Yugen Waterfront: Bringing the rhythms of nature into an urban space
Alavee Hossain’s Yugen Waterfront is a unisex spa in Dhaka that blends Japanese minimalism with local design, offering a fresh take on self-care.
Over the last decade, Bangladesh's spa and salon scene has undergone a remarkable transformation.
What once consisted of flashy, first-service-themed parlours has now evolved into thoughtfully curated wellness spaces. One of the key figures behind this evolution is Alavee Hossain, a former Wall Street professional on a mission to bring zen to Dhaka's fast-paced lifestyle.
Her journey began with Kensho (2020), a boutique spa located in the Gulshan Diplomatic Zone. Designed to serve clients between hectic schedules, Kensho offered quick, calming escapes during work breaks, challenging the notion that relaxation must wait for the weekend.
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"Yugen Waterfront is designed in a way that when our clients come to take any services, they should feel so relaxed and calm that they experience a profound feeling of inner happiness."
Following Kensho's success, Alavee opened Yugen (2023) in Dhanmondi, expanding her wellness philosophy to Dhaka South. Rooted in the Japanese design concept of wabi-sabi, Yugen embraced the beauty of imperfection, simplicity, and the passage of time, principles that deeply influenced the aesthetic of the space.
In February 2025, Alavee launched her third and most ambitious project yet: Yugen Waterfront, a unisex spa and salon located on the top two floors of Lakeshore Heights Hotel in Gulshan. She partnered with her mother, Kahinoor Bali Hossain, and family friend Shamima Huda, both experienced figures in Bangladesh's beauty industry.
As with her earlier ventures, Alavee collaborated with Sabbir Ibne Amin, Head of Design at Inked Studios.
"While Kensho and Yugen featured traditional elements, for Yugen Waterfront we leaned into a more contemporary Japanese aesthetic, inspired by nature and modern minimalism," said Sabbir.
The result is a serene, meditative space with interiors that gently contrast the salon's modern exterior. "Yugen," Sabbir explained, "is a Japanese term that reflects a deep, indescribable sense of mystery, an inner-worldly feeling unique to each person."
Design that breathes
Spanning around 1,800 square feet, Yugen Waterfront is thoughtfully divided across two floors. The 12th floor is dedicated to essential grooming services like haircuts, colour, nail care and other basic groomings, with separate zones for men and women. Upon entering, clients are greeted by a tranquil reception.
On one side of the reception, there is a smoking zone. Alavee has plans to make this area a small cafe. On the other side, there is a corridor leading to the service areas. A cosy tea corner is also found along the corridor with low seating offers a space to unwind between services.
The 11th floor, facing the picturesque Gulshan Lake, is reserved for spa services. Yugen Waterfront is the first spa in Bangladesh that introduces the Japanese Onsen Shower. Inspired by Japan's hot spring traditions, this shower simulates the calming, mineral-rich experience of natural onsen baths, offering therapeutic benefits and deep relaxation.
Throughout this floor, the lighting is kept dim and soothing, accompanied by ambient music, to maintain a calming atmosphere.
This floor also houses a pedicure/manicure zone and a sunny balcony turned outdoor classroom, where clients can relax or soak in the sun while enjoying treatments.
"We call it the glassroom and it happens to be one of my most favourite segments from the whole project," added Alavee.
This zone is accessible to both genders.
"It's a one-of-a-kind experience to share with your partner," she added.
Crafted with intent
Every detail in Yugen Waterfront has been intentionally designed and locally crafted, from the furniture to the lighting fixtures. "We designed everything in-house, starting from tables, racks, to lamps, chandeliers. For ergonomic salon chairs, we sourced from China, but the rest is all made here," Sabbir shared.
A standout feature is the reception's handcrafted wooden table, which has a built-in mini spring. Water flows gently from a vase-like sculpture and runs along the carved path of the table, an artistic representation of natural motion.
Designing the space came with challenges, especially hiding the central AC components while maintaining the ceiling's original height.
"We wanted the space to feel expensive. So we concealed the ducts with wooden framing and hung printed fabric sheets, which now sway gently as the air flows, adding another element of movement inspired by nature," explained Sabbir.
He also noted that there are many pillars of the wabi-sabi concept. For this project, they particularly focused on the 'simplicity' and 'passage through time'.
"At Yugen Waterfront, we embraced the beauty of worn off, earthly elements, that hold a story and added value. Here, you won't find anything shiny and bright. All the woods used in the interior are matured and have seen many seasons."
With its minimal yet layered design, cultural nuance, and commitment to quality service, Yugen Waterfront invites clients not just to pamper themselves, but to pause, reflect, and reconnect, with nature, and with themselves.
"Yugen Waterfront is designed in a way that when our clients come to take any services, they should feel so relaxed and calm that they experience a profound feeling of inner happiness," concluded Alavee.
