Beyond Resort created for 2 Kata projects
Company sees operational flexibility in Krabi, Khao Lak properties
Kata Group Resorts Thailand has created a brand called Beyond Resort for two projects in Krabi and Khao Lak costing Bt2.4 billion.
The Bt1.1-billion Beyond Resort Khaolak in Phang Nga opened in December, while the Bt1.3-billion Beyond Resort Krabi will start operating in the middle of next month.
Both are positioned as four-plus-star resorts to give the company more flexibility in managing operations, especially when facing unexpected situations. It can offer an attractive price later and not lose its brand image.
President Pamuke Achariyachai said both projects would help strengthen the company’s resort business network, which is centred in Phuket. In the peak season, the firm can transfer its guests to them.
The firm owns three properties in Phuket – Kata Beach Resort & Spa, Karon Beach Resort & Spa and Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa. It also manages the Kandaburi Resort & Spa in Samui. The Phuket resorts are recording an occupancy rate of 68-82 per cent.
Kata Group is trying to introduce its new projects to existing guests so that they can get a new experience in new areas around Phuket. Many, especially Europeans, are regulars, coming here every year, with a long stay of two or three months, or two or three weeks.
Especially in Khao Lak, it is hard to survive running a resort without a network. The firm has a free shuttle bus to take guests to the new resort with the aim to promote it to them.
Beyond Resort Khaolak offers 153 rooms on 70 rai (about 11 hectares) and welcomes only couples to ensure that they can enjoy privacy and tranquillity. It is 50 per cent booked. Non-couple guests will be introduced to Beyond Resort Krabi, which offers 171 rooms.
In Khao Lak, the firm plans to construct 50 more rooms in the future.
The 26-rai Beyond Resort Krabi was previously known as the Andaman Holiday Resort. It was closed four years ago. Kata Group bought it and took 10 months to renovate it.
The hotel and tourism business in Khao Lak and Krabi still has a bright outlook, thanks to continuing tourism growth in Phuket, which helps drive tourists to surrounding areas.
However, Phuket is still the centre of tourism in the region. Since it is a busy place, some tourists like to escape it for quieter destinations like Khao Lak and Krabi, Pamuke said.
