unique tourism collection News

Astudo Hotel & Resort Management, the Thai company whose small, boutique hotels and resorts are becoming increasingly synonymous with luxurious, secluded escapes in some of Thailand’s most stunning locations, has announced the appointment of The Unique Tourism Collection to represent it in the Australian market.

Anthony McDonald, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Astudo Holdings and Klaus R. Rauter, Group General Manager, have developed the success of the Thai-based company on its ability to work closely with small to medium sized local hotels and resorts to offer what the larger international chains cannot – highly personal service and distinctive local character, most often in locations away from the obvious tourist destinations. 

Astudo Hotel & Resort Management currently manages seven resort properties of different sizes, brands and market segments, with others set to open in 2009. The existing portfolio includes:-

• X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), pronounced ‘cross to’ because it conveys guests to another state of mind which is laidback luxury, is Thailand’s first chain of designer resorts. It launched its first resort in 2007 in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and more recently added another X2 resort in Koh Samui located on Hua Thannon Beach (South Lamai), surrounded by an ancient forest. Both hotels are members of the Design Hotels.
• The Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com) name was introduced with the opening of another resort on Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s most beautiful yet undiscovered islands, with individual beachside bungalows aimed at promoting a more casual style which they describe as ‘slow tourism’. Since then, the company has added Away Maerim in the Maerim Valley, Chiang Mai and Away Tusita Chumphon to its portfolio, with resorts scheduled to open in 2009 in Koh Pha Ngan and another in Koh Samui.
• Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), also managed by Astudo, comprises four luxury private villas for rent, each differently themed and situated on the tranquil beachfront of Pranburi, on the south west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. 

Based on the success of its operation since starting in 2007, the company is currently looking to expand its operation into destinations such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.

The Unique Tourism Collection specialises in representing luxury properties around the world.

Le Bayburi - Luxury Vacation Residences - Design Themes

There are four interior designs developed by international interior design firm DWP (Cityscape); Mediterranean Retreat, Pacific Hideaway, Modern Tropical and Scandinavian Vacation. Although each Villa is structurally almost identical, the interior and landscape designs are each unique.

• Mediterranean Retreat - Designed in an award winning Mediterranean theme, this villa is romantic, comfortable and completely relaxing. Guests enjoy a feeling that unique to the region, adding to what will no doubt be an experience of a lifetime.
• Pacific Hideaway - Pacific Hideaway villa is inspired from pacific island and northern Australian beachfront homes. The villa has a warm natural feel to it, with an island hideaway feeling that supports a relaxing and private vacation break. Like all the villas, the Pacific Hideaway is directly on the beachfront, with absolutely uninterrupted views from almost every area of the villa and outdoor areas.
• Modern Tropical - A more traditional Asian tropical design so popular in the regional is reflected in the contemporary design of this villa. For those guests who either haven’t experienced that Asian tropical experience or enjoy this style of accommodation, then this villa is one of the best you will ever find. Very much in keeping with the surrounding area and resorts the tropical feeling of the villa is only further improved by the glorious outdoor living areas and absolute beach frontage enjoyed from every area of the villa.
• Scandinavian Vacation - For those people who want a completely new vacation experience, this beachfront villa is decorated in a blend of modern and traditional Scandinavian material and furniture. It provides a refreshing change for those people who are looking for something different in terms of a vacation experience. The design makes the most of the indoor – outdoor living area, and the fabulous ocean views from all areas of the villa.