X2 Resorts

Come down to X2 Rayong for some Reggae on the Beach!

2010-02-24T19:37:00.001-08:00

Contact reservations.rayong@x2resorts.com for more information.

18th Discovery Thailand Travel Show Promotion 11th - 14th March 2010

2010-02-22T23:26:00.000-08:00

3 resorts under Astudo management join SRSB Love Caravan from Hua Hin to Koh Talu this Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T19:14:00.001-08:00

Bangkok, February 2010 – Astudo Hotel & Resort Group, one of Thailand’s leading hotel management, consulting and property development companies in the Asia Pacific region, has joined forces with 10 resorts in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province to form a group called “SRSB (Stylish Resorts, Secrets Beaches). The group will convoy the “Prachuap Love Caravan” this coming Valentine ’s Day from Hua Hin to Koh Talu. The aim of this event is to encourage couples, both Thai and foreign, to experience the Prachuap Khiri Khan province which is well known as one of the most romantic destinations in all of Thailand.

This Valentine’s weekend, 13-25 February 2010, SRSB and Tourism Authority of Thailand will host “Prachuap Love Caravan” where 20 couples will join the convoy from Hua Hin to Koh Talu to add sweetness and happiness to their relationships this Valentine’s Day. The event was specially designed for couples who want to get away and do something special while visiting a romantic place this Valentine’s weekend. Romantic activities will be organized by the SRSB member resorts for the couples throughout the weekend to be able to express their love for each other. One activity that will be hosted by SRSB member resort X2 Kui Buri is “Lovely Flower Bouquet for Cooker Sweetheart”. X2 Kui Buri will provide flowers and decorations to the males to make a flower bouquet for their partners while the women head to the kitchen to prepare a romantic sushi lunch for two. Other SRSB member resorts will host romantic activities throughout the weekend including a boat party themed “White Star”, an eco-activity “Grow Love Grow Coral” and numerous other activities that embrace the beauty of the natural surroundings and provide the perfect atmosphere for couples to say I love you. Astudo Hotel & Resort Group, are keen supporters of the SRSB group, signing 3 of their 8 properties up to be members; Le Bayburi Pranburi, Away Pranburi and X2 Kui Buri, all of which will take part in the Love Caravan event.

SRSB bring together a small group of resorts who aim to achieve one common objective; to create awareness and promote the Prachuap Khiri Khan area to Thai and foreign travelers to become a more popular holiday destination. There are currently 10 small to medium size resorts on 6 beaches; Pranburi beach, Sam Roi Yod beach, Kui Buri beach, Wanakorn beach, Baan Grood beach and Koh Talu beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan who make up the SRSB group. The architecture, style, design concept and furnishings of these 10 resorts are outstanding compared to other competitors in the region and all successfully embrace the natural surroundings to be an important part of the resort ambiance. All resorts are consciously taking action to ensure that development in this region preserves the natural surroundings and remains attractive for travelers while still offering all the luxuries expected for guests to relax in stylish resorts with private and peaceful surroundings.

Astudo Hotel & Resort Group continues to celebrate the season of love offering love packages from now until the end of March. Couples who wish to add more romance to their relationship this February and March can head to 1 of the 6 Away Resorts (http://www.awayresort.com/) or X2 Resorts (http://www.x2resorts.com/) located in 6 different romantic locations throughout Thailand. Moreover the staff at all the resorts of Astudo are renowned for going to extra lengths to help you surprise your special one, where they assist you to design and bring your romantic gesture to reality or if your stuck for ideas they can create the most romantic atmosphere for you to say I love you. For more information about Astudo’s love packages and help with preparing your special romantic surprise, contact reservations on +6626968239 or visit http://www.astudo.com/

Surprise the one you love at one of 3 Resorts managed by Astudo Hotel & Resort Group

X2 Kui Buri

Premier boutique design resort offering 23 high end luxury villas all with unique design, X2 Kui Buri offers a refreshing blend of metropolitan sophistication, superior facilities and sensory-rich products and services. The resort is ideally situated on a private beachfront beside a peaceful seaside village in Kui Buri.

Romantic place to say I love you at X2 Kui Buri

A picturesque setting at the edge of the boardwalk lookout in front of the 4K restaurant, sit at the edge, stretch out your legs onto the beach at the front of the resort and take in the fantastic view of the sparkling blue sea by day and the brilliant million stars by night. The background music whispers from the restaurant to create the perfect atmosphere for the second you say ‘I Love You.’

Preparation for surprise at the resort

For couples who wish to show their love through a surprise gesture – a romantic room setup, private beach dinner or an activity at sunset, let the X2 Team handle all the small details to make it happen. X2 Kui Buri would love to be your team to fulfill your surprise gesture and make your day romantic, special and memorable.

Le Bayburi Pranburi

The 4 Private villa residences situated along a stretch of Pranburi prime beachfront, offering outstanding and unique style and design, is the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Each Villa is structurally identical with the interior and landscape designs each unique. The interior designs can be described as Mediterranean Retreat, Pacific Hideaway, Modern Tropical and Scandinavian Vacation.

Romantic place to say I love you at Le Bayburi Pranburi

Around the private pool of the villa where you can spend time with your lover, feel the fresh air, enjoy the sound of the sea while drinking wine and swimming in the pool.

Preparation for surprise at the resort

The resort will set the room up for a romantic night for couples or honeymooners with rose petals arranged in a heart shape on the bed and also provide a bouquet of flowers for a man to give to his partner.

Away Pranburi

Away Pranburi consists of 4 Thai- style villas and 1 three bedroom traditional Thai Teak wood house of which is 50 years old, located in Sam Roi Yod, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 20 minutes outside the popular tourist town of Hua Hin, on the south west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Here you will discover a tranquil, luxurious and private atmosphere. The area is characterized by crystal clean natural beaches, breathtaking sea views, refreshing sea breezes and all this set against a backdrop of inland mountain ranges.

Romantic place to say I love you at Away Pranburi

Feel the fresh air in the morning around the pool, with the sunshine warming your back. The pool is the centre piece of the resort set amongst the lush green gardens and possess breathtaking sea views. Lie around the pool on sun beds and enjoy the surroundings with your loved one.

X2 Designer Weddings

2010-02-15T19:04:00.001-08:00

A new concept by X2 Resorts - “Designer Mini Bar”

2010-02-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

February, 2010 - X2 Resorts at both Samui and Kui Buri have launched this month their new concept “Designer Mini Bar”. Always pushing the envelope in a constant search for innovative ideas and experiences, the “Designer Mini Bar” has been conceptualized following comments and feedback from guests indicating a real need to provide a service that allows guests to “choose what they want in their mini bar” rather than “what the resort thinks they might need”

On arrival at the resort all guests are offered a list of items from which they choose accordingly and have them delivered to their villas with additional items able to be ordered any time during their stay. The “Designer Mini Bar” features a wide selection of snacks and drinks -many of them Thai specialties specially chosen to ensure that the local Thai economy is supported generously and furthermore, the philosophy of all X2 Resorts is to ensure that no price gauging takes place. This ensures that guests receive excellent value for money, allowing their mini bar to be stocked with items they choose at prices that are not over inflated like many other 5 star resort mini bars.

X2 Resorts continues to strive to develop new ways to stand out from the rest and avoid the “cookie cutter” mould that so many other resorts within Thailand have fallen into. They were the first in the industry to launch the arrival SMS concept where all guests receive an SMS message from the resort just prior to their arrival offering a greeting and telephone number to call in any event that they require assistance while traveling to the resort.

The “Designer Mini Bar” concept is a continuation of the X2 philosophy that sees changes being made in line with guests wants and needs in an ever changing hospitality environment which requires constant adaptation and out of the box remedies that enhance customer satisfaction.

X2 Resorts Operations manager Mr. J. Paul Snow says “It is important for us to seek new ways to be unique, to separate us from the rest. These small innovative changes show that we are listening to our guest’s comments and feedback and taking action to make their stay more personal and more memorable. This is our way to remain competitive within the tourism market in Thailand and to stay true to the X2 philosophy – if we talk the talk we MUST DELIVER THE TALK IN REAL ACTION.”

About X2 Resorts
X2 Resorts, managed by Astudo Hotel & Resort Group and member of “Design Hotels” and a “Selected Tablet Hotel” member, offers casually designed accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities. X2 Resorts collection includes X2 Kui Buri (Hua Hin), X2 Samui and X2 Rayong. Other X2 Resorts scheduled to open in mid 2010 are at Koh Kood (Kood Island), in Trat Province and Koh Tan (Coral Island), located southwest from Samui. Astudo Hotel & Resort Group currently manages and operates X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com) and The Case Hotels (www.thecase.com).

- End -

Editor’s Note: Astudo Hotel & Resort Group (www.astudo.com) is one of the top hotel management companies in Thailand. Astudo manages 4 brands with several properties in a growing portfolio. X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan and followed by Koh Samui, Rayong and soon to be Koh Kood. Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat and followed by Chiang Mai, Pranburi and soon to be Koh Pha Ngan. Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), Luxury Private Residences, first launched in Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and followed by Koh Samui. The Case Hotels (www.thecasehotels.com), the new brand of urban business hotels with The Case Bangkok schedules to open in 2010.

For media and PR enquiries please contact:
Astudo’s PR Team
Phone: +66 2696 8239
E-mail: pr@x2resorts.com
Nannarat Multanasuvirakul – Marketing Manager tartar@astudo.com
Annie Calavassy – Customer Relations Manager CRM@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.X2resorts.com and www.astudo.com

Red Day at X2 Rayong - Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day Special

2010-02-09T19:22:00.001-08:00

To make a reservation at X2 Rayong this Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day please call +6626968239 or visit www.x2resorts.com

Returning to X2 Samui for 2 nights only - Josee Koning Jazz Performer

2010-02-08T03:01:00.001-08:00

One Foot in the Rave - A Full Moon Experience at X2 Samui

2010-02-08T02:59:00.001-08:00

X2 Valentines Specials

2010-02-01T20:39:00.001-08:00

Visit www.X2resorts.com for the complete package details and to make a reservation or call us on +6626968239.

Luxury Hotels in Thailand - Top 5 Recommended!

2010-01-13T02:47:00.000-08:00

Luxury Hotels in Thailand - Top 5 Recommended!

Thailand has some great holiday destinations to offer, from the bustling city of Bangkok, to the stunning coastlines of Phuket, to the cultural, scenic hills of Chiang Mai, and many more. Many of the top hotels are located in the main tourist areas, featuring Thailand's exotic culture, scenery and luxury.

X2 Koh Samui

Tucked away in a peaceful, untouched island of Koh Samui is the X2 resort, boasting a fabulous overall design of sleek wood and stone, a sandy beach, and a stunning surrounding. Located on the south side of the island and housing just 27 guest rooms, this luxury hotel is a quiet getaway from the busy tourist hubs.

The X2 features a relaxing spa, private swimming pools, a signature restaurant and bar, and many other activities.
Trisara

The serene, luxurious Trisara resort sits surrounded by a lush tropical forest in the major tourist hub of Phuket. This highly-acclaimed luxury hotel offers a tranquil experience, as well as amazing views over the Andaman Sea.

Each of the Trisara's 42 guest suites are beautifully furnished of utmost luxury, while some guest villas feature private pools. The hotel offers spa treatments, top-notch dining, a secluded beach, and plenty of sporting activities.
The Sarojin Thailand

Surrounded by lush greenery and set by a secluded white-sand beach in Phuket is The Sarojin Thailand, an award-winning luxury hotel. The hotel houses 56 guest residences featuring a warm, comfortable atmosphere with top-notch amenities.

The Sarojin also boasts a tranquil swimming pool, numerous sporting activities, a world-class spa, on-site intimate dining, and many more.

Six Senses Hideaway Samui

The Six Senses Hideaway Samui is spread around a cliff-like edge in the quiet, untouched island of Koh Samui, surrounded by lush greenery, overlooking the sea. The luxury hotel consists of 66 hardwood villas, all of which give you a luxurious outdoorsy feeling like no other.

The hotel features some amazing dining venues, a de-stressing spa, private pool villas, a lush swimming pool, small meeting facilities, a beach, and water sports facilities.

The Chedi Chiang Mai

Set in the heart of the historical, cultural city of Chiang Mai is The Chedi, a luxury hotel of style and sophistication. Built in a crisp, modern design, the hotel is surrounded by greenery and overlooks the Mae Ping River.

Each of the hotel's 84 rooms are spacious and are equipped with first-class amenities. There is also a luxurious spa, an outdoor pool, a yoga room, and several restaurants and lounges.
Summary

Many of Thailand's top luxury hotels feature truly luxurious, modern designs with a touch of Thai culture. There are many quiet getaways all over Thailand, while there are also many first-class accommodations in the major cities.

How To Find The Right Hotel?

First you have to decide what you want to see, do and where you want to go. Then look at what Thailand luxury hotels are available in the area you have decided.

If you want to know what hotels are available in the area, go to http://www.thailandluxuryhotels.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Khoo

X2 Residences Koh Kood - Mentioned in New York Times - 31 places to visit in 2010

2010-01-12T22:28:00.000-08:00

Dear X2 Fan,

Just thought I would share with you an interesting article published in the New York Times….listing Koh Kood (where the new X2 Koh Kood will be built) as one of 31 places to visit in 2010. You can see the article at:

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/travel/10places.html#koh

Koh Kood: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/travel/2010-places-to-go.html#/5/

As you might know we are planning to build X2 Residences for individual purchase at the planned Koh Kood resort. Below are a few pictures I took from the site when I was there before Xmas.

If anyone would like to visit Koh Kood, you are most welcome to stay at our resort there www.awayresorts.com ...which is adjacent to the planned X2 Residencies. The weather is absolutely beautiful from January to July.....so take the opportunity to visit one of the New York Times top 31 places...today.
Hope you had a nice break over the New Year....and best of fortune and health for 2010.

Kind regards

Anthony McDonald
X2 Founder and CEO
www.x2resorts.com
www.x2residences.com

Economic Problems a Boom for Boutique Hotel Management

2009-06-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

Astudo Hotel & Resort Group, Asia’s leading boutique hotel management company, discovers that the economic problems worldwide are proving to be a boom for hotel management services in the hospitality industry.Anthony McDonald, CEO of Astudo Hotel & Resort Group, believes that ”the majority of the boutique hotels and resorts are struggling in this hostile economic market and many owners are now faced with the difficult decision to either close their doors or look for professional management and in particular international sales and marketing expertise”. He added that “With larger international hotels slashing room rates, boutique and midsized hotels and resorts were getting squeezed by the big guys”.

In Thailand, tourism continues to suffer from economic and political problems, resulting in fierce competition amongst hotels. There was a flurry of investment into the boutique market over the last decade, but most resorts and hotels failed to adequately differentiate them self and carve out their own market position. There was a tendency for owners just to copy other hotels rather than think about the longer term positioning of the property. “Owners were able to still achieve adequate performance when the market was good, but now that things are tougher, they are suffering due to poorly conceived concepts” said McDonald.

In this situation owners of boutique and midsized properties are increasingly distressed; financially, physically and emotionally. That has spurred demand for independent professional hotel management companies that have greater marketing, sales and operational resources.

According to McDonald, “the smaller hotels are in the vicious circle of not having the size and scale to undertake international marketing and sales, and therefore they don’t achieve the necessary financial returns required to operate the business at competitive levels. Lack of cash flow means low staff capability, lower service standards, insufficient marketing etc.”

Often boutique hotels throughout the world are independently branded and operated, creating a difficult situation to achieve the required economies of scale. Astudo has developed an interesting solution of being able to apply its globally recognised brands and service standards to properties ranging from 4 rooms up to 200, turning difficult and sometimes unprofitable resorts and hotels into successful and rewarding enterprises for their owners.

The Astudo brands were created to assist boutique properties in achieving the advantages that are enjoyed by international chains, but without the need to have large room numbers and huge investments in facilities. “With years of experience and a dedicated team of professionals in every corner of the field, Astudo offers the complete scope of services to match the owners/investors' exact requirements” McDonald added.

Astudo Hotel & Resort Group is a regional Asia Pacific hotel management, development and consulting group. In addition to providing hotel consulting and management for boutique and mid size hotels and resorts from 50 to 250 rooms. The group offers consulting, feasibility, brokerage and development services for Hotel owners and investors.

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Event Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239
E-mail: pr@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.astudo.com

EX2tremely Good Jazz at X2 Resort Samui

2009-05-29T22:39:00.001-07:00

X2 Resorts Thailand, the design hotel brand of Astudo Hotel and Resort Group, proudly presents exclusive performances by Josee Koning, one of Holland’s most famed Jazz vocalists, at their stunning X2 resort on the tropical island of Koh Samui.

Josee Koning, who first fell in love with Samui last year while staying at X2 Resort, appears in Samui courtesy of X2 Resort Samui who is sponsoring her stay in Thailand and offering the ultimate opportunity to enjoy up close and personal with one of Europe’s finest Jazz Divas.

Josee has always had a passion for Brazilian music and is well known for her interpretation of the “Musica Popular Brasileira”, not only in the Netherlands but also in Brazil. She began her career in the 1980’s and has been working with a wonderful selection of Brazil’s finest musicians since 1995. Her latest album Bem Brasiliero, nominated for a prestigious Edison Award, was recorded in Rio Di Janeiro and Sao Paulo with the sublime musicians of the famed Nosso Trio.

Josee Koning performs live in person at X2 Resort Samui from Tuesday the 9th of June to Saturday the 13th of June from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm each evening. Jazz Performance and Three Course Dinner with complimentary X2 Cocktail - 750 Thai Baht (reservations recommended). Jazz Performance only - 190 Thai Baht cover charge includes a complimentary X2 Cocktail.

For reservations call +66 7723 3033 or e-mail reservations.samui@X2resorts.com. For more information, visit http://www.X2resorts.com/josee/promotion.html.

About X2 Resorts

X2 Resorts, managed by Astudo Hotel & Resort Group and member of “Design Hotels” and a “Selected Tablet Hotel” member, offers casually designed accommodations and state-of-the-art facilities. X2 Resorts collection includes X2 Kui Buri (Hua Hin) and X2 Samui. Other X2 Resorts scheduled to open soon is X2 Rayong and in mid 2010 are at Koh Kood (Kood Island), in Trat Province and Koh Tan (Coral Island), located southwest from Samui.

For media and PR enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Event Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239
E-mail: pr@astudo.com, piangporn@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.x2resorts.com and www.astudo.com

X2 Resorts Thailand Main Sponsor Exclusive Showcase Joanna Wang

2009-05-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

X2 Resorts, the design hotel brand of Astudo Hotel and Resort Group, proudly presents as the main sponsor the exclusive ‘Showcase of Urban Sound’ featuring the amazing Asian Diva Joanna Wang.Joanna Wang, a Bossa Taiwanese singer/songwriter with a heartfelt voice and winner of the 9th CCTV-MTV Music Awards 2008 “Most Popular New Female Artist of the Year in Hong Kong and Taiwan”, will perform exclusively on Sunday the 24th of May 2009 at the Aksra Theatre in King Power Complex – Bangkok, hosted by Wave FM88.

As the main sponsor of this special mini showcase, X2 Resorts Thailand offers the exclusive privilege to X2 guests; book 1 night in a Pool Villa at a special rate of THB 6,900 net for X2 Kui Buri and THB 9,900 net for X2 Samui before the 20th of May and receive 2 complimentary tickets for ‘the one time only chance in Thailand’ to experience the touching voice of Joanna Wang that could melt your heart with her top hit singles “Lost in Paradise” and “Bada Bada”.

For more information about the exclusive ‘Showcase of Urban Sound’ featuring the amazing Asian Diva Joanna Wang please call +66 2696 8239 or visit www.X2resorts.com/joanna/promotion.html

For media and PR enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239
E-mail: pr@astudo.com, piangporn@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.x2resorts.com and www.astudo.com

Somyos Puddang appointed as Resort Manager of X2 Kui Buri

2009-05-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

Kui Buri, Thailand – April 2009 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Group, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and resort management companies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Somyos Puddang as Resort Manager for X2 Resort Kui Buri.

In his position Khun Somyos, a Thai National, will be responsible for the entire resort operations of X2 Resort Kui Buri. Graduated from The Dublin Institute of Technology in Ireland, majoring in Hotel Supervisor Management, combined with his 14 year experience in the hospitality industry, he brings a wealth experience to X2 Resorts.

Throughout his career in hotel operations he has fulfilled an extensive number of management positions for several leading hotels including The Library Samui, The Sarojin Kho-lak, Marriot Hotels, L'Anmien Resort & Spa in Vietnam, The Ocallaghan Hotels Group in Dublin, Ireland and on board of The Princess Cruise Ship operating out of the United States of America.

Opened in December 2007 besides a peaceful seaside village in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the X2 Kui Buri is an exclusive beach resort of just 23 villas set amidst 4 acres of virgin beachfront land and provides a sanctuary of peace. Situated just south of Hua Hin and only a 3 hour drive from Bangkok, X2 Kui Buri offers a refreshing blend of metropolitan sophistication, superior facilities and sensory-rich products and services.

For media and PR enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239
E-mail: pr@astudo.com, piangporn@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.x2resorts.com and www.astudo.com

Innovative New Service Touch from X2 Resorts

2009-05-04T04:50:00.000-07:00

X2 Resorts Thailand, the design hotel brand of Astudo Hotel and Resort Management, proudly announces the launch of an innovative new guest service implementation at their resorts in Kui Buri (Hua Hin) and Koh Samui.

X2 Samui resort manager J. Paul Snow observed that “often guests forgot to print out their itinerary, or hadn’t kept a record of the resort contact details before travelling, resulting in a sometimes frustrating situation of being lost, delayed or one of many other troubles associated with travel”. This is increasing an issue as people travel to dream destination - somewhere they never been, and often remote. To make life easier for guests, X2 has implemented a pre-departure SMS providing last minute travel information.

There is no worse way to start a vacation then a stressful journey. According to company CEO Anthony McDonald, “This extra service is not only a personal welcome, but also indicates that your booking is 100% secured and in case of a delay or an emergency - something we hope you will never run into of course - it will give guests seamless communication directly with the resort and people who can assist them immediately”.

Astudos’ new initiative provides an SMS to guests twenty four hours before the guest arrives at the Resort providing them a booking confirmation, hotel contact details, the resort managers mobile phone number, and of course wishing them a pleasant and safe journey.

McDonald added that as a design hotel “X2 Resorts was always looking to do things a little bit different, in a way that is simple but truly appreciated by guests, and this new SMS service is just a small sample of such a difference”

For media enquiries please contact:
Supinya Santatiloggul (Ms.)
Assistant PR & Events Manager
Email: supinya@astudo.com
Phone: +66 2696 8239

For more information, visit www.X2resorts.com
or www.astudo.com