La Vie Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Craig Bond announcing the YOO brand at AHICE 2022. Image: Asher Milgate

La Vie Hotels and Resorts is bringing YOO Hotels to the Pacific through an exclusive deal which will see the hotel management company open the first By YOO hotel in Melbourne in early 2025. This signing is a joint venture between Owners DCF Property Group and M Property.

La View Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Craig Bond, made the announcement on Day 1 of the Australian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) at the Adelaide Oval.  

“We are so excited to be introducing a brand that is truly born from design and authentically fits the mould of a lifestyle-led design hotel to the Australian market,” Bond said.

“If the pandemic has shown us anything, it is that people are wanting to feel connected and when travelling, be transported to a place that inspires and excites while factoring in the local idiosyncrasies of the community. Nu by YOO is going to do just that.”

The Nu By YOO hotel – located near ANZAC Station in South Melbourne – will include 88 luxury guestrooms, ground floor restaurant, bar, gym and pool.

The luxury hotel will be part of a mixed-use development that will also include 43 sought residential apartments.

The property will have a strong botanical theme with “cascading greenery” and “suspended secret gardens” over the hotel lobby.

An artist’s impression of Nu By Yoo Melbourne

“We feel the Australian market is ready for a new hotel brand and one that takes design and lifestyle to a new level,” Bond said.

“Bringing YOO Hotels to Australia is a game changer, and while we plan on opening our first By YOO Hotel in Melbourne, we have plans to take the brand to other major capital cities and premier resort locations around the Pacific. We are seeing strong demand from owners for the YOO brand and we are excited to make further announcements in the coming months.”   

YOO was founded in 1999 by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and celebrated designer, Philippe Starck. Today, it has evolved into a major residential lifestyle brand with a portfolio of residential developments, hotels, bespoke homes, and major mixed-use development projects around the world.

The Pacific launch of YOO will include the launch of upscale YOO2 and luxury By YOO brands.

“We know how much Australians appreciate good design and we could not think of a more compelling city to launch YOO Hotels into the Australian market, than Melbourne, and look forward to seeing guests respond to the surrounds when the hotel opens,” said YOO Group Chairman, John Hitchcox.