THE Mantra Samui Resort in Koh Samui has been acquired and will be relaunched as the inaugural property under the Louis T Collection.
It is hospitality group Louis T Leonowens Thailand’s first step in building its portfolio.
The group takes its name and inspiration from the eponymous foreigner and avid traveller in Thai history, whose mother was the governess to the children of King Mongkut, and later became a captain in the Siam military, timber-trading magnate and luxury hotelier.
Adam Simkins, Louis T’s co-founder and board member of Louis T Leonowens Thailand, said: “Given that our company history is linked to Louis T Leonowens, it makes sense that we chose to have our first property in Thailand – a place where Louis spent the most productive years of his life and where his company still thrives today.”
“And of course, we see strong up-trends: Koh Samui is becoming an increasingly popular destination attracting tourists from many countries.”
The future Louis T hotel is situated on Koh Samui’s northern coast close to Bophut beach, and a soft renovation including a facelift will begin soon after takeover.
“Being both owner and operator, this property will not only be our first brand vehicle, but also serve as a proof of concept for many innovations that we want to carry out.” said Jing Zhou, senior director of strategic planning at Louis T. “We have got a gem in our hands, and we will spend some time to craft it into a nice piece of jewelry.”
The hotel will feature a 24m outdoor infinity pool, a spa, an al fresco restaurant and rooms ranging in size from 50 to 100m2.
