Phuket’s hotel market now has its latest entry into the global hotel chain arena with the branding of Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort and Spa.

As part of its expansion into Asia, Netherlands-based Golden Tulip Hospitality Group has now entered the Thai market.

The boutique resort located in Rawai, Phuket, will be positioned as an Ayurveeda destination for health and leisure seekers and renamed Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort and Spa on 1 Febrauary 2010.

“As a significant tourist destination for Thailand, Phuket is rapidly becoming the preferred leisure destination for overseas travellers, especially from Europe and the Middle East,“ said Mark van Ogtrop, managing director of Golden Tulip South East Asia.

The resort’s villa-style accommodation is built on a hillside overlooking Chalong Bay.

As well as upcoming commitments in Bangkok and Pattaya, Golden Tulip plans to operate a second resort in Phuket.

Heading up development in Asia for the chain is well known to the Island Mark van Ogtrop who worked for many years as General Manger of Dusit Laguna Hotel. Golden Tulip plan to have 5 hotels in total under management in Thailand by 2010.