Outrigger to open new Thai resorts

Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort and the powdery sands of Bang Sak Beach.

Outrigger is to open three more resorts in southern Thailand.

The family-friendly hospitality group announced this week that it has bought the Manathai Hotels and Resorts brand and will subsequently be upgrading properties in Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Phuket. The new resorts will be known as Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort and Phuket Manathai by Outrigger. The group already operates Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort on Phuket’s popular mid-east coast.

Outrigger started out in Hawaii, from where it has expanded to destinations including Fiji, Mauritius and Southeast Asia. The group is looking to expand its presence in Asia Pacific, while aiming to become the world’s ‘premier resort brand’.

“This acquisition trio demonstrates our confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry and commitment to the global expansion of Outrigger’s leisure resort portfolio,” said Outrigger Hospitality Group boss Jeff Wagoner.

Despite battling a severe ‘third wave’ of coronavirus, Thailand opened its tourist island of Phuket under a ‘sandbox’ programme earlier this month. Fully vaccinated holidaymakers are able to enter the island quarantine-free with regular Covid testing. The holiday island of Koh Samui also opened under a similar programme this week.

The oversize pool at Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort.

The 148-room Outrigger Koh Samui property is located on Lamai Beach on the east coast. It includes 34 suites, a spa, three restaurants and a kids’ club, all adjacent to the beach and just steps from local dining and shopping spaces.

Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort is an hour-and-a-half drive north of Phuket airport and is located on Bang Sak Beach. The property offers 158 rooms including 12 suites and villas, two restaurants, a bar, a pool with ocean views and a children’s club. Elephant trekking, kayaking and forest and waterfall walks can all be accessed locally.

Phuket Manathai by Outrigger is 30 minutes south of Phuket airport. The 66 room property sits on the edge of Surin Beach and is within walking distance of local dining, shopping and entertainment venues. Facilities at the property include a restaurant, pool bar and spa and 37 suites.

The resorts are slated to open towards the end of this year.

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