Tourexpi
Club Med and Central Group Capital have signed a Hotel
Management Agreement for the development of a new beachfront resort on the Thai
island of Koh Samui. The project will introduce a Club Med Exclusive Collection
resort and further expand the company’s premium all-inclusive portfolio in the
Asia-Pacific region.
The resort will be Club Med’s first Exclusive
Collection property in Thailand and the second Club Med resort in the country
after Club Med Phuket, which opened in 1985. Located about 25 minutes from Koh
Samui Airport, the new resort will offer a beachfront retreat designed around
the island lifestyle and the natural landscape of southern Thailand.
Exclusive Collection continues global expansion
The Koh Samui project represents the third Club Med
Exclusive Collection resort in the East and South Asia Pacific region.
Globally, Club Med operates more than 60 Premium and Exclusive Collection
resorts in 25 countries.
The Exclusive Collection currently accounts for around
13 percent of the company’s global capacity and includes 21 properties, ranging
from luxury resorts and villas to alpine chalets and the sailing yacht Club Med
2.
The new project was officially presented at Club Med
Kiroro Peak in Japan in the presence of Stéphane Maquaire, President and CEO of
Club Med, Rachael Harding, CEO ESAP, and Soravit Chairoj, Managing Partner and
Co-Head of Central Group Capital.
“This exceptional beachfront property marks an
exciting expansion of our portfolio,” said Stéphane Maquaire. “It strengthens
our leadership in premium all-inclusive travel while supporting sustainable
destination growth and local communities.”
Focus on premium family experiences
According to Rachael Harding, the new resort
underlines Club Med’s strategy to expand its premium offering while continuing
to focus on family-friendly holiday experiences supported by international
demand.
Bruno Courbet, Country Director for Thailand,
Indonesia, India and New Markets, emphasized the destination’s growing global
profile. “As Koh Samui gains global attention, we see an opportunity to
redefine ‘New Luxury’, combining boutique intimacy with a human-centric
approach focused on freedom, cultural openness, and seamless experiences.”
Investment in Thailand’s tourism growth
Central Group Capital launched its first investment
fund in April 2023 with a volume of 10 billion Thai baht, equivalent to around
300 million US dollars. The fund focuses on high-potential hospitality projects
aimed at supporting tourism development and generating long-term returns.
“We strongly believe in Thailand’s global appeal, with
Koh Samui among our top destinations,” said Soravit Chairoj. “This
redevelopment maximizes its prime beachfront and natural setting.”
Resort opening planned for 2028
The future resort will feature 303 rooms and more than
200 meters of private beachfront. Planned facilities include sports and leisure
activities, new dining concepts and signature Club Med programs such as Kids
Club and Amazing Family.
Inspired by Thai heritage and the surrounding natural
landscape, the resort is scheduled to open in the second half of 2028. Booking
details are expected to be announced closer to the opening date.
Image Credit: © Club Med
The most interesting news
Read the News

Holland America Line opens bookings for Zuiderdam’s first Europe season after major transformation
The newly renovated ship will sail the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland following its return to service in spring 2028
Read the News

Global air travel demand declines as Middle East traffic slumps
Worldwide passenger demand fell by 1.7 percent in June, with Middle Eastern airlines recording a decline of almost 14 percent
Read the News

Condor to launch daily nonstop flights between Frankfurt and Chicago
Seasonal service will operate from May to September 2027 with Airbus A330neo aircraft
Read the News

TUI River Cruises celebrates launch milestone for first purpose-built ship
TUI Luzia enters the water for the first time ahead of her debut on Portugal’s Douro River in summer 2027
Read the News

WTTC presents seven principles for sustainable destination management
New policy framework calls for closer cooperation between governments, communities and businesses to ensure tourism benefits residents as well as visitors
Read the News

Lufthansa Group bids for stake in TAP Air Portugal
Proposed partnership aims to strengthen Portugal’s flag carrier, expand Atlantic connectivity and support long-term investment and employment
Read the News

GNTB brings international travel creators to Hamburg
Around 150 content professionals will explore Germany, attend industry sessions and experience Hamburg and its surrounding regions
Read the News

Ryanair urges Austria to reject German aviation policy
Europe’s largest airline says lower taxes and airport charges, not new studies, are needed to boost aviation growth
Read the News

US airlines ban humanoid and pet-like robots from flights
Delta and United tighten baggage rules over lithium-ion battery safety concerns
Read the News

Marriott expands in Egypt with nine new hotels and residences
Agreement with Misr Italia Properties and People & Places will add more than 1,500 keys across the country's leading coastal and urban destinations
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group opens 32 new hotels across EMEA and APAC
New resorts, continued growth of Radisson Blu and Radisson RED, and rapid expansion in India drive the group's strong first-half performance
Read the News

Lufthansa Group reshuffles management at Edelweiss, Eurowings and City Airlines
New chief executives and operations leaders will take up their roles between October and November 2026
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands global offer for long-stay travellers
New programme targets corporate clients with simplified booking, standardised conditions and tailored extended-stay services
Read the News

Türkiye's tourism revenue remains stable at $25.75 billion in first half of 2026
Higher visitor spending offsets lower arrivals as package-tour revenue weakens in the second quarter
Read the News

Spain launches €15 million plan to cut hospitality energy costs
Accommodation and food-service businesses can receive grants of between €5,000 and €11,000 to replace outdated equipment with more efficient alternatives
Read the News

TAT showcases Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival to international travel industry
Familiarisation trip and cultural programme introduce global media and tourism partners to one of Thailand’s signature cultural events and the wider appeal of Isan
Read the News

GNTB Sustainable Tourism Day highlights practical solutions for the future
Experts will present best practices, new regulations and innovative approaches for responsible tourism at the fifth edition of the industry event
Read the News

International flight capacity to Spain rises 7.2% in August
Airlines have scheduled 14.1 million seats on international routes to Spain, with particularly strong growth from Italy, Poland and Türkiye
Read the News

Holiday Inn Express partners with Bai Ke to target young travellers
Collaboration with Chinese actor and upcoming comedy film highlights the brand’s “Recharge & Restart” positioning
Read the News

FAA certifies Boeing 737-7 for commercial service
Approval clears the smallest 737 MAX variant for delivery as Boeing prepares first aircraft for customers
Read the News

Holland America expands Europe programme for 2028
Five ships will offer the line’s highest number of European port calls in nearly a decade
