Minor Hotels Introduces NH Collection to Thailand

Minor Hotels Announces First NH Collection Property in Thailand

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 6, 2024

Minor Hotels, a leading hospitality group, has announced the upcoming rebranding of Peace Resort Samui into NH Collection Samui, marking the arrival of NH Collection – an upscale brand synonymous with European refinement – to Thailand. From 1st January 2025, following a property upgrade, the resort will start operating as NH Collection Samui.

The 122-key property enjoys a prime location directly on Bophut Beach, nestled along the northern shore of Koh Samui at the foot of a lush hill, offering privacy and tranquillity while remaining conveniently close to shopping and entertainment. Originally established in 1977 by the Pupaiboon family, the property has been independently operated ever since, becoming a popular holiday destination for generations of Thais and international guests.

The resort is strategically positioned within easy reach of the vibrant Fisherman’s Village that is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. A mere 400 meters from NH Collection Samui, a sister property, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, offers a host of upscale leisure and dining options, suggesting an opportunity for shared facilities and additional benefits.

Catering to a wide variety of travelers, from solo vacationers to extended families, NH Collection Samui offers a mix of deluxe rooms, bungalows, and villas, some with private swimming pools and direct beach access. The all-day-dining restaurant serves local and global flavors alongside ocean views; the bar pours passionate drinks from its strategic position between the pool and the beach; and the lobby-side Indigo Lounge is an elegant haven of tea and cakes. Seafood and meat lovers can also request a private in-villa BBQ experience.

Recreational facilities abound, including a fitness center, water sports center, and kids’ and teens’ facilities ranging from cinema and indoor play area to a shaded outdoor playground. For necessities, there is a thoughtfully stocked retail shop, while flexible meeting and event spaces will showcase NH Collection’s signature blend of intuitive service, top-range technology, and unexpected design touches.

“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed Pupaiboon family to bring the first NH Collection hotel to Thailand as part of the brand’s expansion outside of Europe and Americas,” said Mark O’Sullivan, Vice President of Operations - Bangkok, Samui, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. “Our joint vision for the beloved resort includes potential further development down the line, including stand-alone villas or branded residential units for sale to meet a growing demand for upscale holiday homes and investment properties. I look forward to welcoming guests to this exceptional addition to our collection of resorts in Thailand.”

Samui Airport is approximately 15-20 minutes by car. Nathon Pier, which connects Koh Samui to Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Phangan, and other popular destinations, is a 25-minute drive away. NH Collection Samui joins Minor Hotels’ portfolio as the fifth property on the island and over twenty in Thailand.

About NH Collection Hotels & Resorts:

NH Collection is Minor Hotels’ upper-upscale brand, noteworthy for its unique and emblematic hotels in principle cities of Europe, the Americas, and Middle East. Based on the chain’s premium value proposition, these hotels retain their local character to inspire and captivate their guests. Striving for going beyond ordinary, NH Collection Hotels are thoroughly designed for those who want to make the most of their stays and live moments truly extraordinary through unique, creative, and innovative experiences.

At NH Collection hotels, the staff provides the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that guests continuously enjoy extraordinary experiences and personalized service. Whether for business or leisure travel and for those seeking relaxing moments, NH Collection hotels offer inspiring, versatile, and stimulating venues that maximize creativity and enjoyment.

About Minor Hotels:

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 550 hotels, resorts, and residences in 56 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator, and investor, Minor Hotels fulfills the needs and desires of today’s global travelers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks, and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

For more information, please visit minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

By Author

Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

Most Read In News

Christmas Must-Try Menus and Festive Events to Explore in Mu...

Mumbai’s festive season dining gets a vibrant lift this Chri...

Healthy Plum Cake Recipe: Elevate Your Christmas Table with ...

This Christmas season, festive baking gets a healthier and m...

Elevated Festivity Unfolds at Novotel Vijayawada Varun with ...

Novotel Vijayawada Varun ushers in the festive season with a...

Garden Café Brings the Joy of Christmas Alive With Santa Vis...

Garden Café is all set to spread festive cheer this Christma...

A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.