Castlewood Group to open Phuket flagship, luxury hotel

PHUKET: Singapore commercial real estate developer Castlewood Group has announced the launch of their flagship luxury hotel development in Phuket, the Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa. This is the first project cementing the recently established strategic partnership with Début Hotel Group – a part of the New York-based Hampshire Brand, Hotel and Asset Management – for the development and operation of Dream Hotels, and its expansion strategy throughout Asia.

“Dream Hotels and the Début Hotel Group are both innovative and exciting brands that share Castlewood Group’s vision of delivering world-class hotels and experiences,” says Chris Comer, CEO of Castlewood Group.

“We are confident that our first development launched with Dream will pave a strong growth story for both parties, as well as rewarding returns for our buy-to-lease investors.

“Partnering our deep experience in the Asian market with Dream’s unique and edgy brand offering, we have created something truly remarkable. The opening of Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa is just the beginning of more success stories to come.”

The hotel will open on November 15 with 174 guestrooms, suites and villas located on the northern peninsula of Bang Tao beach.

A three-time winner of ‘New Hotel Design and Construction Thailand’ from International Hotel Awards Asia Pacific, the hotel is going green with environmental-friendly features to reduce its eco-footprint. Passive ventilation designs encourage airflow and reduce power expenditure, while overhanging balconies and ‘green’ walls provide natural shade. On the roofs, a grey water collection and filtration processes rainwater for irrigation.

“We are extremely excited for Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa to start its commercial operations later this year,” says Gavin Brooking, Principal Hotels & Resorts, Castlewood Management Limited. “Catering to the global tourist who appreciates design and bespoke guest experiences, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa will curate services that shape each moment for great memories, starting from venues that set the dynamic stage, playlists that color the mood and menus that push culinary boundaries.”

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Trilogy, will bring Michelin inspired menus designed by three world-class chefs who have been awarded three Michelin stars among them. This will be the first of many such restaurants Castlewood Group plans to open in Asia.

About five minutes from the the hotel, on Layan Beach, the company will also be opening Dream Beach – which is being touted as ‘Phuket’s most happening beach club’.

— Alan Westerfield