SINGAPORE – WATG & Wimberly Interiors, the preeminent hospitality integrated design firm, has reaffirmed its leadership position with a remarkable sweep at the fifth edition of the prestigious LIV Hospitality Design Awards. Securing top honours across multiple categories—including the coveted titles of “Jury’s Top Pick in Villa”, Destination Winner for Asia, and Destination Winner for the Middle East, the announcement marks a momentous achievement as WATG commemorates its milestone 80th anniversary this year.

Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Nawayef Villas stood out as exemplars of architectural and interior design excellence, securing multiple honours across the Architecture – Living Space and Interior Design – Living Space categories:

Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Bali, Indonesia)

• Architecture – Living Space, Destination Winner for Asia
• Interior Design – Living Space – Jury’s Top Pick in Asia
• Interior Design – Living Space – Renovation
• Architecture – Living Space, Landscape Design

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (JiuZhaiGou, Sichuan, China)

• Architecture – Living Space, Destination Winner for Asia
• Architecture – Living Space, Resort – Luxury
• Architecture – Living Space, Mountain Destination

Nawayef Villas (Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

• Architecture – Living Space, Jury’s Top Pick in Villa
• Interior Design – Living Space, Destination Winner for The Middle East
• Architecture – Living Space, Villa

Since its founding in 1945, WATG has remained committed to delivering distinctive, timeless, and operationally sound designs — creating destinations that offer enduring value for not only clients but also for generations to come. These prestigious wins underscore the firm’s expertise in crafting unforgettable hospitality spaces worldwide. Through collaboration with visionary clients who share a passion for originality and authentic hospitality, WATG continually redefines luxury and sets new industry benchmarks in elevating guest experience. 

Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts – An Integrated Design Renovations Project and The First LXR in Southeast Asia — Photo by WATG

Deepu Mahboobani, Principal & Studio Director of Wimberly Interiors, shared her insights on the award winning Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts;

The narrative we’ve crafted for Umana Bali is one of harmony, reflecting the island’s traditions while offering a contemporary sanctuary for guests. By highlighting local craftsmanship and culture within a luxury framework, we have created an enriching dialogue between the resort and the community. The consistent recognition for our work in Bali is a testament to the success of our design solutions which prioritises all stakeholders to thrive.

Receiving these prestigious LIV Awards is a proud moment for Umana Bali, reaffirming our dedication to thoughtful design, cultural authenticity, and immersive experiences. These accolades celebrate our vision of creating a sanctuary where architecture, nature, and heritage come together seamlessly. This recognition inspires us to continue crafting meaningful spaces that honour Bali’s rich traditions while redefining luxury hospitality. Serpil Guney, General Manager of Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Chiara Calufetti-Lim, Principal & Studio Director of Architecture, commented on the victory of Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve;

A poetically-expressed sense of place, escapism into the quietude, and reconnection with oneself—these form the essence of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort, which we believe is perfectly encapsulated in the design of Rissai Valley. We are thrilled to once again receive recognition for this award-winning architectural project.

I’m truly honored to receive this prestigious architecture award on behalf of our hotel. This recognition not only highlights the beauty and innovation of our hotel design but also acknowledges the effort and passion that went into creating a unique and memorable experience for our guests. Taking this great opportunity to extend the congratulations also to our architectural company WATG – your creativity and expertise have transformed a concept into a breathtaking luxurious reality. Your attention to detail, innovative ideas, and commitment to excellence have set the standard for what our hotel represents today. Last but not least, on this occasion, I wish WATG a happy 80th anniversary and continues to create incredible masterpieces. Gin Hu, General Manager of Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – The First Ritz-Carlton Reserve in China — Photo by WATG

Ian Simpson, Principal & Studio Director of Architecture, commented on Nawayef Villas’ win;

Our design approach for the Nawayef Villas has been driven by a strong narrative of time and place. We have stayed true to our legacy as hospitality designers with eight decades of experience crafting spaces rooted in memories, journeys, and a sense of discovery, all while catering to today’s increasingly global and discerning Emirati clientele. This project also exemplifies the power of integrated design, where our architecture and interior studios seamlessly collaborate to achieve both harmony and efficiency, culminating in an award-winning design solution for our visionary client, Modon.

Nawayef Villas by Modon — Photo by WATG

WATG’s journey of artistry, innovation, and deep respect for the stories embedded within each place began eight decades ago. As the firm celebrates this milestone year, it honours the moments, achievements, and collaborations that have shaped its legacy, as the firm continues to craft transformative destinations that stand the test of time.

Discover WATG80: www.watg.com/watg80

About Wimberly Interiors

Since its founding in 2011, Wimberly Interiors – a design studio of WATG – has established itself at the forefront of hospitality, entertainment and residential design. In its tenth anniversary year, the studio was longlisted in Dezeen’s Emerging Interior Design Studio of the Year category. In 2023, Wimberly ranked 4th in the Top 100 Hospitality Giants and 50th in Interior Design Giants.

From high-voltage nightclubs and chic restaurants to grand lobbies of stately hotels and intimate salons of private homes, Wimberly Interiors creates interior experiences that go beyond aesthetics. With a passion for exceptional design, its small but mighty team across New York, Los Angeles, London, Singapore and Shanghai is equal parts collaborator and disruptor – a flair that has led to over 60 awards and accolades, and an impressive portfolio of built work that includes the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Grand Suites, the Bentley Suite at the St. Regis New York, EDITION Abu Dhabi, Dream Hotel Downtown New York, Marquee New York, Chroma Seoul, Hotel del Coronado, Park Hyatt Aviara, Bellagio Shanghai, Rosewood Baha Mar, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Kempinski Hotel Jinan, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Los Angeles, Hotel 50 Bowery NYC, Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia, Viceroy Ombria Resort in Portugal and more.

About WATG

Founded in Honolulu in 1945 by George “Pete’ Wimberly, WATG is the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design. Grounded in rigorous strategy and incomparable domain expertise, WATG creates bespoke, exhilarating and culturally significant destinations.

WATG remains independent to this day with a profound respect for its heritage. Its five studios – Advisory, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape and Wimberly Interiors – stay true to their values, designing spaces that respect, protect and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for clients and communities.

As of 2024, its global yet local team – representing more than 45 nationalities across offices in Honolulu, Tustin (California), Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Atlantic City, London, Singapore and Shanghai – has designed and delivered over 500 built projects in 170 countries and territories, pushing the boundaries of possibility while delivering enduring client success across the globe.

For more information please visit watg.com.

Eileen Tan
Regional Marketing & Communications Manager, APAC WATG
WATG