03 Jul Acclaimed Architect-Designer Jean-Michel Gathy Appointed by Aman as the First Designer to Lead the New Janu Brand
Internationally award-winning architect-designer Jean-Michel Gathy was appointed by Aman as the first designer to lead its new sister brand Janu with the first hotel Janu Tokyo to debut in Autumn 2023. As a long-time Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel has ingeniously conceived the interiors to strike a balance between relaxation and personal fulfillment – all underpinned by Aman’s DNA and commitment to guest experience with timeless design and deep roots in the history and diverse culture of Tokyo.
Situated in a soulful setting in Tokyo, the much anticipated ‘Modern Urban Village’, Azabudai Hills – an 8.1-hectare visionary lifestyle hub centred around green spaces and wellbeing has been created and managed by Japan’s leading developer Mori Building Co. Ltd. This new dynamic heart of the city will thrive in perfect synergy with the values of Janu which seeks to nurture purposeful connection and to bring people together. Under the supervision and leadership of Jean-Michel Gathy, Janu Tokyo which claims 13 floors from the ground up will feature 122 light-filled guest rooms with the majority having private balconies with views of the iconic Tokyo Tower or surrounding greenery. Ranging from 55sqmeluxe Rooms to the 284sqm Janu Suite, there will be an abundance of connecting rooms encouraging travel with family and friends.
“I am honored to have been chosen as the lead designer for the first Janu branded property. With Janu’s passion for purposeful connections and Aman’s legacy of timeless design, we have created a hotel that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and dynamic energy of Tokyo. Janu Tokyo offers an array of amenities designed to provide a transformative experience for guests, each embodies the energy of connection, balance, and exploration that distinguishes Janu.” comments Jean-Michel Gathy.
An Urban Oasis for Soulful Balance and Collective Moments
Translated as ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, the new Janu brand will deliver an elevated guest experience akin to Aman, while providing a spirited social scene in contrast to Aman’s whisper-quiet seclusion. Through Janu’s appreciation of cuisine, art, design and service, Janu Tokyo will reflect and celebrate the city’s rich, cultural fabric.
Capturing the Compelling Energy of Tokyo Steeped in History and Dynamic Culture
Bringing a contemporary and creative zest for life to Azabudai Hills’ hospitality scene, Janu Tokyo will be home to six restaurants as well as a bar, lounge and garden terrace. Each will exude the Janu brand’s signature energy inspired by connection, balance and exploration, including a patisserie, a vibrant Italian food emporium and a grill restaurant complete with an open kitchen and bar. The property will be home to two Japanese restaurants, the first serving the finest and freshest sushi and the second a sumibiyaki menu. This is in addition to a Chinese restaurant with a host of private dining venues.
The Janu Wellness Centre, spanning over 4,000sqm, will be one of the largest wellness facilities of any luxury hotel in Tokyo. Entirely rethinking the idea of balance, and with a social wellness and goal setting concept at its core, the space goes above and beyond the common notions of spa with a contemporary take on traditional wellness beliefs.
On property, group classes and shared experiences will be realised through a range of facilities including five movement studios offering spinning, boxing, yoga, Pilates and simulated golf training, this is in addition to seven treatment rooms and a large gym featuring functional and circuit training equipment. An extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area, centred around a 25-metre heated lap pool, will also have a separate Lounge Pool, traditionally a place for socialising in Japan, as well as two Spa Houses.
-ENDS-
IMAGES: Janu Tokyo – Photos must be included with the image rights “Courtesy of Aman for hotel images and courtesy of Denniston for Jean-Michel Gathy portraits.” when in use, applicable to all print and digital based content.
About Jean-Michel Gathy
Jean-Michel GATHY: Born in Belgium in 1955, Jean-Michael was still a child when he discovered his passion for geography and architecture in the wake of numerous family trips. At the age of nine, he was entrusted with the responsibility of organising family holidays and planning a journey across Europe. On this occasion, he identified and visited structures, villages and sceneries emblematic of each country. Graduating in 1978, Jean-Michel left Belgium for Asia in 1981 where he has resided for 41 years. In 1983, he founded DENNISTON (www.denniston.com.my) an architecture office with a specific niche market, specialising in the creation of innovative designs for top of the line hotels, residences and other products in the hospitality sector. Thanks to its forward-thinking architecture, design and technology applications in a constant state of evolution, DENNISTON has been able to retain its position as market leader through the success of the establishments they design,
DENNISTON and Gathy have succeeded in setting themselves up as the reference point in the hotel sector. Their projects are widely published around the world bearing witness of the reliability and quality of their work.
Jean-Michel is regularly invited to be a speaker at professional conferences and is a jury member of International Design Awards.
In 2006, Jean-Michel Gathy was inducted into the “Platinum Circle of Hospitality Design” and honored as an industry figure whose career and achievements have contributed to the world of hotel design.
In May 2019, His Majesty Philippe, King of Belgium conferred the title of “Officer of the Order of the Crown” to Jean-Michel Gathy for his professional achievements and services rendered to Belgium.
In September 2022, Jean-Michel Gathy was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution at AHEAD Hospitality Design Awards, recognising his globally celebrated work in the luxury hospitality sector.
Examples of exceptional design:
- Aman New York and Residences – New York, USA: Blending of Zen and New York lifestyle
- Aman Miami – Florida, USA: Frontline Miami Beach
- Aman Stevi Stefan – Montenegro.
- Amanyara and Villas – Turks and Caicos: Amazing beach.
- Aman Venice – Italy: On the Grand Canal in the stunning Palazzo Papadopoli.
- Aman at Rosa Alpina Hotel – San Cassiano, Italy: Stunning Mountain views. (In renovation)
- Amanoi and Villas – Vietnam: In a natural park.
- Amanwana – Moyo Island, Indonesia: One of the first real luxurious tented camps.
- Aman Bora Bora – French Polynesia.
- Aman Summer Palace – Beijing, China: Inside the compound of the Summer Palace.
- Aman-I-Khas – Rajasthan, India.
- Aman and Residences – Wadi Safar (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia.
- Aman tented camp – Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.
- Janu Tokyo – Japan: A new hotel brand by Aman (in construction).
- The Setai Hotel and Residences – Florida, USA: Frontline Miami Beach.
- Cheval Blanc Randheli – Maldives: Tropical paradise.
- Cheval Blanc Seychelles: Island escape
- Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – Thailand
- Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi – Japan: The Business Address.
- One & Only Reethi Rah – Maldives: A playful beach escapade.
- One & Only Portonovi – Montenegro: on the Boka Bay
- One & Only One Zabeel – Dubai, UAE: 2 properties (in construction).
- Chedi Muscat – Oman: The Hotel triggered the destination in this beautiful country.
- Chedi Andermatt – Switzerland: A top luxury mountain resort in a Swiss village.
- Park Hyatt – Hainan, China: on private beach.
- Andaz Hotel – Hainan, China: on private beach.
- Capella Hotel – Hainan, China: A reference to Chinese culture.
- Regis – Lhasa, Tibet: A heaven of peace in a busy town.
- Marina Bay Sands Casino – Singapore: Concept for the 200m roof top pool.
- Metropol Hotel – Moscow, Russia:A historical hotel
- Exclusive resort on the Nile River – Egypt.
The list is not exhaustive but gives an example of DENNISTON’s clientele which also includes several large private residences.
Visit denniston.com.my for more information on Denniston Architects
For more information, interview requests and images, please contact:
Sherman Ip / Peggy Law / Cindy Ng – Petrie PR
Email: sherman@petriepr.com/peggy@petriepr.com/cindy@petriepr.com
Phone: +852 2521 9608