced from the coasts of Portugal. “You feel the concept in every aspect of the space,” the judges concluded.
PARADERO TODOS SANTOS – MEXICO Paradero Hotels / Yektajo Valdez Architect / B-Huber
South America took this year’s Spa & Wellness category by storm, with three finalists from Mexico and one from Brazil, but it was Paradero Todos Santos in Baja California Sur that claimed the top spot on the night. Shaded by almost 100 palm trees and other endemic species, its Ojo de Agua Spa pays homage to the secret watering holes that coexist between Sierra La Laguna and the Pacific with a focus on Mexican healing traditions. “The design of the spa and its lighting brought the narrative to life,” said the panel. “The finished result is beautifully detailed yet simple and calming.”
THE JOSEPH – NASHVILLE The Pizzuti Companies / Marriott International / Arquitectonica / INC Architecture & Design
Art curation clinched the victory in the end for The Joseph Nashville’s Presidential Suite, which couples prints by fine art publisher Joseph Editions with unique artworks sourced by owners the Pizzuti family. “What a visual delight!” the judges remarked, noting that “no detail was left unconsidered” and “the art was the cherry on the cake”. Spanning more than 2,100ft2, the space is centred around a living room with wraparound sofas, oversized chairs and a commanding marble bar, not to mention a fully restored 1920s-era Steinway Model A salon grand piano with its very own self-playing feature.
LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES / RESORT / HOTEL OF THE YEAR
ONE & ONLY MANDARINA MEXICO
RLD by BK Partners / RLH Properties / One & Only International / Studio Rick Joy / Studio Caban The big winner on the night was One & Only Mandarina, which took home the awards for Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces, Resort, and the AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year. Set along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, the all-villa retreat was lauded by the judges for “breaking down the boundaries between inside and outside” with a “well-thought through and executed” design that balances contemporary styling with sustainability measures. American practices Studio Rick Joy and Studio Caban – who consulted several botany experts during the development process to minimise its impact on the surrounding environment – were also commended for integrating native materials such as Cumaru wood and indigenous stone that speak to the exterior landscape, with one judge referring to the design as “architecturally commendable” and one that made them all want to visit. The low-density planning approach sees the spa spread across a collection of six isolated and enclosed treatment rooms, whilst a specialised outdoor gym was carved into the site. Surrounding the communal areas are 105 standalone suites, all of which take cues from the Mexican backdrop and feature private outdoor decks with plunge pools. “Guests will feel like they’ve been transported to another place where they can be rejuvenated,” said the panel of the villas, which combine locally crafted woodwork with native artefacts and earthy tones that add rich, textural warmth. In envisioning the villas – perched either on the cliffside or amongst the trees – the designers introduced floor-to-ceiling glazing that can be fully retracted to bring the outdoors in, something the judges pointed to as creating a “strong connection with the stunning landscape” that is “elegant yet refined”.
