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Vidya Sagar, GM, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The secluded beach paradise Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is located in one of the world’s most spellbinding destinations, Krabi, Thailand. For destination weddings the resort buyout is available for a two-day, three-night stay, where you can reserve all 54 rooms for the couple and guests. In conversation with Brand TD, Vidya Sagar, GM, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve shares more on providing the perfect experience for you.
Brand TD: What, according to you, makes Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, stand out?
Vidya Sagar (VS): From the moment guests step into the open-air arrival pavilion, they get a hint of the exceptional Reserve experiences awaiting them. As the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, Phulay Bay breaks norms with a ‘no rules’ approach, eliminating check-in desks while curating exclusive arrival experience. Our bespoke services are taken care of by a triad—Personal Host, Experience Ambassador, and I as a host—ensuring a transformative stay. These skilled professionals propose activities based on individual preferences. Our commitment extends beyond check-out, making them feel cherished long after they have left. Even the living spaces blur the line between indoors and outdoors, with suites featuring private pools and massive beds.
Brand TD: How was the year 2023 for Phulay Bay? Please share some milestones with our readers.
VS: It was an exhilarating period as we introduced the redesigned Lae Lay, our upscale seafood restaurant, in October. Led by our Executive Chef, Christian Herrgesell, it sets a new benchmark in culinary excellence, drawing inspiration from Asian flavours using spices and locally sourced ingredients. In December, we celebrated our 14th anniversary by hosting distinctive cultural and culinary activities, including a Buddhist blessing ceremony and a 14-course Thai-fusion tasting menu.
Brand TD: You recently appointed a Michelin-starred chef. How does this enhance the dining experience for your guests?
VS: Chef Christian Herrgesell brings two decades of expertise to Krabi, including working at the two Michelin-starred Tim Raue Restaurant in Berlin. He crafts epicurean delights across all our dining venues, including Lae Lay, Sri Trang, Jampoon, Plai Fah and Chomtawan as well as the Dining Beyond concept. His commitment to working with local farms and fishing villages to source ingredients is helping us elevate our gastronomy to world-class levels while empowering communities.
Brand TD: What are your plans for 2024?
VS: In our pursuit of enhancing the Reserve experience, we will be launching various initiatives. A key focus would be our Wellbeing & Wellness Program to provide respite from the fast-paced, hyper-connected world. The Spa will host daily sessions on mindfulness and reconnecting with one’s authentic self. We will also collaborate with celebrated chefs and mixologists on pop-ups and takeover events. You will soon hear from us.
Brand TD: India has a robust wedding market. How do you plan to captivate this market? Can you elaborate on your offerings?
VS: Phulay Bay is renowned for personalised weddings, whether grand or intimate. One can choose from Signature, Intimate, Beach, Pavilion, Candlelight, or Bespoke options. The resort buyout is available for a two-day, three-night stay, reserving all 54 rooms for the couple and guests. We strive to make every moment special with luxury transfers, blessing ceremonies, decorations, corsages, and more. Our dedicated wedding planners ensure a seamless experience, complemented by our beachfront property and diverse event venues, accommodating 120 to 200 people. Notably, our hotel was the filming location for the wedding scene in The Hangover II.
Brand TD: What are the sustainable practices Phulay Bay follows?
VS: Sustainability and conservation have been the core philosophy long before they became buzzwords. Since 2017, we have been plastic-free with reusable bamboo straws, glass bottles, and cloth bags. We source drinking water from a natural spring in the Naga Mountains and prioritize local seafood and ingredients from our Chef’s garden. In-villa dining uses beeswax instead of cling film, and our boutique features reef-safe sunscreen. Our festive decorations are made from natural and reusable materials, including coconut shells, driftwood, leaves, and recycled glass bottles.
We actively engage in global sustainability initiatives like Earth Hour and World Oceans Day. Through the Community Footprints program, we team up with schools and nonprofits. We encourage our patrons to contribute towards elephant conservation under the Help the Herd program at the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary.
Brand TD: Which are your top source markets? What category of guests do you receive?
VS: Our source markets are the US, China, Germany, India, Japan, Russia and Thailand. We receive leisure travellers, couples, families, MICE and social groups. Our guests are not holiday seekers but ‘experience collectors’. They are discerning, accomplished, and intellectually curious people looking for exclusive spaces to connect with like-minded peers and escape the ordinary.
Brand TD: How do you foster partnerships with the Indian travel trade?
VS: We are excited to be in the vibrant Indian market, building strong connections with trade partners and wedding planners. With our representation partner in India, we aim to position Phulay Bay as the preferred destination for ultra-luxurious vacations and weddings.
Brand TD: Can you share your insight on Krabi as a holiday destination?
VS: Krabi is a top choice for Indian HNIs and UHNIs, thanks to its exclusive, discreet vibe and unspoiled landscape. It is easily accessible, just 35-minute drive from Krabi International Airport and two hours from Phuket International Airport. A 45-minute speedboat ride or a 25-minute helicopter trip adds to the convenience.
Brand TD: What trends have you been witnessing in the luxury segment?
VS: The desire for immersive and culturally rich experiences is on the rise. Responsible luxury is gaining importance, with a growing preference for eco-friendly practices. In Thailand, there is a shift towards cultural authenticity and sustainability. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is also emphasising luxury tourism and plans to collaborate closely with hospitality stakeholders in 2024.
Brand TD: Thailand announced a visa waiver for Indian passport holders till May 2024. What are your thoughts?
VS: We welcome the temporary visa waiver for Indian passport holders. It is a significant step towards promoting tourism and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Brand TD: Where did your journey as a hotelier start? What advice would you give to youngsters joining the field?
VS: I began my journey with The Oberoi Hotels in India, where I took on various roles and contributed to the opening of hotels in Jaipur and Agra. Over my 25 years of career, I have associated with The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
My advice to newcomers is to build a strong foundation through reputable training programs, learn from seniors and explore diverse positions within the industry. Striving for excellence in every aspect of the job is the key
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