The world of hospitality design is constantly evolving, with designers and architects pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create stunning spaces that provide unforgettable guest experiences. To celebrate the very best in this field, the LIV Hospitality Design Awards were launched in 2020. In this article, we’re excited to showcase 10 exceptional hotels that have been recognized by the LIV Awards for their outstanding design and guest experiences. From luxurious urban escapes to breathtaking coastal resorts, these properties are truly remarkable and set a new standard for hospitality design.
1. Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale by Kobi Karp Architecture
Lead Designer: Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design
Located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale is an inspiring approach to living. It is known to be the most luxurious and resilient project in the city’s history. Its nautical-inspired design has smooth curves aiming to join the elegance of the past and sustainability and innovative design. The design originates from its relationship with the sea. Its unique elements aspire to fuse comfort, space, and a sense of place with a big dose of character. Each residence includes outdoor terraces with views of the sea. Lush gardens and green spaces fill the ground floor and the third floor deck.
2. Hotel Zena by Dawson Design Associates
Hotel Zena is an experimental fusion between an interactive art gallery, neighborhood hub, and restaurant lounge. The 193 room-hotel, two bars, and meeting venues were entirely transformed and repositioned to celebrate female empowerment and accomplishments through architecture, provocative feminist art, and 3D art installations. Guestrooms had existing contemporary glass showers that were transformed into part of the art statement with a commissioned portrait of the Goddess Artemis.
3. Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel by dwp
Lead Designer: Scott Whittaker
Hospitality: Accor
Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel is inspired by the creative journey of fashion. It accommodates 250 rooms, suites, and penthouses, two leading restaurants, a rooftop pool and conservatory bar, and a wellness spa. The hotel will be the first five-star Australian hotel to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design. DWP embraced five key elements to create a uniquely high-drama/high-fashion “theatrical” experience and ‘memorable moment’.
4. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel
Lead Designers: Marine Lafon & Sarah Delafosse – Interior Design
Other Designer(s): Kian Liew (Design Manager – The Ascott Limited)
Architect: ERTIM Architects
Hospitality: The Ascott Limited
Developer: Vinci
La Clef Champs-Élysées design theme envisions modern, luxurious amenities in a magnificent setting, as well as custom-tailored service. The design calls for the dressing of the building’s original details in a modern palette of marble, polished brass, and furnishings like the Lunar High back Chair by Stellar Works and pendant lights by Marzais Creations to include a touch of modernity. The project becomes a large private house where you can discover the Parisian Lifestyle of Art, French Gastronomy & Wine, Haute Couture, etc. bringing elegance and glamour to the property.
Lead Designer: Marco Flamini
Other Designer(s): James Anstey, Miré Andersson, Oskar Persson, Filip Forsberg, Joana Oliveria, Ulf Maxe, Ivana Komatin
Photo Credit: Sabis AB
Smådalarö Gård is a new destination in the heart of Stockholm’s archipelago. The old manor house has been renovated and expanded with new hotel rooms, a large event hall, bar, and last but not least, a newly built conference building. The design concept blends the classic style of the manor house with the latest technology and a modern Nordic touch. It has created a warm and comfortable atmosphere, where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
Patina hotel in the Maldives is designed to provide guests with an immersive experience of nature while still encouraging social interactions. The architecture is respectful of the surroundings, and the buildings are visually permeable, creating a dreamy atmosphere that celebrates life and nature. The hotel is designed to provide a kaleidoscope of atmospheres, starting from private spaces to public areas, from isolation to belonging, from simplicity to sophistication. The textures and emotions gradually increase from soft shadows to overwhelming light, creating a rhythm of contrast, pauses, and transparencies.
Lead Designer: Soo Chan
This hotel in Bali is designed with sustainability and environmental consciousness in mind. The architecture is responsive to the local climate and community, with a minimal built footprint and minimal environmental impact. The villas are characterized by the interplay of materials, which flow seamlessly from interior to exterior spaces. The smooth terrazzo walls and floors are combined with handbrushed natural timber screens, soft silk upholstery, and custom-designed dark-stained timber furniture, creating a serene internal space. The use of timber flows into the external spaces, where timber screens wrap a private bale overlooking a private plunge pool lined with Sukabumi stone. The hotel design embraces the nostalgia of mid-century tropical design and combines it with a minimalist aesthetic, creating a retro-chic look.
8. SEEN Beach Club Samui by SOHO Hospitality, Thailand
Located on the frontline of Chaweng beach, SEEN Beach Club Samui features a stylish restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating areas, three bars, private cabanas, a DJ booth, and two turquoise pools, both surrounded by large, cushioned daybeds. The mid-century architecture uses high-contrast geometric patterns and organic curves, creating a retro-1950s chic aesthetic. The bright color palette creates a carefree, cosmopolitan beach scene.
9. OKU Ibiza by MG&AG ARQUITECTOS ASOCIADOS
Lifestyle luxury hotel located in Cala Gració and inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi focuses on earthy tones and natural materials, creating a harmonious relationship with the earth. The hotel comprises 184 guest rooms and suites, a 140m2 signature suite, a standalone four-bedroom villa with a private pool, ocean-view penthouses, two hotel pools (one of them the largest in Ibiza), a further semi-private pool serving the six swim-up rooms, two restaurants, a gym, and a spa. The majority of the rooms consist of wooden, mobile elements with the aim of offering privacy to the customers but simultaneously adding another design tone with the shadows.
10. Avani Victoria Falls Resort by Wilson & Associates
Located on the edge of Victoria Falls and based on a traditional African village, with the accommodation grouped around communal facilities, the resort has the feel of a centuries-old walled city, reflecting the richness and diversity of the land’s heritage. The earth-colored buildings feature turrets and chimneys, with a large lawn and swimming pool at the center. Well-polished smooth stone floors combine with colorful mosaic tiles, patterned fabrics, and vibrant African artwork to create a sense of place. The external color palette is inspired by the natural color of the earth around Victoria Falls, and a North African adobe narrative is woven into the architecture.
From the remote and serene Patina Maldives to the vibrant and stylish SEEN Beach Club Samui, each of these hotels represents the pinnacle of hospitality and design, and we are thrilled to recognize them for their dedication to excellence in every aspect of their operations. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just seeking inspiration for your next trip, these hotels are sure to leave a lasting impression.
