INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Asia-Pacific has always been a hot market, and Thailand is no exception. Whether developments, openings or renovations designed to appeal to guests, hoteliers are making moves in the Southeast Asian country.
OZO Phuket
Onyx Hospitality Group continues its portfolio expansion with the introduction of OZO Phuket in Thailand. Currently under development and scheduled to open in mid-2019, the hotel will offer 255 guestrooms and features that deliver the midscale OZO brand’s hallmarks of sleep, connectivity and exploration.
Located close to the Kata beachfront on the western coast of Phuket, the hotel will also feature OZO’s signature Eat all-day dining restaurant, the Eat2Go grab-and-go deli, Tone fitness center and Talk meeting room. It will also have two separate pools—an activity pool designed for kids adjacent to a free-form main pool.
This year has seen strong expansion for Onyx Hospitality Group, with its flagship Amari brand being launched in new locations including Sri Lanka, Malaysia and China. Based in Bangkok, the company has a growing regional portfolio of 44 operating properties across three core brands in eight countries. There is a development pipeline of more than 20 new properties in markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia, and the company has set a target of having 99 hotels open by 2024.
The Boathouse Phuket Relaunches
The Boathouse Phuket has reopened its door after a five-month refurbishments. The latest addition to The Boutique Collection, the 39-room The Boathouse is a secluded beachfront property on Kata Beach Phuket.
Designed by the Singapore based interior architecture firm, LAANK, the property now features nautical theme decor with interior details such as ropes and a combination of wood, ocean blue and white hues. In the common areas, along the reception, blue corrugated wall features create an imagery of water reflection; the gray color throughout the interior provides a contemporary look.
Other facilities at The Boathouse include an infinity pool, courtyard whirlpool, hospitality lounge, gym, in-room dining and laundry service.
Avani Hua Hin Resort & Villas
Avani Hua Hin Resort & Villas has opened on southern Thailand’s Gulf Coast, featuring natural tropical elements combined with contemporary design.
Surrounded by gardens and facing on to a large lagoon pool, there are 196 guestrooms, suites and villas. Superior and deluxe guestrooms have a private balcony, while villas and suites have a plunge pool or Jacuzzi and gazebo. Other elements include bathtubs and separate walk-in showers and an outdoor rainforest shower in select suites.
The 11 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom lagoon pool villas have direct access to the main pool and are designed for a group of friends or a large family wanting to be part of the resort action, but also having a private space to enjoy each other’s company.