THE INTERCONTINENTAL Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, rebranded from Baan Taling Ngam Resort & Spa earlier this year (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 10), is scheduled to open on February 1, following a 10-month US$26 million overhaul.

Elite Villa managing director Vikorn Srivikorn, also the owner of InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok, took over the resort from the defunct Lehman Brothers (Thailand) in May 2010.

The 17-year-old resort also used to run under the Mandarin Oriental and Le Meridien brands, and was previously a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

In its new form, the resort will offer 79 guest residences; 12 standalone Beachfront Pool Villas complete with private sundecks, swimming pools and 24-hour butler service; seven swimming pools; a private beach with a licensed jetty; and a spa.

F&B outlets will include Air Bar, a lounge bar offering 360-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand; Flames, a beachside restaurant serving up modern European cuisine; and Amber, which will offer Thai and Asian fare through an open kitchen concept.

Opening rates for the resort’s Beachfront Pool Villas start from 17,195 baht +++ (US$550) per night, subject to service charge and applicable tax. The introductory rates will be available until March 31, 2012.

Bookings can be made online at www.intercontinental.com/samui or by contacting the resort’s reservations department: +66 (0) 7742-9100, reservations@ickohsamui.com