Luxury Hotels Forum "Presidential Suite Lounge" -- All Welcome!!
#1321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
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edit: MO site seems different from prior >
hotelnewsresource.com/article17169.html
re old announcements, per aquum planned tented property on silhouette island seychelles
hotelnewsresource.com/article17169.html
re old announcements, per aquum planned tented property on silhouette island seychelles
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jul 10, 2018 at 5:06 pm
#1322
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
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Posts: 2,096
Shinta Mani Wild now open for bookings from 1 Nov 2018.
Shinta Mani Wild ? The Bensley Collection - Opening Middle of 2018 Shinta Mani Hotels
Tents are USD 2,345/night for double occupancy, including pretty much everything (and taxes):
-2% accommodation tax, 10% service charge and 10% government tax
-Round trip luxury private transfers from Phnom Penh (about 3h) or Sihanoukville (about 2.5h)
-Personal Bensley Butler
-Unpacking on arrival and packing before departure
-Welcome beverage and welcome amenities
-Pocket wi-fi device guests can use with own phones during stay
-Complimentary laundry service (no dry cleaning)
-All meals and beverages
-Unlimited Spa treatments
-All private guided excursions and activities
-Pop up sunset drinks in different locations
More details and photos here: https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/bens...november-2018/
Also, has anyone ever heard of The Resort Villa in Rayong, Thailand? 5 minute walk from the beach apparently.
https://www.theresortvilla.com/
I'm still not entirely sure how it's structured, but it's "7-villas" (a bit like Ani Villas?) that are rented out as a whole (only one guest/party per booking - so you have to rent out the full 7 villas or at least a portion, others cannot stay in the resort at the same time).
Each villa is practically double occupancy (16 guests max I think), with 60 staff. That's a 1:4 ratio at full occupancy. Each villa comes with its own private pool I think.
USD 150,000/week not including taxes and 'provisions' which seems a bit insane for Thailand in Rayong.
Edit: Just googled this place a bit further (Google Maps) - the pricing is really insane. It's not exactly exclusive nor secluded (it's literally next to a Centara) and doesn't have private beach access (a beach is 5 minutes away). The area doesn't seem overdeveloped though despite the Centara next door. Looks more akin to quaint, small villages (think Soori Bali, or Amankila without the hills - but a fair but more built up than either of these two properties).
Shinta Mani Wild ? The Bensley Collection - Opening Middle of 2018 Shinta Mani Hotels
Tents are USD 2,345/night for double occupancy, including pretty much everything (and taxes):
-2% accommodation tax, 10% service charge and 10% government tax
-Round trip luxury private transfers from Phnom Penh (about 3h) or Sihanoukville (about 2.5h)
-Personal Bensley Butler
-Unpacking on arrival and packing before departure
-Welcome beverage and welcome amenities
-Pocket wi-fi device guests can use with own phones during stay
-Complimentary laundry service (no dry cleaning)
-All meals and beverages
-Unlimited Spa treatments
-All private guided excursions and activities
-Pop up sunset drinks in different locations
More details and photos here: https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/bens...november-2018/
Also, has anyone ever heard of The Resort Villa in Rayong, Thailand? 5 minute walk from the beach apparently.
https://www.theresortvilla.com/
I'm still not entirely sure how it's structured, but it's "7-villas" (a bit like Ani Villas?) that are rented out as a whole (only one guest/party per booking - so you have to rent out the full 7 villas or at least a portion, others cannot stay in the resort at the same time).
Each villa is practically double occupancy (16 guests max I think), with 60 staff. That's a 1:4 ratio at full occupancy. Each villa comes with its own private pool I think.
USD 150,000/week not including taxes and 'provisions' which seems a bit insane for Thailand in Rayong.
Edit: Just googled this place a bit further (Google Maps) - the pricing is really insane. It's not exactly exclusive nor secluded (it's literally next to a Centara) and doesn't have private beach access (a beach is 5 minutes away). The area doesn't seem overdeveloped though despite the Centara next door. Looks more akin to quaint, small villages (think Soori Bali, or Amankila without the hills - but a fair but more built up than either of these two properties).
Last edited by chinmoylad; Jul 31, 2018 at 6:18 am
#1323
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,598
I really love Bill Bensley's design, but Shinta Mani Wild is not for me. Those curtains really are taking things a little too far for my taste. Shinta Mani Shack looks rather better, but I am not sure if this is budget-related or he is better when adhering to certain standards set by the owner, but this is lightyears away from anything he has done before, especially The Siam.
#1324
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
...Resort Villa in Rayong, Thailand? 5 minute walk from the beach apparently.
https://www.theresortvilla.com/
I'm still not entirely sure how it's structured, but it's "7-villas" (a bit like Ani Villas?) that are rented out as a whole (only one guest/party per booking - so you have to rent out the full 7 villas or at least a portion, others cannot stay in the resort at the same time).
Each villa is practically double occupancy (16 guests max I think), with 60 staff. That's a 1:4 ratio at full occupancy. Each villa comes with its own private pool I think.
USD 150,000/night not including taxes and 'provisions' which seems a bit insane for Thailand in Rayong.
Edit: Just googled this place a bit further (Google Maps) - the pricing is really insane. It's not exactly exclusive nor secluded (it's literally next to a Centara) and doesn't have private beach access (a beach is 5 minutes away). The area doesn't seem overdeveloped though despite the Centara next door. Looks more akin to quaint, small villages (think Soori Bali, or Amankila without the hills - but a fair but more built up than either of these two properties).
https://www.theresortvilla.com/
I'm still not entirely sure how it's structured, but it's "7-villas" (a bit like Ani Villas?) that are rented out as a whole (only one guest/party per booking - so you have to rent out the full 7 villas or at least a portion, others cannot stay in the resort at the same time).
Each villa is practically double occupancy (16 guests max I think), with 60 staff. That's a 1:4 ratio at full occupancy. Each villa comes with its own private pool I think.
USD 150,000/night not including taxes and 'provisions' which seems a bit insane for Thailand in Rayong.
Edit: Just googled this place a bit further (Google Maps) - the pricing is really insane. It's not exactly exclusive nor secluded (it's literally next to a Centara) and doesn't have private beach access (a beach is 5 minutes away). The area doesn't seem overdeveloped though despite the Centara next door. Looks more akin to quaint, small villages (think Soori Bali, or Amankila without the hills - but a fair but more built up than either of these two properties).
Rayong is quite a lovely province. I like Paradee resort on Samet Island. It’s a very nice place for a long weekend getaway within driving distance.
#1325
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
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That is USD $150,000 per **week** for the entire property, all seven villas for a large group. Furthermore this is the published rack rate, which one can expect to be negotiable in low demand time periods.
Rayong is quite a lovely province. I like Paradee resort on Samet Island. It’s a very nice place for a long weekend getaway within driving distance.
No, I checked with them and those are LOW season rates and the entire estate must be booked out - they seem to be a bit strange about this and their pricing and how exclusive they are or want to be. Sounds crazy. Also doesn't include taxes etc.
That's nearly USD 21,500/night++ for a 7-bedroom rental, which is far, far higher than anything in almost all of Thailand (competes with Amanpuri - in fact, it's more expensive than Amanpuri since these are low-season rates). They haven't yet clarified that it includes all meals etc - I'm checking, but they've said it doesn't include 'provisions'.
In comparison, the private island rentals in the Maldives (Cheval Blanc's owners villa, Coco Private Island and Four Seasons) go for roughly twice this price (albeit they're typically 4-6 bedrooms) and even Velaa's 4-bedrooms are available at cheaper prices than the above.
I'm just struggling to see the justification of that price tag, for where it is (quite literally next to a Centara, no significant views from most villas/the villa overall, and without its own private beach).
With regards to location, there was a huge oil spill in Rayong a few years back and the whole area is being developed as an oil/petroleum/gas/petrochemical destination.
#1326
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Chinmoylad, I was in Thailand at the time of the oil spill. It has been cleaned up and the water is very nice there now. I have been diving and snorkeling in Koh Samet.
The oil production is very beneficial to the Thai economy, and this particular type of oil is very well suited for petrochemical production, and therefore particularly valuable. It’s nothing to be afraid of.
I am not interested in the property, but I am sure it would be popular for corporate retreats, as well as family gatherings such as destination weddings. That’s probably the target market, not the independent high-end traveler like mosy of us on this forum.
The oil production is very beneficial to the Thai economy, and this particular type of oil is very well suited for petrochemical production, and therefore particularly valuable. It’s nothing to be afraid of.
I am not interested in the property, but I am sure it would be popular for corporate retreats, as well as family gatherings such as destination weddings. That’s probably the target market, not the independent high-end traveler like mosy of us on this forum.
#1327
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Chinmoylad, I was in Thailand at the time of the oil spill. It has been cleaned up and the water is very nice there now. I have been diving and snorkeling in Koh Samet.
The oil production is very beneficial to the Thai economy, and this particular type of oil is very well suited for petrochemical production, and therefore particularly valuable. It’s nothing to be afraid of.
I am not interested in the property, but I am sure it would be popular for corporate retreats, as well as family gatherings such as destination weddings. That’s probably the target market, not the independent high-end traveler like mosy of us on this forum.
The oil production is very beneficial to the Thai economy, and this particular type of oil is very well suited for petrochemical production, and therefore particularly valuable. It’s nothing to be afraid of.
I am not interested in the property, but I am sure it would be popular for corporate retreats, as well as family gatherings such as destination weddings. That’s probably the target market, not the independent high-end traveler like mosy of us on this forum.
There are a gazillion villas scattered across Thailand - even 7-bedroom+ that go for a fraction of this price - the area near COMO Point Yamu in Phuket has a few huge villas that look much nicer than that one at Rayong. Yes, the villas in Thailand vary in quality but there are some very, very nice ones out there. I'm still struggling to see the appeal.
For those families who can afford it (and many are Amanjunkies), they'd rather just go to an Aman nearby and it would probably still work out cheaper, except at Amanpuri where it would be the closest in terms in price range.
#1328
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I know - I do a fair amount of family bookings (and especially as Thailand is such a common place for Hong Kongers for the weekend) and I can't imagine any family this will appeal to - not for that price range. When I first saw the place, I was expecting a price of around ~USD 2,000/night which is definitely more appropriate.
There are a gazillion villas scattered across Thailand - even 7-bedroom+ that go for a fraction of this price - the area near COMO Point Yamu in Phuket has a few huge villas that look much nicer than that one at Rayong. Yes, the villas in Thailand vary in quality but there are some very, very nice ones out there. I'm still struggling to see the appeal.
For those families who can afford it (and many are Amanjunkies), they'd rather just go to an Aman nearby and it would probably still work out cheaper, except at Amanpuri where it would be the closest in terms in price range.
There are a gazillion villas scattered across Thailand - even 7-bedroom+ that go for a fraction of this price - the area near COMO Point Yamu in Phuket has a few huge villas that look much nicer than that one at Rayong. Yes, the villas in Thailand vary in quality but there are some very, very nice ones out there. I'm still struggling to see the appeal.
For those families who can afford it (and many are Amanjunkies), they'd rather just go to an Aman nearby and it would probably still work out cheaper, except at Amanpuri where it would be the closest in terms in price range.
If I wanted six or seven seven bedrooms, I would be at Trisara villa number 5, Amanpuri, Anantara Layan, Soneva Kiri, or Four Seasons Koh Samui. No question about it.
#1329
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
You do not see the appeal, and frankly I do not see any appeal in it either. However, perhaps we are just not the target market. It probably is aimed at the local market more than foreign travelers. Again, it is also not uncommon to see properties like this with absurd rack rates. They do not necessarily reflect the actual rates that most guests will pay. In reality, I would not be surprised if this property is rented for a fraction of its published rate of $150k per week. No affluent Thai family would ever pay that even if they could afford it. And it is probably also marketed toward companies for high end retreats and functions, etc... as well.
If I wanted six or seven seven bedrooms, I would be at Trisara villa number 5, Amanpuri, Anantara Layan, Soneva Kiri, or Four Seasons Koh Samui. No question about it.
If I wanted six or seven seven bedrooms, I would be at Trisara villa number 5, Amanpuri, Anantara Layan, Soneva Kiri, or Four Seasons Koh Samui. No question about it.
Speaking to them, it's not marketed towards locals either but to long distance travelers from US, Europe etc (hence the one week minimum stay). They're adamant re: paying USD 150,000++ rather than just the usual "here's the rack rate but we actually rent it out at USD 15,000/week instead"
I can possibly see the appeal for corporate retreats/company getaways though.
Just found it a very curious case of something I've never heard of, that doesn't seem particularly exclusive in terms of destination/location, marketing itself as the most exclusive property in Thailand.
#1330
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Agree on the last sentence.
Speaking to them, it's not marketed towards locals either but to long distance travelers from US, Europe etc (hence the one week minimum stay). They're adamant re: paying USD 150,000++ rather than just the usual "here's the rack rate but we actually rent it out at USD 15,000/week instead"
I can possibly see the appeal for corporate retreats/company getaways though.
Just found it a very curious case of something I've never heard of, that doesn't seem particularly exclusive in terms of destination/location, marketing itself as the most exclusive property in Thailand.
Speaking to them, it's not marketed towards locals either but to long distance travelers from US, Europe etc (hence the one week minimum stay). They're adamant re: paying USD 150,000++ rather than just the usual "here's the rack rate but we actually rent it out at USD 15,000/week instead"
I can possibly see the appeal for corporate retreats/company getaways though.
Just found it a very curious case of something I've never heard of, that doesn't seem particularly exclusive in terms of destination/location, marketing itself as the most exclusive property in Thailand.
I am highly skeptical of any property that is self described as the “most exclusive/luxurious.” But I also would not discount it because it is in Rayong or near a Centara property. Many high end properties are in close proximity to lower end ones.
I think it is simply not targeted at most of us on this forum, or most clients of TAs here. But, maybe it is a good choice for people with extreme security or privacy requirements, who prefer exclusive use of an entire property in a location that is off the radar.
And it could be spectacular. Sometimes one has to see/experience to believe. Being located in Rayong does not rule that out.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Jul 18, 2018 at 3:27 am
#1331
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,946
#1332
Community Director Emerita
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#1333
Suspended
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But the property desperately needs a renovation, so that will be good. And it’s still the best luxury hotel view in all of Hawaii, so it will be fantastic once the reno is completed.
#1334
Join Date: Nov 2007
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#1335
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
I really love Bill Bensley's design, but Shinta Mani Wild is not for me. Those curtains really are taking things a little too far for my taste. Shinta Mani Shack looks rather better, but I am not sure if this is budget-related or he is better when adhering to certain standards set by the owner, but this is lightyears away from anything he has done before, especially The Siam.
One thing though is that a lot of his tented camps are really starting to blend into another, and lots of those popping up now.
There's also Shinta Mani Angkor - Bensley Collection which is now, along with Amansara and Phum Baitang, the third resort I can think of to offer a slew of private pool suites/villas - but also very eclectic in design.