Adrian Zecha, Philippe Starck & Jean-Michel Gathy to Create Luxury Boutique Hotel in Phuket

Scheduled to open in 2008 on a private peninsula on Phuket’s dramatic east coast, new five-star General Hotel Management (GHM) operated boutique hotel, The Yamu, is aiming to raise the bar on previously held concepts of exclusivity and luxury.

This much anticipated collaboration between three internationally-renown industry gurus and visionaries – Adrian Zecha of GHM Hotels and Aman Resorts, French interior design guru Philippe Starck for yoo by Starck, and celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy – will result in the unique concept and creation of one of Phuket’s most exclusive boutique hotels.

The Yamu will feature 63 hotel rooms with sensational facilities such as a 100-metre long swimming pool, spa concept and restaurants overlooking the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea.

Private investment opportunities on the development include 12 Villa Estates and 15 Club Villas – now available for sale.

Intended to interfere as little as possible with the natural beauty of the site, the design of The Yamu by Jean-Michel Gathy has employed a modern style with clean lines, intended to draw as little attention to itself as possible. The use of space, however, is traditionally Thai in its essence.

Large outdoor living areas, interconnected open rooms, and the functional relationship between internal and external volumes, all combine to create a tropical living environment. In every instance, the spaces are oriented to maximize the stunning ocean views while nestling comfortably into the existing topography.

The interior design is another story. Here, Philippe Starck has also taken his cues from the natural environment, but added his signature blend of the simple and the sublime. Once again, he has created a spectacular realm of visually stunning accents and supreme comfort. The result is an inviting, hospitable, elegant-casual domain of easy living and timeless style.

The Hotel, the Club Complex, and the Villa Estates all share in common this convergence of playful seduction and polished sophistication, of casual comfort and cultured charm. Rarely have the talents of two visionary designers fused to achieve a synergy of such style and grace.

The Yamu will also feature many facilities. The 160-seat signature restaurant will serve Thai, Western, Chinese and other cuisines, while five unique “glass cubes” located within the hotel grounds will feature a wine room with a wine cave below, a cigar lounge, a private kitchen, a chocolate room and patisserie, and a designer boutique.

Located beneath palm trees for guests relaxation and enjoyment will be a “dry play area” with chess, lounge and bar– an ideal area for communal or private functions.

In addition to the “ordinary” rooms (which will be far from ordinary) there will also be an exclusive Club Complex - a hotel within the hotel - accessible only to the privileged staying at The Yamu. 

Surrounding this unique boutique hotel will be 12 privately owned Villa Estates, operated within the hotel’s inventory when the owners are not in residence, each comprising a master pavilion with a lounge, a master bedroom, kitchen and maids’ quarters. A few steps across the external decking will be a 23.5-metre swimming pool, while across the garden area will be three single-bedroom villa suites, each with its private deck and pool.

Part of the ultra Club Complex at The Yaum, the Club Villas are available for investment, each comprise a spacious bedroom and living room complete with en suite facilities and private individual pools with outdoor showers.

The Club Complex at The Yamu is a perfect luxury release from everyday living with personal butler service to attend guests every request, an unsurpassed degree of privacy, and convenient access to the facilities at The Yamu.

The Yamu site juts out into Phang Nga Bay and boasts a private marina with 39 berths. With 84 islands dotted across the bay, plus many small private beaches, hidden caves and quiet anchorages.

The Yamu is set to open its doors in late 2008.

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