W Hotels to launch first Thailand property in Koh Samui

W Hotels has confirmed that it plans to open its first hotel in Thailand. W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui will be the brand's third retreat in the world, following W Maldives which opened in September 2006 and W Vieques, scheduled to open in late 2007. The newly built 70-villa W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui will cater to upscale leisure travelers when it opens in late 2008. There will also be approximately 20 luxury residential villas on the grounds of the retreat that will be available for purchase.

Starwood, the parent company of W Hotels, has entered into a management agreement with Amburaya Resorts to manage the hotel.

“The signing of W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui marks the entry of the W brand into Thailand, undeniably one of the top-rated destinations for its value and unforgettable beauty, luxury, culture and adventure,” said Ross Klein, President of W Hotels Worldwide.

“We are thrilled that we will open W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui, the first W retreat in Southeast Asia, and to expand our partnership with Starwood Hotels in Thailand,” said Ashwani 'Sunny' Bajaj, Managing Director of Amburaya Resorts, which also owns the year-old Sheraton resort in Pattaya. “Koh Samui is known as one of the most popular island destinations in Thailand and is definitely a great brand fit with W, given the energy and style of the island.”

W Koh Samui will be located on a 26 acre site on Maenam Beach, at the north shore of Koh Samui. The retreat will feature 70 villas, each approximately 1,722 square feet (160 square meters ), W's signature Living Room and lounge, one signature restaurant, a pool bar and a signature spa. Guests will be able to indulge in W's infamous beds as well as be treated to W's signature Whatever/Whenever service commitment, the hotel's 24-hour concierge that provides guests with whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 435 miles south of Bangkok, and is the third largest Thai island, following Phuket and Koh Chang.

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