The iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok is set to reopen on September 27, 2024, following a major transformation. To celebrate its return, the hotel has launched a 10-episode docuseries, An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries, which chronicles the hotel’s redevelopment over the past five years. This series, which began with a teaser trailer on September 3, 2024, is available on the hotel's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The series documents the hotel’s history, starting with its original construction in 1969 by Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui. "When talking about Dusit Thani Bangkok, many people think about my mother, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, who built the original hotel following her vision to uniquely deliver gracious Thai hospitality to the world," said Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman of Dusit International. The hotel, with its unique design, became a landmark and stood for over 50 years as a symbol of Thai hospitality.

The new Dusit Thani Bangkok will continue to reflect this legacy while incorporating modern design and luxury. According to Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO of Dusit International, the hotel’s redesign has been guided by three pillars: “The legacy continues – Gracious, now and always,” “Iconic grandeur for a new generation,” and “Luxury redefined through distinctive experiences.” These pillars ensure that the hotel retains its identity while adapting to modern needs.

The new hotel, situated in the same location as the original property, is part of the Dusit Central Park development. This mixed-use project includes luxury residences, offices, retail spaces, and a rooftop park, all set to open in 2025. The 39-floor, 257-room hotel offers spacious guest rooms with views of Lumpini Park. Designed by André Fu Studio, the rooms combine cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics, providing guests with a luxurious and immersive experience.

The hotel also features a variety of dining options, a multi-level rooftop bar, expansive meeting spaces, and one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok, all overlooking Lumpini Park. Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy the Devarana Wellness Centre, offering a range of health and relaxation services.

Several elements of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok have been preserved in the new building, including the golden spire inspired by the stupa of Wat Arun, traditional artworks by National Artist Paiboon Suwannakudt, and carved teakwood ceiling panels. The hotel’s Heritage Floor also features a virtual library showcasing the history of the hotel and the Silom area.

"Maintaining Dusit Thani Bangkok’s iconic identity has been our mission from the very start," said Suthumpun. The preservation efforts, including artworks by Silpakorn University artists, are featured in the docuseries. New episodes of An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries will be released every Tuesday throughout September.

After a thoughtful restoration and the addition of numerous enhancements, a long-time European summer favorite has reopened as a new Four Seasons experience. Set in the heart of a vast private estate with carefully restored gardens, seaside woodlands, rugged cliffs, and secret beaches, the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor has reemerged as a sustainable and soulful luxury holiday destination, retaining its glam-chic charm.

“With our legacy of reviving legendary hotels with a respectful approach to modernization, we are very pleased to add Hotel Formentor to our portfolio of historic European properties that have been restored and enhanced as a new Four Seasons experience,” says Rainer Stampfer, Four Seasons President, Global Operations – Hotels and Resorts. “As we welcome a new generation of holidaymakers who love the sun, sand, and sea, all wrapped in the heartfelt care for which Four Seasons is renowned, the story of this beloved destination continues.”

The 40-hectare (100-acre) resort is set amid a large estate that also includes a working vineyard, offering a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet easily connected to surrounding sites and recreational activities. The resort blends poetic charm with luxury hospitality and European sophistication, respecting the natural beauty of the land and its history.

Modern Interiors Surrounded by Thoughtfully Restored Gardens and Natural Wilderness

Sustainability is at the core of the resort’s restoration efforts. All 110 guest rooms and suites feature terraces facing the sea, with some offering private plunge pools. The bright and airy décor uses natural materials throughout, evoking a seaside glamour that is both nostalgic and modern. The surrounding landscape has been meticulously restored, with native plantings of fragrant flowers among towering pine groves, allowing for walking paths, exotic garden settings for events, and quiet spaces for reflection.

A Destination Within: Exploring the Formentor Peninsula

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor is the starting point for explorers of all interests. The resort’s concierge team offers a suite of unique experiences and one-of-a-kind excursions guided by local experts. Highlights include the full-day Enchanting Tramuntana mountain tour, yachting tours around the Formentor Coastline, and a full-day trip to the island of Menorca. Guests can also enjoy hiking, biking, snorkelling, and a variety of water sports, with expert instruction and guided treks available.

From the Height of Excitement to the Ultimate in Relaxation

The resort offers something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping water sports to relaxing on the beach with a cold drink. Guests can borrow bicycles, play tennis, or simply unwind on the plush sunbeds provided. For families, the Kids For All Seasons program offers a range of activities, with a dedicated teen center set to open in 2025.

A Gastronome’s - and a Cook’s – Paradise

Culinary experiences at the resort are overseen by Executive Chef Francesco Mannelli. Dining options include Mel, which serves a farm-and-sea-fresh Mediterranean menu, Quiosc, an open kitchen and terrace by the pool, and Xiringuito, a beachfront eatery offering refreshing drinks and light fare. Oenophiles will appreciate the resort’s private vineyard, where they can learn about the grapes and the growers.

The concierge team has also curated special experiences, such as a morning at a farmer’s market and an olive oil tour. The Ancient Finca Discovery tour offers a hands-on cooking class at sunset in a 13th-century stone house, followed by stargazing with a local astronomer.

Mind, Body, and Soul – Spa and Wellness at Four Seasons

Wellness is a key focus at the resort. Guests can practice Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, led by a mindfulness expert, or join an oil painting workshop with a local artist. The resort’s gym offers state-of-the-art facilities, and a pop-up spa is available for the 2024 season, with a full-service spa set to open in 2025.

Book Now and Be Part of a Continuing History

In celebration of its grand opening, Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor is offering several packages for guests of its inaugural season, running until October 31, 2024. The resort will reopen in March 2025 for its second season. Guests can arrive in style with limousine service from the airport to Port de Pollensa, where they will board a luxury yacht for the final leg of the journey.

With its variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, the resort is also an ideal setting for corporate retreats and destination weddings. The resort’s expert events specialists are available to help plan memorable occasions.

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons opened its first hotel in 1961 and has since become a global leader in luxury hospitality and branded residential properties. The company currently operates 132 hotels and resorts in 47 countries and continues to grow with a guest-centric mindset. Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars, offering unparalleled service experiences. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com.

Contact: fourseasons@kwtglobal.com

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.