Minor Hotels sign first Colbert Collection in Asia and New Avani Resort in Koh Phangan | News
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality leader with more than 640 hotels in operation and committed development in 63 countries, announces the signing of two new resort hotels in Thailand in partnership with Rasa Group: Colbert Collection Koh Samui and Avani Koh Phangan. The double signing marks the debut of the Colbert Collection brand in Asia and reinforces Minor Hotels’ continued expansion across key resort destinations in the region.
Located on Chaweng Beach, Colbert Collection Koh Samui will be the first branded property in Asia. The 32-key beach resort, which operates as Buri Rasa Village Samui, will transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026, with a rebrand planned for the first quarter of 2027 following an extensive renovation programme.
The resort will offer an intimate, design-focused experience shaped by its beachfront location, with facilities including multiple culinary options, a swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Located just 15 minutes from Samui International Airport, the property will be part of a growing cluster of Minor Hotels resorts on Koh Samui, including Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Avani+ Samui Resort and NH Collection Samui Peace Resort.
On neighboring Koh Phangan, Minor Hotels has signed Avani Koh Phangan, a 63-key beach resort on Thong Nai Pan Noi beach. The resort currently operates as Buri Rasa Village Phangan and will transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026, with a full rebrand to Avani planned for the first quarter of 2027 following a phased renovation.
The resort will feature a range of room categories, including pool access and oceanfront options, in addition to relaxed dining options, a beachfront pool, AvaniKids club and AvaniFit gym. Located next to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, the property will further strengthen Minor Hotels’ presence on the island.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented: “This double signing represents a strategic step in expanding our presence in Southern Thailand across both our premium lifestyle and soft brand segments. Launching Colbert Collection in Asia on Koh Samui and strengthening our resort portfolio in Koh Phangan with Avani allows us to further diversify our offering in destinations where there is still strong international demand.”
Rapi Pinijchob, CEO of Rasa Group, added: “We are truly excited to deepen our long-standing partnership with Minor Hotels through these two exceptional projects. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are not only iconic destinations, but also markets with enormous, untapped potential for the next phase of high-end tourism growth. With the introduction of Colbert Collection and Avani, we are not just adding brands – we are shaping experiences that will redefine the way these destinations are positioned on the global stage. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, thoughtful development and creating lasting value. These projects are an important step forward in our broader vision to elevate hospitality assets into distinctive, high-performing destinations that resonate with today’s evolving traveler.”
Both properties are owned by Rasa Group, a Thailand-based real estate and hospitality company with a diversified portfolio across the commercial, residential and hospitality sectors. The group’s existing partnership with Minor Hotels includes Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, with the new contracts further strengthening the partnership.
The addition of Colbert Collection Koh Samui marks a significant milestone in the global expansion of Minor Hotels’ newest soft brand, bringing the concept to Asia for the first time. This follows the recent announcement of its London debut, The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, Colbert Collection, which will open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Colbert Collection brings together independent properties under a shared philosophy focused on cultural connection, culinary storytelling and a strong sense of place.
This signing is part of Minor Hotels’ broader growth strategy, which continues to prioritize expansion through management and franchise agreements in high-potential destinations, supported by the group’s global commercial platform and operational expertise.
