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The Bulgari Resort Dubai was announced as one of the triumphant winners at last night’s AHEAD MEA Awards.

Scooping the prestigious Hotel of the Year accolade, as well as awards for its event spaces and suite, The Bulgari was commended by judges for its restrained design, beautifully curated palette of materials and strong architectural presence.

Other multiple award winners included Five Palm Jumeirah, recognised for its Lobby & Public Spaces and Spa & Wellness facilities, and The Silo, Thomas Heatherwick’s conversion of a grain silo on Cape Town's V&A waterfront, which won the award for Renovation, Restoration & Conversion.

The awards were announced at an equestrian-inspired ceremony at The Meydan Hotel, Dubai. Owing to the host venue’s racecourse location, the evening took on a theme of ‘A Night at the Races’, with 300 professionals gathering to celebrate hospitality design and guest experience in all its forms.

A panel of judges comprising leading hoteliers, architects, interior designers, consultants and industry commentators assessed entries on their aesthetic excellence, guest experience and commercial viability.

The winners of AHEAD MEA will now progress to compete with other regional winners in a Global Finale, with the results announced on Monday 28 January 2019.

The winners are:

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BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE


Flair No.5 at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, United Arab Emirates
An upscale, casual lounge in the heart of Dubai, Flair No.5 sees interiors from LW Design champion cabanas, art and foliage to create an urban retreat for locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, an interplay of floor lanterns and curated accessories create a residential and relaxed feel.

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EVENT SPACES


The Bulgari Resort Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Situated on Jumeirah Bay, The Bulgari Resort’s event spaces offer sweeping seaside views, angled towards the sunset. Inside, Italian design by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel offers an earthy, lush alternative – complete with secret lemon tree garden – to surrounding urban spaces.

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GUESTROOMS


The Renaissance Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A former office tower, WA International has converted this downtown property into an urban hotel with a strong sense of place. The concept is based on the natural elements of sand and water, materialised in the form of rich fabrics, leather accents and natural wood throughout all guestrooms.

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LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES


Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Oman
The diamond-shaped Kempinski Hotel Muscat – designed by Woods Bagot – features a combination of Omani influences and architectural cues from traditional designs. The urban composition of the resort, combined with landscaping and local materials, evokes a Middles Eastern village.

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LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES


FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With architecture by P&T Architects and interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, FIVE Palm Jumeirah’s towering glass cube lobby offers a breathtaking welcome to guests, with views across the pool, sea and beyond. Once inside, a series of intimate spaces gather around the hotel’s 60-metre statement pool.

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LODGES & TENTED CAMPS


Bisate Eco Lodge, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Combining the wisdom of Nicholas Plewman Architects & Associates and design acumen of Artichoke, Bisate Eco Lodge is rooted in Rwandan tradition. The spherical, thatched structures echo the surrounding landscape, while interiors champion colourful textiles and an abundance of textures.

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RENOVATION, RESTORATION & CONVERSION


The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
A converted grain elevator, The Silo’s façade has been reimagined by Heatherwick Studio, featuring the addition of ingenious glass windows that complement the geometry of the hotel floors. Interiors by Liz Biden act as a tribute to timeless glamour and contemporary luxury.

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RESORT HOTEL


The Bulgari Resort Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designed entirely by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, The Bulgari Resort Dubai takes a Mediterranean village as inspiration. The building is animated by the lively pattern of the façade’s coral-like suncreens, while material sensitivity ensures a balance between nature and man.

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RESTAURANT


Little Miss India at Fairmont The Palm , United Arab Emirates
Stickman Tribe’s concept at Little Miss India revolves around a female character, her family home and vintage collectibles. Classical colonial elements have been adopted in a contemporary and refined form alongside vintage patterns and traditional motifs throughout the cosy dining room and show kitchen.

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SPA & WELLNESS


The Spa at FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Envisioned by designers Yabu Pushelberg, The Spa’s entryway is a sequence of arches adorned with hand painted artwork, while inside the 1,675m2 space Italian marble features heavily. Meanwhile, standalone treatment cubes are scattered among palm trees, each with their own identity.

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SUITE


Bulgari Suite at The Bulgari Resort Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Spread across 120m2, the Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel-designed Bulgari Suite has been styled with a sense of home, resulting in spacious a living area, luxury marble bathroom, intimate work space and stunning wraparound terrace. A full sea view and private Jacuzzi complete the offering.

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URBAN HOTEL


FORM Hotel Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The only member of Design Hotels in the Middle East, FORM Hotel Dubai is billed as a real alternative to the standard hotel, owing to its customisable guest stays and refined design. Architecture-Studio’s interiors toy with light and shade while championing visual art and design throughout.

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VISUAL ID


The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
Towering above the V&A Waterfront and surrounded by the wonder of South Africa’s Mother City, The Silo is housed within a converted grain silo elevator – a symbol of the country’s industrial and agricultural development. A carefully curated art collection is prominent throughout the property, complementing Liz Biden’s considered, locally inspired interiors seamlessly.

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NEW CONCEPT


FORM Hotel Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Centred on guest experience, FORM Hotel Dubai by Architecture-Studio offers full flexibility and freedom for the traveller as they are able to customise their stay through a series of curated amenities, services and experiences. Enhancing the experience is carefully curated artwork and original photography by Nina Dietzel, commissioned exclusively for each room.

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HOTEL OF THE YEAR


The Bulgari Resort Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the largest addition to the Bulgari portfolio features a 101-key resort, a plethora of luxury private properties and the brand’s first marina and yacht club. Its design channels opulence set against the tranquil backdrop of Jumeirah Bay island.

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