Langham Hotels International Signs on for an All Villa Boutique Resort at Kalim Bay in Thailand’s Phuket

Langham Hotels International has signed a management contract for an all-villa boutique resort at Kalim Bay in Phuket, Thailand overlooking the Andaman Sea.

The latest addition to the growing Langham portfolio will be the first boutique resort managed by an international 5-star brand in Phuket. It also puts the luxury hotel operator on track to operate at least five properties in Thailand within five years.

Scheduled to open in early 2010, Langham Place Miora Resort + Spa, Kalim Bay, Phuket will comprise of 78 stunning villas including penthouses set on a hilltop location overlooking Kalim Bay, Phuket.

The resort’s design is masterminded by renowned Hawaiian American architect, Clint Nagata of Blink, Bangkok, who has developed a number of major hotel and resort projects throughout Asia Pacific. Nagata’s vision is to capture the essence and spirit of the environment in which the project is based.

Langham Place, Miora Resort + Spa, Kalim Bay, Phuket encapsulates this vision. The ‘designer’ resort is surrounded by natural forests and affords total sea views for the majority of villas offering tranquility and serenity in a distinctive contemporary design environment.

Guests of Langham Place are adventurous, fun seeking and young at heart which is why the Miora resort has been innovatively designed to inspire and stimulate their sense of enjoyment. It also seeks to embrace their desire to be part of the local community while still remaining wired to their own worlds with lively design, technology and engaging attitudes.
 
Each Designer Villa has been designed to meet the needs of the modern luxury guest seeking a stylish escape in a romantic and stimulating setting.

Each villa will feature apartment-style amenities including private bars and a contemporary entertainment center. Private plunge pools present retractable floating dining tables as well as day beds and barbecue grills as the resort promises a stunning and rejuvenating retreat for discerning ‘grown-up’ travelers.

Penthouse villas with roof terraces will feature zero-edge pools with bubble beds as well as sail roofs and tanning lawns.

A key feature of the resort will be a cantilevered swimming pool that extends from the hill to create an infinity-style effect with a Chuan Spa located directly below. The one of a kind pool will also feature a floating tented sala, which will be the perfect venue to enjoy sundowners.
 
Chuan Spa will be introduced to Phuket for the first time bringing a signature range of pampering spa treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

“Chuan” in Chinese means flowing water. As the source of life, water represents the re-birth and re-balancing of one’s whole being. Chuan is amongst the very first hotel spas to incorporate principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into its signature treatments and operational details from ambience, décor, unique TCM breathing ritual, tea, and private-label products. 

The resort will also feature an easily accessible Beach Club on the oceanfront, which will include all-day dining, a lounge area and specially designed space for ‘chilling out’ while offering a stimulating range of beach club activities.

The restaurants and bars on the resort will be ultra chic experiences featuring the finest, freshest cuisines with engaging presentations and sparkling service, making them must-visit destinations in their own right.

Dr KS Lo, Chairman of Langham Hotels International said: “We’re delighted to be partners with The Miora Development Company which further establishes our footprint in Thailand.

“Phuket is Asia’s preeminent resort destination, which is well serviced by international flights from around the world. However, it has lacked a full-service boutique product from with an exciting international brand which will attract discerning hotel guests looking for a vibrant and innovative getaway,” he added.

Daragh Connelly, Managing Director of The Miora Development Company said: “The Langham Place brand matches our exciting vision of a designer boutique hotel that seamlessly connects with our modern guests to deliver a fun and engaging experience. While we are located close to the tourist hub of Patong, we will still be above it all with a luxury boutique hotel.”
 
Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. Over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience.

The group is pursuing an aggressive portfolio growth strategy using its distinctive brands The Langham, Langham Place and Eaton. Currently, 16 hotels are open or in the pipeline in the Langham Hotels International portfolio.

Six hotels on four continents are branded The Langham where guests can enjoy service with poise. Be enchanted by their innovation and traditions in Auckland, Boston, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne and Pasadena. The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai is due to open at the end of 2008.

Langham Place, the fun sibling of The Langham, is the epitome of stimulating and artistic hospitality. Two Langham Places are open in Hong Kong and Koh Lanta, Thailand.

Three new Langham Places are scheduled to open in 2009 in Beijing (2) and Changchun. Langham Place Vineyard Resort + Spa, Waiheke Island, the wine island in Auckland and Langham Place Miora Resort + Spa, Phuket, Thailand will open in 2010.

Eaton is a premium four-star property that aims to surprise and delight guests with a value-for-money proposition, delivering an affordable yet stylish, modern level of comfort and spirited, can-do service.
 
www.langhamhotels.com.

 By Karen Loftus