Minor Hotels Announces First NH Hotel in Asia

NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort Phuket

Minor Hotels is delighted to announce the signing of a management agreement with Phuket Boat Lagoon Co. Ltd to rebrand the existing Boat Lagoon Resort in Phuket to NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, marking the arrival of NH Hotels to Thailand and the brand’s Asia debut on 1 November 2022. The official signing was presided over by William E Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, owning company of Minor Hotels. The rebranding process will be completed in phases.

NH Hotels, positioned as an upscale brand, promises a trustworthy guest experience by offering brilliant basics with heartfelt service across an existing portfolio of over 330 hotels in 30 countries across Europe and the Americas. NH Hotel Group, which also includes the premium boutique NH Collection brand and premium lifestyle nhow brand, was acquired by Minor Hotels in 2018 and integrated into Minor Hotels’ corporate portfolio. The rebranding of Boat Lagoon resort to an NH hotel is another milestone for the group following the announcement earlier this year of NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River which is set to open in mid-2023, the first hotel under the boutique NH Collection brand in Thailand.

The NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort will be located on the east coast of Phuket, in the heart of the well-known Boat Lagoon, Phuket’s first full-service marina, making it an attractive destination for leisure travellers and families seeking to explore Phuket’s cultural and shopping activities. While the popular Phuket beach neighbourhoods and Phuket town are all within a short driving distance, the resort will also serve as convenient stopover accommodation for travellers looking to explore the various islands in Phang Nga Bay such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai.

The 271-key property will feature a mix of rooms and serviced apartments, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby café, swimming pool with a bar, gym, tennis court and a kids’ club. The resort will also cater to the MICE market, offering extensive meeting and event facilities, including a 1,000-square-metre marquee or large events, a business centre and ample on-site parking. For long-stay guests, the Boat Lagoon marina offers a range of local shops and conveniences including Villa Market, as well as restaurants and entertainment facilities including an ice-skating rink. The world class lifestyle marina, with premium facilities for over 300 boats with best-in-class boat repairs and maintenance resources on site, is an additional draw.

William E Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Phuket Boat Lagoon Co. Ltd., for the launch of our first NH Hotel in Asia. It is a great pleasure to work with likeminded partners who are also committed to developing and enhancing the tourism sector in the region.”

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, commented, “We are pleased to announce our strategic partnership with Phuket Boat Lagoon Co. Ltd to bring the NH brand to Thailand and establish the property as the brand’s launchpad in the Asian market. We look forward to working together to further position the property as a key leisure and MICE destination in Phuket, as well as driving the high-potential long-stay segment.”

Khun Boon Yongsakul, Managing Director of Phuket Boat Lagoon Co. Ltd. commented, “We are delighted to partner with Minor Hotels and launch a new chapter for one of Phuket’s most beloved and well-established resorts. With a positioning towards family, long-stay and MICE segments, we think that the NH brand with its focus on value and service excellence is the right fit for the market.”

*Source: MARION WALSH HEDOUINMINOR HOTELS, VP PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS mwalsh@minor.com