Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort & villas, in Rawai, south Phuket has already attracted a celebrity owner, former Formula One or F1 Grand Prix world champion, Kimi Raikonnen, the fast Ferrari racing driver,
even before the resort has been fully constructed and opens in early 2009.
He already raced down the wide Rawai roads to buy one of 78 condominium units, such was his confidence in Phuket,
and he recently came to stay and help officially open the resort & luxury accommodations in the beachfront location of Chalong Bay with beautiful views of Ko Lone and Ko Hey or Coral Island, to go with the beautiful people.
One of the lucky ones to meet him and manage this new resort is Peter van Hoeven, General Manager of Outrigger Hotels (Thailand), who we spoke to last week, although the sound quality was not clear, he told us it was good PR or public relations for the resort & Phuket, to see Kimi buy a condo unit, which after his 60 days use each year, will be available for guests to stay in:
Its been wonderful PR, lucky for us, his unit comes into hotel use after 60 days, so 1 day people will have a chance to stay in Kimis unit.
The inside of Kimis private unit cannot be shown but it is similar to the nice show unit Peter showed us: with a luxury suite of rooms and bathrooms.
As Peter explained, the furnishings will be similar, but Kimi has his own swimming pool, and an absolute beachfront to walk from his pool onto the sand:
Peter revealed that Kimi really enjoyed his recent Phuket stay, as he likes the warmth and hospitality; and despite being a well-known sportsman, usually wearing his car helmet, hes not so recognized on the street, which he enjoys.
I think he really enjoyed his recent Phuket stay, he likes the warmth and hospitality; and despite being a wellknown sportsman, hes not so recognized on the street, which he enjoys
He doesnt think Phuket roads will ever see F1 cars racing here, but understands that Kimi would enjoy being a relaxed passenger.
I dont envisage Phuket roads will ever see F1 cars racing here, but understands that Kimi doesnt drive himself on his vacations as someone else drives for him, as he has enough of being in a Ferrari F1 car.
Kimi will prefer to enjoy the full benefit services of the hotel, clubhouse, the restaurants, the Serenity toys like the yacht, as a slow boat would be more preferable than fast cars, as he thinks Kimis family would like the pace to slow down:
Peter dismissed Russian newspaper website rumours that Mikhail Gorbachev, the former President of the Soviet Union, had also bought a unit at Serenity Terraces, saying to the best of his knowledge, it was just a rumour, and he hasnt heard him purchasing a unit. Others in the region are still attracted to the Phuket location, despite the worldwide financial and Bangkok political problems.
Having lived in other locations in Thailand, he feels comfortable living and working here.
Outrigger is also managing the new West Sands resort in Mai Khao, north Phuket, privately co-owned by Tesco CEO Sir Terry Healy, so he also shows faith in Phukets future, with more retail outlets including the new Tesco shops in Rawai, Chalong & Bangtao.
Outrigger is certainly reaching out to the wealthy coming to Phuket, with eyes open for other nice locations in Krabi and Phang Nga.
Special report for Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Thursday 13 November 2008 http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews.com
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