14 Jan 2014
Aleenta Phuket Resort and Spa in Phang Nga, Thailand has added another impressive accolade to its crowded trophy cabinet after being named Best Overseas Hotel at the prestigious China Best Design Hotel Awards.
Aleenta Phuket, part of the AKARYN Hotel Group of boutique resorts, was in illustrious company, with other winners at the annual event comprising luxury hospitality's elite: St Regis Sanya Yalong Bay, Amanfayun in Hangzhou and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.
Aleenta Phuket's latest honour follows a USD2 million renovation-and-innovation spend to further elevate the 'barefoot luxury' experience for guests.
Anchalika Kijkanakorn, managing director and founder of Aleenta owner-operator AKARYN Hotel Group, said the award was recognition for the resort's continual metamorphosis into something better while cherishing its surrounds.
"We are continually striving to provide guests with a luxurious boutique experience that surprises and delights," the pioneering hotelier said. "We don't rest on our laurels. We continue to innovate and improve. Without straying from our commitment to intuitive luxury, our latest improvements have really ramped up the luxury part of the equation. It has taken the resort to another level - in fact, it feels like a new resort in some respects but all the Aleenta service touches and thoughtful gestures remain, with some new ones besides."
The renovation sees the resort turn its attention to families in earnest for the first time, through the launch of The Turtle Club. The state-of-the-art club has a pool and play area staffed by fully qualified and certified carers who hold engaging and fun classes where learning and development are key factors.
With the children entertained, parents can savour Aleenta Phuket's sophisticated dining experience through its renovated signature restaurant The Edge. Or try the Chef's Table for rooftop terrace dining, seating 12.
As part of the well-received remodelling, a 20m x 9m beachfront infinity pool was constructed to serve as the resort's focal point, providing stunning Andaman Sea views and sunsets. The pool only closes when the last guest leaves, Ms Kijkanakorn added.
The resort's spa is also undergoing a makeover that will see it re-open in March with two additional treatment rooms, a post-treatment relaxation chamber, a chromo-therapy room and a state-of-the-art Vichy shower room providing a horizontal water massage.
Ms Kijkanakorn said: “Being a small, independent resort, customised changes are standard so as to maximise the guest experience by providing authentic and unique touches while never losing that laid back feel.”
Aleenta Phuket has been named Asia Pacific's Best Sustainable Hotel the past two years at the International Hotel Awards. AKARYN Hotel Group has another high-end beachfront Thai property– the Aleenta Hua Hin Resort and Spa in Pranburi. Both resorts offer seclusion and pristine beachfront vistas.
The AKARYN Hotel Group is set to grow, with the addition of akyra Manor Chiang Mai opening in October 2015 and AKARYN Private Island Retreat & Resort Cambodia on Koh Krabeay opening in 2016.
For further information and high-resolution images please contact:
Annie Lyons
Media Relations – Inspired Luxury
0414 125 458
annie@inspiredluxury.com.au
Lynne Ireland
CEO – Inspired Luxury
lynne@inspiredluxury.com.au
0419 789 786
Notes to Editors:
AKARYN Hotel Group specialises in the management of small luxury resorts and is the owner and management company of Aleenta Phuket in Phang Nga (www.aleenta.com/phuket), Aleenta Hua Hin in Pranburi (www.aleenta.com/hua hin) In 2015, AKARYN Hotel Group will add a new hotel to its collection. Akyra Manor Chiang Mai sees the boutique hotel developer teaming up with hot design firm Manor in Singapore to create a high-end hip urban retreat with 30 rooms, featuring a restaurant and roof bar in the heart of the city. In 2016, AKARYN Hotel Group will open Arovada Private Island by AKARYN, on Koh Krabay, Cambodia featuring a partnership with world famous designer Kenzo who is the creative director on the project. It will consist of 40 private villas on a private island, with private butler service, restaurants and Ayurah Wellness Centre covering a spacious 2,000 square metres.
