Marriott takes over management of Luxury Resort in Koh Samui

Marriott is to introduce its Renaissance hotel brand to Thailand under a management agreement with The Erawan Group for the conversion of the existing 78-unit Buriraya Resort & Spa in Koh Samui to the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa. The conversion is expected to occur by the end of 2005 following completion of a renovation of the resort.

Comprised of 45 guest rooms and 33 villas, the resort is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Koh Samui Airport on a secluded beachfront site offering sweeping views of the sea. Samui, one of Thailand’s most rapidly growing resort destinations, is noted for its beautiful beaches, natural beachfronts and waterfalls. Samui is about one hour’s flight from Bangkok; it is Thailand’s third largest island after Phuket and Koh Chang.

“We are very pleased with our growing portfolio of hotels and resorts in Thailand,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging at Marriott International. “We are doubly pleased to be working with The Erawan Group, which also owns our highly successful JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, and are confident that this beautiful resort will be very popular with holiday goers who look for a unique and luxurious getaway.”

Mr. Kasama Punyagupta, president and chief executive officer of The Erawan Group, said, “We believe in the potential of this project given the benefits of the resort’s superior location, the management by a world-class hotel operator, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s dynamic tourism promotion designed to draw international attention back to Thai destinations. All of these factors will be major contributors to the success of our investment in this project.”

For dining and entertainment, the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa will offer a casual restaurant offering indoor and outdoor dining, a specialty restaurant and bar, and a deli/pastry shop. Two lounges and a poolside bar complement the restaurant services.

Recreational amenities include a spa offering six treatment rooms, a fitness center, two outdoor swimming pools, a water sports pavilion, a games room, a library and a Kids Club. A sundry shop, retail shop, barber and beauty salon, business center and complimentary shuttle to Chaweng Beach round out the amenities.

For small meetings and social events, the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa has a 96-square-meter conference room.

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