EP Perspective September 2016

INTERNATIONAL: UXUA
by Wilbert in collaboration with local artisans using traditional
building methods, reclaimed and organic materials and Brazilian
antiques and art.
“Brazil has great problems with social inequality and Trancoso is
no different. When I came here there was quite a lot of poverty and
many issues with healthcare and education. Through the hotel I’ve
been able to positively impact these areas. We give English lessons to
all employees and organise proper healthcare for employees and
their families too. The people here are naturally so hospitable,
and once they began accepting me as part of the community
I found other ways to show my respect and gratitude for this
tremendous opportunity. I support local sports groups like the
capoeira organisation and work with the local fishermen
organisation to try and make this place better.”
The positive impact Wilbert has had in the community is evident
in the way that the locals treat him. Wilbert has been nominated to
organise local religious festivals – an honour usually only bequeathed
to local families.
“I can’t explain when it first occurred to me but part of me always
wanted to have a compound where I lived together with friends
and we would share our creative forces. I have an artist in residence
programme where I invite an artist to stay with us for a couple of
weeks to make projects that then stay at the hotel. There is a natural
agreement that any projects are made using local materials.
The artist is able to create something they never could have made in
“THIS IS REALLY AN HONOUR FOR ME
AS IT IS THE NEXT STEP IN DESIGN.
FOLLOWING MY PASSION HAS LED ME
TO OPPORTUNITIES I DIDN’T IMAGINE”
any other place. One of the first artists that came was someone I met
through a furniture fair in Milan. I love the idea of continuing this
creative aspect of life through unique projects that contribute to
the community and widen its exposure. In return for their art, I am
happy to give them an unforgettable hospitality experience in Brazil.”
Wilbert has not only encountered success in running the hotel. The
designs of his guest houses have been admired so much by visitors
that he has now transitioned into designing private houses. “This is
really an honour for me as it is the next step in design. Following my
passion has led me to opportunities I didn’t imagine occurring.”
It is clear Wilbert and the village’s tranquil nature has become part
of his personality. Despite his growing success and accomplishments,
he is humble and focuses his energy on developing different ways to
give back to the community that has allowed him to realise his dream.
“I consider myself truly fortunate. I have no desires to make this a
chain or build other hotels. UXUA for me will always be a dream that
I fulfilled and is now slowly becoming a business.”
14 | Perspective | September 2016