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FROM a small bungalow that first opened on Koh Samui 28 years ago, Coconut Villa Resort has undergone a Bt200-million renovation to transform itself into a luxury resort. The new Coconut Villa Resort & Spa had its grand opening last March 24. Owner and managing director Thida Meesaeng led in welcoming guest to the family resort located at the Thong Tanot Beach.

The resort now has more modern facilities in its 55 guestrooms, 48 of which offer a view of the sea. The remaining seven are villas.

Occupancy has stayed at not less than 60 percent despite strong competition, thanks to a strategy that focuses on constantly promoting it domestically and internationally at travel fairs and through aggressive sales tactics.

Built on a five-rai (8,000-sqm) lot, the resort guarantees absolute privacy. It is painted in soft hues of white, green and brown to match the surrounding environment, while the rooms feature luxurious amenities.

A garden and swimming pool offer the perfect venue for holding parties, with the scenic Koh Taen and Koh Mat Sum clearly visible.

Guests can engage in water sports like canoeing and snorkeling. Other facilities include a fitness room, Internet corner, a poolside bar, meeting room and spa.

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DESPITE some lingering doubts over the political situation in the country, the property sector on Koh Samui has been buzzing with activity as records indicate increased purchases.

Many foreign investors believe that the fact that the government has allowed the return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra so he can face allegations of graft and corruption is an indication of political stability.

They are also confident that the island’s reputation as a top tourist destination makes it an attractive investment haven, noting that several development projects are geared to meeting demand for more tourism facilities.

Ubol Chart Group president Somchai Ubolchart said new investors from Singapore and Malaysia had indicated their willingness to allot as much Bt5 billion for the purchase of prime property.

Confidence in the property market has also been boosted by the government’s decision to relax the Foreign Business Act (FBA), property expert Pisarn Tangkasombat said.

He said the number of residential projects doubled in 2006 from the year before, although some developers suspended operations after the previous government tightened the FBA and announced stricter rules on land purchases and in the granting of construction licenses for residential projects.

Pisarn, who is also president of the Arayaburi Group, which owns five hotels and resorts on Koh Samui, said many local developers have initiated partnerships with foreign investors.

“We believe the property market, especially the residential segment, will stage a recovery this year, as the government has announced a clear policy regarding the FBA,” he said.

Research also indicates that the number of tourists heading to the island may rise once Thai Airways increases the number of flights on the Bangkok-Samui-Bangkok route to twice a day. The number of airport arrivals this year is expected to surpass two million.

Popularity: 1% [?]