Layan Verde Celebrates Successful High Season Sales and Announces New Launch

Layan Verde Celebrates Successful High Season Sales and Announces New Launch

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 22, 2024

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.


Muthaiga Travel Showcases ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’ to Indian Travel Trade

Muthaiga Travel Showcases ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’ to Indian Travel Trade

By Hariharan U

Published on April 28, 2026

Muthaiga Travel recently hosted an exclusive webinar titled ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’, aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse travel experiences to Indian travel agents.

Held on April 24, 2026, the session was led by Stephen Opondo, Senior Tours Consultant, along with Lucy Bett. The webinar focused on expanding perceptions of Kenya as a destination that goes beyond its globally renowned wildlife safaris.

While Kenya is widely associated with safari tourism, the presentation highlighted its beachfront destinations, destination wedding opportunities, honeymoon itineraries, and immersive cultural experiences. These offerings position the country as a year-round destination suited for families, couples, and experiential travellers.

The initiative also aimed to strengthen ties with Indian travel partners by identifying agencies aligned with delivering seamless and experience-driven itineraries. The growing demand from India for unique and contemporary travel experiences has created an opportunity for destinations like Kenya to diversify their positioning.

Commenting on the initiative, Mira Bid said, “Kenya has grown over the years to offer tourism attractions to Indian travellers that go beyond the legendary safaris. Through this webinar, we aimed to present these diverse experiences while partnering with key travel partners from India.”

As the Indian outbound travel market continues to expand, such engagements play a key role in driving inbound tourism and destination awareness, positioning Kenya as a versatile and accessible international getaway.


Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Air Canada has increased the frequency of its Delhi–Toronto flights, making the service double daily to meet the rising demand for travel between India and North America.

The move comes at a time when airlines operating between the Middle East and North America are facing capacity challenges. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in the closure of several airspaces across the Middle East, leading to widespread disruption. Many airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights to the region and on routes that pass through it.

To respond to the growing demand, Canada’s flag carrier is now operating two flights a day between Delhi and Toronto until the end of April. The enhanced schedule is aimed at supporting Indian travellers planning trips to North America during this period.

Under the current schedule, one flight departs from Delhi at 21:45 and arrives in Toronto at 05:00 the following day. The return service leaves Toronto at 19:55 and lands in Delhi at 20:10 the next day.

Travellers looking for more details on schedules and service updates can visit Air Canada’s official website for the latest information on flights between India and Canada.


The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

The Hari Hong Kong is bringing fresh dining experiences this season with the launch of ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and new seasonal menus at Lucciola.

At Zoku restaurant & The Terrace, Wednesdays now come alive with ‘This is Izakaya’, a lively Japanese dining experience that blends food, drinks, and music. Inspired by izakaya culture in Japan, guests can enjoy Nomihodai (free-flow drinks at a set price) paired with unlimited shared snacks, while live performances from singers and DJs create a vibrant midweek gathering.

The curated menu includes salmon tartar tacos, spicy edamame, Kyushu chicken wings, sake salmon skewers in teriyaki sauce, and sushi rolls like Kagoshima pork belly with pickled radish, miso, and lime or salmon with avocado, cucumber, and ponzu. Prices start at HKD368 per person for 90 minutes, with optional add-ons such as tiger prawn tempura (HKD58) and soft-shell crab rolls (HKD48). The drinks menu ranges from Asahi to martinis, along with non-alcoholic beers and crafted zero-proof cocktails.

Zoku’s October entertainment line-up includes DJ Miles, singer-songwriter Lili Forest 木子, singer Kasey Pong, busker RT Wong, and songwriter Josh Dionisio. With its striking design of leather booths, crimson banquettes, and origami-like timber ceilings, Zoku offers an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Lucciola, The Hari’s Italian restaurant, is highlighting the best of sea and woodland ingredients with new seasonal offerings. Seafood takes center stage every weekend with dishes like Impepata di Cozze (black-peppered steamed mussels), Crudo di Mare (fresh seafood platter), and Ostriche e Caviale (seasonal oysters with Ossetra caviar. On Thursdays, the ‘Mussel-icious’ promotion offers endless mussels with fries and salad.

Lucciola is also celebrating autumn flavors with a porcini mushroom set menu available until November 15, 2025. The multi-course menu showcases porcini mushrooms from northern Italy and Mediterranean figs in dishes such as Carpaccio di Fichi with Parma ham, Tagliatelle Funghi with beef cheek ragout, and Risotto Carnaroli with porcini, tomino cheese, and seasonal black truffle. Desserts include tiramisu, caramelized fig pie, or almond lemon cake. The full menu is priced at HKD688, with smaller course options starting at HKD568.

Both experiences highlight The Hari Hong Kong’s continued innovation in blending international flavors with immersive dining experiences, creating memorable evenings for its guests.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.