Accor continues expansion in Thailand

Tourism numbers to Thailand may have suffered a recent blip, but global hotel group Accor is confident in the future.

Accor this week announced it is strengthening its footprint in Thailand with the signing of three new hotels in Bangkok and Phuket.

A partnership with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) will mark the debut of the Handwritten Collection in Bangkok, introduce the first Mercure hotel in Phuket, and expand Mövenpick's presence with a new resort on Kamala Beach.

With 70+ hotels and over 16,000 keys currently in operation across Thailand, Accor leads the premium, mid-scale, and economy hospitality segments.

The three hotels are scheduled to open between 2025 and 2027, collectively adding 585 keys in the country.

Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub

Expected to open in late 2025, Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub will become the first Mercure-branded hotel on the island. Located minutes from the beach in the island's liveliest precinct, the 198-room hotel aims to cater to both international and regional tourists.

Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach Phuket

Opening in late 2026, Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach will be a new-build 197-key resort that promises to "embrace a holistic approach to sustainability, while supporting community engagement" in a fast-growing tourism destination.

JonoX Sukhumvit 5 – Handwritten Collection, Bangkok

Handwritten Collection is a collection of hotels "with a unique personality". The 190-room JonoX Sukhumvit 5 - Handwritten Collection will be a new-build hotel that will offer convenient access to shopping, nightlife, business hubs, and medical tourism services. Scheduled to open in 2027, it will mark the debut of Handwritten Collection in Bangkok.

Andrew Langdon, Accor's Chief Development Officer, Asia, said; “Thailand has long been a key market for Accor, and our network is expanding in a strategic and considered manner.

"The signings of these three hotels with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) reflect our shared confidence in Thailand's continued growth, and the opportunity to introduce Accor's diverse brand experiences.

"Handwritten Collection, Mövenpick, and Mercure each bring unique hospitality concepts designed to meet evolving traveller expectations and celebrate Thailand's vibrant culture and unique offerings.”

Very boring image: Supplied 

Asian hoteliers urged to take "green" message on board

Hotels and resorts around south-east Asia are failing to understand the “green premium” and how to leverage it to attract quality guests, leading figures in the region’s hospitality industry heard this week.

The message that hotels and resorts are falling behind counterparts in other parts of the globe when it comes to capitalizing on the benefits associated with sustainable tourism was one of the major takeaways from PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism), south-east Asia’s largest sustainability forum. 

The event was held this week at SAii Laguna on Bang Tao Beach, where over 1,000 participants attended.

 
“Hotel developers in south-east Asia have broadly failed to make sustainably a must as they do in Europe or North America. It’s a massive disconnect,” said Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and real estate advisory group C9 Hotelworks and a co-organiser of PHIST, together with Greenview and the Phuket Hotels Association.

Other expert speakers at PHIST included star designer Bill Bensley and KP Ho, the founder and executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and Laguna Resorts and Hotels. They urged resort owners to become more cognisant of the wider benefits associated with sustainable tourism.

They were told a green message can enhance appeal to clients who place a premium value on experiences that are ethical, sustainable, and unique.

Jesper Palmqvist, STR Global’s area director for Asia Pacific, hosted a roundtable at PHIST where figures from top resort names such as Six Senses and Soneva discussed environmental best practices moving forward. 

He said the hospitality industry in south-east Asia needs to be more proactive about enacting meaningful changes.

“It’s important that the industry develops green champions, best practice documents and training modules that can be modified by hotels,” he said. 

“Furthermore, hotels need to be pressured into fulfilling international sustainability certification. This would show more ambition to adopt new criteria relating to the environment and thus stay ahead of the curve.”

New look and name for large Phuket beach resort

One of Phuket's biggest resorts is to undergo a makeover and a name chance.

Accor, the largest international hotel operator in south-east Asia, has announced that a current Hilton property on popular Karon Beach is to be be re-branded as Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort.

Scheduled to open next month, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort sits directly on the Andaman Sea and a phased renovation project will take place over the next 24 months to modernise the resort.

The hotel comprises 662 rooms and suites all featuring private balconies with garden or sea views.

There are three swimming pools, a spa, floodlit tennis courts and a fitness centre.

The resort is handily situated less than 10km from the restaurants and nightlife of the popular Patong Beach and 17km from Phuket's heritage-rich old town.

“Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort will undoubtedly become a dynamic and stylish destination," says Garth Simmons, regional CEO for Accor.

"We look forward to working alongside our owner partners as we embark on the next chapter of this legendary resort.”

Accor is the largest hotel operator in Thailand with a network of 87 hotels and resorts across key destinations. Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort will become the third Pullman hotel in Phuket.

Dutch chefs promote food sustainability in Thailand

Dutch cuisine is not something to shout about.

With the exception of Indonesian-influenced dishes, the Netherlands does not have a lot to entice gastronomes. Look up AVG.

Dishes like stamppot, oliebollen and erwtensoep are unlikely to excite non natives.

That said, two Dutch chefs - Jimmy Ophorst and Rick Dingen - are setting benchmarks for sustainable fine dining. Not in the Netherlands, but on the Thai island of Phuket.

Ophorst (top) runs the kitchen at PRU, the signature dining venue at Trisara, one of Phuket’s most exclusive resorts.

Dingen (below), meanwhile, oversees the food at Jampa, which follows a philosophy of "local ingredients, live fire, and zero waste cuisine” at Tri Vananda, a high-end wellness community taking shape in the forests of northern Phuket.

The pair not only share a nationality - but also the desire to promote a seasonal, sustainable food ecosystem.

Both were recognized in the Michelin Guide Thailand Star Revelation list 2023 at the end of last year, with PRU retaining its Michelin star and Jampa earning a Michelin green star for its zero-waste, plant-based food.

"Sustainability is the heart of our business," says Ophorst who steers the only venue in Phuket with a Michelin star. "It's integral to our restaurants and our lives."

Both Trisara and Tri Vananda are owned by Montara Hospitality Group, a company that has earned a reputation for prioritising sustainability at Trisara and through its 16,000 sqm Pru Jampa organic farm, located within the Tri Vananda property.

At PRU, Thai ingredients are shaped using inspiration from both east and west. The venue's name is an acronym for Plant. Raise. Understand. Ingredients are 100% sourced from within Thailand, with much of the organic produce grown at the Pru Jampa farm.

“There’s a huge interest among the public in dining experiences that support local communities and showcase amazing Thai produce,” Uphorst said.

“I look forward to furthering our commitment to sustainable cooking and sourcing and delighting guests through innovation.”

Dingen says: "I aim to showcase locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in the best way possible."

He is known for his commitment to zero waste and aims to make Jampa the first venue in Phuket to achieve a zero-waste-to-landfill ratio.

"We want to exert the absolute minimal impact upon the earth and our aim is to break down our kitchen waste to ensure nothing goes to landfill," he said.

A couple of venues added to my list for my next visit.

Enjoy a gastronomic adventure package in Phuket

The Slate is probably my favourite address in Phuket; a whimsical luxury resort with a serious gourmet offering. 

A new “Gastronomic Adventure” package features an immersive stay at the art-inspired resort with plenty of tasty treats in store. 

Guests signing up for the package are transported by private car to the resort, where they get either am upgrade or a complimentary bottle of bubbly. 

The tariff includes breakfast daily at the Tin Mine al fresco eatery, daily lunch or dinner at any of the resort’s venues, including one glass of wine, sparkling wine, beer, soft drink or juice per person per meal.

The half-board deal (try one of the food trucks on the beach for your other main meal) enables guests to experience Black Ginger, the award-winning Thai restaurant that appears to float above a tranquil lagoon and is only accessible by wooden raft. 

Alternatively they can choose to eat at Rivet, reimagined with an open-fired grill and smokehouse.

Packages also include 10% discount at Kru Precision Wellness and 20% off treatments at the serene Coqoon Spa, while those staying in Pearl Shell Suites will receive personal butler service, complimentary mini-bar items and a 60-minute Coqoon Rebirth massage for two people. 

There are a range of benefits available depending of accommodation choices. 

“At The Slate, we strive to curate amazing gastronomic experiences that delight and surprise in equal measure," says co-founder and owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. 

"It's not only about the food; it's the entire journey: the flavours, aromas, atmosphere and activities all come together to create immersive journeys that spark conversion and live long in the memory. 

"Our ‘Gastronomic Adventure’ gives guests the chance to explore our diverse dining destinations and enjoy truly unforgettable encounters in Phuket.” 

To start planning a Gastronomic Adventure visit www.theslatephuket.com/offers/gastronomic-adventure.html. 

Rates start from THB 8,250 ($345) +++ per room per night.

To learn more see www.theslatephuket.com.

Striking new resort makes a statement

Noku Hotels is a new name to me, but a press release about its new hotel in Phuket caught my eye - it is a striking-looking property (above).

Noku Hotels is part of Roxy-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, a property and hospitality group with a track record dating back to 1967.

The Group’s residential development projects typically comprise of residential developments such as apartments and condominiums in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

The group also owns the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy and four hotels under its Noku Roxy brand: boutique hotels in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan, as well as resorts in the Maldives and Phuket.

The new property is on a hilltop with views of Chalong Bay.

There are a total of 91 villas and lofts in a green setting. 

Hill and Tree villas have private pools (above). 

Embrace restaurant and The Terrace Bar are on-site, while the wellness centre is designed around the  swimming pool. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room.

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls. See www.nokuhotels.com/phuket 

Mix luxury and gourmet experiences in Phuket

 

Looking for a Phuket resort that also offers a range of gourmet experiences? 

Put The Slate into your diary for next time you are travelling to Thailand. 

Not only does the resort have a unique ambience created by leading designer Bill Bensley, it also features a unique restaurant that is recommended by the Michelin Guide, as well as offering cooking classes and serious wine choices. 

Located at Nai Yang Beach - not far from Phuket Airport - The Slate is within walking distance of food stalls, beach bars and massage options; meaning guests can combine a luxury retreat with some authentic Thai experiences.

The laidback vibe is another bonus. 

The Slate has an impressive collection of suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, all surrounded by pools and gardens. 

The Thai cuisine at Black Ginger is a standout, along with Sunday brunches at Rivet restaurant.

Black Ginger - worth a visit even if you are not staying at The Slate - appears like an ancient Thai village floating above a floodlit lagoon and is only accessible by raft. 

It is a delightful setting where chef Anongrat “Piak” Meklai uses locally-sourced ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques to reimagine authentic southern Thai recipes. 

Choose from a degustation menu or a la carte and dishes including sun-dried baby prawn with shredded mango tossed with cashew nut; spring rolls with crab claw meat and pork strip; crab meat curry with cha plu leaf accompanied by rice noodle; pork belly with soy sauce Phuket style and Massaman braised beef in thick spiced peanut curry, potato and onion. 

There is a wide array for curries and stir-fries from which to choose. 

With some Californian chardonnay and a taste of Argentine malbec, this was among the finest dining experiences of my recent Phuket visit. 

There are several other wining and dining options on site; perhaps a private tasting in The Cellar, with a high table, six stools and a global selection of wines. 

There are a range of cooking class options to choose from for those who wish to enjoy Thai food at home. 

Food Pilgrimage includes a visit to a local market to select herbs, vegetables and spices before a gourmet cooking session - a self-cooked lunch. 

Unique and whimsical design - based around Phuket's tin mining history - is one of the keys to The Slate's popularity.  

As a member of the Design Hotels Collection, every aspect of the resort is intended to be uplifting and invigorating, from the visual impact of original artworks and installations, which can be explored in a QR code-enabled ‘Art Journey’. 

Coqoon Spa, meanwhile, showcases a customised selection of organic essential oils for its wide range of treatments.

Activities range from yoga to Muay Thai, flowering arranging or snorkelling lessons, or simply strolling along the shores of Nai Yang Beach. This is also a resort where the service never misses a beat, thanks to Thai-speaking Swiss-born and raised GM Claude Sauter, who took over during Covid.

“It is an honour to be appointed GM of The Slate and to work alongside [owner] Khun Moo, who is a truly iconic figure in Phuket’s tourism and hospitality industry," Sauter said. 

"She has successfully created one of the most breath-taking resorts in Asia, which successfully weaves her family’s life story with Bill Bensley’s design and the finest five-star hospitality. 

"As the world starts to travel again, I look forward to ushering in an exciting new era at this outstanding resort, and creating exceptional experiences for all our guests.” 

For details and bookings visit www.theslatephuket.com.

# The writer flew with Jetstar, which has resumed regular direct flights from both Melbourne and Sydney direct to Phuket. https://www.jetstar.com/

Discover a Phuket hideaway retreat with amazing views

Regular visitors to Phuket tend to have a favourite beach area to which they return. 

There is Patong for party lovers, Kata, Karon, Surin or Kamala for those looking for a more chilled vibe. 

I'd like to suggest another alternative for those looking for great views, a relaxed atmosphere and some delightful local experiences. 

Family owned and operated Sunsuri (above) is located at Nai Harn Beach at Promthep Cape, just 10 minutes from Kata but a world away in pace. 

Here you feel like you are in Thailand, rather than a resort enclave.

The resort offers stunning sunset views because it is in the deep south of Phuket Island, on a hillside but just a short stroll to an unspoilt beach and local shops and food stalls. For lovers of nightlife, busier Rawai is just a short tuk tuk ride away.

The hillside location means Sunsuri rooms and villas offer superb vistas of the ocean and the local lake (popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists). 

Nai Harn Beach is recognised as one of the best beaches in Phuket (SeaBreeze is a lovely little cafe) and there are also several massage options. 

Sunsuri's location means it is a little cooler than resorts on the waterfront. It offers modern facilities for couples, honeymooners and families. 

Older guests might need to use shuttle buggies to get around as the resort is spread across a wide area and features a few climbs.

When fully operational (as an independent hotel Sunsuri was badly hit during Covid), the hotel features 128 rooms with eight buildings and 22 pretty sensational pool villas (below) are designed in a contemporary Thai style.

Each of its accommodation units has a wide balcony with views and the rooms are very spacious (starting from 45 sq.m). 

There are two restaurants, two bars, a wine cellar, five swimming pools with a kid’s area, slide and 4-metre diving platform. 

There is free high-speed wifi Internet access throughout the hotel (much faster than in suburban Sydney or Melbourne), a spa, games room, a lounge for early arrivals and late departures, a fitness centre, recreation and sport activities and free bicycles for guests.

There is a talented kitchen team equally adept at Thai, fusion and European cuisine. 

There several local attractions, which include some lovely off-the-beaten track beaches, a delightful local temple and the waterfront Rawai fish market, where you choose your dinner and a chef cooks it for you.

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2022/05/getting-up-close-with-real-phuket.html 

For full details on the hotel see: https://www.sunsuri-phuket.com/ 

# The writer flew with Jetstar, which has resumed regular direct flights from both Melbourne and Sydney direct to Phuket. https://www.jetstar.com/

Getting up close with the real Phuket

The Thai island of Phuket is both beautiful and diverse. 

The final stop on my current trip is the lovely and peaceful Sunsuri resort in the hills above the hamlet of Nai Harn and just a short skip from the fishing village of Nai Harn. 

A full report on the hotel will follow https://www.sunsuri-phuket.com/ but I wanted to post some local images showing the “real” Phuket. I hope you like them. 

I am flying with Jetstar, which has resumed regular direct flights from both Melbourne and Sydney direct to Phuket. https://www.jetstar.com/

Dogs welcome - and their well-behaved owners

The Slate is one of my favourite addresses - on beach at sleepy Naiyang on Phuket, it is inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past. 

The luxury resort blends Bill Bensley’s whimsical design with industrial chic elements to create a serious ambience. 

A collection of delightful suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, surround serene pools and gardens, while Coqoon Spa offers a range of relaxing treatment. 

Dining options include much-awarded authentic Thai cuisine at Black Ginger and international tastes at Rivet. 

A hotel review will follow shortly but the hot news from The Slate is that dogs are now welcome to enjoy their beach holiday, along with well-behaved humans.

The Slate’s new dog-friendly policy means that up to two pooches can experience the life of luxury in a one-bedroom pool villa or two-bedroom family and pool villas - as long as they are accompanied by a well-behaved owner. 

During their stay, pampered pups will be able to unwind in their beautiful villa, sleep in their own comfortable dog bed, which will be provided by The Slate, and even cool off in their private pool! 

Food and water bowls will be set up in the room, daily doggie treats will be provided at turndown, and The Slate will give every canine guest a signature badge for their leash – the ultimate fashion accessory for the discerning dog.  A series of “Furry Services” will also be offered at an extra charge, including a nutritious and delicious gourmet menu, plus dog walking and sitting services for travellers seeking some human time. For complete peace-of-mind, veterinary services will be available on call.  To ensure the comfort of all other guests, The Slate has created some house rules for its canine clientele. All dogs must be free from fleas or ticks, their vaccinations must be up-to-date, and they must be kept on a leash when not in the villa.  Poop bags will be provided to owners who must take care of their pets’ mess, and while The Slate loves all tail-waggers to be happy and playful, they must also be relatively quiet and under control. “At The Slate, we understand that for many people, their dogs are an important part of their family. We want to make it easier for every guest to travel and stay in style with their pooches. Our pool villas will let pets unwind and live the life of luxury – swimming in their private pool, dining from a gourmet menu and even wearing The Slate’s dog tag with pride! We can’t wait to welcome our four-legged friends to Phuket this summer,” said the hotel’s co-founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong.   Under The Slate’s dog-friendly policy, up to two dogs are permitted per villa, with a maximum weight of 7.5kg each. A fee of THB 1,500 per dog per night is applicable. For information visit www.theslatephuket.com.

New resort offers a blissful Thai experience

Phuket is always a delight - and the Meliá Hotels group is known for running top-notch establishments around the globe.  

No surprise, then, that the brand-new Meliá Phuket Mai Khao is proving extremely popular after opening in a delightful beachfront setting in January.  

 

The 30-suite and 70-villa resort sits on eight acres of Phuket’s north-western coastline overlooking the Andaman Sea and has very chilled vibe with a focus on wellness. 

 

There is also a delightful cross-cultural Thailand meets Europe feel, particularly when it comes to the cuisine.  

 

You can dine on paella, or pizza, one night and then chicken sate and spicy prawns and rice the next. 

 

From yoga and pilates classes to cold-pressed juice making lessons and dawn beach walks, it is hard not to feel good. Regular readers may not be surprised by the fact I opted out of a Muay Thai kickboxing class.   

 

Fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand, the resort on Mai Khao Beach is close to several attractions such as Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and Wat Phra Thong temple.  

 

Phuket International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away but there is no aircraft noise and the whole resort is delightfully chilled with an almost deserted beach to explore. I’m told you can, in fact, walk all the way to the airport.  

 

Launched by Melia Hotels International and owned by residential real estate developer Phuket Villa Group, the five-star resort is part of a roll-out of the Meliá brand in key destinations across Thailand including Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. 

 

The new resort has saltwater swimming pools, private villa pools (perfect for cooling off after a walk), a reflection pond with sunken seating areas and water gardens.

 

The Mediterranean-inspired accommodations (Melia is a Spanish company) comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas that each cater for up to two adults and two children.  

 

All feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and outdoor terraces. 

 

The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have those delightful private plunge pools. 

 

Fifteen “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, daily massage, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, fit ball and yoga mat.  

 

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao features four food and beverage outlets including the Gaia Beach Club eatery – the main dinner destination with that Spain-meets-Thailand menu.

 

There is also the all-day dining restaurant SASA, specialising in south-east Asian cuisine, while Elyxr Café will serve fresh squeezed juices and some locally brewed liquors. There is also be a swim-up pool bar. 

 

Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is home to five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments. 

 

The fitness centre is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes and weights machines – all of which I studiously ignored. 

 

“Through our partnership with Spain’s leading hotel group, we are thankful that we can significantly contribute to Phuket’s recovery in the wake of Covid-19 by creating much-needed jobs for the local tourism sector and setting a new benchmark for hospitality on Thailand’s largest island,” said Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group's managing director. 

 

The staff here are super efficient and friendly - as is the Thai way – and nothing is to much trouble.  

 

A great destination for couples and families, but too far from the action in Patong for party animals. Which is a good thing.  

 

See www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/phuket/melia-phuket-mai-khao/index.htm 

 

Getting there: 

 

# Jetstar flights between Sydney and Phuket operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays (twice per week return services). 

Melbourne flights operate on Tuesdays and Sundays.  

Sydney to Phuket fares start from $319 and Melbourne to Phuket from $289. There are economy and business class options on the comfortable Boeing 787-8 aircraft. See www.jetstar.com.au