Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 3 October 2017 – YTL Hotels is delighted to announce the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui in Thailand today. The resort's opening has been highly-anticipated and its debut on the eastern coast of Thailand marks the beginning of the discovery of inspiring and quintessential experiences.

Koh Samui has long been renowned for its breathtaking tropical charms and pristine natural beauty on the Gulf of Thailand and is a much sought-after destination by luxury travellers from around the world. The distinguished and personalised Ritz-Carlton service and legendary Thai hospitality are interwoven to create unique treasured moments.  

“The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui marks another milestone of our strong partnership with Marriott International. With the opening of this resort, our portfolio together with Marriott International now encompasses nine properties across Asia-Pacific and Europe,” said Dato' Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui affirms the long-standing relationship between Marriott International and YTL Hotels. The resort adds to YTL Hotels' current footprint in Thailand which includes The Surin Phuket, a member of Design Hotels™, and the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express which travels from Singapore to Thailand.

With 175 suites and pool villas, nestled amid 58 acres, the resort overlooks the turquoise waters with an extensive oceanfront. Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, the stunning resort with its contemporary architecture pays homage to its past with the extensive use of coconut and other natural materials such as ceramics that imbue a sense of place.

Relaxation and rejuvenation come easily at Spa Village Koh Samui, a 3,800 square metre sanctuary anchored in the healing culture of the region. The spa features eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with intimate cabanas. Guests will be able to experience the Songkran Shower, the signature pre-spa ritual inspired by the annual Songkran festival involving the joyful throwing of water, as a prelude to selected spa treatments.

The resort's culinary offerings reflect the destination's bold flavours synonymous with southern Thai soul food at some of the seven dining experiences available.

Shook! is a stylish interactive dining space, serving innovative Asian and Western dishes complemented by a superb selection of fine wines. Sea Salt offers international classics and Thai favourites in a relaxing atmosphere, while Tides is the perfect spot for sun-lovers to unwind with a refreshing cocktail from the poolside bar paired with a citrus-cured specialty from the cevicheria. One Rai, a circular bar and lounge offers cocktails and Asian-inspired small bites.

Pak Tai is the resort's signature culinary experience featuring a fine dining interpretation of traditional southern Thai cuisine with views over the swim reef from its secluded individual dining terraces. The Peak, on an elevated point with a sweeping ocean vista, provides the ultimate private dining experience for special occasions. On selected days, guests can enjoy Baan Talat, an outdoor food market experience with street food stalls, cultural dances and crafts.

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui has curated some of the finest authentic southern Thai experiences to immerse in. These include the Muay Thai Gym with its indoor kickboxing ring where guests can learn the martial art of Muay Thai with trained instructors; journey to a local market to source seasonal produce, followed by a class to unlock the secrets of southern Thai cooking.  

The resort has also introduced a one-of-a-kind temperate Swim Reef within the resort that teems with over 50 species of fish. It is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, and offers unique snorkelling and fish-feeding experiences. Expansive facilities include two white sand beaches, a beachside resort pool, a water sports centre and two floodlit tennis courts. The Ritz Kids programme, with its own check-in and amenities for children, offers indoor and outdoor activities to keep the young guests entertained.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui each customised wedding is a signature event, in a Thai or Western setting, as lifetime vows are exchanged at Sala Thai, an elevated pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

The resort now welcomes guests to embrace the Samui way of life - the heartbeat at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages with a hospitality footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, France and the United Kingdom, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in Bath to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World's collection of legendary hotels, was named one of the Top 10 Hotel Spas in Europe. Set in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site, this unique heritage gem exclusively offers the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom.

YTL Hotels' global expansion celebrates its decades long relationship with Marriott International through the ownership management of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Brisbane Marriott Hotel, Melbourne Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur and recently includes The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, The Glasshouse Hotel - Edinburgh and Threadneedles Hotel – London in affiliation with the brand's Autograph Collection. The partnership also encompasses the future development of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve that will complement YTL Hotels' overall master plan for Niseko Village in Japan.

With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information and follow us on our social media platforms for #TreasuredPlaces #TreasuredMoments

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About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 90 hotels and 40 residential properties in more than 30 countries and territories. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).

For media enquiries, please contact:

Geraldine Dreiser

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Email : geraldine@ytlhotels.com.my