AHEAD MEA shortlist announced

Celebrating the best new hospitality projects in the Middle East & Africa, the AHEAD MEA 2020 shortlist spans the length and breadth of the region, from the coastal dunes of the Namib Desert in the south, to the charming riads of Marrakech in the north.

Whether an architectural wonder in the heart of Dubai, a Saharan escape in Tunisia, or a newbuild set on the foundations of an ancient city in Turkey, the projects will be judged on merits of creative excellence and commercial viability, with 13 prizes up for grabs including Guestrooms, Spa & Wellness, Resort and the prestigious AHEAD Hotel of the Year.

The Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category has also been expanded for 2020 thanks to a host of new openings across the continent, with judges feeling that more than four entries deserved a spot amongst this year’s finalists. Projects in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia all make the list, with many focusing on light touch tourism that emphasises experiential luxury by way of immersing guests in the surrounding landscape.

Whilst the hospitality industry faces testing times, the AHEAD programme will continue to recognise the achievements of designers, developers, architects and operators alike, and this year is no different. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 9 November as part of a virtual awards presentation broadcast on the AHEAD and Dezeen websites. And after consulting with our loyal supporters who have expressed a desire to get back to face-to-face events, we’re delighted to be planning a screening party – a drinks and networking event in Dubai (should it be safe to do so), giving our local AHEAD community in the region a chance to come together.

Lobby & Public Spaces

Le Palais Ronsard – Marrakech, Morocco

Aram Ohanian and Adriana Karembeu / Relais & Châteaux / Gil Dez

Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch – Johannesburg, South Africa

Amdec / Marriott International / Bentel Associates / Source IBA

ME Dubai at Opus – UAE

Omniyat Properties / Melia Hotels International / Zaha Hadid Architects

Vida Hotel Emirates Hills – Dubai, UAE

Emaar Hospitality Group / Vida Hotels / Lulie Fisher Design Studio

Lodges, Cabins and Tented Camps

Abelana River Lodge – Phalaborwa, South Africa

Abelana Investor Company / Abelana Game Reserve / DSA Architects International / dsgn Design

&Beyond Ngala Treehouse, Timbavati Private Game Reserve – South Africa

&Beyond / Alexander + Walt / Fox Browne Creative

Habitas Namibia

Habitas

King’s Pool – Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

Wilderness Safaris / Luxury Frontiers / Artichoke

Lepogo Lodges Noka Camp – South Africa

Lepogo Lodges / Yuji Yamazaki, YYA / Sarah Ord Interiors

Puku Ridge – South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Chichele Safaris / Chiawa Safaris / Luxury Frontiers

Zannier Hotels Sonop – Namibia

Zannier Hotels / Zannier Hotels Interior

Renovation, Restoration & Conversion

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Namibrand Nature Reserve, Namibia

&Beyond / Alexander + Walt / Fox Browne Creative

Four Seasons Hotel Doha – Qatar

Constellation Hotels Holding / Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts / Pierre-Yves Rochon

Le Palais Ronsard – Marrakech, Morocco

Aram Ohanian and Adriana Karembeu / Relais & Châteaux / Gil Dez

Long Lee Manor – Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Investment Corporation Dubai / Shamwari Private Game Reserve / DSA Architects International / K/M2K Architecture & Interior Design / Landmark Studios

Resort

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Marriott International / Godwin Austen Johnson

Anantara Tozeur Resort – Tunisia

Qatari Diar / Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas / Agora Premium

The Oberoi Marrakech – Morocco

El Alami Real Estate / Oberoi Hotels & Resorts / Colliers and Partners

W Muscat – Oman

OMRAN Group / Marriott International / HKS Architects / COWI & Partners / P49 Deesign / Rockwell Group

Restaurant

Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre – UAE

Ward Holding / Hilton Worldwide / Perkins + Will / LW Design

Keystone at Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch – Johannesburg, South Africa

Amdec / Marriott International / Bentel Associates International / Source Interior Brand Architecture

Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi – UAE

Wasl Hospitality & Leisure / Marriott International / Stickman Tribe

Nammos Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Dubai – UAE

SDS / Nammos Group / DXB-LAB Architecture / Elastic Interiors

Spa & Wellness

Amani Spa & Wellness at The Houghton Hotel – Johannesburg, South Africa

ASHVID Holdings / The Leading Hotels of the World / Boogertman + Partners / dsgn Design

Away Spa at W Muscat – Oman

OMRAN Group / Marriott International / HKS Architects /

COWI & Partners / P49 Deesign

Balans Spa & Fitness at The Museum Hotel Antakya – Turkey

Asfuroğlu Group / Emre Arolat Architecture / DesignIst

The St. Regis Cairo – Egypt

Marriott International / St Regis Hotels / Michael Garves Architecture & Design