CONTINUING a new column, Phuket ResortWATCH, in which Phuketwan will provide the lowdown on the upbeat world of resorts and clubs around Phuket, Thailand and the region. Social notes, media alerts, club news, celebrity visits, gossip . . . Send your info to editor@phuketwan.com Look for Phuket ResortWATCH regularly.
A NEW 24-hour butler service has been introduced at the Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket in Thailand, adding a new dimension of comfort and indulgence for guests at the five-star resort's three-bedroomed penthouse villas.
From arrival to departure guests ''can relax, confident in the knowledge that their own personal butler will take care of everything from unpacking luggage and preparing baths or Jacuzzis to organising laundry, sight-seeing tours, restaurant reservations, flight confirmations, baby-sitting and everything in between.''
''Our butlers are highly attentive and respond efficiently to any request but they are also intuitive, able to instinctively anticipate the needs of individual guests to provide a level of service that makes every stay truly unforgettable,'' said the hotel's General Manager Hansruedi Frutiger.
''We joke that our butlers can read guests' minds, but they are people who are highly experienced, exceptionally well trained, have wonderful personalities and genuinely care. We call it 'service from the heart'.''
WHETHER the media release is correct in saying that the new Crowne Plaza Phuket Pawa Beach Resort is ''just a stone's throw from shopping district Phuket Town and a short drive to Patong,'' there is no doubt that the resort sounds worth the drive.
''Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort's meeting and event facilities combine state-of-the-art technology with a variety of venue options including a bay-front ballroom and spacious terrace, two boardrooms and outdoor spaces.''
STARWOOD Preferred Guest, the award-winning loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has announced a three-year partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. SPG officially launched the new global partnership at the start of Formula One's European season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The details of the new partnership were announced with the team and Michael Schumacher at the W Hotel in Barcelona.
MARRIOTT International will further strengthen its portfolio of hotels in Thailand with the opening of three new properties this year.
The Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa, The Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and the Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok - Sukhumvit Thonglor will all open in 2012, bringing Marriott International's portfolio to 16 hotels in the country.
Marriott International currently operates a portfolio of hotels and brands in Thailand including JW Marriott hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Khao Lak, the Renaissance-branded hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, and the retreat, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, among others.
IN HIS NEW role as Secretary General to the Collective Action Coalition of the Thai Private Sector Against Corruption, Dr Bandid Nijathaworn (former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Thailand) will be discussing ways the Coalition is working towards a corruption-free business environment in Thailand.
This body aims to commit companies operating in Thailand by having them sign up, train in anti-corruption policies and compliance at a company level, then spread the word to other companies.
The lunch launch will be held jointly with Austcham, Amcham and the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand on May 16 at Ballroom II, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Registration at 11.45. Cost: 900 baht for AustCham, Amcham and BCCT members. 1100 baht for non-members.
BLINK Design Group, Asia's 'Hospitality Aficionado', has staged a raid on the world's most coveted architectural awards and caught rivals napping with a return to elegant classicism and French Riviera glamor at the new Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay.
Judges of the Hospitality Design Awards 2012 were swept away by this song of sandstone poised upon the shimmering sands of Hainan Island's five star strip, and pronounced BLINK the world-wide winner of this year's best luxury hotel award.
BLINK founder and creative director Clint Nagata said he was happy to pick up what is regarded as one of the world's top two architectural accolades. It was evidence of the Bangkok hotshop's instinctive approach to design in action.
SANTORINI Park officially opened in Cha-am last weekend with many amusement rides and 100 retail shops for tourists. Apart from adding a waterpark to the retail outlet in Cha-am, the group will soon try to add a theme park and resort at other outlet malls in Khao Yai and Phuket. Waterpark designers from the US, Turkey and the Netherlands are lining up.
DUSIT Thani Laguna Phuket is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Manish Pratap as its new Director of Revenue Management. Mr Pratap's responsibilities include maintaining Dusit corporate standards, developing pricing structures, revenue management strategies and achieving revenue goals, as well as overseeing and developing the reservations department.
THE ROYAL Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers has appointed Ms Regina Wilson as Director of Sales and Marketing. Regina was the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin Siray Bay Resort, Phuket and Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali.
TO CELEBRATE the launch of Beyond Resort Khao Lak, Thailand's newest paradise resort on Pakweep Beach, a two-night stay in one of the resort's beautiful personal Palm Villas is available at a specially discounted price. The "Summer Passion Promotion" is priced at 3750 baht per person for two nights and available from now until October 31. Bookings must be made before July 31. The package includes round-trip transfers to and from Phuket Airport, welcome drink and fresh fruit on arrival, daily breakfast and a 15 percent discount on the resort's superb range of restaurants and rejuvenating spa.
MERCURE Phuket Deevana is offering accommodation in Superior Pool View, daily buffet breakfast at World Cafe Restaurant for two persons, a complimentary buffet dinner at World Cafe or Pool Side for two persons, round trip transfer from/to Phuket International Airport, welcome drink upon arrival and in room and Wi Fi internet access. Rate starts from 6600 baht for a two-night stay and the package is available through October 31.
ALEENTA Phuket-Phang Nga sets off a new culinary journey through a series of dinners inspired by the well-kept secret recipes of southern Siam. Served every Monday and orchestrated by Chef Premchit Prateap Na Thalang, the Na Thalang Ancestral Siamese Cuisine Secret Dinners bring to the table a distinctive southern Siamese cuisine, with its immigrant Chinese and Indian elements, suffused with intense, rich aromas and flavors from the forests and seas of the Andaman coast.
A TEAM from Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, led by general manager Robin Deb and 30 "ambassadors" recently headed to Khao Thong to assist in planting a total of 350 mangrove saplings across a large area of swampland in part of the protected area of Khao Thong, which is in Krabi's Muang district. Part of Planet 21, Accor's sustainable environment campaign, mangrove planting is the hotel's first project in helping to make Krabi a better place to live.
Movenpick Marches Into Buttle
A NEW 24-hour butler service has been introduced at the Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket in Thailand, adding a new dimension of comfort and indulgence for guests at the five-star resort's three-bedroomed penthouse villas.
From arrival to departure guests ''can relax, confident in the knowledge that their own personal butler will take care of everything from unpacking luggage and preparing baths or Jacuzzis to organising laundry, sight-seeing tours, restaurant reservations, flight confirmations, baby-sitting and everything in between.''
''Our butlers are highly attentive and respond efficiently to any request but they are also intuitive, able to instinctively anticipate the needs of individual guests to provide a level of service that makes every stay truly unforgettable,'' said the hotel's General Manager Hansruedi Frutiger.
''We joke that our butlers can read guests' minds, but they are people who are highly experienced, exceptionally well trained, have wonderful personalities and genuinely care. We call it 'service from the heart'.''
A Shopping Stone to Paradise
WHETHER the media release is correct in saying that the new Crowne Plaza Phuket Pawa Beach Resort is ''just a stone's throw from shopping district Phuket Town and a short drive to Patong,'' there is no doubt that the resort sounds worth the drive.
''Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort's meeting and event facilities combine state-of-the-art technology with a variety of venue options including a bay-front ballroom and spacious terrace, two boardrooms and outdoor spaces.''
Next, Vroom Vroom in Every Room
STARWOOD Preferred Guest, the award-winning loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has announced a three-year partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. SPG officially launched the new global partnership at the start of Formula One's European season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The details of the new partnership were announced with the team and Michael Schumacher at the W Hotel in Barcelona.
More Marriotts Hit Thailand
MARRIOTT International will further strengthen its portfolio of hotels in Thailand with the opening of three new properties this year.
The Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa, The Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and the Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok - Sukhumvit Thonglor will all open in 2012, bringing Marriott International's portfolio to 16 hotels in the country.
Marriott International currently operates a portfolio of hotels and brands in Thailand including JW Marriott hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Khao Lak, the Renaissance-branded hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, and the retreat, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, among others.
Having Corruption for Lunch
IN HIS NEW role as Secretary General to the Collective Action Coalition of the Thai Private Sector Against Corruption, Dr Bandid Nijathaworn (former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Thailand) will be discussing ways the Coalition is working towards a corruption-free business environment in Thailand.
This body aims to commit companies operating in Thailand by having them sign up, train in anti-corruption policies and compliance at a company level, then spread the word to other companies.
The lunch launch will be held jointly with Austcham, Amcham and the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand on May 16 at Ballroom II, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Registration at 11.45. Cost: 900 baht for AustCham, Amcham and BCCT members. 1100 baht for non-members.
Blink and You'll Kiss It
BLINK Design Group, Asia's 'Hospitality Aficionado', has staged a raid on the world's most coveted architectural awards and caught rivals napping with a return to elegant classicism and French Riviera glamor at the new Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay.
Judges of the Hospitality Design Awards 2012 were swept away by this song of sandstone poised upon the shimmering sands of Hainan Island's five star strip, and pronounced BLINK the world-wide winner of this year's best luxury hotel award.
BLINK founder and creative director Clint Nagata said he was happy to pick up what is regarded as one of the world's top two architectural accolades. It was evidence of the Bangkok hotshop's instinctive approach to design in action.
Waterparks the Next Sensation
SANTORINI Park officially opened in Cha-am last weekend with many amusement rides and 100 retail shops for tourists. Apart from adding a waterpark to the retail outlet in Cha-am, the group will soon try to add a theme park and resort at other outlet malls in Khao Yai and Phuket. Waterpark designers from the US, Turkey and the Netherlands are lining up.
Dusit Appointment
DUSIT Thani Laguna Phuket is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Manish Pratap as its new Director of Revenue Management. Mr Pratap's responsibilities include maintaining Dusit corporate standards, developing pricing structures, revenue management strategies and achieving revenue goals, as well as overseeing and developing the reservations department.
Orchid for Regina
THE ROYAL Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers has appointed Ms Regina Wilson as Director of Sales and Marketing. Regina was the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin Siray Bay Resort, Phuket and Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali.
Into the Wide Blue Beyonder
TO CELEBRATE the launch of Beyond Resort Khao Lak, Thailand's newest paradise resort on Pakweep Beach, a two-night stay in one of the resort's beautiful personal Palm Villas is available at a specially discounted price. The "Summer Passion Promotion" is priced at 3750 baht per person for two nights and available from now until October 31. Bookings must be made before July 31. The package includes round-trip transfers to and from Phuket Airport, welcome drink and fresh fruit on arrival, daily breakfast and a 15 percent discount on the resort's superb range of restaurants and rejuvenating spa.
Meeting Mercure
MERCURE Phuket Deevana is offering accommodation in Superior Pool View, daily buffet breakfast at World Cafe Restaurant for two persons, a complimentary buffet dinner at World Cafe or Pool Side for two persons, round trip transfer from/to Phuket International Airport, welcome drink upon arrival and in room and Wi Fi internet access. Rate starts from 6600 baht for a two-night stay and the package is available through October 31.
Date With Aleenta to Eat
ALEENTA Phuket-Phang Nga sets off a new culinary journey through a series of dinners inspired by the well-kept secret recipes of southern Siam. Served every Monday and orchestrated by Chef Premchit Prateap Na Thalang, the Na Thalang Ancestral Siamese Cuisine Secret Dinners bring to the table a distinctive southern Siamese cuisine, with its immigrant Chinese and Indian elements, suffused with intense, rich aromas and flavors from the forests and seas of the Andaman coast.
Mangrove, Meet Thy Maker
A TEAM from Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, led by general manager Robin Deb and 30 "ambassadors" recently headed to Khao Thong to assist in planting a total of 350 mangrove saplings across a large area of swampland in part of the protected area of Khao Thong, which is in Krabi's Muang district. Part of Planet 21, Accor's sustainable environment campaign, mangrove planting is the hotel's first project in helping to make Krabi a better place to live.
In my opinion, a few of these headlines are less than newsworthy and not much more than PR about the newest resort promotions...
Posted by Anonymous on May 11, 2012 10:37
Editor Comment:
You got it. Phuket is a holiday island, filled with resorts and tourists.
''Social notes, media alerts, club news, celebrity visits, gossip . . . Send your info to editor@phuketwan.com Look for Phuket ResortWATCH regularly.''