The AHEAD Awards, held in association with RH Contract, has announced its Top 10 projects of 2025, including the coveted Ultimate Accolade of the series.
Since concluding its regional awards in Asia, the Americas, MEA and Europe, AHEAD released the AHEAD 100, showcasing the best global projects of the series.
AHEAD’s panel of over 65 hospitality experts have now narrowed down their Top 10, with Orient Express La Minerva awarded the Ultimate Accolade.
A layered dialogue between heritage and contemporary elegance, the hotel features sculpted plasterwork, travertine volumes and a soaring glass dome celebrating Italian craftsmanship. Spaces feel rediscovered rather than redesigned, with judges praising the property’s “melancholic beauty” and “remarkable consistency of vision,” calling it “exceptional in every aspect.”
Entries for AHEAD’s 2026 series open tomorrow, Thursday 15 January at 9am (UK time), with tickets set to go on sale at the same time.
Read on to meet the Top 10 and download AHEAD’s entry guidelines now to start preparing your entries.
ULTIMATE ACCOLADE
1 Orient Express La Minerva, Rome, Italy
Barletta Group / Accor / Hugo Toro
Blending refined residential charm with revived Roman architecture, the hotel was given a new lease of life by Hugo Toro for Accor and Barletta Group, earning it titles of both AHEAD Europe Hotel of the Year and now the series’ Ultimate Accolade.
From the reinstated lobby skylight to sculpted bas-reliefs and travertine-lined volumes, the design unfolds as a layered narrative where centuries of architectural history meet modern refinement. Bespoke guestrooms offer sensorial sanctuaries shaped by Roman plaster walls, warm leathers, blown glass and hand-painted details, while the bar beneath a soaring glass dome channels the romance of grand travel with its poetic restraint and richly textured palette. Throughout, the intervention is both bold and deeply respectful –a coherent transformation that restores character while introducing a fresh, atmospheric language. The result is a hotel that feels rediscovered rather than redesigned, its spaces infused with intimacy, geometry and unmistakably Italian craft.
Judges praised the project’s “melancholic beauty” and “remarkable consistency of vision,” celebrating its “beautiful warmth and layering,” “extraordinary use of geometry and pattern” and “restrained yet confident” reimagining of a Roman icon. They described it as “exceptional in every aspect,” a benchmark for how to revive history with both sensitivity and ambition.
TOP 10
2 Desert Rock Resort, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global / Oppenheim Architecture / Studio Paolo Ferrari
Set within the rugged, rocky landscape, carved into the mountain-face, Desert Rock’s monumental forms emerge from rock and wadi with near-primordial presence. Named AHEAD MEA Hotel of the Year, the tactile yet restrained design by Oppenheim Architecture and Studio Paolo Ferrari redefines the relationship between architecture and landscape—plaster, limestone, bronze and charred wood compose spaces that feel at once ancient and refined. Each guestroom offers a meditative connection to the terrain; while dining and wellness spaces unfold organically through the desert contours. Designed to LEED Gold and Dark Sky standards, Desert Rock exemplifies regenerative luxury in one of the world’s most dramatic environments.
Judges praised the project as “stunning” and “timeless,” commending its “seamless integration with the landscape” and “bold yet sensitive architectural expression.” They described it as “a regional benchmark” that balances brutal strength with calm intimacy, contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality landscape.
3 Shebara Resort, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global / Killa Design / Studio Paolo Ferrari / Rockwell Group
Offering an immersive experience that balances innovative design and warmth, the 73-key resort by Killa Design and Studio Paolo Ferrari floats above coral-laden waters in polished stainless-steel orbs. Inside, interiors merge futurism with meticulous craftsmanship: cantilevered bars, bespoke furnishings and flowing, aerodynamic forms create spaces that unfold in the round, seamlessly connecting to exterior patios and pools. Every detail responds to the architecture, offering a forward-looking yet deeply comfortable stay.
Judges were captivated with the resort, heralding it as “very futuristic,” with a “daring, unique and bold” design that pushes the boundaries. They noted the property’s originality, experiential quality and seamless integration of interiors with architecture, described as “fantastical, mesmerising, out of this world” and “a once-in-a-lifetime stay.”
4 Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Thailand
Nai Lert Park Development / Denniston / Open Box / Aman Resorts
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok makes a grand yet grounded entrance that blends calm, craft and context. Designed by Openbox Architects with interiors by Denniston, the hotel unfolds in layers—from a shaded park-side portico to a soaring triple-height atrium crowned by a sculptural bronze tree. Rooted in Thai craftsmanship, the design integrates woven textures, tactile surfaces and a rich colour palette inspired by the capital’s energy. Each step feels considered, offering a meditative stay rooted in place, poetry and pause.
Judges praised the “elements of Thai heritage and wow factor” blending with the brand’s identity. “A stunning balance of grandeur and intimacy, balancing tactility with sense of place” to create “a visual feast” that emanates “a sense of peace.”
5 Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore
Mandai Park Development / WOW Architects / Warner Wong Design / Banyan Group
Designed by Wow Architects and Warner Wong Design, the resort is embedded within Singapore’s Mandai precinct––home to rare biodiversity and a new kind of ecotourism. Elevated walkways, zero-energy guest pods and nature-led design allow guests to inhabit the rainforest without leaving a trace. Local crafts, natural ventilation and contextual landscaping root the experience in both sustainability and local spirit. As a regenerative model for future resorts, Mandai doesn’t just offer escapism but meaningful re-engagement with the natural world.
Judges commended the project’s holistic approach to sustainability, calling it “a regenerative model” with “impressive execution.” The juxtaposition between natural and built forms was also highlighted for creating “a great symphony,” making the project a standout winner.
6 Rosewood Amsterdam, Netherlands
CTF Amsterdam / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Kentie Architects / Archer Humphryes / Studio Piet Boon / Studio Sagrada / Piet Oudolf / DPA Lighting Consultants
A masterful dialogue between heritage and contemporary luxury, Rosewood Amsterdam is located in the UNESCO-listed Canal District, housed in the former Palace of Justice. With architecture by Kentie Architects and interiors from Studio Piet Boon across 134 rooms, five signature houses, public areas and the spa, the design balances heritage elements—original stone floors and painted woodgrain doors—with contemporary interventions like bronze detailing, mirrored bathrooms, and layered textures. Nearly 1,000 artworks bring the city’s culture into the hotel, creating a narrative that is both immersive and intimate.
The panel appreciated how the project was “successfully shaped in harmony with the original geometry while providing functionality.” The conversion is a “Herculean effort of coordination and logistics,” striking the balance between heritage and “dramatic space and proportions,” offering an experience that is both “grand and meditative.”
7 Capella Taipei, Taiwan
GPPC Development Corporation / Mori Building Group / André Fu Studio / Capella Hotels & Resorts
Nestled along Dunhua North Road, Capella Taipei masters the art of the elevated urban escape. Named AHEAD Asia’s Hotel of the Year, the hotel embodies the spirit of a “modern mansion,” where bespoke luxury meets cultural heritage. André Fu Studio’s masterful design weaves serene poetry and sophisticated elegance throughout the 86-room sanctuary, blending urban dynamism with tranquil refuge. From hand-painted silk panels to immersive dining experiences and tranquil wellness spaces, the hotel sets a new standard for refined hospitality, offering guests an intimate journey through Taipei’s rich cultural tapestry.
Judges praised its storytelling, considered execution and effortless luxury, calling it both “deeply personal” and “immensely refined”—a standout project from a landmark year for AHEAD Asia’s Outstanding Contribution winner, André Fu.
8 Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, Navarino Bay, Navarino Bay, Greece
Temes / Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Tombazis & Associates Architects / MKV Design / K-Studio / Afroditi / Alexander Waterworth Interiors / Coopers Hill / Greenways
Rooted in the rugged beauty of Navarino Bay, Mandarin Oriental’s latest outpost embeds luxury into landform. Taking a landscape-first approach to contemporary hospitality, the resort was a collaboration between Tombazis & Associates, K-Studio, Afroditi, Alexander Waterworth Interiors and MKV Design, with landscaping by Coopers Hill and Greenways Hellas. Sunken architectural volumes, planted roofs and curved stone forms echo the region’s vernacular, while interiors unfold in hushed tones and natural textures, creating an calming atmosphere. Passive bioclimatic strategies—such as cross-ventilation and shaded transitions—are seamlessly integrated, while the surrounding landscape, defined by native planting and over 2,700 preserved olive trees, establishes a continuous dialogue.
“Restorative and rejuvenating,” commented one judge, with another noting its “convincing integration into the landscape.” The panel saw “sublime execution at every level,” highlighting “memorable moments, underpinned by a sense of quiet luxury.” “A standout;” “this is what a large-scale resort should be.”
9 The Manner, New York, New York, USA
Sansiri / Lubrano Ciavarra Architects / Hannes Peer Architecture / Standard International / Hyatt Hotels Corporation
The Manner is a bold reinvention in the heart of SoHo. Following a meticulous nine-month transformation by Lubrano Ciavarra and Hannes Peer, the Brutalist-inspired reinvention combines custom handcrafted furniture with design details such as brass accents, rich woods and soft materials to create a sophisticated yet residential feel across public and private spaces. The result balances historic preservation with modern innovation, offering a hospitality experience that is both timeless and forward-thinking.
“A hidden gem that masterfully carries on the legacy of this boutique iconic asset while taking it to the next level,” praised the judges, commending the design as fun, immersive and confidently curated.
10 The Bellevue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Lubert Adler / Tantillo Architecture / Gensler / Ward & Gray / Highgate / Hyatt Hotels Corporation
A masterclass in blending timeless grandeur with contemporary luxury, The Bellevue is a reimagined 120-year-old landmark in the heart of Philadelphia. Named AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year, the project was a collaboration by architects Gensler and Tantillo, and interior designers Ward + Gray and Highgate Hotels’ in-house firm. Throughout the property, a varied mix of antique furnishings, bespoke details and carefully curated artworks ensuring that every stay feels unique. A modern interpretation of classic luxury; the new design honours the hotel’s storied past, whilst introducing an air of refinement inspired by French Art Deco sensibilities and Parisian elegance.
The judges were captivated by this “beautiful take on modernizing traditional luxury,” demonstrating a “deep understanding of the luxury guest experience.” “Masterfully designed and executed.”
