Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced that the beachfront property the company operates in Rayong has, with immediate effect, been rebranded as Centara Sappaya Design Resort Rayong.

Prominent use of the Centara name enhances the image of the resort hotel as a member of Thailand’s leading hotel brand, where guests can be confident of enjoying Centara’s premium service.

The word “Sappaya” is from the Pali term for a place of comfort, consistent with the resort’s overall tranquility and its location on a private beach in a natural setting, while the “Design” designation indicates that the design element is a powerful factor in the resort’s appeal.

“This is a very distinctive property, which offers a highly-individual experience more akin to residential accommodation,” said Suthikiati Chirathivat, Chairman of the Board of Central Plaza Hotel Public Co Ltd.

“We feel that rebranding the resort in this way will enhance its appeal to those who appreciate fine design as part of a luxury lifestyle, whether they are independent travelers, couples, families, or the corporate market, all of whom will find this a very suitable setting.”

Centara Sappaya Design Resort Rayong is located on the secluded beach of Laem Mae Phim in Rayong, and currently features 13 designed accommodation units.

A second phase expansion is being undertaken under a 70 million baht investment project that will be completed in 2014.

This second phase will add 30 distinctively-designed rooms to the resort, along with a new Spa Cenvaree, a fitness center, another restaurant outlet, and a remodeled lobby.

Because of the expansion, the property now comes under the Centara Hotels&Resorts brand, Centara’s core brand for hotels that are in a premium location and that while being smaller than the premier 5-star Grand brand, provide a similar level of service and guest experience.

With extensive private terraces, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Thai and international cuisines in an oceanfront setting, the resort is a four-star haven in a pristine setting only two hours or less by road from Bangkok.