Ritz-Carlton reveals its first Reserve

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  Phulay Bay, Krabi, Thailand

  © Ritz-Carlton

Ritz-Carlton has opened the first of its much-anticipated Reserve resorts, showcasing Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand and making it one of the must-see new hotels of 2010.

The Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve marks the launch of the brand’s smaller “retreats”, where the emphasis will be very much on low-density design and paying heed to local cultural influences and experiences in the feel of the place.

The 56-room Reserve is the baby of the whole Ritz-Carlton portfolio and sits on the stunning shores of the Andaman Sea. The resort also marks Ritz-Carlton’s debut into Thailand and the stunning resort can also count itself as the first ESPA spa in the country.
 
Designed by Thai architect Lek Bunnag, Phulay Bay is a modern take on Thai design with unique artworks and a welcome pavilion designed to create the impression of floating when guests arrive and are then swept to their villa for private check-in.

Bunnag has previously designed resorts including the Trident Gurgaon in New Delhi, the Oberoi in Mauritius, the upcoming Taj Exotica Phuket and the Lanna Spa at the Four Seasons Resort at Chiang Mai.

Ritz-Carlton president Simon Cooper said: “Lek has described our Phulay Bay resort as ‘the most beautiful thing he has ever designed’. The Reserves will not work to one design mould, but will allow the creative process to be destination and customer focused as we look at each one individually.”

Phulay Bay can be reached via a 40-minute drive from Krabi International Airport or a two-hour journey from Phuket International Airport.

And watch this space - Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, Costa Rica and UAE are all said to be upcoming future hotspot locations for Ritz-Carlton Reserves.

Ritz-Carlton fans can also get their fix at other new hotels from the luxury group – recent openings include the Ritz-Carlton Highlands in Lake Tahoe, with ski-in, ski-out access, and the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain which has just opened in Arizona.

www.ritzcarltonreserve.com

Location: Thailand