Marriott Hotels Celebrates Successful Opening of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa in Southern Thailand
Marriott Hotels®, the flagship brand of Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio, is pleased to announce the successful opening celebration of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa. The spectacular event marked Marriott Hotels' debut in one of Thailand's most pristine beachfront destinations.
The third Marriott Hotels property in Southern Thailand has made a sensational impact since its official opening in December 2024, capturing significant attention from travelers and the global tourism industry alike.
Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is a stylish low-rise retreat designed by renowned firm P49 Design, blending modern elegance with coastal heritage and maritime inspiration. Set along the serene Bang-Lut Beach on Thailand's southwest coast, just 90 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the resort offers panoramic ocean views, spectacular sunsets, and interiors inspired by the rich cultural textures of Takuapa.
At the heart of the resort is the Greatroom—Marriott's contemporary reimagining of the traditional lobby. With warm tones, artisanal décor, and locally-inspired drink, it serves as a welcoming social hub that flows effortlessly from day to night, inviting guests to relax, connect, and feel at home.
The resort features 283 thoughtfully designed rooms, suites, and villas (ranging from 50-124 sqm), many with private balconies and direct pool access. Spacious family suites and romantic pool villas provide the perfect setting for both vacations and honeymoons.
Embracing Marriott Hotels' promise of "Wonderful Hospitality, Always," the resort is recognized for its genuine, attentive service and dedication to creating meaningful guest experiences. Thoughtfully designed with modern comfort and southern Thai details, it invites every guest to connect with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Khao Lak.
Guests can indulge in specially curated experiences—from exceptional dining using fresh, local ingredients at Goji Kitchen + Bar, Thai Curry Sala, Panasia, Lido, and Thai Baking Company, to private beachfront dinners, wellness treatments at Quan Spa inspired by traditional Thai healing, and guided excursions to nearby attractions, including diving at the Similan and Surin Islands or trekking in Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park.
Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying beachfront yoga, exploring local culture, or watching the kids at the water playground and club, guests of all ages can find their rhythm here. The 24/7 fitness center keeps wellness in focus.
For business and social gatherings, the resort features the 531-sqm Andaman Grand Ballroom with built-in 346" LED screen, adaptable 4 Similan meeting rooms, lush garden lawn, and a beachfront lawn for unforgettable weddings and events.
At Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, guests don't just stay—they feel truly enriched and fulfilled in the place where nature, culture, and heartfelt service come together in harmony.
The celebration unfolded in the resort's state-of-art Andaman Ballroom, where esteemed guests gathered for a memorable evening. The venue was beautifully adorned to reflect the resort's distinctive Southern Thai-inspired elegance, while a thoughtfully curated set menu showcased the richness of local Thai flavors alongside international culinary artistry. Guests were treated to pairing beverages and gourmet delights in an ambiance of warmth and sophistication.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of "Where Stillness Speaks," an exclusive photo exhibition by renowned Leica Thailand M Ambassador, Chut Janthachotibutr. Presented in collaboration with Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, the exhibition invites guests on a visual and emotional journey into the quiet beauty and cultural richness of Khao Lak — the very essence that inspired the resort's design narrative.
Through his lens, Chut masterfully captures the interplay of light, silence, and natural textures, evoking a serene harmony between nature, architecture, and local heritage.
The exhibition will be on display at Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa until 31 May 2025. In the spirit of giving back, proceeds from photo sales will be donated to Baan Tarn Namjai, supporting the local community as part of the resort's ongoing CSR commitment.
The resort participates in Marriott Bonvoy, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay and enjoy personalized services through the Marriott Bonvoy app.
For more information or to book your stay at the newly opened resort, please visit www.marriott.com/hktmk.
Hotel website
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hospitality Net
18 hours ago
- Hospitality Net
What's Next for Branded Residences - Brands Shaping the Future of Living
Global demand for branded residences is at an all-time high, with Asia at the forefront of development in this exciting asset class in the hospitality sector. The region's branded residences market is currently worth US$26.6 billion, with more than 68,000 units delivered so far and demand continuing to surge across Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Thailand leads the market with a 23.3% share, followed by the Philippines (17.3%) and South Korea (11.6%), while emerging markets such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and India collectively account for 24.5% of the total market share. Over the past four years, the sector has experienced robust growth, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%. From 2025 onwards, an additional 43,100 units across 180 projects are expected to be completed, almost doubling the existing supply of branded residences in the region. Thailand currently has the highest number of launched units in the primary market, with 12,656 units across 55 projects, while Vietnam has the largest number of upcoming units, with 11,390 announced across 36 developments. Globally, the branded residences market has grown a staggering 176% in the last decade. Almost 690 projects are in operation and 617 more are set to launch by 2030, with Asia leading this rapid expansion. After the overwhelming success of the inaugural Branded Residences Forum – launched during FHS World in Dubai last year and now an annual event in its own right – this booming sector will take centre stage in Thailand this June, with the first edition of The Branded Residences Forum Asia. Taking place on 25 June at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, The Branded Residences Forum Asia builds on the foundations set at the Dubai event last October, where industry experts addressed key topics surrounding the sector, from investment opportunities to innovation and sustainability to shared living spaces. The sister summit in Bangkok will take another deep dive into this burgeoning business, with the most influential developers, hospitality brands, investors and industry players exploring opportunities, tackling challenges, celebrating the success and shaping the future of this dynamic sector. Among them: founding event sponsor Accor One Living; leading sector consultants Global Branded Residences; global hospitality giant Marriott International; and leading branding and creative agencies QUO and Sectorlight. In the run up to the event, I sat down with some of the biggest, most respected brains in branded residences to get their take on the industry today, tomorrow and beyond. In your opinion, why has the branded residences sector grown so quickly in a relatively short time. What does this unprecedented growth mean for potential investors? While there has been rapid recent growth in the branded residential space, the sector is long established. This year, we proudly celebrate 40 years of Four Seasons Private Residences. Starting in 1985 at our first property in Boston, we have since developed a portfolio that is set to include 60 properties by the end of 2025. Buyers have driven this growth as they respond to the value proposition that hospitality brands have the expertise to deliver on a long-term basis. As buyers and investors enjoy greater variety of options and investments respectively, we foresee growing demand around what brands will provide to ensure continued success and market leadership. James Price, Senior Vice President, Residential Development, Marketing & Sales, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Alexandra Yao, Vice President- Global Branded Residences, IHG Hotels & Resorts commented: Covid really sparked the growth of branded residences in recent times coupled with people having multiple home bases in which they could remotely work from added to the growth. This presents a great opportunity for Developers/Investors to continue to grow the branded residential business as many buyers continue to expand their global home bases . Jeff Tisdale Chief Business Officer, Accor One Living, added: The branded residences sector has certainly emerged from a niche concept a few decades ago to a key driver of global hospitality growth. Groups like Accor have been very successful at translating their luxury and lifestyle hospitality models into elevated modern living experiences, to the point where we are now expanding into the premium segment as well. Growth drivers include a surge in demand for a second, third and even fourth home; the desire for seamless, turnkey recreational homes that can be rented out while homeowners are away; and generational wealth transfer among high net worth and ultra-high net worth buyers who see real estate as an important element of their wealth management strategies and family legacies. From a developer perspective, hospitality brands resonate with buyers and provide differentiation in a crowded real estate market. This further enhances perceived value for consumers, and creates added value for developers by driving premiums, economics and accelerated returns. Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, Minor Hotel Group Limited, agreed that buyers' demand for effortless living by a trusted brand is a key driver of growth. Branded residences have surged in popularity due to a growing demand for trust, consistency, and lifestyle integration in real estate. Today's buyers are not only seeking exceptional design and hospitality — they're also seeking effortless living, where every need is anticipated and catered for. Purchasing within a brand they trust and emotionally connect with offers peace of mind and a seamless extension of their preferred way of life. For investors, this represents both a resilient asset class and a differentiated product with strong long-term appeal. At Minor Hotels, we see branded residences as a natural extension of our values — wellness, experiential living, and uncompromising service — making them a key growth enabler for our group. Branded residences continue to transform luxury real estate, offering a seamless blend of hospitality, design, and investment value. Becoming part of this sector appears to be a win-win for developers, operators and investors – but what are some of the hurdles to overcome to ensure branded residences concepts become a successful reality? Jeff Tisdale said, Choosing the right hospitality brand to match a location and a specific target market is a precise exercise. We always say the purchase of a branded residence is the ultimate expression of loyalty. Homeowners are choosing to embrace a certain brand ethos and lifestyle in their everyday lives. Our role is to curate distinct, immersive, and personalised residential experiences that bring our brands to life for homeowners. We created Accor One Living to support our development partners through all stages of a project from planning, sales, and marketing through operations. This enables us to support the expectations and lifestyles conveyed during the sales phase, by ensuring this vision is brought to life through the experience we cultivate once operations commence . While the branded residence model presents clear advantages, successful execution requires alignment in vision, operational capability, and long-term brand commitment. Challenges often arise in ensuring consistent service standards, managing owner expectations, and maintaining the brand's integrity over time. At Minor Hotels, we view this as an opportunity — not just to sell real estate, but to extend our DNA of wellness, sustainability, and experiential hospitality into the residential space. Developers and operators must prioritise authenticity, ongoing service excellence, and seamless integration of brand values into the lived experience , added Omar Romero. James Price commented, Four Seasons collaborates with development partners who share our vision for delivering exceptional homes in destinations where future homeowners want to live, work, and enjoy. Understanding buyer profiles and market characteristics is a critical stage of the development process, and luxury branded residential projects must ensure a comprehensive understanding of both to deliver a great product to residents and a strong investment to developers. There is an increasing assumption of pricing uplift with brands, but this is only feasible if the fundamentals of what drives value in real estate are adhered. Beyond simply providing a recognised brand name, an efficient operating model and well-resourced team will together ensure the exceptional service standard of Four Seasons residences worldwide. In addition to well-planned common areas, amenities, and back of house facilities, we can confidently position a project for success long after its completion . A key hurdle to overcome and understand thoroughly is compliance with local real estate laws and in the case of publicly listed companies such as IHG, a thorough understanding of US SEC compliance as well, especially when it comes to branded residential projects with a rental programme component attached to it. We always want to ensure full compliance with all legal regulations as well as finding a way to protect our brand, our development partners, and the buyers , added Alexandra Yao. Asia is now at the forefront of the branded residences sector, with Bangkok and Phuket among the world's top locations for projects. What can these and other Asian locations learn from the experiences in 'older' branded residences markets – such as cities in Miami, New York and London? While established markets like New York, Miami, and London have long demonstrated the value of brand affiliation, service excellence, and design-led residences, Asia is quickly setting new benchmarks of its own. At Minor Hotels, our experience with Anantara Layan Residences in Phuket is a case in point — the project has consistently outperformed the market, achieving significant premiums over other luxury peers. Demand remains strong, validating the power of a trusted brand paired with exceptional design, privacy, and wellness-led living. The key takeaway for Asia is to localise global best practices while staying true to authentic, lifestyle-driven experiences that resonate with today's high-end buyers , said Omar Romero. Alexandra Yao said: Looking at older projects is a great way to gather best practices and learnings. The older branded residential projects are predominately in the US and have paved the way with decades of experience that we can all learn from in each aspect of a branded residential's project lifecycle: Development, Legal, Sales & Marketing, Technical Services and Operations. It's also important to take the best practices/learnings and tailor them to fit the local Asian markets as each branded residential project is truly unique and we always want to ensure each project reflects the highlight and needs of buyers in each location. Jeff Tisdale added, While the concept started in the Americas with brands like Fairmont, branded residences are now extremely well established in Asia and other parts of the world. Accor, for example, entered the Asia market in 2007 - nearly 20 years ago - with Raffles Residences. One very important insight gathered through our experience is that it is absolutely essential to position the hotel as the extension of the living experience, and not the other way round. There is a delicate balance which must be achieved in branded homeowner communities – providing privacy and exclusivity on one hand, and service, convenience, and modern lifestyles on the other. Co-located hotels for instance, allow residents to enjoy a compelling array of 24/7, on-demand services, yet we carefully consider how to use design and space to create discreet access and protect the privacy of homeowners. Our goal is to deliver a residentially minded service philosophy to ensure the privacy of homeowners is respected and safeguarded at every turn . We see a huge opportunity in Asia due to the market's ability to offer primary residences and vacation homes in city centres and resort destinations. At Four Seasons, an elevated ownership experience is paramount. In addition to offering investment opportunities and delivering enhanced sales performance, the long-term delivery of what it means to be a Four Seasons homeowner is characterised by a service-rich living experience that considers community, quality, and pride in ownership as integral parts of what it means to live with a globally renowned brand that our owners know and trust , commented James Price. Finally, I asked the experts about the importance of 'add on' features such as co-working concepts, shared living and private clubs. Omar Romero said, Add-on features are increasingly central to the branded residence experience. Residents today seek more than just luxury — they crave connection, flexibility, and purposeful amenities. Elements like co-working spaces, wellness hubs, curated experiences, and private clubs reinforce a sense of community and elevate day-to-day living. At Minor Hotels, we see these features not as extras, but as extensions of our core values: personalised service, experiential hospitality, and holistic well-being. By integrating them into our branded residences, we deliver richer, more meaningful lifestyles that truly set our developments apart. James added, Founded on world-class property management and service excellence, the critical elements of success are being in the best locations, having the very best architecture and design, and delivering a seamless ownership experience. As we seek to create communities within our properties, wellness, entertainment, and business amenities will always benefit from Four Seasons commitment to creating beautiful yet functional spaces to connect as a group, or recharge alone. With six decades of extensive luxury hospitality leadership across 47 countries, Four Seasons knows the elements that are most valued by their buyers and guests. While the branded residential sector continues to evolve and the demands of our discerning buyers change, Four Seasons will continue to place human connection at the heart of the service we deliver to ensure that homes can grow alongside the needs of our valued residents . Alexandra Yao said: Add on features are a nice way to further differentiate a branded residential project and give them additional unique selling points . Driving the performance of our hotel and resort assets for our investment and development partners is the first step, but operators who successfully extend their management solutions and brands to residential, coworking, extended stay, and private club concepts can unlock immense value. With judicious management across multiple components of a mixed-use development and through thoughtful sharing of amenities, facilities and infrastructure, we can leverage our partners' capital investment for greater use and increase efficiencies. We also broaden our demographic reach and deepen our roots in the community when we weave in a balance of offerings that appeal to both locals and travellers – such as entertainment venues, boutique fitness clubs, spas with advanced technology, collaborations with local businesses and world-famous restaurateurs. When and if economies fluctuate or markets shift, we have a more diverse source of revenue streams to rely on and a stronger, more resilient business model , concluded Jeff Tisdale. The Branded Residences Forum Asia takes place on 25 June at the Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. Find out more and register to attend here. Anne Bleeker In2 Consulting +971 56 603 0886 The Bench
Hospitality Net
18 hours ago
- Hospitality Net
Koh Samui Shines as Thailand Challenged: Positive Tourism Performance Drives Island Growth: C9 Hotelworks report
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - The Koh Samui hotel and tourism market is demonstrating solid growth through the first four months of 2025, supported by strong air and cruise arrivals, stable hotel performance metrics, and impressive European market engagement. From January to April 2025, Koh Samui International Airport recorded 1,127,832 passenger arrivals, representing a 9% increase over the same period in 2024. This follows a strong performance in 2024, which saw total air arrivals reach 2.78 million—an increase of 21% year-on-year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019 according to consulting group C9 Hotelworks newly released Samui Hotel & Tourism Market Review 2025. Cruise tourism also contributed to overall growth. The island welcomed 35 cruise ships carrying 65,792 passengers in the first four months of 2025—a 6% year-on-year increase. In 2024, Samui hosted 50 cruise liners, nearly doubling the number of arrivals compared to the prior year. — Source: C9 Hotelworks Ltd. Koh Samui is increasingly attracting wellness-focused travelers who are contributing to a shift in the island's tourism profile. Properties such as Kamalaya continue to lead the way in capturing this segment, characterized by year-round visitation and longer average stays. We're seeing Thailand—and Samui in particular—benefiting from a global uptick in wellness tourism, which offers strong potential for sustainable, high-value growth in the hospitality sector. Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks Hotel sector performance remained resilient. Occupancy levels peaked in January 2025 with an 8% increase year-on-year. While there was some softening in Q1 during the Chinese New Year period, overall 2024 occupancy rose 12% compared to 2023. Average Daily Rate (ADR) continued to climb, with a 9% year-on-year increase in 2024 and a notable 21% year-on-year rise recorded in April 2025. — Source: C9 Hotelworks Ltd. Koh Samui's hotel performance in early 2025 reflects a steady and encouraging trend. We're seeing meaningful growth in both occupancy and average daily rates, signaling sustained demand in key source markets and a positive pricing environment. The market is not only recovering but also showing signs of structural stability, supported by disciplined supply growth and targeted international connectivity. Jesper Palmqvist, Area Director Asia Pacific at STR Europe remains the leading international source region, accounting for 56% of arrivals in 2024, driven by travelers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Growth in these markets has been supported by expanded codeshare agreements between Bangkok Airways and 30 global carriers. Another boost to airlift is the Singapore Airlines Scoot service which not only services regional travelers but links into SQ's Lion City hub for long-haul passengers' easy transit. The long-haul market has performed exceptionally well for us this year. It's been a key strategic focus, and we're pleased to see that effort translating into strong results. Remko Kroesen, Area General Manager of Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi The hotel development pipeline signals continued investor confidence. Koh Samui currently has 634 registered accommodation providers with 24,188 keys. While overall supply has remained stable with a five-year CAGR of 1%, new branded properties are scheduled to open in the near term, including Nivata Koh Samui (Tapestry Collection by Hilton, opening Q4 2025) and SO/ by Sofitel and Fivelements Samui (both expected in 2026). The pandemic challenged us to rethink luxury through safety, sustainability, and innovation. As travel rebounds, demand from both traditional and emerging markets continues to strengthen Koh Samui's position as a leading luxury destination. Thansita Sirapastuwanon, Director of Sales & Marketing at Centara Reserve Samui Speaking about the prospects though year-end, C9's Bill Barnett voiced optimism: Barring any external disruptions, sustained demand from European and Asian source markets, combined with limited new hotel supply and ongoing infrastructure investment, are expected to support continued growth in arrivals, hotel occupancy, and rates throughout the remainder of the year . To download and read C9 Hotelworks Samui Hotel & Tourism Market Review 2025 report CLICK About C9 Hotelworks C9 Hotelworks is led by founder and Managing Director Bill Barnett, who brings over 30 years' experience in the Asian hospitality and real estate sectors. Prior to founding C9 in 2003, Bill held senior executive roles in hotel operations, development and asset management. He is considered to be a leading global authority on hotel residences, and has sat at almost every seat around the hospitality and real estate table. Bill promotes industry insight through regular conference presentations at key events and contributes to numerous industry publications. For more information contact Bill Barnett Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks +66 (0)8 1956 1802 C9 Hotelworks Ltd.
Hospitality Net
2 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Marriott's Tribute Portfolio Debuts in Buenos Aires
Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, marks its debut in Buenos Aires with the opening of Recoleta Grand, Buenos Aires, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located in the dynamic Recoleta district - known for its European charm and cultural richness - the property joins Tribute Portfolio's growing family of characterful, independent hotels around the world. Nestled in the heart of Recoleta, a storied neighborhood affectionately known as "La París Argentina," Recoleta Grand invites guests to discover the cultural and architectural spirit of Buenos Aires through a singular lens of bold design and vibrant local storytelling. Embodying Tribute Portfolio's ethos of captivating design, the hotel draws inspiration from the bohemian charm and literary richness that define its surrounding district, blending early 20th-century grandeur with a modern indie sensibility. The hotel's 142 guest rooms, including 6 eclectic suites, feature layered interiors designed by local designer Lucas Gashu that honor porteña culture and French influence through a thoughtful mix of textures, art, and bespoke details. From check-in to last call, the hotel brings to life an enchanting literary and cultural narrative that resonates throughout the experience. Literature is a core theme, with complimentary bilingual books in every guest room and curated vintage collections throughout the hotel's communal spaces. Guests are invited to explore the city through its stories, creating a sense of discovery that extends beyond the hotel walls. Dining experiences at The Recoleta Grand reflect a bold fusion of local identity and culinary heritage, led by Executive Chef Maximiliano Matsumoto, whose refined yet approachable style blends Argentine ingredients with contemporary flair and subtle oriental influences. Born in Buenos Aires, Matsumoto trained under celebrated chef Germán Martitegui and honed his craft in some of the most iconic kitchens including Faena, Olsen, Casa Cruz, and Tegui. Café de Prensa celebrates Buenos Aires' literary scene with specialty coffee and unique design that is inspired by the written word. The Atrium serves as an elegant, all-day bistro rooted in local flavors. Mansión Mihura, a preserved historical corner of majestic Buenos Aires, where spaces like La Maga, Rayuela, and Serpent Club coexist - features bold, author-driven cuisine in immersive spaces inspired by Latin American literature. Design of this space was led by internationally acclaimed studio EDG Interior Architecture + Design, who brought a layered vision to life by fusing historical elegance with modern expression. At the helm of the hotel's cocktail program is Ignacio Maggio, one of Argentina's most respected mixologists and the first Argentine to win the prestigious World Class Argentina competition in 2017. With over a decade of experience, Maggio has shaped award-winning bar programs across Latin America, including Acorde Bar in Ecuador, recognized on the 50 Best Discovery list for its immersive fusion of cocktails, music, and art. At Recoleta Grand, he brings a distinctive blend of technical precision, cultural storytelling, and creative flair—crafting cocktails that transcend the glass and invite guests on a sensory journey through Argentina's rich landscape of flavor and tradition. The hotel also features 3,700 square feet of flexible event space across four spacious meeting rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace, Floralis Spa, executive lounge, and fully equipped fitness center. Housed in the historic Palacio Mihura, the building's early 20th-century facade and intricate typography pay homage to Recoleta's artistic and architectural roots. Situated near cultural landmarks such as the National Museum of Fine Arts and Recoleta Cultural Center, the hotel offers guests a front-row seat to the neighborhood's timeless elegance and ever-evolving spirit. As part of its mission to serve as a cultural hub for locals and travelers alike, Recoleta Grand is also developing a dynamic calendar of on-site activations. Guests can look forward to rotating and permanent art installations, literary pop-ups and editorial events at Café de Prensa, gastronomic experiences, as well as curated collaborations with local artists, publishers, and chefs. Additionally, a vinyl collection will be available for guests to enjoy, adding a nostalgic yet elevated sensory layer to the hotel's immersive experience. Hotel website
