Spa Business issue 2 2012 - Leisure Opportunities

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M
aking the hot lists of consumer
magazines such as Condé Nast
Traveler, Starwood Hotel’s first
W-branded destination in south-east Asia
debuted in November 2010. Developed by
Amburaya and Istithmar World at a cost of
thb3bn (us$98m, €74m, £60m), the 26-acre
(11-hectare) beachfront property is one of
four global retreats operated by Starwood’s
design-led lifestyle brand. Positioned as
an ‘island within an island’ in line with its
peninsula setting on Koh Samui’s northern
shore, W Retreat maintains a Zen-like calm
during the day while at night a touch of
Manhattan attitude comes into play.
“W bridges the gap between an idyllic
villa-based escape and a more interactive,
urban experience,” observes general manager
Nicholas Downing. “This is not your
typical five-star Thai hotel – W’s passion
points of design, music and fashion are represented
with a laid-back energy that suits
the Koh Samui vibe and as a retreat we are
open to other island visitors.”
The beachfront property is one of
four W retreats and has been created
as an ‘island within an island’
Interiors by P49 Deesign and architecture
by MAPS Design Studio, adhere to clean
lines, flowing indoor/outdoor spaces and a
sculptural use of warm materials lifted by
colour pops, inventive artwork and oversized
lighting. This is exemplified in the W
Lounge where terrazzo stone and bleached
veneer panels, akin to driftwood, lead the
way to a panoramic open-air platform that
is home to the WOOBA (bar) and an infinity-edged,
lotus-shaped water pond. Found
beneath the lounge, the Kitchen Table serves
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