W Hotels and Residences Coming to Koh Samui This Spring

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(KOH SAMUI, THAILAND) -- W Hotels Worldwide has announced the spring 2010 opening of W Retreat Koh Samui, the first W Retreat in Southeast Asia.  An all-villa beachfront resort set on the north shore of Thailand's famed Samui island, W Koh Samui will bring an alluring new dimension of cutting-edge design, contemporary lifestyle, and exhilarating experiences to Thailand.

Located adjacent to W Retreat Koh Samui will be The Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui,  which will feature 17 secluded beachfront villas ranging from three to five bedrooms and from 1,000 to 2,752 square meters.  Each residence offers a modern tropical Zen style with exotic touches, and each offers full access to the benefits, services and amenities of W Koh Samui.

"W Retreat Koh Samui will redefine the way we live and play, delivering a fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience with the signature W twist," commented Coetzer Deysel, general manager of W Retreat Koh Samui.  "We are delighted to bring our world of 'Wow' to Koh Samui, one of the coolest islands in Southeast Asia."

A modern paradise of vibrant foliage, unspoiled golden sand and warm island breezes, W Retreat Koh Samui will offer panoramic sunrise and sunset views of the Gulf of Thailand from its exceptional beachfront location.  The Retreat will feature 75 private villas equipped with modern lifestyle innovations, including a private pool, daybeds, an outdoor shower, Yamaha sound system, 47-inch plasma screen TV, wine refrigerator, and the signature W bed.

The design of W Retreat Koh Samui will reflect a modern "Thai Zen" design, featuring clean lines, spaces that flow, and materials that reflect relaxation and warmth.  The overall wood tone used throughout the Retreat is based on the bleached color of the driftwood washed up onto the shore.  Key materials will also include white terrazzo floors, red mosaic tiles and black Thai-inspired vanities.  Another layer of design that enhances the "W" attitude is the integration of whimsical art and artifacts - an element of surprise and a W hallmark.

W Retreat Koh Samui and The Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui is a joint venture of Amburaya Hotels & Resorts and Istithmar World. Amburaya Properties is a Thai-based developer. The company currently has properties in Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and India and continues to look for opportunities to grow its portfolio within Thailand and the region.  Istithmar World is one of the world's largest privately held real estate developers, with a portfolio of developments that includes The Palm trilogy, among others. W Hotels currently has 35 hotels worldwide.

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