YOO Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of its first luxury resort residence in the Philippines – Aqua Boracay by YOO. Due for completion in winter 2015, the new beachfront hotel will bring the brand’s trademark union of contemporary design and an impeccable service ethos to the island of Boracay.
Regarded a paradise for kitesurfers and consistently ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Boracay remains a relatively undiscovered idyll in south-east Asia. With the inception of Aqua Boracay by YOO, together with a newly upgraded airport set to launch around the same time, a rare opportunity to discover an exotic destination will be even more attainable for the discerning traveller.
Uniquely positioned on the tranquil side of the island, nestled between lush tropical gardens and a white-powder sand beach, the exclusive resort residences stretch across five different levels, designed in harmony with the natural landscape.
The five-star property will comprise 168 spacious guestrooms and suites with wraparound terraces, most of which look out to the stunning turquoise waters, and two restaurants with equally impressive views. One will be a specialty restaurant, while the other will feature flavours from the Philippines and Boracay combined with international culinary influences.
Hotel guests are expected to be pampered in every conceivable way – part of the Human Luxury philosophy created by YOO. Among many exclusive experiences, residents will be able to arrange through the concierge kitesurfing, the island’s adopted sport, and personalised excursions, including boat trips to secluded beaches, island hopping and visits to local fish markets.
Complete with a specially-designed lagoon pool facing the sea, a second stylish rectangular pool, and luxuriant sunbeds arranged alongside the deserted Bulabog beach, Aqua Boracay by YOO has been designed to offer uninterrupted views of the heavenly landscape throughout its entirety.
The 300 sqm spa, featuring unique treatments, together with a health club and yoga studio, will provide a holistic experience of wellbeing and relaxation. Additional facilities include function rooms and a wedding pavilion.
The design, conceived by YOO Studio, combines contemporary elegance with simplicity, allowing for an understated luxury feel perfectly suited to the bohemian island lifestyle.
Mark Davison, Design Director, YOO Studio commented: “Aqua Boracay by YOO embodies our philosophy that design enhances the wellbeing and comfort of guests and is not an end in itself. Our concept is borne from the unique energy and natural beauty of the Island, with a palette of warm, natural and clean finishes that perfectly complement the simple, tranquil and laid-back Boracay experience. We fell in love with the Island of Boracay when designing the project and we hope it shows in the personal, locally inspired experience we have created. “
Marco Nijhof, CEO, YOO Hotels & Resorts said: “We are truly excited to launch Aqua Boracay by YOO, our first branded resort residence in the Pacific. After careful research, we found Boracay to be the perfect location for our collection of individually-designed hotels. We are amazed by the island’s outstanding beauty, connections, and the fact that it is still very much an undiscovered gem, with very few premium places to stay.
“YOO Hotels & Resorts’ holistic, design-led philosophy and seamless service approach will bring a totally different lifestyle concept to Boracay, unlike anything else in the Philippines.”
YOO Hotels & Resorts is born from the house of YOO: a revolutionary property vision, founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck to enhance the way like-minded individuals live, love and play the world over through original design.
