Renowned Filipino designer Vito Selma will be creating what are being described as “artful masterpieces” for the residences at Aqua Boracay by YOO, a five-star resort on Boracay Island in the Philippines that is set to open next year as the only luxury-branded residence on the island.
Aqua Boracay by YOO is a boutique beachfront resort set on 16,000 sqm of tropical gardens with beachfront access to Bulabog beach. The resort, according to a media release, is a modern take on luxury beachfront living, and is designed by London-based YOO Studio that was founded by designer Philippe Starck and international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox.
With stunning ocean views and lush tropical gardens as the backdrop, the residences and public spaces at Aqua Boracay by YOO have been designed to maximise idyllic beach views by letting the natural light and scenery take centre stage.
Aqua Boracay by YOO offers 168 spacious one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments ranging in size from 50 sqm to 264 sqm. The apartments are open-plan and feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and wrap around terraces, and a colour scheme of natural whites and earth tones that complements the outdoors.
YOO Studio tapped renowned Filipino designer Vito Selma to style the residences with his distinctive, artful furniture.
“At Aqua Boracay by YOO, guests are surrounded by natural beauty wherever they turn, and I wanted to enhance that with pieces that reflect the natural environment and the rich cultural traditions,” said Vito Selma.
“Locally sourced Filipino wood provides the primary medium for these pieces, and then we played with shapes and textures that are modern, yet reflect what is seen in the earth, the sky and the sea.”
The visual centerpiece of the residences is the timber “Geo” coffee table, a signature Selma piece made from mahogany sculpted into a geometric pattern of flowing lines that fan and fold. A matching Geo chair with a cream upholstered cushion is a beautiful accompaniment.
The “Arata” side table and chair feature a more uniform and purposeful linear design. Perched at a counter, the “Sari” stool is a rustic element, crafted from a variety of different woods joined vertically in a random, yet ordered way, and topped with a plush, cream-colored cushion.
Calaf side table are very solid, angular pieces, topped with marble and resembling the stars and sun above. Suspended above the dining area, a naturally woven basket pendant light adds a whimsical, island feel.
Already well under way with an opening in 2016, Aqua Boracay by YOO is a highly anticipated new resort that is already gaining international attention and prestige.
Residences are selling from US$220,000 to US$1,999,999, and will also be available for vacation rental for short or long-term stays. Rental yields are anticipated to range between 6 percent and 8 percent.
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor of PropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email andrew@propertyguru.com.sg
