The group will debut its brand of Thai-inspired hospitality in Japan and Europe as well as further expanding its global footprint with strategic openings in China, India, Kenya, Nepal, and Thailand.
In total, 14 hotels and resorts (approximately 1,700 keys) are set to be added to Dusit’s global portfolio this year, resulting in 62 hotels (approximately 13,700 keys) operating across 17 countries worldwide. More than 60 properties are in the pipeline and expected to open within the next three-to-four years.
Japanese entry
In Japan, Dusit is set to open two new hotels in the ancient capital of Kyoto – Asai Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Kyoto – in Q2 and Q3, respectively. The former will deliver 114 compact guestrooms, a large communal space and a Thai street food concept, while the latter will be a luxury 147-key retreat in the heart of the city.
Another owned property, Asai Bangkok Sathorn, is scheduled to open in Q2. The second hotel in Thailand’s capital to operate under Dusit’s lifestyle brand, Asai Hotels, the 106-key property will build on the success of Asai Bangkok Chinatown, which recently marked its second anniversary. The latest addition will feature a welcoming communal space combining a lobby, neighbourhood bar, co-working area, and eating spot with specialty dishes by local chefs.
Management agreement additions
Dusit’s global expansion will also be driven by hotels opening under management agreements. This includes Dusit’s first entry into Europe with the arrival of the 36-key Dusit Suites Athens, a boutique property slated to open in Greece in Q1.
Another debut destination is Nepal, where Dusit will open Dusit Princess Kathmandu and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel in Q2. The newbuild Princess property has been designed to reflect local style and culture. Alongside 108 guestrooms and suites, the hotel will feature a fitness centre, a signature Namm spa, ballroom and meeting facilities, a Dusit Gourmet outlet, SOI restaurant offering Thai and Nepalese specialties, and a rooftop swimming pool alongside a bar and restaurant offering city views.
The five star Himalayan mountaintop resort will comprise 44 guestrooms plus 20 villas, an all-day-dining restaurant focused on local ingredients and Thai specialities, a fireplace bar, a family entertainment concept, an infinity pool, and a signature Devarana Spa.
Roaring returns
This year will also mark the return of Dusit Hotels and Resorts in India and Kenya, with the opening of Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata (Q4), dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla (Q4), and Dusit Princess Residences Nairobi (Q1).
The Kolkata hotel will open as part of Jain Group’s high-end residential development project, Dream One, and will comprise 144 rooms. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant along with meeting facilities for small and midscale events.
The Shimla site will be located 2,500 metres above sea level within the Himalayan hamlet of Fagu in Himachal Pradesh state. Provision will include 80 rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, an all-day dining restaurant, a Thai specialty restaurant, an eclectic bar, and Dusit’s signature Namm Spa. A large amphitheatre, landscaped gardens, and meeting spaces will be available for events.
Kenya’s Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi is designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers, featuring 100 deluxe hotel rooms and apartments for short and long-stay guests. Among its facilities are a heated swimming pool, a rooftop gym, a grab-and-go outlet, an Italian-inspired all-day dining restaurant, a lounge bar, and five meeting rooms.
Chinese wellness
In China, where Dusit already operates 11 hotels, three wellness-oriented properties are set to open, including Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou (Q1), Dusit Devarana Hangzhou (Q3), and Dusit Princess Suites Hotel Ganzhou (Q3).
The Huzhou wellness-focused retreat will initially comprise 22 Thai-style deluxe guestrooms, three villas, and a luxurious spa experience. A second phase, including 250 guest rooms and villas, is set to follow in 2024.
Hangzhou’s addition will be a luxury resort with a wellness centre featuring 12 indoor and outdoor mineral pools, special treatment rooms such as Aromatic Steam and Infrared Sauna, and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa. Plus Ganzhou’s Princess Suites site will be an upper-midscale retreat with 260 apartments, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, natural hot springs pools, and a spa.
Home growth
On home soil in Thailand, alongside Asai Bangkok Sathorn, Dusit will welcome its first dusitD2-branded property in Bangkok, dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok (Q2), and also expand further south with Dusit Princess Patthalung (Q4), raising its tally of domestic properties to 18. Dusit will also add experiences to its already established dusitD2 Khao Yai hotel, opening a luxurious safari-themed all-villa extension, Asili Village, in Q2.
The Bangkok newbuild will offer 179 guestrooms catering to business and leisure travellers. The upscale hotel’s facilities will include a lobby, a panoramic view swimming pool and pool bar, a fitness centre, a meeting space with audio-visual equipment, and a multi-level food and beverage concept featuring a grab-and-go gourmet outlet, an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen, and a rooftop bar with a Miami-inspired vibe.
The first branded hotel in southern Thailand’s Phatthalung province will encompass 132 guestrooms and suites. Other highlights of the ‘resort-in-the-city’ themed hotel include a ballroom, a landscaped function lawn, a modern wellness centre, a large, sculptured pool, and family play areas. A lakeside restaurant, which also features a signature Dusit Gourmet outlet, will open ahead of the resort in Q2.
Quality key
Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International, said: “At Dusit Hotels and Resorts, we understand that quality is the key to sustainable success and the long-term growth of our business. As travel continues to rebound, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality over quantity and delivering exceptional experiences in the world’s finest destinations.
“We are excited to bring our signature brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to even more key locations this year, and we look forward to delighting guests and customers across our full brand spectrum.”
