La Vie Hotel set for 2026 Melbourne opening

By Grant Jones

DCF Property Group has celebrated the official sod-turning of its $180 million First Light development, a transformative project set to redefine Melbourne’s Domain Precinct which will include the 97-key hotel, Nu By YOO Melbourne.

World-renowned designer Philippe Starck and property entrepreneur John Hitchcox founded YOO in 1999 and the Nu By YOO luxury hotel, managed by La Vie Hotels and Resorts, is proposed to sit within the First Light development. The hotel itself will feature 97 luxury rooms and a yet to be named food and beverage partner.

The ceremony marks the beginning of construction on these world-class branded luxury residences, which will not only reshape the city’s skyline but also deliver significant economic benefits to Victoria.

“At La Vie Hotels and Resorts we are delighted to see the next phase of our collaboration with DCF and Yoo Studio,” La Vie Hotels and Resorts CEO said Jerry Xu.

“We have been working hand in hand to create something very unique and design led for the Melbourne market, Nu By Yoo Melbourne is not just another hotel, but a fresh chapter in luxury design and hotel experience in Australia’s most vibrant city.”

“In a highly competitive hotel landscape, Nu by YOO will stand apart reflecting the unique character and energy of Melbourne while offering a haven of modern luxury and thoughtful design,” he continued.

The project will be executed by Ironside, a renowned Australian builder specialising in high-end, large-scale developments. Ironside’s involvement reflects DCF’s commitment to the highest standards of quality and design.

“This sod-turning marks a significant milestone for DCF as we begin to turn our vision for First Light into reality,” said Calvin Huang, CEO at DCF. “This project represents a major investment in Melbourne’s future, with long-term benefits in job creation, tourism, and economic growth.”

First Light is due for completion in October 2026, with the hotel to begin operating soon after.

“This upcoming luxury hotel in the enviable position, opposite the Botanical Gardens and within walking distance to the CBD of Melbourne, we are not just building a hotel, but a symbol of what the future of hospitality can be, innovative, inspiring and deeply connected to the places and people it serves, “according to Chris Batterham, Chief Development Officer for La Vie Hotels and Resorts.

(From left) Chris Batterham, Jerry Xu, Marcus Hanna, (La Vie Hotels), Calvin Huang, Janet Liang, (DCF) Lachlan Harris, (La Vie Hotels), Leeson Li (DCF), Russell Cool (La Vie Hotels), at the ceremony.

Nu By YOO Melbourne will join the existing La Vie projects of Forest by Yoo which will be 131 branded residences and an additional 432 room YOO2 Hotel La Vie managed complex in Patong, Phuket Thailand.

La Vie Hotels and Resorts is an owner centric independent hotel management company with a portfolio that represents a collection of diverse properties from hotels across Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Greater China, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam including many more under development. It has offices in Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai.

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