Dusit International to Manage Luxury Resort and Residences in Phuket

Dusit International to Manage Luxury Resort and Residences in Phuket

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 10, 2024

Dusit International, a leading hotel and property development company in Thailand, has entered into a partnership with Phuket-based real estate developer VillaCarte Group to manage a dual-branded luxury hotel and residence project in Phuket. This new development, Layan Verde, is set to open in 2027 and aims to become an iconic destination on the island’s west coast.

Located just 800 meters from Bang Tao Beach, Layan Verde spans over 108,000 square meters and features 15 mid-rise buildings designed by Mohammed Adi, Chief Design Officer at Dewan Architects + Engineers. The design focuses on blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, incorporating principles of Biophilic Architecture for energy efficiency and sustainability.

The project will consist of two distinct brands: Dusit Collection and Dusit Residences. The Dusit Collection – Layan Verde hotel will be the first under Dusit’s new luxury brand, offering 398 rooms across five buildings. This brand targets luxury hotels in iconic locations, known for their unique architecture and exceptional guest experiences.

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Dusit Residences – Layan Verde will manage another five buildings with 388 rooms. This brand brings Dusit’s renowned five-star hospitality service to luxury condominiums and apartments, leveraging its extensive experience in managing high-end hotels and resorts globally.

Guests and residents at both Dusit Collection and Dusit Residences Layan Verde will enjoy a range of premium amenities. These include an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a kids club, a rooftop bar, and expansive banqueting spaces. Additionally, the project will feature a shopping center and an ocean club, enhancing the luxury residential offerings in the region.

In line with VillaCarte Group’s vision for sustainable real estate development and Dusit’s commitment to environmental conservation, the project will adhere to principles of Biophilic Architecture. Interiors will feature eco-friendly, moisture-resistant materials and premium high-quality furniture. Advanced EDGE-certified technology will be used to reduce water and electricity consumption by up to 45%.

Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Global Development at Dusit International, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “Our partnership with VillaCarte Group represents a unique opportunity to redefine luxury residential living in Phuket. By combining Layan Verde’s stunning location and commitment to sustainable design with Dusit’s over 75 years of experience in Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, we will create a truly world-class offering that caters to the discerning needs of locals, residents, guests, and investors alike. This project perfectly complements our existing Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket resort and further strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences in Phuket.”

VillaCarte Group’s Co-CEO, Maxim Spiridonov, said “Dusit International is renowned for its gracious hospitality and expanding network of properties worldwide. Collaborating with the company is the first step in our strategy of partnering with reputable global brands, and we are confident Dusit’s expertise will help elevate Layan Verde to the level of a landmark project and an iconic symbol of Phuket.”

Dusit International’s portfolio now includes 301 properties across 18 countries, with plans for more than 60 additional properties in the pipeline. This expansion solidifies Dusit’s position as a major player in the global hospitality industry, offering diverse and luxurious accommodation options.


Dwarika’s to Host Luxurious Indra Jatra Celebration on 6th September

Dwarika’s to Host Luxurious Indra Jatra Celebration on 6th September

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu and its sister property, Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, are set to host a grand cultural celebration on 6th September 2025, bringing to life Nepal’s most revered festival, Indra Jatra. This exclusive experience allows guests to immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions in a luxurious, crowd-free setting, making it an ideal cultural escape, especially for Indian travellers who can visit Nepal without a visa.

Indra Jatra, celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Kingdom, marks the transition from monsoon to harvest season and honours Lord Indra, the rain god. The eight-day festival is famed for its vibrant rituals, masked dances, and the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, drawing devotees and visitors alike.

At Dwarika’s Hotel, the festival will be recreated within its historic courtyard, offering guests an intimate glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual and artistic heritage. The evening will feature mesmerising folk dances, including Devi and Aarati performances and the iconic Lakhey masked dances, accompanied by traditional music from instruments such as Khain, Paschima, Bhusya, and Madal. Guests will also have the rare chance to take part in the pulling of the sacred chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari.

A lavish Newari feast will be the centrepiece of the evening, with Samaybaji, locally brewed drinks, and a spread of traditional dishes that showcase the region’s culinary legacy. The celebrations extend to Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, a wellness sanctuary inspired by Buddhist medicine and Himalayan Vedic traditions, located just 45 minutes from Kathmandu Airport. Guests here will experience the symbolic festival recreated in a serene hillside setting.

“Indra Jatra is more than a festival; it is a profound expression of Nepal’s spiritual soul and exemplifies Newar’s living heritage, celebrated with reverence, artistry, and joy, an experience we are proud to share with the world,” said René Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, Chief Operating Officer, The Dwarika’s.

Hosting and reimagining Indra Jatra aligns with Dwarika’s vision of preserving Nepal’s living heritage while offering travellers refined, culturally rich experiences. With direct flights from major Indian cities and no visa requirements for Indian passport holders, the event is a perfect opportunity for those seeking an authentic cultural journey in luxury.

For more details or to plan your visit, guests may contact sales@dwarikas.com.


Intrepid Travel Expands Central Asia Presence with New Uzbekistan Office

Intrepid Travel Expands Central Asia Presence with New Uzbekistan Office

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Intrepid Travel, the world’s leading provider of adventure travel experiences, has announced plans to expand its destination management network with a new country office in Uzbekistan, scheduled to open later this year.

The move comes as demand for Central Asia experiences continues to grow, with bookings across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan rising by 70% year-on-year in 2025. The Tashkent-based office will operate as a Destination Management Company (DMC), led by a country general manager and supported by a small operational team and regional trip leaders. It will support locally managed trips and community-connected experiences, further reinforcing Intrepid’s commitment to sustainable and immersive travel.

This will be Intrepid’s 32nd office worldwide and aligns with its 2030 strategy to scale locally managed DMCs and deliver authentic, community-based travel.

Natalie Kidd, Intrepid Travel’s Managing Director Asia and Head of Global Operations, said: “This is a natural next step in our strategy to grow where we’re seeing momentum and to support that growth with strong local teams. Central Asia is an exciting region for Intrepid, and having our own DMC in Uzbekistan means we can better support our leaders, partners and travellers on the ground.”

Ashish Verma, Regional General Manager North and South Asia, added: “Uzbekistan has seen a huge surge in interest, with its rich culture, welcoming communities and incredible landscapes. We’ve had strong relationships with partners here for many years, and we’re excited to build on that foundation with a dedicated local team.”

Alongside the new office, Intrepid recently launched two new itineraries in Central Asia. The 10-day Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails offers nomadic paths through the western Tien Shan mountains with overnight yurt stays and alpine lake views. The 16-day Highlights of Central Asia journey takes travellers across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, featuring unique experiences such as a yurt stay near Issyk Kul Lake, a home-cooked meal with a family in Uzbekistan, and wine tasting at a family-run winery in Almaty.


Meliá Pattaya Named Among the World’s Most Guest-Friendly Hotels

Meliá Pattaya Named Among the World’s Most Guest-Friendly Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 5, 2025

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has been recognised as one of the world’s “Most Guest-Friendly Hotels”, receiving the prestigious International Guest Certified Hotel Award 2025 just months after its debut.

Located in the heart of Pattaya near Bangkok, the 234-room property opened on February 14, 2025, and has already made a mark for its outstanding hospitality. The award, founded in Austria in 2004, was reimagined this year by Victoria Overhauser and filmmaker Matthias Konig. Unlike traditional award formats that rely on applications or judging panels, winners were selected using AI-powered analysis of authentic guest reviews.

Guest feedback highlighted Meliá Pattaya’s warm welcomes, attentive service, and personal touches that made stays memorable. Reviews praised staff for remembering guest preferences, offering thoughtful recommendations, and creating a sense of comfort and belonging from arrival to departure.

Expressing delight at the recognition, Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, said:

“This award is testament to our efforts to deliver Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service, and focus on customer wellbeing at our one-of-a-kind hotel in an unbeatable location.”

Set on Pattaya’s Second Road, the hotel provides convenient access to top attractions including Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, Central Festival Pattaya, Sanctuary of Truth, Bali Hai Pier, and Koh Larn Island.

Its facilities include a signature swimming pool with Lula Pool Bar, YHI Spa, Kidsdom kids club, fully equipped gym, coworking spaces, and versatile meeting venues. Dining options range from Yitong Chinese Restaurant and Sky Bar, serving Cantonese and Sichuan specialties, to Sanehh Sarae, which showcases Pattaya’s coastal seafood heritage. The property also features Den, a Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant inspired by nearby Si Racha.

With this early accolade, Meliá Pattaya is set to emerge as a leading destination for travellers seeking world-class hospitality with a personal touch on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

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