Header: Chen Hao
The wait is finally over. The sixth edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards has concluded, bringing a fresh wave of inspiration to the global design community. This year, the competition reached new heights with more than 600 entries from 64 different countries. From quiet wellness retreats to bustling banquet halls, the winners represent the very best in modern architecture and interior styling.
A panel of international experts, including seasoned architects, developers, and hospitality specialists, spent weeks reviewing projects to find the spaces that truly change how we travel, dine, and relax. The result is a list of winners that prioritise local culture and bold new ideas.
Global leaders in hospitality architecture
In the architectural categories, two projects stood out for their ability to connect with their surroundings. The YongLi Red Tile Banquet Hotel in Chongzhou, China, took home the top prize for eating spaces. Designed by Yuanhua Zhang and the We&Arch team, the building uses traditional red tiles in a modern way to create a massive, welcoming space for guests.
In Greece, the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino was named the best living space. A massive collaborative effort involving Tombazis & Associates Architects and K-Studio, this resort sits naturally within the Mediterranean landscape. The design focuses on a low-profile masterplan that respects the hills and the sea, offering guests a high-end experience that feels entirely at home in its environment.
Interior spaces that tell a story
The interior design winners this year turned their focus toward atmosphere and sensory details. Gongu Izakaya, located in a historic part of Riga, won the award for the best restaurant interior. Designer Liubov Tuzovska of Tdot.Design created a space that gives a nod to Japanese dining traditions while fitting neatly into the city’s older architecture.
For those looking for a place to unwind, the CLOUDSPA Sanctuary in Datong City is the standout winner for living spaces. Wenyuan Guo of Ruize Design took a traditional Chinese courtyard and turned it into a peaceful wellness centre. The project moves away from the typical clinical spa feel, instead offering a journey that feels like stepping into a different world.
The next generation of design talent
The LIV Awards also shine a light on students and emerging professionals who are beginning to make their mark. Zeming Zhu from the Art Center College of Design won for The Etherea, a dining concept that uses scent and storytelling to change how people taste food.
Meanwhile, Mariaines Monroy Tapia, Fátima James Orozco, and Mariajose Álvarez Aguilar from the Universidad de Monterrey were recognised for La Nopaleña. Their work is deeply tied to the identity of Oaxaca, Mexico, using local materials to tell the story of the region’s heritage through texture and colour.
A growing global community
Reflecting on the impact of this year’s selection, the founder of the LIV Awards, Astrid Hébert, shared:
“The sixth edition of LIV demonstrates how hospitality design continues to evolve as a global creative force. The diversity of this year’s entries shows a remarkable commitment to innovation, cultural authenticity, and experience-driven design. We are proud to celebrate projects that inspire, connect, and elevate the way people experience hospitality around the world.”
Winning an award here isn’t just about a trophy; it’s about being seen as a leader in a fast-moving, creative industry that values how a space feels as much as how it looks.
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards remain a major influence in the world of design, providing a global platform for those who improve the way we travel and dine. By rewarding projects that set new standards, the awards offer winners a huge boost in professional standing and visibility across the globe. This year’s selection proves that the industry is more creative than ever – congratulations to the 6th edition winners for their incredible work.
For more information about the LIV Hospitality Design Awards, visit livawards.com.
