MICHELIN Debuts Four Special Category Awards in 2025
The MICHELIN Guide has launched its first-ever Special Category Awards for hotels, recognizing excellence across four pivotal hospitality dimensions. From the bold integration of architecture and interior design to the transformative power of wellness, authentic local experiences, and the energy of brand-new properties, these awards showcase the most innovative and influential properties shaping the global hotel scene. The winners were announced on October 8, 2025, in Paris, in a ceremony that drew hoteliers and industry leaders from around the world.
Architecture & Design Award — Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
Architecture and interior design were not only supportive elements at Atlantis The Royal; they were the experience. The winner of the Architecture & Design Award embodies a complete rethinking of the skyscraper concept. Six interconnected towers rise as a self-contained, indoor/outdoor neighborhood within the Dubai skyline, with cantilevered blocks that create dramatic silhouettes and living spaces that blur the line between form and function. The property demonstrates how structural ambition and thoughtful interiors can become a central narrative of a guest experience.
Other impressive nominees in this category included Shebara Resort, Rosewood Sao Paulo, Benesse House, and Villa Nai 3.3, all of which showcased distinctive design philosophies and design-led hospitality that pushed boundaries in different regions.
Wellness Award — Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland
The Wellness Award honors hotels for which wellness is the central ethos. Bürgenstock Resort exemplifies this with one of Europe’s most expansive spa offerings, crafted atop Switzerland’s pristine Alpine air. After a century-and-a-half of history and a decade of meticulous restoration, the resort presents a transformative wellness experience that leverages natural surroundings, advanced therapies, and restorative activities. The result is a setting where guests leave feeling renewed, with wellness woven into every facet of their stay—from restorative spa sequences to mindful dining and nature immersion.
Among the other wellness contenders were Canyon Ranch Tucson, JOALI BEING, Lily of The Valley, and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, each delivering unique paths to relaxation, balance, and holistic health.
Local Gateway Award — La Fiermontina Ocean, Larache, Morocco
The Local Gateway Award recognizes hotels that enable guests to engage deeply with their surroundings and communities. La Fiermontina Ocean partners with a local non-profit to integrate tourism with community betterment along Morocco’s striking Atlantic coast. This award highlights how hospitality can act as a bridge—providing authentic experiences while supporting local livelihoods and conservation efforts. The winner stands out for its ability to curate experiences that connect guests with people, places, and stories beyond the hotel walls.
Other nominees in this category included Longitude 131, Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Zannier Sonop, and Post Ranch Inn, each offering a gateway to remarkable regional experiences while respecting local culture and ecosystems.
Opening of the Year Award — The Burman Hotel, Tallinn
The Opening of the Year Award spotlights brand-new hotels that quickly define themselves within their first year. The Burman Hotel in Tallinn, a 17-room boutique located in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, demonstrates how a compact scale can deliver a comprehensive hospitality platform—dining, entertainment, and cultural immersion—on par with larger properties. Its ability to fuse intimate guest care with a vibrant, city-center presence makes it a standout debut on the global stage.
Nominees for this award included Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection, Domaine Le Mouflon D’Or, and Cheval Blanc Seychelles, each pushing the envelope in fresh branding and guest experiences.
What These Awards Signal for 2025 and Beyond
The MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural hotel Special Category Awards signal a shift toward recognizing the broader dimensions of hospitality—design ambition, wellness immersion, authentic local engagement, and the impact of new properties. Together, the winners and nominees paint a portrait of a hospitality industry that is more imaginative, more sustainable, and more connected to people and places than ever before. As Inspectors continue to explore and celebrate, travelers can anticipate more hotels redefining what it means to stay and truly belong in a destination.
