BANYAN Tree Hotels & Resorts is taking over the operations of the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, rebranding it as an Angsana Laguna Phuket when its current management contract with Starwood Hotels & Resorts expires on June 30.

The hotel will be closed from July 1 for a US$30 million renovation and refurbishment covering all rooms, meeting facilities and public spaces. It is scheduled to open by December as the largest resort under the Angsana brand with 384 keys. It would set the benchmark for 15 more Angsanas in the pipeline worldwide.

Laguna Resorts Holdings managing director Michael Ayling said Angsana was chosen to "draw a new segment of younger affluent travellers" that is currently not targeted by the existing hotels and resorts in the integrated resort.

The hotel will offer a destination beach club and introduce new concepts such as a tree house-inspired Kids’ Club and a Rice Bar featuring classic rice-based Asian favourites. Other facilities include an Angsana Spa, an Angsana retail gallery and a 358m² ballroom.