Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak has been named Hotel Renovation of the Year – Thailand at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026. The accolade recognizes a comprehensive renovation of the resort’s premium accommodation, completed in 2025, which combined upgraded guest comfort with measurable commercial gains and a stronger sustainability profile.
The project covered the resort’s Private Pool Villas, Oceanfront Villas, Deluxe Jet Tub Rooms, and Deluxe Jet Tub Lanai Rooms. Rather than a simple refresh, the renovation was designed to reposition the resort’s premium stays in response to shifting leisure traveller expectations, particularly around privacy, outdoor living, and environmental responsibility.
Tailored design for each villa category
The renovation took a category-specific approach, reflecting the distinct appeal of each villa type. The 65-square-metre Oceanfront Villas were transformed into more intimate beachfront spaces with private terraces, sun loungers, contemporary interiors, and uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea. In contrast, the 100-square-metre Private Pool Villas were redesigned as secluded tropical retreats, featuring private pools, shaded outdoor areas, outdoor showers, spacious bathrooms, and enhanced privacy.
“We deliberately avoided a one-size-fits-all design,” said a resort spokesperson. “The Private Pool Villas emphasise privacy and personal space, while the Oceanfront Villas place guests closer to the beach and sea.”
Sustainability was integrated from the planning stage. The resort reviewed its lighting, water systems, in-room amenities, and utility infrastructure to reduce water and electricity consumption without compromising the quality expected from premium accommodation. These upgrades support the property’s wider Green Hotel commitment and its ongoing efforts to operate more responsibly.
Commercial and guest results
The renovation delivered strong commercial outcomes. During the six months from November 2025 to April 2026, combined villa room revenue rose 9.4% year-on-year for the Oceanfront Villas and 17.7% for the Private Pool Villas, despite a 6.9% decline in occupied villa nights across both categories. This demonstrates that the renovated accommodation achieved stronger rates and revenue with fewer occupied nights.
Guest feedback also improved. Guestroom satisfaction increased by 5.1% to 9.54 out of 10, while overall guest satisfaction reached 9.26 out of 10, up approximately 1.3% year-on-year. Ratings for property appearance, cleanliness, service, and Wyndham Rewards Member Satisfaction all recorded improvements, highlighting the renovation’s broader impact on the guest experience.
The award underscores how renovation can serve as a strategic tool to enhance premium offerings, lift guest satisfaction, and support more responsible operations. For travel professionals, the case illustrates the value of aligning design, sustainability, and revenue management in a single project.
Other winners at the Thailand Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 include Blue Tree Phuket’s community initiative and Duetto’s revenue management system, reflecting a broad recognition of innovation across the Thai travel sector.
