W Hotels increases luxury retreats in Thailand

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced that its W Hotels brand will debut its third hotel in Thailand with W Retreat Phuket – Phang Nga Bay. Scheduled to open in January 2018, the W Retreat is owned by Dr. Wutthisak Limphanit, Thailand’s renowned medical doctor and skincare entrepreneur.

“We are very excited to bring the iconic W brand to Phang Nga Bay in Southern Thailand as we continue to grow our resorts portfolio in the country,” said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “As proven by the success of W Bangkok and W Retreat Koh Samui, W Retreat Phuket – Phang Nga Bay will further leverage Thailand’s exemplary service in hospitality with the W brand’s cutting-edge design and whatever/whenever philosophy to provide a new style of modern luxury in the local hotel scene.”

With the surge of luxury travelers throughout the region, Asia Pacific is home to three W Retreat properties, including W Retreat & Spa Maldives; W Retreat Koh Samui; and W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak. In addition to W Retreat Phuket in the pipeline, W Retreat & Spa Goa is on track to open in 2015.

“W Hotels and its retreats continue to reinvent luxury hospitality in Asia Pacific with its pipeline in exotic and exciting destinations” said Lothar Pehl, Senior Vice President, Operations and Global Initiatives, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “The W brand’s bustling growth reflects an increasing demand for a holistic lifestyle experience, and W Retreat Phuket will offer modern luxury with resorts-style villas complemented by dynamic bars and restaurants, allowing guests to mix and mingle or soak in the scene.”

Redefining luxury with its innovative design, signature amenities and unique style, W Retreat Phuket will be located on Koh Yao Noi, one of the largest islands in the Phang Nga Bay archipelago between the eastern coast of Phuket and western coast of Krabi on the mainland. The W Retreat will provide an integrated lifestyle experience with 79 standalone villas, starting from 155 square meters in space. All villas will feature private outdoor areas and plunge pools as well as superlative views of the limestone cliffs that dot Phang Nga Bay.

W Retreat Phuket – Phang Nga Bay will also offer a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant and bar. It will feature 120 square metres of modern meeting and event space; FIT, a well-equipped workout facility and swimming pool; and a contemporary spa with six treatment rooms. The W Retreat will be accessible from both Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Krabi Airport (KBV), with a fleet of high speed sea vessels, a private jetty and helicopter landing pad for ease of guests transfers.

Guests will be treated to the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, providing whatever they want, whenever they want it. W Retreat Phuket will also offer leisure activities amidst natural splendor. Koh Yao Noi’s eastern coast contains beaches suitable for swimming and snorkeling, while the west is a picturesque blend of rice fields.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Starwood Hotels & Resorts,” said Ashwani Ahuja, Deputy Managing Director, Investment Banking, Country Group Securities Plc., – Financial Advisor and Owner Representative. “We are confident that W Hotels, with its exceptional concept, will further enhance Koh Yao Noi’s exclusive setting, creating a compelling world class resort destination for sophisticated and intrepid travelers.”

Singapore-based Ministry of Design (MOD) has been appointed as the architect and interior designer for the hotel. With an expansive international project portfolio, MOD continues to garner international accolades for its design directions. Recent awards include Best Luxury Hotel from Gold Key Awards, New York, 2013, Designer of the Year from the International Design Awards, USA, and Top 10 Asia Pacific Designers from the IAI Design Awards, Shanghai.

With W Retreat Phuket – Phang Nga Bay in the pipeline, Starwood Hotels will further expand its presence in Thailand, where the company currently operates 23 properties under eight of its nine distinct brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W Hotels®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Aloft®, ElementSM and Four Points® by Sheraton. This October 2014, Starwood will add another Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa to its growing portfolio, and upon opening, W Retreat Phuket – Phang Nga Bay will be the latest addition to Starwood’s three properties in Phuket, including Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa and The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Phuket.