Dezeen promotion: a Foster + Partners hotel in Saudi Arabia and a series of private bungalows in Mozambique that celebrate African minimalism are among the hotels celebrated in the 2021 edition of the AHEAD MEA awards.
AHEAD, which stands for the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design, celebrates striking hospitality projects from across the world.
The winners of this year's Middle East and Africa region awards were announced at an in-person ceremony held at Caesars Forum Bluewaters Dubai on 9 September.
The ceremony was attended by hoteliers, architects and designers from across the region and included a lively panel debate on development trends in the region before the winners were announced.
Singita Sabora Camp was praised for "remaining true to the concept of a canvas lodge that touches the earth lightly" Selected by a panel of judges, the winning projects showcase the best new hotel designs from across the region. The biggest winner of the night was design-led hotel Sussurro, which took home three awards the Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces, Resort Hotel, and the AHEAD MEA 2021 Hotel of the Year award.
Situated on the tropical beach of a secluded saltwater lagoon in Southern Mozambique, Sussurro's private bungalows provide over a thousand square feet of personal space and generous waterfront verandahs.
"The hotel was built and is now serviced by the community and the team commit to only using 100 per cent African materials," said the award orga...