PHUKET: Nikki Beach Club Phuket closed in advance of yesterday's Sunday brunch and management has so far been coy about future plans. Various rumors have yet to be laid to rest.

A notice on the beach club's Facebook page simply said: ''To our Nikki Beach friends and family, we want to let you know that our Phuket location is currently closed. Please join us for love, peace and the celebration of life at our other location in Koh Samui, or at any of our other ten locations around the world.''

Efforts by Phuketwan reporters to establish what's going on have failed so far. Nobody was answering the Nikki telephone number.

Another cryptic Facebook message from the management said: ''We're doing everything to resolve these matters.''

A spokesman for the brand's legal representatives had nothing to say.

Among many rumors is one that the beach club is renovating and could rebrand.

Nikki has been perceived as popular, despite complaints of noise carrying through an adjoining national park and an incident with a young elephant at a pool party.

Back in 2012, Commercial Real Estate Developer, The Castlewood Group Singapore, announced they were expanding the world-renowned lifestyle brand, Nikki Beach, in Asia, commencing with a Hotel, Spa and Beach Club in Phuket in 2013. Nikki Beach which has already seen massive success with its Koh Samui Beach club which opened 2009, plans to operate and expand its brand with Castlewood Group in Singapore, Koh Samui (hotel property), Bali, Langkawi and Hai Nan - potential investors will have the opportunity to own a slice of one of the hottest and exclusive properties which attracts celebrities and trendsetters alike.

Castlewood Group CEO Chris Comer said: ''We are delighted to contribute to the expansion of this hugely exciting and successful brand in Asia and offer our investors the chance to become part of the Nikki Beach lifestyle. The Nikki Beach Club plus The Nikki Beach Hotel and Spa in Bang Tao, Phuket will be our first offering to the market and will comprise a five-star hotel with 151 luxurious suites and a mix of 23 sky villas and exclusive villas all with private pools and gardens.

''In addition there is a 45 m free form swimming pool, roof top infinity pool with bar and lounge overlooking an external yoga area. Combined with the glamour of the Nikki Beach Club this will be the place to be seen in Phuket."

The beach club did not open until 2014 on Layan Beach, Bangtao, but since then it has been seen as extremely successful, at least in brand exposure.

The marketing launch brochure reported as follows: ''Modeled after the same stylish and contemporary look and feel as all of the brand's locations around the world, Nikki Beach Phuket is adorned in plush, all-white sun beds, chic drapery and their trademark teepees located throughout the property.

''Guests are able to spend their days and evenings indulging in refreshing cocktails, endless champagne and an extensive menu of delectable dishes featuring signature tastes and spices representative of all the countries Nikki Beach is located including delicious salads, creative sushi rolls, original seafood entrees and slow-roasted free-range rotisserie chicken.

''The oceanfront beach club & restaurant includes a pool, indoor & outdoor dining options, opium beds and 4 bars. Nikki Prive, the brand's ultra-VIP lounge, is located on the 2nd floor of the main building and is able to accommodate up to 70 guests for private events, dinners & celebrations and also includes a deck that can accommodate an additional 60 guests.

''Phuket has always been on our priority list of great locations for Nikki Beach and with 5 successful years in Koh Samui, the opening of Nikki Beach Phuket is a great accomplishment for our growing brand.

''We are so proud to be opening our second location in Thailand. The beaches (in Thailand) are magnificent,'' says Jack Penrod, Founder & Owner of Nikki Beach Worldwide.

''We look forward to welcoming both our loyal and new customers to experience the amazing cuisine, service and ambiance found at all the Nikki Beach locations around the world at Nikki Beach Phuket,'' adds Bruce Hanrahan, Regional Director of Nikki Beach Thailand.