MBK HOSPITALITY Management (MBKHM) is not planning to expand or revamp the five-star Layana Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta, Krabi, which it acquired in April, according to the group’s assistant managing director, Supanit Vimooktanon.

Speculation was rife that the hospitality management arm of the cash-rich MBK Group would attempt to transform the 50-key resort into a gargantuan property, and in the process compromise the quaint, charming character of Koh Lanta.

Supanit told TTG Asia e-Daily that only minor changes were being lined up for the resort, including new furnishings. “Our direction is to fine-tune the central reservation system, to give the resort a wider market reach under the MBKHM network,” he added.

He said the resort’s identity as a luxury property located on a secluded beach, and its healthy occupancy and room rates, were what attracted MBKHM to acquire it in the first place.

According to Supanit, Layana has been running at 60 per cent occupancy on average over the last few years, and at 90 per cent to full house during the November to April high season. The resort’s average daily rate was consistently higher than 6,000 baht (US$196).

“Our goal is to increase demand during low season, to bring up the year-round occupancy to 70 per cent,” he said.

MBKHM is planning to establish more Layanas, now the top hotel brand under the group’s portfolio, in other remote destinations in Thailand, through the acquisition of existing properties.

The group is hoping to announce its second Layana resort within the next six months.

MBKHM also owns and manages the upper four-star Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok and two Tinidee resorts in Ranong and Phuket.