AHEAD Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality Design

AHEAD Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality Design

By Author

Published on January 27, 2024

AHEAD, the prestigious awards recognizing excellence in hospitality experience and design, is now accepting global entries for the year 2024. The awards, organized by the team behind Sleeper, Supper, and Starboard magazines, honor outstanding hotels and the creative minds shaping them. To encourage participation, there is a limited-time 20% discount on entry fees available until March 1.

The independent panel of experts, consisting of architects, designers, owners, operators, developers, and industry commentators, will evaluate projects based on exceptional design, functionality, client and guest satisfaction, and commercial viability.

Winners will be revealed at regional ceremonies throughout 2024, with categories spanning from Guestroom and Event Spaces to Hotel Conversion and the prestigious Hotel of the Year.

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Eligible projects include hotels, resorts, lodges, cabins, and tented camps that opened within specific date ranges for each region:

Asia: January 2023 – April 2024

Americas: January 2023 – April 2024

MEA (Middle East and Africa): January 2023 – June 2024

Europe: January 2023 – July 2024

Entry fees are categorized as follows:

Early (£220) – applies before March 1, 2024

Standard (£275)

Late (£330) – applies in the final two weeks

To explore entry guidelines, regional deadlines, and kickstart your entry process, visit AHEAD Awards Platform.

About AHEAD Awards:

AHEAD stands as the preeminent global awards program recognizing excellence in hospitality experience and design. Hosted annually in Singapore, New York, Dubai, and London, these awards celebrate the most exceptional projects and the talented teams behind them.

Organized by the team responsible for the industry-leading publication Sleeper, AHEAD serves as a benchmark for design excellence worldwide, with a distinguished panel of 60+ industry leaders, including architects, interior designers, and developers.

The awards are categorized regionally into Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Europe. Spanning diverse categories such as Hotel Newbuild, Hotel Renovation, Guestrooms, Bar, and Restaurant, each regional panel seeks projects that exemplify outstanding design, functionality, and commercial viability.

Entries for the AHEAD 2024 series are now open. For more information and to enter, download the entry guidelines here. Stay updated on the latest announcements, including deadline reminders and ticket releases, by signing up for the mailing list.

Save the date for AHEAD Asia, scheduled at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay on September 25, 2024. Join our mailing list for timely updates.


The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

The Hari Hong Kong is bringing fresh dining experiences this season with the launch of ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and new seasonal menus at Lucciola.

At Zoku restaurant & The Terrace, Wednesdays now come alive with ‘This is Izakaya’, a lively Japanese dining experience that blends food, drinks, and music. Inspired by izakaya culture in Japan, guests can enjoy Nomihodai (free-flow drinks at a set price) paired with unlimited shared snacks, while live performances from singers and DJs create a vibrant midweek gathering.

The curated menu includes salmon tartar tacos, spicy edamame, Kyushu chicken wings, sake salmon skewers in teriyaki sauce, and sushi rolls like Kagoshima pork belly with pickled radish, miso, and lime or salmon with avocado, cucumber, and ponzu. Prices start at HKD368 per person for 90 minutes, with optional add-ons such as tiger prawn tempura (HKD58) and soft-shell crab rolls (HKD48). The drinks menu ranges from Asahi to martinis, along with non-alcoholic beers and crafted zero-proof cocktails.

Zoku’s October entertainment line-up includes DJ Miles, singer-songwriter Lili Forest 木子, singer Kasey Pong, busker RT Wong, and songwriter Josh Dionisio. With its striking design of leather booths, crimson banquettes, and origami-like timber ceilings, Zoku offers an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Lucciola, The Hari’s Italian restaurant, is highlighting the best of sea and woodland ingredients with new seasonal offerings. Seafood takes center stage every weekend with dishes like Impepata di Cozze (black-peppered steamed mussels), Crudo di Mare (fresh seafood platter), and Ostriche e Caviale (seasonal oysters with Ossetra caviar. On Thursdays, the ‘Mussel-icious’ promotion offers endless mussels with fries and salad.

Lucciola is also celebrating autumn flavors with a porcini mushroom set menu available until November 15, 2025. The multi-course menu showcases porcini mushrooms from northern Italy and Mediterranean figs in dishes such as Carpaccio di Fichi with Parma ham, Tagliatelle Funghi with beef cheek ragout, and Risotto Carnaroli with porcini, tomino cheese, and seasonal black truffle. Desserts include tiramisu, caramelized fig pie, or almond lemon cake. The full menu is priced at HKD688, with smaller course options starting at HKD568.

Both experiences highlight The Hari Hong Kong’s continued innovation in blending international flavors with immersive dining experiences, creating memorable evenings for its guests.


Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Hilton has unveiled The Marcus Portrush, a Tapestry Collection hotel, marking the debut of this upscale brand in Northern Ireland. The property features 80 elegantly designed rooms and is located along the stunning North Atlantic coastline in Portrush.

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building that dates back to 1895—once a hotel and artisan bakery—the £11 million ($15 million) renovation has carefully preserved historical elements such as original mosaic signage and floor mosaics.

The hotel’s opening is strategically aligned with the 153rd Open Championship, scheduled to be held at the nearby Royal Portrush Golf Club from 13–20 July 2025. This prestigious golf event returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, expected to draw a significant influx of international visitors.

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Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President for Hilton UK & Ireland, said, “Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch, making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

The development stems from a franchise agreement with Andras House, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group. The new hotel is projected to contribute around £1.1 million annually through visitor spending and create more than 40 permanent local jobs, reinforcing Portrush’s position as a key tourism hub.

Earlier this year, Hilton also announced a partnership with Loughview Leisure Group to bring a DoubleTree by Hilton to Belfast City Centre, further strengthening its footprint in Northern Ireland’s hospitality market.


The Hari Hotels Launch ‘Twin City Suite Sensation’ for an Elegant London-Hong Kong Getaway

The Hari Hotels Launch ‘Twin City Suite Sensation’ for an Elegant London-Hong Kong Getaway

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 15, 2025

The Hari Hotels have unveiled a one-of-a-kind dual-destination experience—‘A Tale of Two Cities: Twin City Suite Sensation’—blending style, storytelling, and world-class hospitality across London and Hong Kong. The exclusive package offers luxurious suite stays, curated cultural explorations, and signature afternoon teas at The Hari London and The Hari Hong Kong, both designed by the acclaimed Tara Bernerd.

Guests are invited to begin their journey in either city, with a stay at The Chesham Suite in Hong Kong or The Lockhart Suite in London. While the Chesham Suite sits atop the 30-storey tower in bustling Wan Chai, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the Lockhart Suite in Belgravia offers a distinctly British charm with its fireplace, private library, and iconic London skyline views.

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Each stay includes immersive local experiences tailored to their locations. In Hong Kong, guests join a guided night tour of Wan Chai, led by travel influencer @explore_hongkong, featuring unique cultural touchpoints like ‘Villain Hitting’, the historic Ding Ding Tram, and traditional tea shops. In London, guests are given a personalized Belgravia guide curated by The Hari’s head concierge Ben Malpass, filled with insider spots, from Buckingham Palace to hidden gems across West End.

Hospitality takes a decadent turn with afternoon tea for two in each city. At The Hari Hong Kong, ‘The Hari Afternoon Tea’ is served at The Lounge and The Terrace with delightful treats like matcha ice cream lollipops and snow crab tartelettes. In London, ‘Dolci Momenti’ Afternoon Tea is hosted at il Pampero, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, offering a luxurious Italian twist on British tradition—think Tiramichoux and focaccia with Parma ham.

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Dr. Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels, said the concept is a heartfelt tribute to both cities: “It’s a celebration of the heritage, dynamism, and charm of my favourite cities.”

From curated tours and bespoke suites to gourmet indulgences and timeless elegance, this unique package is all about experiencing the best of both worlds—effortlessly, elegantly, and exclusively.

For reservations and details, visit thehari.com or contact The Hari directly at +852 2129 0388 (Hong Kong) or +44 20 7858 0100 (London).

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