Asia’s Top Architects and Hoteliers Honoured Inside a 150-Million-Year-Old Cave

Step inside a subterranean cathedral carved by nature over 150 million years, and standard definitions of luxury quickly dissolve into genuine wonder. On June 26, 2026, Asia’s premier architecture and hospitality scene traded classic hotel ballrooms for something vastly more breathtaking, staging what stands as the world’s first international awards ceremony inside a natural cave.

That spectacular setting was Dragon Pearl Cave in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province—a sprawling, 4,000-square-metre limestone marvel just 30 minutes from Halong City. Set against towering stalactites and vast geological chambers, the 2026 Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) and Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) celebrated the region's most creative minds under the theme Influential Asia.

Operated by APC Corporation—the visionaries behind Ambassador Cruise—Dragon Pearl Cave transformed for one night into an immersive stage for fine dining and cultural performances. The event proved that the future of Asian design is increasingly about deep connection, context, and reverence for nature.

"Hosting such a prestigious event in this natural wonder underscored our vision of making the cave a symbol of Vietnam’s heritage and a leading destination for world-class cultural and business events in Asia," remarked Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation.

Designing for Climate, Culture, and Regeneration

Across the continent, this year’s winning projects point to a decisive shift: built environments must work in harmony with their ecosystems and communities.

In South Korea, Picture Book Dream Maru earned high praise for its imaginative adaptive reuse, breathing new cultural life into a former underground reservoir. Over in Japan, AMAMI HOUSE set a high bar for off-grid residential living, while Vietnam’s own Coastal Quảng Ngãi – A Community by HAUS earned top honors for climate-responsive urban planning. Meanwhile, tucked away in the pine forests of Da Lat, HAUS Da Lat captured the jury’s admiration by weaving wellness hospitality directly into environmental conservation.

Other standout developments making waves across the region included Sola Peninsula and One Central Saigon by Masterise Homes, Thailand’s sleek NEXUS by Synthesis Ark, and Indonesia’s tranquil Pejeng Ubud.

Redefining Hospitality & Culinary Heritage

When it comes to hospitality, this year’s laureates proved that travel is ultimately about meaningful human experience. Ascott Orchard Singapore won accolades for effortlessly bridging the gap between serviced residences and contemporary urban lifestyle, while Varana Krabi Hotel – The Wellcation Experience took home honors for its holistic approach to wellness tourism.

Gastronomy held an equally celebrated place beneath the rocks. Chef Nguyen Gia Thien of Viet Deli Group received the Asia Special Achievement for Executive Chef award, recognizing his dedicated efforts to elevate contemporary Vietnamese cuisine while keeping local heritage at its heart.

"The diversity of this year's winners is remarkable," noted jury chairman Tan Quee Peng. "From adaptive reuse in South Korea and off-grid homes in Japan to regenerative resorts in Bali and Vietnamese chef Nguyen Gia Thien's celebration of local culinary heritage, they encapsulate the creativity and innovation behind Asia's compelling built environment."

Looking Ahead: Visionary Asia 2027

As lights dimmed across the ancient limestone arches, organizers looked ahead to the next chapter with the launch of the 2027 awards under the theme Visionary Asia. Starting next cycle, both AADA and AHA will adopt a rolling evaluation system—reviewing groundbreaking projects throughout the year before culminating at the 2027 Winners’ Night in Bangkok.