Kempinski Hotels is to manage a second property in Thailand, in addition to the five star luxury hotel project in Bangkok.The new Kempinski will be located in Khao Lak, one of southern Thailand’s top resort destinations, about an hour from Phuket airport. The resort is currently under construction, with the opening of the first phase scheduled for autumn 2007.

During the first phase of the opening, the resort will feature a 320-room five star luxury hotel set in contemporary landscaped tropical gardens and lagoons, by Pui Phornprapha and Plandscape, on grounds of 80,000 m2. The resort will have a 300m long white sandy beach as well as a Tropical Spa. Large meeting and function rooms will be ideal for everything from celebrating a wedding to holding a business meeting, all in an idyllic setting by the Andaman Sea. Guests will be able to savour gourmet cuisine at the resort’s four restaurants, which will include a Thai fine dining restaurant on the seafront.

John Lightbody of Abacus Design is designing the resort’s interiors around a feeling of space, natural light and local materials throughout. The second phase, due for completion in 2009, will see the opening of 40 Pool Villas on a further 40,000 m2 of grounds.

“The Khao Lak region is attracting tourists once more, with a number of resorts already re-opened,” said Kempinski’s President & CEO, Reto Wittwer. “Kempinski is pleased to be part of the recovery of Khao Lak after the 2004 Tsunami. With the Khao Lak resort, we can offer our guests the chance to experience the grace and elegance of traditional Thai hospitality.”

Kempinski has also been nominated this year for a

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World Travel Award as World’s Leading Spa Resort.
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