IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its luxury and lifestyle footprint in Thailand with the signing of Kimpton Phang-Nga Natai Beach, a 150-key beachfront resort developed in partnership with Natai Venture Co., Ltd. The property, slated to open in 2028, introduces the Kimpton brand to Phang Nga, a coastal province gaining traction among international travellers seeking alternatives to Phuket's crowded beaches.
Resort details and amenities
The resort will offer a mix of guestrooms, suites, and villas set within tropical landscaping. On-site facilities will include multiple dining venues, a spa, swimming pools, a fitness centre, and flexible function spaces designed to cater to both leisure and MICE segments. The property's location, roughly 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport (HKT), positions it to capture spillover demand from Phuket while benefiting from Phang Nga's own growing appeal.
Pathana Jitsaereetham, IHG's Director of Development for Thailand, said in a statement: "We are delighted to bring Kimpton to Natai Beach and expand our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Thailand." The signing reflects IHG's broader strategy to deepen its presence in secondary Thai destinations with strong tourism potential.
Infrastructure and connectivity boost
Phang Nga's accessibility is set to improve further with the planned Andaman International Airport, expected to open in 2032. That project, alongside ongoing road upgrades, is likely to support sustained growth in visitor arrivals and hotel demand across the region. Naphat Boontanonda, Director of Natai Venture Co., Ltd., highlighted the area's natural beauty and the rising demand for authentic lifestyle experiences, which the Kimpton brand is designed to deliver.
The signing follows IHG's earlier commitment to Phang Nga with the InterContinental Phang Nga Bay Resort, making Kimpton Phang-Nga Natai Beach the group's second resort in the province. IHG currently operates 42 hotels across 11 brands in Thailand, with 39 additional properties in the pipeline, underscoring its confidence in the country's long-term tourism trajectory.
For travel professionals, the new Kimpton adds another upscale option in a destination that is increasingly positioned as a complement to Phuket, offering a quieter, nature-focused experience. The resort's proximity to HKT will be a key selling point for agents and tour operators building itineraries that combine Phuket's nightlife and attractions with Phang Nga's beaches and national parks.
IHG's expansion in Thailand mirrors broader trends in the region, where hotel groups are diversifying beyond traditional hubs. The Kimpton brand, known for its boutique design and social programming, is expected to appeal to both leisure travellers and smaller corporate groups seeking a distinctive setting for events and incentives.
As the Andaman airport project moves forward, Phang Nga is likely to attract additional hotel investment. For now, the Kimpton signing signals that IHG sees the province as a viable long-term market, not just a spillover zone from Phuket.
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