Stylish Resort & Secret Beach

An alliance of small upmarket hotel operators called the Stylish Resort of Secret Beach (SRSB) group is linking up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in a bid to attract greater interest in six beach areas located about 80-100 kilometers from Prachuap Khiri Khan province's best known seaside resort town of Hua Hin.

The six beaches the group hopes will gain greater interest as possible tourism destinations are Ban Krut, Koh Talu (island), Kui Buri, Pran Buri, Sam Roi Yot, and Wanakorn.

Chaisong Churitt, executive director for TAT's central region, said most local and international visitors to the kingdom were already familiar with Hua Hin, but were not aware of other interesting locations nearby. He used Pran Buri as an example, pointing out that while it was well known as a honeymoon destination or as a place for couples to take a romantic break, not many people were aware that it is also well placed to serve family groups.

The nine members of the SRSB grouping are Aleenta Pranburi Resort & Spa, Baan Grood Arcadia Resort & Spa, Forresta, Koh Talu Island Resort, La A Natu Bed & Bakery, Le Bayburi, Nishaville Resort & Spa, Villa Maroc, and X2 Resort. The group plans to eventually increase its membership to 30.

The group says it now has a much clearer approach that is different from those used by the larger chain hotels. The target grouping SRSB is aiming for is high-end travelers, it says.

Supakorn Kijakanakorn, spokesman for SRSB, said the group hopes the collaboration would also strengthen cooperation among the operators of small- to medium-sized resorts.

Before forging the collaboration, each of the operators conducted their own PR activities, without success, according to Supakorn.

To capitalize on Valentine's Day (February 14), the group has launched a 'Secret Beach for Lovers' campaign, through which couples can join a specially prepared two-day romantic program during February 14-15, which includes one night's accommodation. The romantic event is limited to just 14 couples, who'll be treated to cosy dining and fun activities like diving and sightseeing along the beaches and out on the nearby island. "Secret for Lover" package priced at Bt9,500, the package covers two days and one night at NishaVille Resort & Spa, breakfast, sparkling wine, welcome drinks and fruit and 20 percent discount on spa treatment.

Other benefits include morning coffee at La a natu Bed & Bakery for two, lunch at X2 Kui Buri for two, dinner at NishaVille Resort and diving at Koh Talu Island Resort

X2 Resort Kui Buri, the design hotel brand of Astudo Hotel and Resort Group, has become member of a group of small hotel operators called the 'Stylish Resort of Secret Beach - SRSB Group'.

 

X2 Kui Buri hosted on Valentine's Day a visit by 60 invited guests and related press for the “Secret Beach for Lovers” event in conjunction with TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan’s campaign ''Stylish Resort and Secret Beach''. The campaign focuses on six beach areas located 80-150 kilometres naming Pranburi, Sam Roi Yod, Kui Buri, Ban Krut, Wanakorn and Koh Talu Island.

 

On arrival at X2 Kui Buri, guests were personally welcomed and escorted to 4K Restaurant overlooking the beach to enjoy a buffet luncheon. After a warm welcome speech, Group Operations Manager for X2 Resorts, Mr J Paul Snow presented prizes to two lucky tables of guests who found Valentines Hearts pinned under their tables before inviting all guests to participate in a painting competition. Paints and brushes were set out on the beachfront lawn and all guests were asked to show their skills decorating plaster models which were judged later in the evening with the overall winner receiving a prize certificate for a complimentary night of stay in Pool Villa at X2 Kui Buri.

 

About X2 Resorts

X2 Resorts, managed by Astudo Hotel & Resort Group offers casually designed accommodations and state-of-the-art facilities. X2 Resorts collection includes X2 Kui Buri (Hua Hin) and X2 Samui. Other X2 Resorts scheduled to open in mid 2010 are at Koh Kood (Kood Island), in Trat Province and Koh Tan (Coral Island), located southwest from Samui. Astudo Hotel & Resort Group currently manages and operates X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Le Bayburi Residences (www.lebayburi.com) and The Base Hotels (www.thebasehotels.com).