The Bill Bensley-designed venue, originally intended to be a condominium development, has morphed into a boutique resort and club, boasting that it “brings together art, cuisine and entertainment in a unique destination created through an artistic vision, embracing nature and fun”.
Behind it is Johan Hansen, a highly successful Belgian property developer, whose Skyline Projects is one of Belgium’s largest developers with projects in Flanders as well as office parks and property on the Belgian coast. Mr Hansen and his team were also involved in developments in Hungary and Croatia.
The opening event included an exclusive party and will be followed by a “reinvigorating” Sunday Butterfly Brunch with the release of 2,000 butterflies.
Mr Hansen, President and CEO of Beach Projects, the investment group behind BB Phuket said at a recent press conference, “BB is our first development in Asia. My heart is in the Andaman Sea; I love Thailand and the passion of Thai people, and that is the reason why I chose East Phuket as the location for my latest venture; it is a location that seduced me with its natural beauty. There is an exceptional energy here.
“To make BB Phuket extraordinary, we brought together a group of passionate and talented people who put their drive and passion into its success.”
Apart from Bensley, the team he refers to includes Belgian artist Arne Quinze who is creating large sculptures for the resort, architects Arcas Europe, designers P. Tendercool, and clothing designers Martine & Armand Hadida of L’Eclaireur.
The resort’s Jo’Ha Restaurant is headed by Parisian chef Jeremy Tourret, formerly of L’Appart restaurant at the Bangkok Sofitel.
Finally, unique in a Phuket resort, will be a branch of LaClinic, founded by Swiss aesthetic surgeon Michel Pfulg, said to be ranked among the 10 best plastic surgeons in the world.
“It’s our team together with our guests who will make BB Phuket amazing, and bring joy to all who visit.”
Apart from the apartments, guests can have fun in the BB Pool Club and Sandbox, with its “Lounge, Swim, Eat and Play” concept tucked in among mangroves but with views across Phang Nga Bay.
In April the accommodation will open. Each of the spacious and opulent units in The Lodge has a one-off signature motif; once in their rooms, guests will be met by a carefully curated selection of art, with each room containing pieces to compliment the overall theme.
Fitting in with the resort’s motto, “pushing the boundaries of unordinary” the themes will run from the Birds and the Bees, featuring a conversation pit, six-person tub, and mosaic tile decoration depicting the Thai tattoo of a bird; to Hemingway’s Havana, a vintage-inspired room dominated by a four-poster bed, palm wallpaper, Spanish tiles and Cuban doorway.
This fusion of technology and art extends to the Dome, a 300-person air-conditioned interactive event hall comprising a sophisticated digital lighting system.
The BB Phuket website is at bbphuket.com