HotelChatter

Tags: Ritz-Carlton Reserve / Ritz-Carlton Hotels / Thailand Hotels / → All Tags

Ritz-Carlton Launches 'Ritz-Carlton Reserve' Brand This Month

Where: 11 Moo 3, Thailand, 81000

When we hear announcements that luxe hotels are launching ritzier, more upscale amenities or properties in this recession, we cringe a bit because we've been hearing nothing but doom-and-gloom predictions and sad news out of the luxury sector — but, nevertheless, Ritz-Carlton Hotels has announced the launch of "a new exclusive brand extension for the most discerning global travelers" called Ritz-Carlton Reserve, complete with a website and everything.

Per a press release:

These unique resorts have been designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life by retreating to experience new cultures and adventures. Each exquisite destination will feature signature, one-of-a-kind low density resorts situated in choice settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place. Future development will be limited to select corners of the globe with upcoming locations to include Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and The United Arab Emirates.

These properties will mostly be low-rise suites and villas that allow guests "to experience a completely secluded environment, with as much or as little contact with the rest of humanity as they choose."

The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is in Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand an expansive (and expensive) resort looking out onto the Andaman Sea, made up of 54 one-bedroom villas that look seriously posh. The website says it's been taking rezzies since June 1, but we were unable to find any available rooms for June at all [UPDATE: That's because, a hotel rep tells us, they starting taking rezzies on June 1st for dates starting in September] — regardless, the rates are listed at around $575 and up.