Following changes to sales operations and the introduction of new marketing strategies last year, AWG has opted not to extend its lease on the Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort in Patong because the resort “no longer fits the standards” found within AWG’s own mixed-use resort portfolio.
“We have managed and operated Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort for 11 years and its prime location in Patong has made it a popular resort with our members.
“However, this is the only resort in our portfolio in Phuket that we do not own and manage ourselves and, without a major overhaul, the resort is no longer up to the standard we wish to offer our guests.
“We have decided not to continue our lease,” said AWG Chairman and CEO Bryan Lunt.
“As of May 1, 2015, this resort will no longer be branded or operated by AWG and it will no longer be offered to our members around the world.”
All other resorts on Phuket, as well as The Beach Samui boutique resort, soon to open on Koh Samui, are owned by the Group.
“We are looking to the future and our strategy of developing and operating our own resorts allows us complete control over the standards and service levels our owners, members and guests are used to.
“Our commitment to [Phuket and Koh Samui] has seen us invest over B2.1 billion into the development of four unique resorts for our guests across Phuket and Koh Samui in the past five years, welcoming over 24,000 vacationers to our resorts each year,” Lunt added.
AWG’s Phuket resort portfolio includes Absolute Bangla Suites (54 keys), Absolute Nakalay Boutique Resort (33 keys) and Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa Phase I (45 keys).
Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa Phase II (52 keys) comes online end of 2015 and Phase III (78 keys) is scheduled to open in 2016.