AHEAD Americas 2020 revealed its winners last night, recognising the region’s best new hospitality designs and experiences across 17 categories including best Guestrooms, Restaurant, Bar, Club or Lounge and more.
The entirely digital ceremony can be viewed here in four 40-minute sections, and features discussions with the AHEAD Americas judging panel – comprising leading architects, designers, developers and hoteliers – on the ideas that drove this year’s shortlist.
To see what the judges had to say about the winning projects, click through the slider below.
HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION: Mauna Lani - Hawaii, USA
Set on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani was reimagined by interior designers Meyer Davis and architects Hart Howerton as part of a $100 million revitalisation. The new-look, 333-key Auberge property has been cleverly tweaked to make better use of space whilst instilling a refined sense of resort luxury by way of distinctive hardwoods and natural elements.
What the judges said: “A joyful use of locally inspired materials and vibrant colours” • “A clever re-imagination, where expansive open spaces have become more welcoming and intimate”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Prospect Hill Group • Auberge Resorts • RIM Architects • Meyer Davis
SPA & WELLNESS: Equinox Hudson Yards Club & Spa - New York, USA
Occupying space within the hypermodern Equinox Hotel in New York uberdevelopment Hudson Yards, the Joyce Wang-designed spa and club space is a pioneering example of 21st century wellness design, incorporating the Equinox brand’s signature hi-tech approach with recognisable touchstones of traditional luxury.
What the judges said: “Full of strong, mood-enhancing architectural spaces”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: The Related Companies • Equinox Hotel • Skidmore, Owings & Merrill • Joyce Wang Studio
HOTEL NEWBUILD: The Menhaden - Greenport, NY
A quaint 16-key boutique on the edge of Greenport NY’s Peconic River, The Menhaden draws stylistic inspiration from the area’s fishing heritage, with designers studioPEDRAZZI and Kristen Pennessi creating a hyperlocal take on modernist minimalism.
What the judges said: “Absolutely charming, with a style that is timeless and layered” • “In a world of heavy-build, big-box hotels, this was a fresh little jewel.”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Tellus Capital • studioPEDRAZZI Architecture + Design • Kristen Pennessi
HOTEL CONVERSION: Escondido Oaxaca - Mexico
Fusing and reimagining a brutalist tower and a traditional 19th century Mexican house, Grupo Habita’s Escondido Oaxaca creates a boutique experience like few others, underscored by historical sensitivity and a welcoming, residential atmosphere. Occupying a spot in the historic quarter of the city, the original architecture is allowed to shine, whilst understated interventions add subtle definition.
What the judges said: “A breath of fresh air for the hotel world – offering simplicity and warmth.”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Grupo Habita • Taller de Arquitectura X • Década • Carlos Couturier
RESORT: Asbury Ocean Club - New York, USA
Whilst the resort category has typically been the stomping ground of more remote projects, New Jersey’s Asbury Ocean Club instead sits in close proximity to the seaside city of Asbury Park and its boardwalk. Developer iStar positioned the project to play a role in the area’s revitalisation, and the collective efforts of Anda Andrei Design, Bonetti / Kozerski and Handel Architects have translated the comfort and serenity of traditional resorts into a bold new setting.
What the judges said: “Courageously executed” • “Brings new thinking to the category”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: iStar • Salt Hotels • Handel Architects • Anda Andrei Design • Bonetti / Kozerski
GUESTROOMS: Santa Monica Proper Hotel - California, USA
Kelly Wearstler’s inimitable West Coast styling is the star of show in Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s guestrooms, where the combination of natural touches, mid-century European furnishings and a serene neutral palette creates casual intimacy across 271 keys. Simple and ornate patterns are paired seamlessly, whilst expertly curated antiques, crisp Italian linen, travertine-lined bathrooms and a wide variety of size and suite options will see guests coming back to appreciate the details they missed.
What the judges said: “Memorable design and fabulous attention to detail” • “Truly out of the ordinary”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: The Kor Group • Proper Hospitality • Howard Laks Architects • Kelly Wearstler
LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES: AUREA - Nicaragua
Set amidst a lush forest on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, Aurea reinterprets elements of the region’s traditional colonial designs to create a hospitality experience that not only connects guests with nature, but allows them to co-exist with it. Interior gardens unfold between ground-level structures and perforated block walls that allow air to flow through each site, in turn shaded by existing trees.
What the judges said: “Low-impact, highly respectful” • “Skilfully integrated within the delicate landscape”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: AUREA • Carlos Ayala + Partners • Rutciel Cabrera
LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS: Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge - Chiriqui, Panama
Spread across 14 islands on the titular Panama archipelago, Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge’s condensed casitas are instilled with barefoot luxury and surrounded by remote coastal landscape. Blending indoor and outdoor, architects Hart Howerton set a new standard for elegant privacy, grounding the experience in respect and awe for the impressive surroundings.
What the judges said: “A perfect example of new barefoot luxury”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Belvedere Property Management • Hart Howerton • Tom Scheerer Incorporated
LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES: Santa Monica Proper Hotel - California, USA
Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s second award of the night recognised the distinctive vision of its public spaces – a highly-curated run of pattern-laden, textural, and effortlessly cool vignettes. Here, Wearstler’s eclectic eye selects a diverse catalogue of furnishings – each with their own story to tell – and boldly connected visuals, experimenting with ideas of shape, scope and style along the way for a scheme with undeniable substance.
What the judges said: “One powerful moment after another, carefully composed within a spectacular hotel"
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: The Kor Group • Proper Hospitality • Howard Laks Architects • Kelly Wearstler
RESTAURANT: San Morello at Shinola Hotel - Detroit, USA
One of the foremost achievements of Shinola Hotel – the debut project from luxury goods brand Shinola – has been to carry the branding and spirit of the wider brand throughout, whilst still allowing each space to stand alone as an individual character. Gachot Studio’s interiors at San Morello, the all-day Italian restaurant defined by its impressive storefront window, bathes diners in natural light during the day, then transitions to a high-end contemporary bar at night.
What the judges said: “Incredible project coordination” • “Exquisite FF&E selection” • “Works equally well day or night”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Bedrock • Kraemer Design Group • Gachot Studios
BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE: Little Sister Lounge at Moxy NYC - East Village, USA
The dimly-lit, velvet laced Little Sister Lounge draws from touchstones of both the 1990s East Village bar scene and 19th century pastoral heritage of the neighbourhoods past. Set underground and clad in wooden vaulted ceilings, the Tao Group-operated project reunites designers Rockwell Group and architects Stonehill Taylor following their win in this category last year with Fleur Room at Moxy Chelsea.
What the judges said: “Warm furnishings and finishes with a touch of inimitable East Village vibe” • “The perfect place for a date”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Lightstone Group • Marriott International • TAO Group • Stonehill Taylor • Rockwell Group
EVENT SPACES: Bode - Nashville, USA
The stylish downtown Nashville bolthole Bode’s event spaces include refreshing outdoor alternatives including a covered porch, communal backyard and fire pit, and a courtyard with a stage a built-in seating. Eschewing the typical formalities of hotel event spaces, Bode’s instead offer casual spaces that can be used for a variety of functions, from hang outs to dinner parties to weddings, with flexibility at their core.
What the judges said: “Elevates a backyard vibe to high art” • “A flexible approach to creating tasteful common spaces”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: TMC Group • DAAD
SUITE: Su Casa Dorado Beach (A Ritz Carlton Reserve) - Puerto Rico
Champalimaud Design’s work within an historic structure on the grounds of Dorado Beach (A Ritz Carlton Reserve) has reimagined and elevated a two-storey structure to an estate suite with curated lawns, private quarters and a heightened sense of tranquil elegance. Set along the reserve’s East Beach, the oceanfront suite encapsulates a sophisticated residential design.
What the judges said: “Designed with a clear point of view that reflects the uniqueness of the property” • “a combination of elegance, sophistication and subtlety”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Dorado Beach Resort • CPG Real Estate • Ritz-Carlton Reserve • SB Architect • Champalimaud Design
TRANSPORT: Celebrity Flora
Sailing in the Pacific and Galapagos Islands, the DeHoop Shipyards-built Celebrity Flora took home the transport award for its intimate atmosphere and condensed thinking – refining the brand’s typical large-scale approach into a boutique equivalent.
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Islas Galapagos Turismo • Celebrity Cruises • DeHoop Shipyards
VISUAL IDENTITY: Sister City - New York
A refreshingly back-to-basics Ace Hotel offshoot inspired by minimalism, John Cage and Bento boxes, Sister City’s rule-breaking graphics, branding, digital presence, signage and art embody the project’s independent spirit.
What the judges said: “Clean, concise and clever, all with a big dose of fun” • “Why didn’t anyone else do that before?”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Omnia Group / Northwind Group / Atelier Ace
NEW CONCEPT: Nayara Tented Camp - San Carlos, Costa Rica
Comprising 18 luxury tents spread across a site in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the innovative Nayara Tented Camp combines luxurious appointment with ecological sensitivity, merging with the vast expanse of surrounding nature for an immersive experience.
What the judges said: “A simple and straightforward definition of new luxury” • “A seamless integration of indoor to outdoor, with a harmonious relationship to the natural surroundings”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Nayara Resorts • Luxury Frontiers
AHEAD AMERICAS HOTEL OF THE YEAR: Santa Monica Proper Hotel - California, USA
Taking home the prestigious AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year award, Santa Monica Proper Hotel takes its count to three, with the Kelly Wearstler-designed project a firm favourite amongst judges. From the off, the California lifestyle is centre stage – from the trio of dining venues to the sea breeze that washes over terraces. Carefully considered, densely layered but never overpowering, the scheme raises the bar for luxury hotel design with a pared-back sensibility that creates an immersive experience.
What the judges said: “A collection of incredible vignettes – I could spend all day there” • “Every furnishing is a piece of art - the whole hotel is expertly curated”
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: The Kor Group • Proper Hospitality • Howard Laks Architects • Kelly Wearstler
