Hotel and Spa Awards 2019

www.lux-review.com Page 37 LUX 2019 Hotel & Spa Awards Today, the group boasts a diverse portfolio of residential developments, hotels, bespoke homes, and major mixed-use development projects. Among its creative real estate portfolio, the award-winning YOO2 Rio, is an innovative establishment that is inspired by the local soul of the surrounding neighbourhood. With breath- taking views of Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf, YOO2 Rio brings a unique design and an artistic feel to the vibrant Botafogo area in Rio de Janeiro. Part of the experience of staying at YOO2 Rio is discovering the true local vibe and flavours of the destination. Through this innovative establishment, the group aims to offer a truly local experience and showcase the local spirit in every detail. For example, the hotel’s employee uniforms are made by well-known Brazilian designer Andre Namitala (Handred Design Studio) and the cuisine of its restaurant is inspired by the local Carioca cuisine. The hotel also offers exclusive guided tours to guests, from exploring authentic Brazilian restaurants to hidden beaches, islands, art, and more. As a result Working to craft unforgettable experiences, YOO Hotels is a global brand of developers, place makers and designers. We profile the firm to find out more about its portfolio and how it crafts unforgettable experiences for each and every one of its guests. Originally Founded in 1999 by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and the world’s most celebrated designer Philippe Starck, the YOO brand has grown and flourished over the years. YOO Hotels: Best Luxury Hotel Brand - EMEIA of the attention to details, the YOO2 spirit is something that each of the hotel’s guests can experience and YOO2 Rio is the place to be for many regular guests. The rooftop bar is one of the celebrated spots in town for sundowners and cocktails where the who-is- who from Rio and Sao Paulo likes to gather after work or during the weekend, taking advantage of the unobstructed views over the city’s iconic and instagramable spots to share memories with friends. The YOO design team’s extensive experience in creating unique lobbies has been well recognised around the world and at YOO2 Rio the hotel lobby is everything but an ordinary hotel reception. Our lobbies are exuberant and vibrant showcase spaces, that create an instant impression, making YOO2 Rio guests feel welcome. YOO2 lobbies are no longer places to loiter, they are now becoming destinations in their own right. They create a sense of place through international design mixing with local flair, inspiring guests to explore their destination of choice. Artistic and inspirational details are spread all across the public spaces. The hotel’s team, rich in local knowledge, can help hotel guests make the most of their time in Rio. They are at every guests’ disposal 24/7 and can guide them through any questions they may have during their stay. Looking to the future, YOO intends to create a seamless guest journey experience from the time of booking to the control of the room facilities and check-out. A unique and dedicated mobile app will give hotel guests full control at a touch of a button, allowing them to have an experience as intuitive and personal as possible. Over the next three to five years, YOO has plans to open a number of hotels under the YOO2 lifestyle brand. In addition to the upcoming hotels in Vancouver and in Phuket, the group is actively working on new hotel and resort projects in key locations across Europe and Asia including destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. Each Yoo2 hotel will combine design-led living spaces with intuitive amenities, smart technology and local influences. Contact details: Company: YOO Hotels Address: 2 Bentinck Street Telephone Number: 07876 83 29 74 Web Address: www.yoo.com