Following increased bookings for private pool villas of 20% year-on-year across the board, Kuoni has decided to refresh its Far East collection for 2018.
Kuoni’s head of commercial Alex Gavalda said the trend for “wow factor” villas had driven Kuoni’s decision to add more high-end resorts with villas in its latest Far East brochure, while also removing several properties following feedback from customers and Kuoni staff.
A total of nine new properties have been introduced - six in Thailand, two in Bali and one in Cambodia.
Gavalda said: “We’ve looked to refine our collection and add more of what we know is in demand – high-end boutique-style resorts with a contemporary feel such as the brand new Cape Kudu on Koh Yao Noi island in Thailand. This resort builds on our ‘small island’ hotel concept which we know our customers love.
“Thailand, in particular, has been a big focus for us, it’s our second best-selling destination behind the Maldives for 2018, so it’s vital that we continue to innovate and look at what’s new so we appeal to different sectors of the market.”
Elsewhere, Bali sales for 2018 are currently 50% ahead for the year, and according to Kuoni, a “favourite with honeymooners”, prompting the business to introduce Alila Villas Uluwatu (an area new to Kuoni in the south of Bali) and Soori Bali - a spa and well-being resort in the south west.
The Kuoni team are also highlighting to agents its exclusive hotels in the Far East portfolio, which include The Viceroy Bali and in Thailand Khao Lak Paradise Resort, Rocky’s Boutique Resort and Mom Tri’s Villa Royale.