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Porch Land Group holds
‘Thank you party’ -
announces new project
Chisanucha Phakdeesaneha, CEO
of Porch Land Group (center) poses with his team and star entertainers at a
special thank you & project announcement party held January 25 at the Furama
Hotel in Jomtien.
Property development and construction company the Porch
Land Group held a big ‘thank you’ party on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Furama Hotel
Jomtien Beach with special shows from famous Thai artists, plentiful food,
drink and music.
The special guests who joined in the party included management and
representatives from Krung Thai Bank, Krungsri Bank, LH Bank and Samsung
Thailand who have all been great supporters of the Porch Land projects to
date.
An artist’s impression of the
Del Mare Bangsaray Beachfront condominium.
The party was well attended by real estate agents who
were then introduced to Porch Land Group’s seventh development, the Del Mare
Bang Saray Beachfront Condominium. Following on from the success of their
last 6 projects, this latest development is a joint project with the Apus
Development Group.
Chisanucha Phakdeesaneha, CEO of Porch Land Group, said at the party, “I’m
very honored and happy to welcome all of you this evening to the party where
we can strengthen our good relationships with all the agencies and media who
have helped spread our name to the buyers.
“I would like to especially thank our main supporters who are the banks and
Samsung Thailand who helped to make all our previous projects a great
success,” he continued. “On this special occasion, I would also like to
introduce you all to our latest project – the Del Mare Bang Saray Beachfront
Condominium.”
Chisanucha Phakdeesaneha, CEO
of Porch Land Group thanks the invited guests at the party.
Del Mare Bang Saray Beachfront Condominium is located in
Bang Saray, very close to the many attractions in the area such as Nong Nuch
Tropical Garden, Sai Kaew Beach and Pattaya Floating Market. The project
includes large, lush gardens, a fitness center, swimming pool and tennis
courts. Del Mare will feature all eco-friendly LED lighting, plus
restaurants and a 7-storey car park. All units will be fully furnished to
tastes. The project is due to be completed in 2016.
For more information, call 084 213 4777 or 084 213 5777, email
[email protected] or go
to website: www.porchland.com
(By Warunya Thongrod/Pattaya Mail)
Stars from the world of
entertainment perform on stage at the Furama Hotel.
Pattaya Mail’s Tony Malhotra
(left), Amari Orchid’s Dueanpen Thongsombat
(2nd left) and Furama’s Alissara Khamprachom (right) join to congratulate
Chisanucha Phakdeesaneha, CEO of Porch Land Group.
A great atmosphere at Furama
Hotel Jomtien party.
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Nigel Cornick - a Mover or a Shaker?
Movers & Shakers get to the point - Southpoint
Movers & Shakers, which held its annual gala event in
Pattaya in December, has now returned to the normal business of monthly
networking at prestige venues in Bangkok.
The trendy & stylish Woobar at the W Bangkok Hotel was the setting for last
month’s Movers & Shakers networking event which took place on January 24.
Southpoint Condominium.
It’s always a risk getting these things rolling after the
Christmas and New Year festivities, trying to get people back into business
mode and reaching out to those who are willing to take the challenge of
getting to the networking immediately after finishing work – but it
certainly paid off in this case.
Movers & Shakers has carved out a niche for itself in the last twelve months
in Bangkok and what makes it different from other networking events is that
the focus is on the networking, no long speeches or presentations, just a
simple getting together of like-minded individuals looking to expand their
client base, yet in an informal setting.
Event sponsor and CEO of
Kingdom Property Nigel Cornick (left) with Paul Strachan.
I used the word prestige earlier and that reflects not
just on the venue, but also the people who attend Movers & Shakers and also
how they present themselves. Bangkok offers a very different breed to
Pattaya in this regard, with many attendees turning up in business suits and
the ladies appropriately dressed.
The prestige element is also enhanced by the media that attend Movers &
Shakers, in the form of TV, print media and radio, and of course the
photographers who make everybody feel at ease and capture those great
moments that come from meeting new people and reacquainting with old
friends.
The Woobar at the W Hotel was
the perfect setting for the evening.
The sponsor for this latest event was Kingdom Property ,
who were promoting their first project based in Pattaya: Southpoint.
I took the opportunity to interview the CEO of Kingdom Property at the
event, a man who is well known in Pattaya and Bangkok for his long
association in the property market: Nigel Cornick.
P.S: Nigel I have seen many interviews with you recently in which you’ve
been asked, why the focus is back on Pattaya? – But I guess the reality is
that Pattaya has changed dramatically in the last few years.
New friends and business
contacts get acquainted at Movers & Shakers.
NC: Yes I think people who ask that question,
perhaps don’t really know Pattaya, because over the last fifteen years the
city has really developed itself, not just in the residential sense but also
in the industrial sense. You have an auto motive industry there which is the
largest in Asia, so it has created its own market, and therefore Pattaya is
not Pattaya – it’s the Eastern Seaboard, of which Pattaya is its capital.
P.S: So it’s not just in terms of property?
NC: If you have a strong economy, property comes on the back of that, it’s
simple; Pattaya will be driven by tourists as it is still the number one
destination for tourists in Asia. It’s driven by the demand for employees
working in all those factories, working in the service industry and I think
that if you look at people like Sansiri, LPN, Q House, they are moving into
Pattaya because they recognize the demands from the local Thai people and it
will continue.
Nigel thanks all the guests
for attending the first Movers & Shakers of 2013.
P.S: So the Thai market is very important for you?
NC: Our business has always been geared towards quality developments and our
target market will be whoever can afford what we build, but we are not
building expensive real estate.
P.S: You mentioned about the tourists who are still coming to Pattaya, yet
the demographic of those tourists has changed. Does this then influence your
projects when you work with your architect to satisfy the different needs,
or do you focus on making the offer so strong that people will invest with
you regardless?
NC: I think it depends; we have a number of projects in our portfolio today
where they are driven towards a three star hospitality offering. We’ve got
others which will be geared towards a five star offering, so I think it just
depends on what market segment you are focusing on.
A glass of champagne always
helps breaks the ice for new contacts.
P.S: Nigel can you please tell us a bit about Southpoint?
NC: Southpoint is my first project since Raimon Land and it’s probably on a
par with Northshore in terms of size and where we see the market being
pitched. It’s six hundred and fifty units across two towers and we have sold
one tower already to an investor. So we have about four hundred and sixty in
the main tower and we have sold about a hundred of those. Things are going
well and we have about another two months before we finish our sales
complex.
We have funding from Thai Bank in place and we are in the final stages of
negotiations with an international contractor, so it’s all on track. We
bought the land in July last year, so if you think about that, think about
how long it takes for some people to get their EIA approval, government
permits etc., we have all those – and we are building now. So we are well on
track.
P.S: It’s now nearing the end of January; is the high season still an
important factor here in Pattaya or is that something of a misnomer now?
TV Host Daniel Boccalini
(left) and Movers & Shakers founder Cees Cuijpers (2nd left) enjoy the
evening with Irena & Alex De Rebas (right) from the Russian Real Estate
Magazine.
NC: My experience to date would indicate that it is a
misnomer. I think that the profile of buyers in Pattaya has changed since
when I developed Northshore and Northpoint. Pricing and levels of foreign
interest has come down. For example, in Northpoint before, when we launched
it, we thought that it would be foreign buyers. But today all the re-sales
are being bought by Thais and for 170-180 thousand baht a square meter - so
that tells you what has happened to Pattaya in the last two to three years.
P.S: I know that you have sponsored many events in your various guises over
the years, but tell me, why have you chosen to sponsor Movers & Shakers
tonight?
NC: I think it’s all about relationships. And I think it’s a positive and
great business relationship, but also it’s about association. If your brand
is associated with great things, and successful things in good environments,
then that’s your brand. And let’s not forget, it’s also for charity.
P.S. My final question Nigel: Are you a Mover – or a Shaker?
N.C. Oh I am a Mover! – Onwards and upwards.
Note: Movers & Shakers will return in February at yet another classy venue,
no doubt attracting even more business people for a night of networking,
exchanging of concepts in an informal environment and sharing a glass or two
of wine.
Interview conducted by Paul Strachan/ Photographs courtesy of Peter Kraemer,
Siam Fine Arts, Tel: 084 864 9370.
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CW Asset sees strong sales in Bang Saray
An artist’s impression shows
the completed Bang Saray Beach Condominium project by developer CW Asset Co.
CW Asset Co, the Pattaya affordable luxury ocean side
condominium developer has been breaking sales records recently. Their three
current condominium developments of 435 total units have been well received
by both Thai and Foreign buyers. The company has now sold over 200 units of
their current inventory and the remaining units are selling fast.
The recent pre-launch of their newest and third condominium development, the
215 unit, 9 floor Abatalay Condominium at Jomtien Beach has been wildly
successful. In just the last two months this boutique developer has sold 55
units in all developments.
The impressive sales record is not so surprising considering their very
affordable studio condos start at just 699,000 Baht, for ocean side
locations. One bedrooms from 730,000 Baht and two bedrooms from 1.5 Million
Baht. A low price and closeness to the beautiful Bang Saray and Jomtien
beaches make CW Asset condominiums much in demand.
Bang Saray Beach Condominium
is already 70% sold out.
The future looks quite bright for the company. Their
first development, Bang Saray Beach Condominium is 70% sold out and the
Building A is nearing construction completion. Construction has now also
started on Bang Saray Beach Condominium Building B. A few ocean view studio,
one and two bedroom condos are still available. Prices start at just 775,000
Baht
Their second development, CW Ocean View Condominium at Bang Saray Beach is
now 40% sold out and construction is scheduled to begin in August 2013.
These furnished and unfurnished ocean side one and two bedroom condos start
at just 730,000 Baht.
CW Asset Co. Managing Director, Imorn Luekhamharn, has recently announced
the official launch date of Abatalay Condominium at Jomtien Beach. A launch
reception for Abatalay Condominium will be held at CW Asset Pattaya sales
office located at 308/74 Thappraya Road, opposite from Thappraya Road, Soi
11. The reception is scheduled for the beginning of March and further
announcements of the day and time will appear in the Pattaya Mail. Pattaya
property professionals, media, friends and customers are all invited to
attend and see the Abatalay Condominium model showroom at the company’s
Thappraya Road sales office.
CW Asset Co has begun searching for more ocean side land to develop multiple
affordable luxury condominium projects. To finance the land purchase they
are issuing corporate debenture bonds in a private placement. Based on a
recommendation by the Thailand Security and Exchange Commission, CW Asset is
proceeding with this widely used method to raise funds and to date a third
of the bond issue has already been subscribed.
“Building value with a quality property investment” is the CW Asset Co.
motto. In their condominium developments the standard features are high
quality and include roof-top pools in some developments, project wide wifi,
fitness centers, covered parking, restaurants, glass balcony rails and on
site property management for rental units. Investors looking for value and
higher returns should take a look at units in CW Asset condominium
developments.
For more information, prices and availability visit
www.cwasset.com or contact them
at 038 267 024 or by email at
[email protected].
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Natureza Condominium gets off to fast start
Somchao Tanthatherdthum,
Managing Director of N.C. Housing Public Company Limited (center) poses with
fellow Directors Somnuk Tanthatherdthum (left) and Rangsankh Nathakawong
(right) at a press conference held Jan. 16.
Property Developers N.C. Group has announced that the
first phase of its new Natureza Condominium venture has sold out even before
the project’s official launch.
At a Jan. 16 press conference, N.C. Group Managing Director Somchao
Tanthatherdthum and company executives said the first of two buildings in
the Chaiyapornwitti Road development had already been fully booked and
construction on those 200 units will begin in May.
The Natureza Condominium.
Built to a “modern art park” style, Natureza will be
built out in four phases: “Natural Courtyard,” “Landscape Courtyard,”
“Floating Courtyard,” and “Seaside Courtyard.” The grounds feature a common
park and 1,600 sq. meters of open greenery.
The 22-rai development offers a total 406 unit in two eight-story buildings.
Units come in a range of sizes from 28.6sqm 1-bedroom configurations up to
68.3sqm for the 2-bedroom designs. Prices start at 990,000 baht and the
property offers electronic key card access, security camera coverage, and a
waterfall.
Unit sizes range from 28.6 -
68.3sqm and start from 990,000 baht.
“Natureza is one the prides of the N.C. Group and we are
determined to develop a living style to suite and satisfy the demands of all
customers groups requiring residence here,” Somchao said.
N.C. Group has developed five other projects in the Pattaya area, including
the Ban Suan Lolna single-family house development, Ban Suan Lolna
Condominium, Ban Fah Rim Haad Jomtien, Greenpar Jomtien, and Ban Fah
Greenery on Chaiyapornwitti Road.
For more information, call 081-634-0395, 081-931-7079 or 083-177-0013 or
visit: www.naturezacondo.com.
(By Phasakorn Channgam)
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Bangkok Riverside condominium
market poses positive outlook
An artist’s rendering shows
the planned riverside Menam Residences condominium on Charoen Krung Road.
The Riverside area along the Chao Phraya River is gaining
in popularity for its waterfront lifestyle and scenic river views. Recently,
many luxury hotels, high-rise condominiums, and corporate towers have risen
on both sides of the river in Bangkok, making the area a prime spot for
property development.
The Riverside area encompasses Charoen Krung, Charoen Nakorn, and Rama 3
Roads. It also includes the fringe of Sathorn-Silom, and Narathiwas
Ratchanakarin Roads. The area features a comprehensive range of facilities
and amenities such as restaurants, international schools, world class
hospitals, retail outlets, and shopping malls. Recently, there have been
several community mall developments, including Sena Fest, Vue, and The
Vanilla Moon Bangkok, in the CharoenKrung and Charoen Nakorn neighborhoods.
These projects will provide a variety of goods and services to the Riverside
residents, adding to the neighborhoods’ increasingly affluent community.
Statistics from international property management company, Knight Frank
Thailand, show that the cumulative supply of the Bangkok Riverside
condominiums was about 19,807 units as of the third quarter of 2012, an
increase of 18.7% from the end of 2011. The total of newly launched
condominiums during the third quarter of 2012 was approximately 3,117 units.
Rama 3 Road contained the highest number of newly launched condominiums,
with around 1,388 units or 45% of total units, offered in the market. This
is followed by the Krung Thonburi area and Narathiwas Ratchanakarin Road
with around 23% and 20% respectively.
Risinee Sarikaputra, Associate Director of Research and Valuation
Department, Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said there was a
positive outlook regarding condominium supply in 2012. “We have seen new
luxury condominiums being launched in the Riverside area targeted for Thai
buyers as both personal residences and investments. There will be an
additional supply marketed towards other Asian condominium buyers from
Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland China,” she said.
The demand of condominium units was recorded at 2,404 units in third quarter
of 2012, a significant increase of 1,633 units from just 771 units at the
end of 2011. The majority of demand in this period was for condominiums
located on Rama 3 Road, where a total of 1,085 units were sold. Most of them
were from recently launched projects such as Supalai Prima Riva and D Condo
Sathupradit 49. Another area where demand was high during the third quarter
of 2012 was in Krung Thonburi, where about 605 units out of 1,633 newly
launched units were sold.
The overall take-up rate for condominium projects in the Riverside area
during the third quarter of 2012 was approximately 45%, a strong increase
from just 22% at the end of 2011. The take-up rate in Sathorn-Silom area
represented the highest rate at around 91%, followed by Krung Thonburi area,
with an 83% take-up rate.
There are many condominium developments in Sathorn-Silom, as it is an
established business area with easy access to Sukhumvit, Rama 3, and
Riverside areas. In addition, many condominium projects are scheduled to be
completed in Krung Thonburi, thanks to the new mass transit extension lines
across the river that will increase the accessibility from Thonburi to the
CBD.
The average selling price in the Riverside area was approximately THB
102,730 per square metre, as of the third quarter of 2012. The highest
average price was in Sathorn-Silom, with average prices at THB 117,224 per
square metre. Narathiwas Road ranked second with an average selling price of
THB 115,813 per square metre.
Ms. Risinee also said that condo prices in the Bangkok Riverside area are
projected to increase sharply due to the lack of land to develop new
projects. The selling price in the City area will also increase due to the
limited availability of land, as well as the fact that developers tend to
opt for good construction standards by using high-quality materials and
specifications.
She added, “We will see around 400 new condominium units launching in
Bangkok’s Riverside area in 2013, including a new high-rise project “The
Breeze” on Narathiwas Road by listed developer Eastern Star; and a low-rise
project “The Wing Sathorn” on Krung Thonburi Road. These projects will offer
more choices to buyers in condominium markets. We also expect that nearly
2,600 condominium units are scheduled to be completed in 2015; this figure
includes 7 condo projects located in Bangkok’s Riverside area.”
Among the new entrants will be Menam Residences, a condominium development
that will be located on Charoen Krung Road. Scheduled to be complete by
December 2016, the project will feature a 54-storey building with 294
condominium units with a combined value of THB 3.3 billion. Menam Residences
will fulfill some of the future demand of condominium buyers in the area.
Additionally, other developers are focusing on the area to capture the
increasing future demand.
(Source: - www.knightfrank.co.th
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Trat Province – a rising star
in Thailand’s luxury real estate sector
Koh Chang offers an idyllic
tropical lifestyle.
In times gone by, few would have considered Trat as a
natural location for luxury real estate in Thailand. Tucked away in the
southern corner of the kingdom’s border with Cambodia, Trat was rarely
mentioned alongside Phuket, Pattaya and Samui as a place likely to attract
domestic and overseas buyers of upmarket property.
However, that is certainly no longer the case and the attractions of Trat as
a place to buy investment and lifestyle property have come to the public’s
attention with a slew of national and international property awards going to
developers there.
It all began in 2011 when Soneva Kiri Development on Koh Kood scooped the
Best Villa Development on the Eastern Seaboard at the Thailand Property
Awards. 12 months later the accolades went to Siam Royal View, which not
only created a buzz in Thai property circles, but across South East Asia and
the world as well.
A villa at the award winning
Siam Royal View Koh Chang Marina.
Last October, Siam Royal View’s Koh Chang Marina
Development won the Best Villa Development on the Eastern Seaboard, the
second time in succession that Trat had displaced the likes of Pattaya and
scooped the prize. The company was also a highly commended finalist in the
exclusive Best Villa Development in Thailand at the South East Asian
property awards held in Singapore.
Siam Royal View enjoyed a golden year in 2012 with its condominium project
also receiving high commendations at the Thailand awards and being nominated
as one of the top five Marina Developments in South East Asia by the
regionally respected Property Report magazine.
Island sunsets at Siam Royal
View.
Located in the most beautiful corner of Koh Chang, it is
not hard to see why Siam Royal View has garnered so many accolades. In
addition to bordering no less than five stunning beaches, the development is
surrounded by the lush tropical forest of Koh Chang National Park.
The development boasts world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art
infinity swimming pools, a Beach Club, water sports centre and nine hole
golf course. At the end of last year, the Siam Royal View unveiled its 75
boat yacht marina, the most modern facility of its kind within a radius of
200km.
Trat Province is a perfect location for people seeking luxury property in a
pristine environment as the region remains largely unspoiled and so far
unaffected by the over development that has begun to blight the more popular
tourist destinations in Thailand. The coast and islands are a tropical
paradise, much of it protected by National Park status. The Mu Koh Chang
National Park includes 54 islands alone. It certainly seems as if the
province’s star is truly on the rise.
(Source – Siam Royal View)
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Tulip Group announces 2013 expansion
An artist’s rendering of Tulip Group’s Centara
Grand Residence Pattaya.
High profile Pattaya property developer the Tulip Group
has recently announced plans to launch 3-5 new projects in Pattaya. The
developments will be standalone hotels, mixed use condominiums, a service
apartment and a new corporate head office.
Tulip currently has 4 condominiums and 5 hotels under construction, all
targeted towards the mid- to high end luxury sector and this business model
is set to continue.
Jason Payne, Tulip Group Vice
President.
“Our business model is to build only in prime locations,
with our target sector being 4-5 star luxury,” says Tulip Group Vice
President Jason Payne. “Pattaya is already changing considerably and we
believe that both local and international property investors, as well those
choosing Pattaya as their holiday destination are seeking properties that
offer true luxury,” he adds.
Pattaya in recent years has seen a resurgence in the number of wealthy Thai
nationals visiting the area for both holidays and property investment,
however local property developers have generally adopted the business model
of offering inexpensive properties in the THB 1-3 million price range, a
path that Tulip does not intend to follow
“Personally I am concerned that Pattaya is becoming overcrowded with
inexpensive projects with 1,000’s of rooms, all offering very nice
facilities, but how cost effective it is to build these projects, or just
where all the people will come from to purchase all of these rooms, I just
do not know,” says Jason.
Tulip Group is currently working on projects with Centara Hotels & Resorts,
Park Plaza Hotels Europe and Golden Tulip Hotels & Resorts, and the
developer claims that they will be bringing even more 5 star brands to
Pattaya.
“We are currently in negotiation with a number of luxury brands, all of whom
seem very excited about Pattaya and its future. We hope to announce some
very positive news about our new projects with these brands in the near
future” adds the Tulip Vice President.
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QiSS - a new community mall
in downtown Bangkok
An artist’s impression of the
completed QiSS shopping mall in Bangkok.
Kewpaisal Place Company Limited has launched its first
development on a 3-rai site in downtown Bangkok with a total value of over 1
billion baht. It will be a mixed-use project consisting of a retail
community mall named “QiSS” and a grade-A serviced apartment building.
Situated on Soi Rubia connecting Sukhumvit and Rama IV roads, next to the
Kluaynamthai Hospital and opposite the Berli Jucker building, this
development will feature a 3-storey community mall and a 3-storey office
space comprising a total lettable area measuring more than 4,000 square
metres, a 55-unit grade A serviced apartment, and 300 parking spaces.
50% of the mall’s common
areas will be dedicated to gardens and greenery.
The project is located less than 1km away from Bangkok
University and only 600 metres from the Ekkamai BTS skytrain station and
will have a shuttle service to the project.
Narong Kewpaisal, Managing Director of Kewpaisal Place Company Limited,
states that, “The project’s concept is to bring a green oasis to the
downtown area of Bangkok. Fifty percent of its common area will be dedicated
for lush gardens which will be in the English, French and Italian styles.
QiSS is designed to cater for office workers and university students in a
neighbourhood where the demand for a lifestyle mall has not yet been met.”
There are approximately 200,000 square metres of office space and almost
8,000 condominium and apartment units located within a radius of 3km from
the project while occupancy rates of both commercial and residential
developments in the area continue to be high at over 95% and 70%,
respectively
The Retail Services team of CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) has been appointed
as the sole leasing agent for QiSS and has already leased out 30% of the
total lettable space within just one month since the beginning of December
2012. CBRE expects to lease out all retail spaces by the first half of 2013.
Well-known tenants who have committed to lease the retail space include
MaxValu, a Japanese chain of supermarkets, and Vistacafé by Verasu, which
plans to open one of its largest branches at this project.
The construction of the mall is expected to be completed by the end of this
year.
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W Hotels worldwide debuts W Bangkok
The new W Bangkok hotel.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. recently
announced the highly anticipated opening of W Bangkok, located in the Thai
Capital’s vibrant commercial district. Owned by an affiliate of Golden Land
Plc. Ltd., one of Thailand’s leading property development firms, and
Istithmar World, an investment arm of Dubai World, W Bangkok is set in the
prestigious Embassy Row at the intersection of Sathorn and Narathiwas Roads
with easy access to the city’s elevated rail system (Skytrain).
A hidden gem amongst the city’s modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and neon
lights, W Bangkok’s unique and distinctive design melds the city’s
deep-rooted Thai heritage with its modern Western influences.
“Like New York City, where W draws its inspiration, Bangkok is a true 24/7
city with a passion for great design, stylish fashion and dynamic
entertainment,” says Paul James, Global Brand Leader of W Hotels, St. Regis,
and The Luxury Collection. “W Bangkok, with its iconic design, buzzing bars
and restaurants and Whatever/Whenever service, will bring a new style of
modern luxury to this vibrant capital city.”
“W Bangkok is certain to become an iconic landmark, a true reflection of
Bangkok’s East-meets-West heritage in a transforming modern city,” said
Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,
Inc. “With its vision to provide what’s new and next, W Bangkok will set a
new scene in Bangkok, adding a new destination and more reasons to visit
this dynamic city.”
W Bangkok is Thailand’s first urban W Hotel, following the 2010 opening of W
Retreat & Spa Koh Samui. The hotel marks the 44th W Hotel globally and the
eighth W Hotel in the Asia Pacific region.
“Bangkok is a global hub for jetsetters, business people, fashionistas, and
more. W Bangkok is a perfect match with this energetic city and the colorful
vibrancy of its people and rich culture, adding to the beauty of the mix
between old and new,” said Chris Delaney, Chairman of Golden Land Plc. Ltd.
“The opening of W Bangkok marks a new era of hospitality in the Thai
capital, taking the industry to new heights of luxury, entertainment, and
service.”
Unveiling the City’s hidden gem
W Bangkok combines a 31-floor contemporary glass tower with a century-old,
European-inspired building that formerly housed the Russian Embassy and will
reopen in the spring of 2013. A team of local and international designers
and architects, including Palmer & Turner Architects, Soda Thailand and New
York’s Avroko, developed a striking design that captures the traditional and
modern elements of Bangkok.
The base of the new, modern hotel tower has been designed as a theatrical
backdrop to the historic building, including vibrant illumination that
changes from day to night. The interiors of the hotel evoke the colorful,
sparkling glass tiles commonly found in Thai temples and palaces, while
Thai-inspired installations add a layer of mystery and reveal throughout the
hotel.
A large-scale spiral staircase connects the W Lounge (the W brand’s
reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby) to the hotel’s Great Room
(the W brand’s interpretation of the ballroom), with a floor to ceiling
light installation covered in glossy, jewel-encrusted materials as the
centerpiece. Collecting and amplifying rays of light, the installation
represents the collision of Bangkok’s modern skyline, ancient temples and
shimmering bijous.
W Bangkok houses 407 guestrooms and suites in the two distinct buildings,
including ten Marvelous Suites, four Duplex Suites, a Wow Suite and the W
brand’s signature Extreme Wow Suite. Guestrooms have been designed in gold,
blue or magenta jewel tones by floor, with a high contrast of ambient and
direct lighting, colored glass panels and accessories to create mystique and
illumination.
Each guestroom has been fitted with custom designed chrome furniture, padded
platform beds, and state-of-the-art in-room technology, including high-speed
wired and wireless Internet access; flat-screen 40-inch LED televisions; and
jack pack stations with a sound bar system and docking station for audio and
video players.
As well as a multitude of chic bars and restaurants, W Bangkok also offers
more than 1000 square meters of meeting and event space, featuring seven
meeting rooms and a stunning outdoor space outfitted with adaptable
conference furniture and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment. The
hotel’s one-of-a-kind 425-square-meter theater-style Great Room boasts
nine-meter ceilings outfitted with shades of LED lighting for sparkling and
electrifying occasions.
In addition to offering the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service
philosophy, W Bangkok also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, AWAY
Spa, WIRED Business Center and W Hotels The Store.
For more information, visit www. whotels.com/bangkok.
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BLINK helps restores luster to Regent’s crown
Clint Nagata. (Photo/The
Property Report)
Hospitality aficionado BLINK Design Group is in the
headlines once more after creating two stunning new resorts on Asia’s most
renowned tropical islands that it hopes will herald the rebirth of Regent
Hotels & Resorts.
BLINK has created the new Regent Phuket and Regent Bali from the ground up,
combining what it says is “timeless tropical modern design with subtle
heritage and cultural accents”.
These twin gems in Regent’s new crown will soon be joined by other similar
resorts in Taipei, Indonesia and China that will also bear BLINK’s hallmark
design.
Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, located on a private finger of Cape Panwa on the
south-eastern tip of the island, launched in December 2012. It features 70
rooms with panoramic sea views and 35 pool suites a short stroll from a
private white sand beach.
The resort’s launch signals a new chapter in BLINK’s story of success, which
has seen the Bangkok-based firm open offices in Shanghai, Singapore and New
Delhi and pick up some of design’s most prestigious prizes.
Interiors at Regent Phuket
combine modern design with a traditional Thai influence.
In 2012, BLINK won the prestigious HD Award from
Hospitality Design magazine for the world’s best luxury hotel design and
also picked up an Asia Pacific Interior Design Award in December. BLINK
designs have also featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘Hot List’.
“The design inspiration behind Regent Phuket was to create a traditionally
inspired beach residence embellished with touches of Thailand and Asia,”
said Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Director of BLINK.
“The elegant, almost Thai colonial feel of the exterior cedes to glowing,
flowing interior spaces with warm tonal accents and spectacular back-lit
high ceilings,” he added.
Regent Bali, which launched in January this year, is located on the eastern
part of the spectacular Bali coastline protected by a coral reef and in the
exclusive Sanur District. It features 10 acres of tropical gardens with a
200m golden beach, 94 suites, 1 beachfront Regent Villa, 25 Regent
Residences, a spa and two premier dining options.
“BLINK sought inspiration in the rich artistic and cultural heritage and the
spirituality that flows through life on this paradise island,” Nagata said.
“In terms of ‘wow factor’, we went with our instincts once again and bucked
the trend by designing a lavish inward focused bathroom. We have chosen to
make the bath a private haven and the walls are clad in honed finished local
marble, with handmade glazed ceramic tiles serving as the base and floor.
Custom vessel sinks, vanity mirrors, and handcrafted shell feature walls
complete this shimmering sanctuary.
“The 25sqm terraces feature a 5.5m long daybed where guests can recline like
pashas in pampered seclusion. The huge double wardrobes are also a nice
touch. One houses a big flat screen television, the other a fully equipped
bar,” added Nagata.
Regent has always been about luxury and individuality, Nagata said, adding:
“It’s a brand that commands amazing respect and we are honoured to be
helping return Regent to its Asian roots, centered around modern, culturally
sensitive and timeless Asian designs.”
Regent Hotels and Resorts President Ralf Ohletz Count von Plettenberg said
he was delighted with BLINK’s creativity and flair coupled with the firm’s
deep understanding of local cultural nuances.
“It’s an exciting time for Regent. Both the Phuket and Bali properties will
immediately become flagships for the Regent brand in these two absolutely
crucial resort island markets in Asia,” Ohletz said.
“Regent Phuket is set to become the new benchmark for tropical elegance in
one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
“At Regent Bali, our unrivalled reputation for sumptuous luxury and
anticipatory service together with Regent’s strong affinity with Asia, have
been given full rein in the development of this exciting new resort.
“We are a proudly Asian brand about to be restored to our rightful position
as a leading force in luxury hospitality. From that perspective, I’m also
very happy that an Asian design company has created our beautiful new face,’
Ohletz concluded.
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Centara targets smart travellers with ‘COSI Hotels’
Staff and management of
Centara Hotels & Resorts including Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth
Chirathivat (center) and Vice President of Business Development, Suparat
Uahwatanasakul (3rd right), pose for a photo in Bangkok during the official
launch of the COSI Hotels brand.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the
launch of a new hotel brand, COSI Hotels, designed for cost-conscious
travellers who mostly do all their own bookings on-line and who are
searching for pocket-friendly accommodation prices.
The first COSI Hotel is projected to open in 2015 and Centara plans to have
at least 30 operational by 2020.
Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts,
said that the COSI brand has been developed in response to rapid economic
expansion within the Asia Pacific region, which is increasing the volume of
both domestic and international journeys.
“There is an enormous growth in travel, and the significant growth of
low-cost airlines is allowing people to travel more easily and
conveniently,” he says.
“Travelling by low-cost airline in the ASEAN grouping currently accounts for
51 percent of the aviation industry in the ASEAN. Further, the Asean
Economic Community or AEC will be implemented two years from now adding
further demand.
“These factors are leading to the need for convenient accommodation and also
value for money.
“Centara Hotels & Resorts sees a great opportunity to develop a new brand to
cover this economic segment, and we are now in the process of brand and
product development for COSI Hotels.”
Thirayuth added that “dot com” has been added to the brand logo because
marketing and sales will be primarily through websites.
“We expect our first COSI Hotels property to open on 2015,” he said. “We
plan to have at least 30 hotels in 2020, which is forecast to generate an
income of around 2,200 million baht and income from management fees of 180
million baht,” said the Centara CEO.
Suparat Uahwatanasakul, Vice President of Business Development at Centara
International Management Co., Ltd, explained the meaning of COSI as:
C is Comfortable – feel comfortable both with the room and facilities of the
hotel.
O is Open – the product is easy to understand and affordable.
S is Sensible – sensible and friendly prices and eco-friendly designs.
I is Individual – welcome all travellers.
A friendly logo is designed to carry this message. COSI customers can be
divided into four groups as follows:
Age 16-29: University students or graduate students who are just starting
their career. Travel alone or in groups.
Age 50 and above: Retired people or couple travellers who like technology.
Family groups who like easy and convenient journeys and value for money.
Corporate groups who travel for business purposes and are looking for a more
limited service and a friendly price.
“For the room rate, it depends on each location,” said Suparat. “However,
the average room rate will be approximately 1,000-1,250 baht per night.
Pricing strategy will be for dynamic pricing, which depends on booking
periods and booking conditions.
“Our marketing concept is “COSI LIFE” where you feel comfortable and relaxed
as an overall experience while staying at COSI, along with a friendly price
and other facilities.”
The company says COSI Hotels will focus on clearly identified products that
include free Wi-Fi everywhere in the hotel, easy and convenient “grab-n-go”
restaurants, seminar rooms for corporate guests, and an entertainment corner
in the lobby area for movies and live sport. COSI will offer both twin and
king beds for standard room types and specially designed rooms for families.
“We expect the construction costs of a COSI hotel to be around 1.5 million
baht per room’” said Suparat. “Our development plan is under the process of
requesting construction permission for one hotel, which is our prototype
hotel planned to open in 2015.
“We plan 100 percent investment or a joint venture of one hotel a year and
to further manage four hotels a year. We intend to expand through the
significant destinations of Thailand then will further expand to ASEAN
countries, China, Australia, and New Zealand.”
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Report: Bali’s hotel supply to rise by over 12,000 new rooms
Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9
Hotelworks.
Bali’s tourism market is defying gravity despite a
looming pipeline of over 12,000 new hotel rooms. According to a newly
released report by Horwath HTL and C9 Hotelworks the market-wide occupancy
edged close to 70% with an overall average room rate of USD137 for the first
half of 2012.
Worldwide attention is set to turn to the island in October of this year as
it prepares to host APEC 2013. A USD200 million upgrade of the gateway
airport will see capacity rise to 25 million passengers a year, with other
key and much needed infrastructure upgrades including a new toll road and an
underpass on a key transport route.
New internationally branded
hotels such as the Sheraton Bali Kuta Beach are expected to drive new demand
to the island.
“Australia continues to be one of the key drivers of
demand,” said C9 Hotelworks’ Managing Director Bill Barnett, “but the market
is seeing a defined shift to short and medium-haul regional markets. China
is playing a far larger part in the mix, while the traditional Japanese
market has eroded. We expect rising volume from Malaysia to surpass that of
Japan.”
Weighing in on concerns of overdevelopment Horwath HTL Director Rio Kondo
said: “The strong performance of Bali hotels is likely to continue with the
new airport and infrastructure improvements despite new supply. It is likely
that the impressive new stable of strong international brands opening in the
ramp up to APEC will induce new demand into the destination.”
The surging tourism market has dragged along Bali’s real estate sector,
which has moved into top gear with large, listed Indonesian firms and
high-net worth individuals creating a land buying frenzy on the southern
part of the island.
One key benefactor that is highlighted in the report is a spike upwards in
hotel branded villa and condohotel offerings. Analyzing the trend Mr Barnett
was quick to point out “that unlike Thailand’s established Phuket and Koh
Samui resort real estate offerings, Bali has been inundated by domestic
demand. Both investment and end users primarily from Jakarta and Surabaya
have been buying off plan units in the USD80,000 to USD150,000 range.”
Summing up Bali’s tourism prospects going forward Barnett added: “It is
apparent that the jolt which occurred during the global financial crisis in
2008 has significantly altered the tourism sector. Asia’s rising middle
class, the explosive growth of low-cost airline carriers and the decline of
legacy markets all point to an increasing dependence on mass tourism.
“Every Asian resort destination is facing a similar dilemma,” said Barnett.
“Private sector investment is outpacing public sector infrastructure and the
cracks are showing. Like it or not Bali’s evolving hotel market is set to
evolve dramatically as we head towards the landmark AEC (ASEAN Economic
Community) free trade initiative in 2015.”
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Singapore REIT acquires luxury resort in the Maldives
A bird’s eye view shows the
South Nilandhe Atoll and the Angsana Velavaru resort.
Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has
brokered the sale of Angsana Velavaru resort to a Singapore-based REIT,
marking the first deal of its kind in the island nation.
Acting on behalf of Banyan Tree Holdings, Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels &
Hospitality Group successfully sold Angsana Velavaru for a purchase price of
US$ 71 million to CDL Hospitality Trusts. The deal was also completed with
the benefit of a lease agreement back to Banyan Tree Holdings and the resort
will continue to be operated by Banyan Tree as the Angsana Velavaru.
Set on its own private island a scenic 40-minute seaplane journey away from
Male International Airport, Angsana Velavaru is located in South Nilandhe
Atoll, one of the more intimate lagoons in the Maldives. Comprising 79
beachfront villas and 34 ocean villas, the resort offers a unique sense of
luxury supported by a wide range of amenities, activities and facilities.
Nihat Ercan, Senior Vice President Investment Sales Asia, Jones Lang
LaSalle, Hotels & Hospitality Group said: “We are delighted to announce this
landmark sale and leaseback transaction, representing another first for the
Maldives market following our sale of Soneva Gili Resort and Spa in 2012,
the Maldives’ first ever open market transaction. The sale of a second
operating resort in under 12 months underpins the growing breadth of
investor demand and appeal that exists for well-established assets with
strong existing cash flow in the Maldives.”
The Maldives is one of the highest RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room)
markets in the world and has enjoyed phenomenal popularity and growth over
the last decade. Regarded as a top tourism destination, investor confidence
in the Maldives is arguably the region’s most robust. Investor demand will
continue to be driven by the country’s exceptional natural beauty; diversity
of tourism demand from Europe, the Middle East and Asia which is underpinned
by significant and growing demand from China; ease of accessibility with
ever-increasing flight capacity; and limited future hotel supply.
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