Layan Verde, a prestigious residential estate in Phuket developed by VillaCarte Group, proudly announces a highly successful high season. From November 2023 to May 2024, the project sold 121 lots covering 7,272.8 square meters, amassing sales over 1 billion baht. This impressive performance underscores the growing appeal of Layan Verde’s premium real estate offerings.

During this high season, the majority of sales were driven by smaller units, with studios and one-bedroom apartments making up 94% of purchases. Studios alone accounted for 58% of the total sales, while one-bedroom units represented 36%. These smaller, more affordable units attract investors early in the sales process, with interest in larger apartments typically increasing as construction progresses.

Layan Verde saw a notable surge in sales during May, particularly through direct transactions on its website and referrals. This trend highlights a shift towards more efficient and stable sales methods, reducing the reliance on seasonal demand fluctuations and paving the way for consistent year-round results.

Layan Verde’s buyers hail from 13 countries, including former Soviet Union states, Europe, India, and the United States. Notably, 76% of buyers are men from Russia and Ukraine, who account for 68% and 13% of purchases, respectively. The majority of buyers fall within the 37 to 51 age range, with the youngest buyer being 22 and the oldest 76. This diverse clientele reflects Layan Verde’s broad international appeal.

Vadym Bukhkalov, CEO of VillaCarte Group, notes the substantial transformation in Phuket’s real estate landscape over the past 12 years. The area has seen significant infrastructure developments, including new neighborhoods, roads, and amenities. Bukhkalov predicts dynamic growth and price increases in Phuket's real estate market over the next few years, driven by external investment and post-pandemic demand.

In response to increased demand, Layan Verde is launching the new premium investment B3 building. Operating under the Dusit Collection brand, known globally for its hotels and resorts, B3 is strategically located in the heart of the Layan Verde complex, close to shops, cafes, and the Ocean Club.

Building B3 features seven stories and offers eight diverse layout options, from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Each unit will be delivered with high-quality finishes, with an option for a comprehensive furniture package. The building will also receive the EDGE certificate, ensuring up to 45% savings on utility bills through advanced technologies. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

About Layan Verde and VillaCarte Group

Layan Verde is a unique residential project in Choeng Thale, Phuket, blending contemporary luxury with the island’s serene environment. Designed by Top-40 architect Mohammed Adib, the estate covers 108,000 square meters and includes 945 apartments across 15 buildings. It features extensive landscaping and a self-sufficient mini-city environment, with on-site shopping and dining options.

VillaCarte Group, founded in 2012, has established itself as a key player in Thailand’s real estate market with over 12 years of experience. The company’s portfolio includes over 300,000 square meters of development projects, encompassing 1,600 villas and apartments, four hotels, and more than 30 cafes, bars, and restaurants. Notable projects include La Vista Villas, Layan Green Park, La Green Hotel & Residence, Villa Carte, and Sabai Ecoverse.

Hilton, a global leader in hospitality, has set forth an ambitious plan to significantly expand its footprint in the lifestyle hotel segment, aiming to double its presence by adding 350 properties within the next four years. This strategic move comes in response to the company's recent acquisitions and the growing demand for lifestyle accommodations.

Hilton's expansion strategy is fueled by recent acquisitions and partnerships that have positioned the company for substantial growth in the lifestyle hotel category. Earlier this year, Hilton acquired a controlling interest in the Sydell Group, a move aimed at expanding the globally renowned NoMad luxury lifestyle brand. Additionally, the company sealed a $210 million agreement with AJ Capital to acquire the Graduate Hotels brand, which boasts over 35 properties worldwide.

In line with its aggressive growth strategy, Hilton aims to open more than 100 new lifestyle hotels this year alone, marking the debut of its 400th property in this category. This follows the addition of over 50 new lifestyle hotels last year and the approval of another 100 properties.

Key Brands Driving Growth

Hilton's portfolio of lifestyle brands, including Canopy by Hilton, Graduate by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Tempo by Hilton, are poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

• Canopy by Hilton: The brand has launched its first resort property in Seychelles and has signed six new hotels in the first quarter of the year, expanding into Greece, Malta, and soon Japan.

• Curio Collection by Hilton: With a presence in 40 countries by mid-2024, the brand plans to open nearly 30 new properties this year, including the Keight Hotel Opatija in Croatia.

• Motto by Hilton: Set to reach ten countries by 2026, the brand has upcoming openings in Hong Kong and Bentonville, Arkansas.

• Tapestry Collection by Hilton: Expanding into markets such as Thailand, Paraguay, and Türkiye, with the first Hilton in Bermuda set to open later this year as Bermudiana Beach Resort.

• Tempo by Hilton: Expected to have around 30 hotels open by 2026, with new openings in Times Square, New York City, and Nashville.

To spearhead the growth and development of its lifestyle brands, Hilton has appointed Kevin Osterhaus as the president of global lifestyle brands. Osterhaus will oversee the expansion, design, and development of brands within the lifestyle segment.

Kevin Jacobs, Hilton's chief financial officer and global development president, expressed excitement about the company's growth prospects in the lifestyle segment. He emphasised Hilton's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of developers and guests worldwide, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of the hospitality industry.

With its strategic acquisitions, robust expansion plans, and strong brand portfolio, Hilton is poised to redefine the lifestyle hotel experience and capture new markets around the globe.

For more information about Hilton and its lifestyle brands, visit Hilton's official website.

Jetwing Hotels, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector for over five decades, is spearheading a green revolution in the industry with its latest investment in renewable energy. With a commitment exceeding USD 1 million, Jetwing is set to expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) installations by 1.6 megawatts (MW) by July 2024, marking a significant leap towards a more sustainable future.

Jetwing’s journey towards sustainability began over a decade ago, with the installation of a 20-kilowatt (kW) solar PV system at Jetwing Blue in Negombo. Since then, the brand has strategically implemented solar PV systems totaling 925kW across its properties, alongside a 40kW system at its corporate office in Colombo. In 2023, Jetwing Hotels generated over 1,000-megawatt hours (MWh) of solar energy, equivalent to powering more than 13,000 households and mitigating 608 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The forthcoming expansion represents a significant milestone for Jetwing Hotels, aiming to triple its current solar power contribution and cover 24% of its total electricity usage. Embracing innovation, certain properties will integrate PV systems into car park roof structures, maximizing space utilization and energy efficiency. Moreover, surplus energy will be exported to the national grid, further reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.

Jetwing Safari Camp, situated near Yala National Park, will lead by example with a 120kW roof-mount solar PV system, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. This initiative underscores Jetwing Hotels’ proactive approach to environmental stewardship, aligning with Sri Lanka’s ambitious goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Recognition from the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka highlights Jetwing Hotels’ commitment to sustainability, reinforcing its position as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism. With a legacy spanning over half a century, Jetwing Hotels continues to redefine luxury hospitality while championing responsible tourism practices. Through ongoing initiatives focused on community empowerment, environmental conservation, and resource efficiency, Jetwing Hotels remains dedicated to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.