Premier beach-resort brand, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has revealed the bold design and contemporary dining outlets for its newly branded Outrigger Surin Beach Resort in Phuket.
The newly designed 60-key Outrigger Surin Beach Resort is a lifestyle property that draws inspiration from the destination’s easy-going surf culture with vibrant colors and vintage artwork. Nearly half the rooms are in premium categories, including elegant studios, as well as stylish and spacious plunge-pool and two-level suites.
Guests can laze at the resort’s two swimming pools, feel pampered at the spa, exercise in the upgraded fitness studio and dine at the unique split-level restaurant and bar.
Nalu Bar & Grill is the property’s brand-new restaurant concept that incorporates an open-flame modern BBQ with a global influence and intimate rooftop bar with magnificent ocean views.
The resort transformation, including Nalu Bar & Grill, reception areas as well as rooms and suites, was designed by Santhaya & Associates (S+A), established in 1963.
“It is the destination that inspired the design. Phuket is a tropical destination and Surin beach in particular is a well-known surf spot. These two aspects informed the design in the way S+A developed the overall look & feel, color scheme, finishes and details,” said Faun Israsena, managing director, S+A.
Based in Bangkok, the award-winning firm is led by Dutch-Thai architect Israsena, whose grandfather founded the agency, alongside Belgian interior designer Sophie Bughin. The company is a long-time partner with Outrigger, having worked on multiple projects for the hospitality brand in Thailand, Mauritius and Fiji.
“With a boutique scale and Nalu restaurant at the beachfront, Outrigger Surin is designed to be approachable and relaxed, inviting both tourists and locals to unwind in a casual interior,” Israsena noted. “In contrast to its traditional Thai architecture, the lifestyle interior is colorful and speaks of a tropical beach life.”
S+A’s designs celebrate local culture, tradition and history, connecting communities and providing inspiration; this is in lock-step with Outrigger’s goal of being a place where local culture meets world-class hospitality.
“At the resort lobby, guests are welcomed by oversized colorful murals with tropical vegetation motifs,” Israsena said. “The receptions desk is laid out on the side giving emphasis on the main communal lounge area and the lobby bar. Nalu restaurant adorns a beach theme with the use of reclaimed wood, screens with boat ore details, etc. The guestrooms feel fresh and airy, with focus on the vintage artworks and the palm leaves stencils on the wall.”
