Minor Hotels has announced a significant expansion of its presence in Southern Thailand through a dual signing agreement with Rasa Group, marking a strategic move to strengthen its footprint in both the premium lifestyle and soft brand hospitality segments. The agreement includes the launch of the first Colbert Collection property in Asia and the development of a new Avani resort in Koh Phangan, underscoring the company’s continued focus on high-growth resort destinations.
The announcement was made as part of Minor Hotels’ broader development strategy, which aims to increase its global portfolio beyond the more than 640 properties it currently operates across 63 countries. The partnership with Rasa Group, a Thailand-based real estate and hospitality company, highlights a deepening collaboration between the two entities, particularly in the Thai tourism market, which continues to attract strong international demand.
The first project, Colbert Collection Koh Samui, will be located on the popular Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui. Currently operating as Buri Rasa Village Samui, the 32-key beachfront resort will officially transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026. A comprehensive renovation is planned before the property is rebranded under the Colbert Collection name in the first quarter of 2027.
This development is particularly noteworthy as it represents the debut of the Colbert Collection brand in Asia. The soft brand concept is designed to bring together independent hotels that emphasize cultural connection, culinary storytelling, and a strong sense of place. The Koh Samui property is expected to deliver an intimate, design-focused guest experience, leveraging its beachfront location to attract discerning travelers seeking unique and immersive stays.
Facilities at the resort will include multiple dining venues, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa, all curated to align with the brand’s emphasis on lifestyle and authenticity. Its location, just 15 minutes from Samui International Airport, further enhances its appeal as a convenient yet exclusive destination.
The property will also join a growing cluster of Minor Hotels resorts on Koh Samui, which already includes several established names such as Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Avani+ Samui Resort, and NH Collection Samui Peace Resort. This concentration of properties allows Minor Hotels to leverage operational synergies while offering a diverse range of accommodations to different market segments.
Meanwhile, the second project under the dual signing agreement is Avani Koh Phangan, a 63-key beachfront resort located on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. Like its Koh Samui counterpart, the property is currently operating as Buri Rasa Village Phangan and will transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026. A phased renovation will follow, with full rebranding to the Avani brand scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The Avani Koh Phangan resort is set to cater to modern travelers seeking a relaxed yet stylish beachfront experience. The property will feature a variety of room categories, including pool access and oceanfront options, as well as amenities such as dining venues, a beachfront swimming pool, an AvaniKids club, and an AvaniFit gym. Its proximity to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas further strengthens Minor Hotels’ presence on the island and enhances its ability to offer a range of hospitality experiences.
According to Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, the dual signing represents a strategic milestone for the company. He emphasized that expanding into both the premium lifestyle and soft brand segments allows Minor Hotels to diversify its offerings in destinations that continue to experience strong international tourism growth.
Rasa Group CEO Rapi Pinijchob echoed this sentiment, highlighting the untapped potential of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan as global tourism destinations. He noted that the introduction of the Colbert Collection and Avani brands is not merely about adding new properties but about redefining how these destinations are positioned in the international market. The collaboration, he said, reflects a shared commitment to innovation, thoughtful development, and long-term value creation.
Both new resorts are owned by Rasa Group, which has an extensive portfolio spanning commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. The company’s ongoing partnership with Minor Hotels already includes Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, and the latest agreements further solidify this relationship.
The launch of Colbert Collection Koh Samui is also part of a wider global rollout of the brand. Minor Hotels recently announced its first Colbert Collection property in London, The WestDill Mayfair Hotel, which is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Bringing the brand to Asia represents a key step in its international expansion and signals confidence in the region’s hospitality market.
The dual signing aligns with Minor Hotels’ long-term growth strategy, which prioritizes expansion through management and franchise agreements in high-potential destinations. By leveraging its global commercial platform and operational expertise, the company aims to continue delivering distinctive hospitality experiences while strengthening its competitive position in the global market.
The announcement was made as part of Minor Hotels’ broader development strategy, which aims to increase its global portfolio beyond the more than 640 properties it currently operates across 63 countries. The partnership with Rasa Group, a Thailand-based real estate and hospitality company, highlights a deepening collaboration between the two entities, particularly in the Thai tourism market, which continues to attract strong international demand.
The first project, Colbert Collection Koh Samui, will be located on the popular Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui. Currently operating as Buri Rasa Village Samui, the 32-key beachfront resort will officially transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026. A comprehensive renovation is planned before the property is rebranded under the Colbert Collection name in the first quarter of 2027.
This development is particularly noteworthy as it represents the debut of the Colbert Collection brand in Asia. The soft brand concept is designed to bring together independent hotels that emphasize cultural connection, culinary storytelling, and a strong sense of place. The Koh Samui property is expected to deliver an intimate, design-focused guest experience, leveraging its beachfront location to attract discerning travelers seeking unique and immersive stays.
Facilities at the resort will include multiple dining venues, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa, all curated to align with the brand’s emphasis on lifestyle and authenticity. Its location, just 15 minutes from Samui International Airport, further enhances its appeal as a convenient yet exclusive destination.
The property will also join a growing cluster of Minor Hotels resorts on Koh Samui, which already includes several established names such as Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Avani+ Samui Resort, and NH Collection Samui Peace Resort. This concentration of properties allows Minor Hotels to leverage operational synergies while offering a diverse range of accommodations to different market segments.
Meanwhile, the second project under the dual signing agreement is Avani Koh Phangan, a 63-key beachfront resort located on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. Like its Koh Samui counterpart, the property is currently operating as Buri Rasa Village Phangan and will transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026. A phased renovation will follow, with full rebranding to the Avani brand scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The Avani Koh Phangan resort is set to cater to modern travelers seeking a relaxed yet stylish beachfront experience. The property will feature a variety of room categories, including pool access and oceanfront options, as well as amenities such as dining venues, a beachfront swimming pool, an AvaniKids club, and an AvaniFit gym. Its proximity to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas further strengthens Minor Hotels’ presence on the island and enhances its ability to offer a range of hospitality experiences.
According to Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, the dual signing represents a strategic milestone for the company. He emphasized that expanding into both the premium lifestyle and soft brand segments allows Minor Hotels to diversify its offerings in destinations that continue to experience strong international tourism growth.
Rasa Group CEO Rapi Pinijchob echoed this sentiment, highlighting the untapped potential of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan as global tourism destinations. He noted that the introduction of the Colbert Collection and Avani brands is not merely about adding new properties but about redefining how these destinations are positioned in the international market. The collaboration, he said, reflects a shared commitment to innovation, thoughtful development, and long-term value creation.
Both new resorts are owned by Rasa Group, which has an extensive portfolio spanning commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. The company’s ongoing partnership with Minor Hotels already includes Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, and the latest agreements further solidify this relationship.
The launch of Colbert Collection Koh Samui is also part of a wider global rollout of the brand. Minor Hotels recently announced its first Colbert Collection property in London, The WestDill Mayfair Hotel, which is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Bringing the brand to Asia represents a key step in its international expansion and signals confidence in the region’s hospitality market.
The dual signing aligns with Minor Hotels’ long-term growth strategy, which prioritizes expansion through management and franchise agreements in high-potential destinations. By leveraging its global commercial platform and operational expertise, the company aims to continue delivering distinctive hospitality experiences while strengthening its competitive position in the global market.
