Akaryn Sells Samui Hotel to Outrigger

Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS), the Bangkok-based owner and operator of Akaryn Samui, has sold the property to Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, a global group founded in Hawaii.

The Akaryn Samui, now the Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, is located on Bophut Beach.

"This was a decision taken quickly but not lightly," said AHMS founder and managing director, Ms. Anchalika Kijkanakorn. "Akaryn is very dear to my heart, but the offer from Outrigger was impossible to refuse. I'm proud of the fact that we took what had been a derelict site and turned it into one of the island's most exclusive, unique and successful resorts."

"It's not the end of the Akaryn brand," she added. "We are still in an expansion and acquisition phase overall, and construction is well advanced and plans on schedule to open our first property outside Thailand next year – Akaryn Koh Krabeay Retreat & Spa is a unique resort on a private island, designed by the former fashion icon Kenzo and shaping up as something very special indeed."

"We are also just about to launch akyra Manor Chiang Mai, our partnership with Singapore's Manor Studio, an all-suite hotel in Chiang Mai's hip Nimman Haemin district, and Manor Studio is also our partner in a contemporary Italian restaurant concept that will be part of the new Chiang Mai hotel but is also about to launch in Bangkok's stylish Soi Ruamrudee as a stand-alone restaurant."

"Think of this as a short break in transmission from Akaryn, but the brand will be back as we enter a period of regional growth and expansion for AHMS – The Collection and our family of brands."

More on this story to come.