On August 13, 2025, the Michelin Guide announced a new award – the Michelin Architecture & Design Award. This is the first-ever competition dedicated to hotels, in which the jury recognizes exceptional architecture, design and the harmonious integration of facilities into their surroundings. The award will be handed out on October 8, 2025 in Paris, at a gala event that will also recognize the latest Michelin Keys awards – the hotel equivalents of the famous Michelin stars.
Five hotels from around the world
The final five included sites from four continents and the Middle East. Honorable mentions were given to:
- Villa Nai 3.3 (Croatia, Europe) – the only European hotel in the stake. The intimate property with eight rooms, designed by Nikola Bašić, was built on the island of Dugi Otok. Therefore, it is distinguished by its ecological concept. It is built from stone quarried on site. In addition, it uses water recycling systems and blends into the landscape of olive groves. The interiors are complemented by natural materials and muted colors.
- The Royal (Dubai, UAE) – a monumental, nearly 800-room hotel on the artificial Palm Island. The design by Kohn Pedersen Fox office impressed the jury with its modern, modular form and spectacular interior grandeur.
- Shebara Resort (Saudi Arabia) – a luxurious complex of 38 round chrome villas located directly on the Red Sea. The judges called it “the Saudi answer to villas in the Maldives.”
- Benesse House (Naoshima, Japan) – an iconic creation by Tadao Ando, combining hotel and museum. It’s a space where architecture and art of the highest order create a unique experience for guests.
- Rosewood São Paulo (Brazil) – Jean Nouvel’s project, called “vertical forest.” Built with local materials and decorated with works by dozens of Brazilian artists, it emphasizes the importance of locality and nature.
A new chapter in Michelin’s history
Until now, Michelin has been associated almost exclusively with gastronomy. In recent years, the guide has expanded into the hotel business. That’s why it introduced Michelin Keys. That is, prestigious awards for the best accommodations in the world. Now it is going a step further. That’s why Michelin also awards hotels for architecture and design.
The Michelin Architecture & Design Award is designed to highlight the role of space, aesthetics and green solutions in building exceptional guest experiences. The very fact of being nominated puts hotels in an elite group and makes them showcases of contemporary luxury.
Michelin awards hotels
The final ceremony in Paris on October 8, 2025 will attract the attention of the global tourism and architecture industry. The winner will become the first-ever recipient of the Michelin Prize for Architecture and Design – a title that is likely to become as coveted a symbol of quality as the famous stars in the world of gastronomy.
