Akaryn welcomes chef-turned-hotel executive to its Phuket properties
Akaryn Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Thomas Koessler as its new Cluster Resorts Manager for two exceptional hotels on the shores of southern Thailand – Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa and Akyra Beach Club Phuket.
A seasoned international hotelier with more than 22 years of experience, Koessler speaks English, German and Russian and has worked in seven countries, including the UK, UAE, Russia, China, and his native Austria.
He started out as a chef at several leading Austrian hotels before moving to Burj Al Arab in Dubai. He later moved to the UK and then on to Russia, eventually rising to the positions of executive chef and food & beverage director at the Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel.
Koessler swapped his chef’s whites for a suit and tie when he moved to Sochi, Russia and joined Capella Hotel Group as executive assistant manager responsible for the pre-opening and set up of three luxury hotels. In 2014, he opened the five-star Han Yue Lou Hotel in Nanjing, China, as task force hotel manager under the same hotel group umbrella.
Koessler moved to Asia in 2015 for the pre-opening and opening of the five-star Vinpearl Ha Long Bay resort, an expansive new luxury property in Vietnam before relocating to Thailand to join the Centara Hotel Group in Karon Beach as resident manager.
The Austrian brings his extensive experience and leadership skills to Akaryn Hotel Group as Cluster Resorts Manager of Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa and akyra Beach Club Phuket, both of which are located on Natai Beach in Phang Nga province, just 20 minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport.
“We are delighted to welcome Thomas to the group,” said founder and managing director, Anchalika Kijkanakorn. “With his extensive international experience, passion for hospitality and attention to detail, I am confident that he will help elevate the guest experience at Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa and Akyra Beach Club Phuket to new heights.”
Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa is an exclusive retreat where guests can unwind in space and privacy, with a minimum suite size of 80 square metres. The resort features an ocean view infinity pool, children’s club, Ayurah Wellness Centre, Galleria Shop, and is also a popular wedding venue.
Akyra Beach Club Phuket is a chilled out resort where hipsters and lifestyle aficionados stay and play. The resort features an sea view pool, beach spa, extensive gardens, function room, private club, fitness centre, live DJ and regular schedule of weekend entertainment including a monthly White Party.
