Phuket’s Kata Group opens ‘Beyond Resort’ in Khao Lak

PHUKET: The Kata Group, one of Phuket’s best-known resort chains, celebrated the latest addition to its portfolio of luxury resorts on Friday.

Located in Phuket’s neighboring province of Phang Nga, the new property in Khao Lak, branded as the ‘Beyond Resort Khao Lak’, is the group’s first foray out of Phuket since the opening of its Kandaburi Resort and Spa on Koh Samui.

On Friday, Admiral ML Asanee Pramoj, a member of the Privy Council, presided over the official opening of the resort in its restaurant.

Also in attendance was Phuket Senator Thanyarat “Ghee” Atchirayachai and other members and friends of the Atchirayachai and Thawornwongwong families that started the Kata Group.

Pamuk Achariyachai, chairman of the Kata Group, said the group had been operating for 32 years.

The group already runs four properties: the Kata Beach Resort and Spa, the Karon Beach Resort and Spa, the Phuket Orchid Resort, and the Kandaburi Resort, he said, adding that all four had been well received by tourists.

As a result, the group had decided to open two Beyond Resort properties, which will be promoted as romantic getaways by the sea.

The Khao Lak property is set on 70 rai and rates as a ‘four plus’-star hotel.

The resort is aimed at couples wanting a romantic and quiet break from civilization. It is targeting a mostly European and Asian clientele.

The resort features 132 rooms and five interconnected swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

Mr Pamuk said that every inch of the 115,000 square meter property was covered by Wi-Fi Internet. The resort also features a library with books in several languages, a business contact center, meeting and seminar facilities, various restaurants, two bars and a wine center with quality vintages from around the world.

There is also a spa and steam room, massage service, yoga room, meditation room, gym, dive center, kite surfing center and other watersports facilities.

The resort has been operating unofficially for two months and has already received a good response from tourists, Mr Pamuk said.

Occupancy is currently at 30-40%, he said.

Mr Pamuk said he expected tourism in Khao Lak to continue to grow, since it retained its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. This makes it appropriate for tourists who want to relax in privacy.

— Warisa Temram