The infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort at Phulay Bay overlooks the Andaman Sea
In their usually high-minded way, Ritz-Carlton aims for lavish and alluring, secluded and sensory, in its new type of resort called Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The first of them will open shortly in Thailand, at Phulay Bay, about two hours from Phuket.
But for those with a more plebeian orientation, itʼs hard not to recall Fantasy Island. I mean that in a good way.
In Thailand, just 54 rooms will be supported by close to 300 staff; each guest will have a personal concierge; and nearly anything you wish can be accommodated at any hour you choose.
In the spa, there are 11 treatment rooms ‒ it would be normal to find this quantity at a 400-room hotel ‒ and beyond the resort itself there are opportunities to explore pristine neighboring islets ‒ uncommon at a hotel of any size.
Originally, plans for Ritz-Carlton Reserve were made at a time of vibrant economic development and the timetable for their development ‒ perhaps 15 locations in all ‒ has slowed, but not been derailed. Among its many distinctions, Ritz-Carltonʼs management team is known for taking the long view, thus avoiding knee-jerk changes to a brand that is renown for its graciousness and constancy.
The Reserve resort at Phulay Bay, reached via the airports at Krabi (40 minutesʼ distance) or Phuket (2 hours away), will open for business on December 22, 2009.
Other Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are anticipated as well: Molasses Reef, a Turks and Caicos project that was 75 percent complete when partner Lehman Brothers collapsed, will be resumed when another financing partner steps into the role. Guacamaya in Costa Rica is expected to open in 2011, and Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico is slated for a 2012 opening. Beyond those, Ritz-Carlton is actively considering Abu Dhabi, South Africa, India, and a ski resort location for additional Reserve locations.
Our choices for extracurricular activities at Phulay Bay: a seaplane tour with a private picnic on an outlying island; a candlelit massage within view of the sunset; and at least one lazy day with absolutely no advance plans whatsoever.
Peg Prideaux, CTC
111109
January 19th, 2010 at 4:21 am
For people seeking sun, sand and plenty of adventure, Thailand is amongst the top places in the world to visit.Thailand is called the land of smiles and for a good reason. Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort is nice and whenever i plan a trip to Thailand i will stay there. Thanks