PHUKET: Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort and Spa has added another impressive accolade to its crowded trophy cabinet after being named Best Overseas Hotel at the prestigious China Best Design Hotel Awards.
Aleenta Phuket, part of the AHMS Collection of boutique resorts, was in illustrious company, with other winners at the annual event comprising luxury hospitality's elite: St Regis Sanya Yalong Bay, Amanfayun in Hangzhou, and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.
Aleenta Phuket's latest honor follows a $US2 million renovation-and-innovation spend to further elevate the ''barefoot luxury'' experience for guests.
Anchalika Kijkanakorn, managing director and founder of Aleenta owner-operator Akaryn Hospitality Management Services, said the award was recognition for the resort's continual metamorphosis into something better while cherishing its surrounds.
''We are continually striving to provide guests with a luxurious boutique experience that surprises and delights,'' the pioneering hotelier said.
''We don't rest on our laurels. We continue to innovate and improve.
''Without straying from our commitment to intuitive luxury, our latest improvements have really ramped up the luxury part of the equation. It has taken the resort to another level - in fact, it feels like a new resort in some respects but all the Aleenta service touches and thoughtful gestures remain, with some new ones besides.''
The renovation sees the resort turn its attention to families in earnest for the first time, through the launch of The Turtle Club.
The state-of-the-art club has a pool and play area staffed by fully qualified and certified carers who hold engaging and fun classes where learning and development are key factors.
With the children entertained, parents can savour Aleenta Phuket's sophisticated dining experience through its renovated signature restaurant The Edge. Or try the Chef's Table for rooftop terrace dining, seating 12.
As part of the well-received remodelling, a 20m x 9m beachfront infinity pool was constructed to serve as the resort's focal point, providing stunning Andaman Sea views and sunsets. The pool only closes when the last guest leaves, Ms Kijkanakorn added.
The resort's spa is also undergoing a makeover that will see it re-open in March with two additional treatment rooms, a post-treatment relaxation chamber, a chromo-therapy room and a state-of-the-art Vichy shower room providing a horizontal water massage.
Ms Kijkanakorn said: ''Being a small, independent resort, customised changes are standard so as to maximise the guest experience by providing authentic and unique touches while never losing that laid back feel.''
Aleenta Phuket has been named Asia Pacific's Best Sustainable Hotel the past two years at the International Hotel Awards. AHMS has three other high-end beachfront Thai properties: the Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi Resort and Spa,akyra Chura Samui and the AKARYN Samui Resort and Spa. All four resorts offer seclusion and pristine beachfront vistas.
The AHMS Collection is set to grow, with the addition of akyra Manor Chiang Mai and AKARYN Koh Krabeay on a private island in Cambodia both opening in the first quarter of 2015.
Aleenta Phuket, part of the AHMS Collection of boutique resorts, was in illustrious company, with other winners at the annual event comprising luxury hospitality's elite: St Regis Sanya Yalong Bay, Amanfayun in Hangzhou, and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.
Aleenta Phuket's latest honor follows a $US2 million renovation-and-innovation spend to further elevate the ''barefoot luxury'' experience for guests.
Anchalika Kijkanakorn, managing director and founder of Aleenta owner-operator Akaryn Hospitality Management Services, said the award was recognition for the resort's continual metamorphosis into something better while cherishing its surrounds.
''We are continually striving to provide guests with a luxurious boutique experience that surprises and delights,'' the pioneering hotelier said.
''We don't rest on our laurels. We continue to innovate and improve.
''Without straying from our commitment to intuitive luxury, our latest improvements have really ramped up the luxury part of the equation. It has taken the resort to another level - in fact, it feels like a new resort in some respects but all the Aleenta service touches and thoughtful gestures remain, with some new ones besides.''
The renovation sees the resort turn its attention to families in earnest for the first time, through the launch of The Turtle Club.
The state-of-the-art club has a pool and play area staffed by fully qualified and certified carers who hold engaging and fun classes where learning and development are key factors.
With the children entertained, parents can savour Aleenta Phuket's sophisticated dining experience through its renovated signature restaurant The Edge. Or try the Chef's Table for rooftop terrace dining, seating 12.
As part of the well-received remodelling, a 20m x 9m beachfront infinity pool was constructed to serve as the resort's focal point, providing stunning Andaman Sea views and sunsets. The pool only closes when the last guest leaves, Ms Kijkanakorn added.
The resort's spa is also undergoing a makeover that will see it re-open in March with two additional treatment rooms, a post-treatment relaxation chamber, a chromo-therapy room and a state-of-the-art Vichy shower room providing a horizontal water massage.
Ms Kijkanakorn said: ''Being a small, independent resort, customised changes are standard so as to maximise the guest experience by providing authentic and unique touches while never losing that laid back feel.''
Aleenta Phuket has been named Asia Pacific's Best Sustainable Hotel the past two years at the International Hotel Awards. AHMS has three other high-end beachfront Thai properties: the Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi Resort and Spa,akyra Chura Samui and the AKARYN Samui Resort and Spa. All four resorts offer seclusion and pristine beachfront vistas.
The AHMS Collection is set to grow, with the addition of akyra Manor Chiang Mai and AKARYN Koh Krabeay on a private island in Cambodia both opening in the first quarter of 2015.
